Arrow S05 E14: The Sin-Eater

After some rather unorthodox episodes, it looks as if we might be back in the groove of superhero action again on "Arrow." Coming attractions indicate a trio of terror have escaped from Iron Heights - China White, Cupid, and Lady Cop - and they're coming for our heroes. Not necessarily for revenge, but for profit, they're after Tobias Church's secret stash.

Of course on "Arrow," things are never that easy. First the Prometheus plot is reasserted by the discovery of the villain's mother in Opal City, a step that may lead to learning his true identity. What I don't get is why does Oliver go as the mayor of Star City? Why would the mayor do this himself? Why not the police? Mom refuses to help, maybe she sees how odd the situation is, and/or she's in league with her son.

While I'm digging some of the new tech, like Felicity's data sucker and Green Arrow's Dick Tracy watch, I was disturbed by the violence in this episode. Has Liza Warner really become as evil and bloodthirsty as her two criminal cohorts? As someone who fondly remembers the single Lady Cop comic, this is not cool. And the show that so firmly was anti-violence last episode seems to have forgotten that stance.

Susan Williams meanwhile knows Oliver is Green Arrow. This isn't a Lois Lane thing, as she has undeniable proof. When confronted, Oliver denies it. Thea asks Felicity to frame Susan for plagiarism and discredit her. As expected, it also kinda sours Oliver and Susan's relationship.

Quentin and Green Arrow are no match for the three ladies. As Warner tries to rationalize her move from just rogue cop to sociopathic killer (I'm not buying it either), the police try to apprehend Green Arrow for the murder of Detective Billy Malone. So now Green Arrow is in the same position as the Arrow was, wanted as a cop killer.

I was very impressed with how Oliver confronted the police captain and explained Green Arrow's position. I couldn't feeling proud and thinking that our boy has finally grown up. Then he treats Thea like crap and runs into danger without his team. Sigh. Oliver will never learn, never.

I did like that the captain also suspects that Oliver and Green Arrow are one and the same. I am reminded of a time in the comics that despite the mask and costume, everyone in the city knew Oliver was Green Arrow. It's not rocket science, and his beard was rather unique. Why not try it on TV? It could save Susan's job at the very least.

For my other reviews of the entire "Arrow" series, click here. And if you'd like to discuss this episode, anything else in the Arrowverse, or anything in the Marvel or DC television or cinematic universes, please join the Marvel DC Movies TV group on Facebook.

Arrow S04 E16: Broken Hearts

This couldn't have been happened better if it had been planned. Felicity comes to her senses last episode and kicks Oliver to the curb, so who shows up? Yeah, Cupid is back. And it's not even Valentine's Day.

Six minutes in I can see where we're headed. We have a featured villain with no link to current storylines, so essentially it's the Cupid filler episode with expansion for only the ongoing subplot. Oh, don't get me wrong, we'll be entertained by the mad archer's antics, but the juice this time is in the background. The mystery is deepening on Flashback Island, Damien Darhk is dodging his conviction, and Felicity - though broken up with Oliver - still wants to be an active part of Team Arrow. Hurm, I know guys who have quit their jobs to avoid exes.

Another old chestnut that works in the comics but not in real life is also mined this episode. I'm talking about superheroes testifying in court. Can you really trust someone in a mask, especially when they won't even tell you their real name. Damien Darhk says that's not his name and that he's a national from Markovia. Unfortunately the only people who can dispute that story have lots of secrets of their own to hide.

On Flashback Island, Reiter has found an ancient idol underground. Oliver and his Russian girlfriend steal the idol, and rush deeper into the caves. Unfortunately the only way out is back the way they came, through Reiter and his armed men. Push Oliver a little and you get results. Still in the caves, but now the good guys have guns too. But what is that idol?

If you didn't see this plot complication when it became obvious that Cupid was targeting celebrity newlywed couples, I don't know what to tell you. But yeah, Oliver and Felicity are going to get married to lure Cupid out. I bet Felicity regrets wanting to be part of the team now. A faux wedding is set up, with Felicity cautious and annoyed, but when Oliver reads his real vows, her heart melts, and she also ends up almost talking Cupid to death on the positivity of love. Awww...

Unfortunately, no matter what was said, the relationship is over and Ollicity is still broken. Quentin's testimony manages to keep Darhk in prison until trial, but he loses his badge and gun. And it looks like Darhk still has some power left... not good...

Next: The Bug-Eyed Bandit returns!