Arrow: “Crossing Lines” Review

Title: Arrow: “Crossing Lines” Review

Release Date: October 29th, 2018

Network: 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 is 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 William’s 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. 

“Crossing Lines” stalled some that momentum. At this moment, I don’t care about Diggle and this whole A.R.G.U.S situation with Lyla. I’ve 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 Felicity’s hunt for Diaz. I’m glad that we’ve somewhat resolved the FBI story but it’s hard to have any hope that Felicity’s 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 “Crossing Lines”. Lyla’s fear of something more dangerous than anything they’ve 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 isn’t even a present-day story and instead, a foreshadowing of where our flashforwards will take us.

If this episode was any indicator, Oliver won’t be leaving prison anytime soon. He’s currently on the hunt for “The Demon” (Not Ras Al Ghul. I know it’s 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 we’ve seen before. There’s 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 he’s 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 Arrow’s 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 scenes of Arrow season seven continue to impress me. Even though it wasn’t at the forefront, the Silencer fight with Team Arrow and FBI Agent Watson was particularly impressive, as was Oliver’s vicious takedown of Sampson.

Verdict: “Crossing Lines” 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, Oliver’s 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 “Crossing Lines”? 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!

Taylor Cole

Avid gamer and placeholder of what is now the worst selfie of all time. Mostly an Xbox/PS4 player but I have been known to destroy friendships in Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.