CAST:
Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland, Colin Donnell, Susanna Thompson, Paul Blackthorne
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
After a shipwreck that claimed the life of his father, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (Amell) is stranded on a deserted island in the Pacific for five years. He returns home to Starling City with a new resolve to fight crime and corruption as the vigilante hero Arrow. Now reconnecting with those closest to him, such as his mother Moira (Thompson), sister Thea (Holland), best friend Tommy (Donnell), and ex-girlfriend Laurel (Cassidy), we see how the island and his father’s secrets have changed him. He tries to reconcile with Laurel, even though her sister also died in the shipwreck (as he cheated with her) so she kind of hates him now. Also not happy to see Ollie back from the dead is Detective Quentin Lance (Blackthorne), a/k/a Laurel’s father. None to thrilled is he to see the man (basically) responsible for his daughter’s death back in town.
With a newfound dedication to right the wrongs of his late father and restore balance to Starling City, Oliver Queen is a man on a mission, and he is armed with some pretty serious weapons to take down the bad guys. (Not just those abs either!) Arrow’s first target (on what appears to be a hitlist left by his father) is corrupt millionaire Adam Hunt, a man who scammed millions of dollars from people in Starling City.
MY TAKE:
This was one of my most-anticipated new shows this fall, and it did not disappoint. The pilot set up a few storylines and gave a few glimpses into Ollie’s life on that island. (Deathstroke mask anyone?) Stephen Amell is completely likeable as Queen – and if you knew my love for Justin Hartley’s Green Arrow ala Smallville, you’d know that was a hard sell for me. (He’s no where near as sarcastic as Hartley, but it is a different show, after all.) Amell’s brooding menace shared with his smirky smiles sealed the deal, and I believe he will do well portraying this character. I enjoyed the parkour and stunts showcasing Queen’s fighting skills, and I want to know more about his five years on that island.
The rest of the characters were alright so far. I do like Katie Cassidy and hope her Laurel Lance becomes a great addition. We didn’t see that much from her in the pilot that proved either way, but my hopes are high. (I always thought she’d make a great Black Cat or Emma Frost.) Honestly, I think my least favorite guys will be Det. Lance and Tommy Merlyn, as both have solidified themselves as jerks in one episode. Oh, and Mama Queen – who is already quite deceiving towards her son…she’s got to go. Thea a/k/a Speedy…hmmm…will probably prove to be full of mischief for her older brother.
RECOMMENDATION:
Definitely give it a shot and make Arrow a must-see on your fall TV list. I know the apprehension most have for the CW, but it has the makings of a great show. We have already heard rumblings of appearances of such comic names as Deathstroke, Deadshot and Constantine Drakon, so let’s see where it goes. Arrow was the most watched premiere for The CW since The Vampire Diaries…and that means something.
NYCC: Stephen Amell Hints At What’s To Come in “Arrow”
Katie Cassidy Talks ARROW, Her Desire for Laurel to Take the Black Canary Path, the Character’s Relationship with Oliver, and More
‘Arrow’: Why You Need To Be Watching
I had to laugh as my mother referred to this show as “a poor man’s Batman.” I will watch it and decide since there are two eps to see so far.