Title:ย Arrow: โCrossing Lines”ย Review
Release Date: October 29th, 2018
Network:ย The CW
Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action
Arrow season seven has finally hit its first major snag after a magnificent start.
This is due to some really unsatisfying story arcs. Now, as I stated before in previous reviews, Arrow isย thriving from giving a few characters the spotlight at a time. The thing is though, the first two episodes had interesting plot threads to follow along with.
The premiere showed us Team Arrow post-breakup as they try to get ahold of their new civilian life. We saw Oliver in prison and what it would entail. Finally, we had compelling mysteries in the form of a new Green Arrow and the introduction to Williamโs flashforwards.
Its second episode rolled with the punches of the enormous flashforwards cliffhanger. It was our first look at The Longbow Hunters. Silencer, Kodiak and Red Dart were all unique characters that brought creativity to the action scenes. A focus on the dynamic between Dinah and Laurel was also fun to watch as well.ย
โCrossing Linesโ stalled some that momentum. At this moment, I donโt care about Diggle and this whole A.R.G.U.S situation with Lyla. Iโve seen these characters fight over a lack of trust for years and at times, I just wanted to tune out until we got back to the good parts.
Same with Felicityโs hunt for Diaz. I’m glad that weโve somewhat resolved the FBI story but itโs hard to have any hope that Felicityโs plan will have any success, even with the capture of Silencer. It seems that the entire Diaz story is just in a standstill until Oliver gets out of prison or they enlist the new Green Arrow to help.
Although this was the definition of a disappointing episode, there was some good to come out of โCrossing Linesโ. Lylaโs fear of something more dangerous than anything theyโve faced before is definitely interesting. What that could be is purely speculation at this point. A new big bad for the second half of season seven? Maybe it isnโt even a present-day story and instead, a foreshadowing of where our flashforwards will take us.
If this episode was any indicator, Oliver wonโt be leaving prison anytime soon. Heโs currently on the hunt for โThe Demonโ (Not Ras Al Ghul. I know itโs a bit confusing), a man who has vital information on how to find Ricardo Diaz. After brutally attacking some guards during a secret fight club session, we see Oliver on his way to the Level Two section of the prison (Where the worst criminals are kept, including The Demon). The way it’s been built up thus far, it looks like The Demon is a character weโve seen before. Thereโs been a ton of criminals that could be this mysterious figure so let us know in the comments on who you think it will be.
Like the concept of the scrapped Escape from Supermax movie, it seems that Oliver will need the help of his enemies in order to survive prison. His talk with Bronze Tiger was especially nice, showing Oliver that there is still good in the people heโs put away.
Diaz has desperately needed an overhaul since late last season. The character had lost all of his menacing traits and hold over Team Arrow. This cliffhanger of him gaining abilities is a turn in the right direction for the villain. Where Arrow takes The Dragon next is key and will define his legacy on the series. He could end up being with the likes of Prometheus or Deathstroke as one of Arrowโs greatest foes. If done poorly, we may look back on Diaz as a missed opportunity, much like Ras Al Ghul in season three.
The action scenesย of Arrow season seven continue to impress me. Even though it wasnโt at the forefront, the Silencer fight with Team Arrow and FBI Agent Watson was particularly impressive, as was Oliverโs vicious takedown of Sampson.
Verdict: โCrossing Linesโ felt like a filler episode that stalled the amazing start of Arrow season seven. There was a lack of impact from many of its plot threads and they mostly end up giving you more questions than satisfying conclusions. Taking us away from more interesting story arcs such the Green Arrow imposter and the flashforwards didn’t do this episode any favors either. Despite the disappointing episode, Oliverโs descent from hero to inmate and the focus on quality action pieces gives me hope that Arrow will bounce back strong next week.
What were your thoughts on โCrossing Linesโ? Was it a disappointing episode? Who do you think The Demon will be? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow us here at The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!
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