Arrow: “The Longbow Hunters” Review

Title: Arrow: “The Longbow Hunters” Review

Release Date: October 22nd, 2018

Network: The CW

Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action

Arrow is thriving with its season seven-run thus far. This is largely due to the patience of Oliver’s prison storyline and the introduction of these new flashforwards.

We learned that William came to the island because of the arrowhead Felicity gives him in the premiere. Inside that arrowhead were GPS coordinates to Lian Yu. More specifically to some unmarked grave sites on the island. Roy and William then discover Oliver’s old gear and a note (most likely directed at William). Roy reads it first and burns the note before informing William that they would both be returning to Star City.

Okay Arrow, I’m completely hooked with these flashforwards. There are so many questions. Why was Roy on the island? What happened with Thea? Where are Oliver and Felicity?

It appears that Oliver wants his son to continue in his footsteps as the Green Arrow. He may have even intended for Roy to be the one to train him. Wherever they go with this, these flashforwards are definitely the show’s biggest strength this season.

Next up we have our introduction to the Longbow Hunters (Kodiak, Silencer, and Red Dart). Honestly, I actually find them more threatening than the season’s main villain, Ricardo Diaz. Arrow has completely dropped the ball with Diaz since his remarkable flashback episode in season six. He is defeated in nearly every fight and is in a real lack of direction at the moment. I know he wants to kill Team Arrow but did he have to wait five months to make his move? A focus on The Dragon is something Arrow needs to show soon before I lose all interest in him as a threat. Getting back to the Longbow Hunters. Silencer, Red Dart, and Kodiak all were exceptional in their very limited screen-time.

In previous seasons, I’ve felt that Arrow has been lacking in the action department. The series used to rely on overly flashy moves that just looked cheesy. Arrow has placed an emphasis on the action this season. Fight scenes feel more important and better choreographed. This especially goes for the fight between Silencer and the Canaries.

As I’ve previously noted, I haven’t had a problem with Felicity’s character in quite some time. Season seven is quickly changing my perspective. Look, I get that she wants her family back and Diaz on the loose does nothing but prolong that. I also understand that she’s going to be a major component in taking The Dragon down when that time comes. Where I have a problem is with her intentionally endangering her friends in the process. The hesitation to detach the train car was particularly frustrating, with the Longbow Hunters and Diaz both attempting to secure a dangerous A.R.G.U.S weapon from Diggle.

We didn’t get a ton of time with Oliver this episode. It looks like the writing team has taken their time with this story and really wants to do it justice. I’m fine with a lack of screen time for our main character here and there if it means Oliver stays in prison until the Arrowverse crossover (at least). What’s interesting with the prison arc isn’t Brick, Bronze Tiger, or even Sampson. It’s actually Oliver’s new “friend”, Stanley. He was really invested in the rumblings around the prison. I’m starting to wonder if he is the man on the inside spying for Diaz.

Oliver has quickly adjusted to life in prison. Last week, I discussed how crazy it was to see Oliver stuck in prison with some of his most notorious criminals but now I’m thinking it’s actually the other way around. He’s hellbent on getting information on Diaz and that seems to be the only reason he hasn’t dealt with Brick yet.

Another thing Arrow is thriving with is its use of the main cast. With Rene and Curtis taking a backseat, it gave the Canaries some time to really shine. Dinah and Laurel have an interesting dynamic that was almost completely wasted in the Arrow Civil War plotline last season. Both looked up to Quentin Lance and are now trying to carry his legacy (Just like William will most likely do with his father’s legacy in the flashforwards).

I’m not sure if this is a complaint or just a funny observation but this Laurel wasn’t a lawyer on her Earth. It’s kind of hilarious that she is now the DA in Star City despite having little knowledge of the job. Anyway, Laurel is making huge strides in her redemption that may end up being one of the best stories of the season.

Verdict: Arrow season seven continues to entertain with its second episode. This is due to the introduction of The Longbow Hunters, patience in Oliver’s prison arc, Laurel’s road to redemption, and the compelling flashforwards. It would have garnered yet another perfect score if not for the series dropping the ball with its main villain and some frustrating character decisions.

What were your thoughts on this Arrow episode? Let us know in the comments below!