ARROW: A LOOK BACK AT SEASON 1

May 17, 2013 The Dork Knight Uncategorized 0

This past Wednesday saw the explosive season finale of the CW’s Arrow. As you may or may not know, Arrow tells the story of DC Comics’ Oliver Queen AKA The Green Arrow. This is the third series based on characters from DC Comics that the CW has invested in. The most notable one being Smallvillewhich enjoyed 10 seasons and told the story of Clark Kent pre-Superman and the less than stellar Birds of Prey which was cancelled after only 13 episodes. Arrow may end up being the best one yet. Often compared to Bruce Wayne/Batman, Oliver Queen/Green Arrow is a wealthy playboy turned vigilante. But instead of a batarang, he’s got a bow and some wicked arrows.  

This first season told us the origins of the Green Arrow (known simply here as The Hood) who was missing and presumed dead for nearly five years after a shipwreck. A shipwreck, that claimed the life of his father and the younger sister whom he had an affair with, of his then girlfriend Laurel Lance.  He returns to everyday society as a changed man. Changed in more ways that one. While trying to re-acclimate himself with his family and friends, Oliver dons the green hood and seeks vengeance to restore Starling City to its former glory and fulfill his father’s dying wish and restore the family name.
Throughout the season there was a constant character evolution for not only Oliver but all those around him. We watched as he maneuvered through his personal life which in a lot of ways, is his alter ego and his archer persona. He was no longer the irresponsible brat. That part of him died on that island.
During his quest for vengeance, Oliver will battle many adversaries including Detective Quentin Lance, Laurel‘s father who blames him for his younger daughter’s death. His mother Moira, who has more to do with his disappearance five years ago and the death of his father than anyone including his sister Thea realize. But his greatest threat will come from Malcom Merlyn (played brilliantly by John Barrowman), the father of his best friend Tommy Malcom, who seeks his own set of vengeance on the people of Starling City.
What this show has going for them is a well constructed cast led by Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen. He has grown with each episode. Another strong aspect is the action scenes that would rival any feature film, that’s how well choreographed it is. Much credit to the producers for sparing no expense when it comes to production value.
I look forward to seeing what Season 2 will bring after a very satisfying first season finale. I also look forward to seeing what new Easter eggs (intentional hidden messages or inside joke contained within a program) that the producers have in mind. They’ve already teased us with locations from the DC Universe like Bludhaven, Ferris Air and Coast City. As well as characters like Ted Kord and Harbinger. And let us not forget, Slade Wilson played by Spartacus alum Manu Bennett who’s role as Deathstroke should hopefully make for an interesting adversary for The Hood for many seasons to come.
Whether Arrow can surpass the popularity of Smallville is hard to tell after only one season. But, so far so very good.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
About The Dork Knight 521 Articles
James aka “The Dork Knight” is a blogger and writer based out of Upstate New York. For James, it all started with a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… when he dragged his mom to see The Empire Strikes Back 10 weeks in a row. He lives and breathes nerd culture. James is proof that a Star Wars fanatic can be a passionate Trekkie as well. So much so James dressed up as Captain Kirk to the premiere of Star Trek VI in 1991 and still has the uniform. When it comes to Comic Books, Sci-Fi or Fantasy whether in print or digital, in the theatre or on my TV screen, I’m all about it and I love it. So bring your Phaser (set to stun), Lightsaber, Sonic Screwdriver, a Wand, Mjolnir or the Ring to rule them all, because this site is for the dork in all of us.