Don’t do a Smallville. That’s the new golden rule for any would be comic book/superhero TV show. Now while that Superman origins tale did a lot of things right, (and deserves more credit than it often gets) it ultimately failed in its central idea because it made us wait too damn long to see Clark Kent don the iconic red and blue. There’s nothing wrong with a good expanded origins story but there comes a tipping point when the extended weight becomes detrimental to the reward rather than building it up to it. It’s something that Greg Berlanti and his team certainly seem aware of as after 3 seasons and a couple work in progress names, Arrow’s 4th season opens with a clear bold (sleeveless) statement. The Arrow is dead.... long live the Green Arrow.
Green Arrow – After months of living the normal and boring life with Felicity, Oliver Queen is summoned back to his newly renamed home, Star City, to help his team in the wake of a new threat; a highly skilled and trained military group known as Ghosts, led by the mysterious Damien Darhk.
There’s been much talk over the summer (well, I’m in the UK so I’m using “summer” very loosely) that the main theme of Arrow season 4 would be magic and mysticism. Building on from least seasons use of the Lazarus Hot Tub to show their chums in Central City that sciencey science isn’t the only source of cool powers and abilities. This threw some speculation into the choice of Damien Darhk for a main villain as he’s not known for his magical mojo in the comics; his powers traditionally being his intellect and advanced tech. However, anyone who’s seen a recent trailer will know that’s not the Damien we have here and he’s definitely packing more than a sinister grin. It could have derailed things from the start but it works. The episode’s climax implies his powers have a given source so it can still be viewed as an adaptation on Darhk’s character while is imbued state makes him both physically and mentally superior to Oliver and the team, which is a great recipe for an arch nemesis. Neal McDonough uses the near invulnerability superbly to give Darhk a real sadistic swagger to his performance. His introduction is outstanding as he waltzes straight into Star City’s leadership to announce himself as the bad guy rather the elusive concealment we’re used to. It’s not as yet just how H.I.V.E. fits into the equation. They get a mention as Diggle flashes back to their connection to his brother’s death, and Darhk mentions about “when my associates get here” but that’s as far as it goes.
Though Diggle’s brother’s connection may be key stone in the Oliver/Dig reconciliation. That’s definitely for the best because their on screen tension feels the wrong kind of awkward. Even with the family card in play, it’s just too big a character flip from the ever loyal and dependable Diggle, and the episode doesn’t do enough make us believe it’s worth having these two former best friends at such odds with each other. The sooner they have a good bro down the better, or the more likely temporary case of Diggle putting his differences aside to fight H.I.V.E and avenge his brother. On the plus side, Dig’s new attire is looking good. All Magneto helmet jokes aside, it feels very in keeping with his character as the emphases is on practicality over theatricality. The rest of the team also eases back into things well. The time gap has allowed Laurel to take her Canary skills up a level and she looks fantastic laying the duel billy club smack down on multiple foes. The episode’s developments imply a day job promotion might be coming her way and there’s still a lot to chew on form her relationship with her father/Captain Lance so feels a highly invested character. Thea is a surprising blast as her thrill seeking angle on the mask game is something the show really hasn’t given us to date. It’s a great contrast to the more serious team members while being rather fun. She’s clearly established as the baby/kid sidekick of the group and as such incorporates a sense of irresponsibility to some of her actions. It’s been announced that the further after effects of resurrection will be explored this season, and Oliver’s concerns that she’s “out of control” lay the foundations of that. Despite Thea’s labeling as Speedy (you have to love her attempts to Red Arrow), this could see her delve into some Red Arrow story material. Rather than being a drug addict (because Thea’s been there and done that), will we see her character struggle with being an adrenalin addict instead? Finally, as to Oliver’s new Green Arrow persona, the costume looks great, but his ending name speech didn’t carry the impact it should have. This was mostly damaged by the voice muffling. It would have been better to show a brief establish of the broadcast version then cut to Oliver speaking normally for the rest of it.
The flashbacks element, the frequent bane of last season, proves to be both surprising and rewarding. The Coast City hook that was dangled in front of us in last season’s finale doesn’t reel us towards any Green Lantern crossover/setup territory like many were hoping for (but pause and rewind to spot a “Jordan” name on a flight jacket at the beginning of the bar scene to imply Hal’s in the house). They do however show us Oliver’s interests in righteous vigilantism pre-date his return home. The rooftop confrontation is a great refresher of his flashback state. That while he’s come a long way as a fighter and an archer, he’s still far from the hooded hero we see in the present as he gets rather embarrassingly owned by his very average opponent (and gravity). Amanda Waller’s reappearance is very welcome. Her sudden story absence last season showed the worrying signs of a forced character write off due to her appearance in next year’s Suicide Squad movie. Her presence within the show may still be minimal in line with that but this feels like a pledge for viewer confidence that her character will still continue in some capacity. Finally, the end result and the new path of this season’s flashbacks may seem like a hand break turn but it’s something we knew had to happen anyway for the sake of continuity so in many ways this is the right choice to get it out the way. Otherwise, even if Oliver stayed in Coast City, we’d all be watching thinking “Well this has still got to happen eventually”. Plus, you have to love Waller’s remarks about “letting the darkness in” as another Darhkness is forcing its way into the present.
Green Arrow is not just a change in alias but change in approach for the show. The construction of the episode feels notably different to the last season in a good way. Flash/Arrow connectivity is now higher than ever, as embodied by the new high speed rail link between the two cities. The core strengths of the show are still in the quiver and the cast are still worthy of their POP vinyl figures. A certain shock of a twist tells us one of our well known faces has got one hell of a story this year and the end “6 months later” tease really adds to the drama well as it seems victory will not be without its costs. So let’s grease paint up for another kick ass season, but for God’s sake don’t fail those omelettes.