Arrow’s first season officially aired in 2012. (same year The Dark Knight Rises came out) It received positive reviews from critics, fans and viewers alike. Arrow spawned seven seasons, a shared universe under “Arrowverse” featuring additional shows such as “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” “Black Lightning” & “Batwoman.”
James Gunn’s rebooting the entire DC Extended Universe as the DC Universe. “Creature Commandos” will stream on Max in 2024 before “Superman: Legacy” comes out in 2025.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. If you’re new to the Arrowverse, feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Bullseye & Miss Aspects
Bullseye: Stephen Amell did an excellent job for his performance as Oliver “Ollie” Queen/Green Arrow
Other Cast Members such as David Ramsey, Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland all did a great job for their respective performances.
Action Sequences display Ollie’s close combat and range attacks.
Unlike the comics, cartoons and video games, the show depicts a realistic take. A much grounded reality on how much Ollie has gone through heck on the island. You can tell Season 1’s influenced by “Batman Begins.” Plus it take elements from “Green Arrow: Year One.”
First Season often goes back in forth with Ollie learning to survive on an island and donning the green suit to fight crime.
Ollie’s green costume looks authentic and real. Not the cheesy Robin Hood outfit from the old comics.
A deadly drug factors in.
Ollie’s not alone, John Diggle & Felicity Smoak help him on his quest to hunt down criminals on his father’s list of perpetrators.
Dark Archer serves as the main villain.
There’s a few twists and turns.
Miss: Cinematography’s occasionally janky.
Pacing can be a bit boring.
Episode 1 – Pilot
Ollie reunites with his friends and family. He recalls the loss of his father.
Ollie’s boat is named, “The Queen’s Gambit.” A reference to the novel. Netflix adapted it into a mini-series.
Ollie calls Thea, “Speedy.” Which is the name of his sidekick from the comics.
Somebody mentioned “Twilight.” Robert Pattinson later portrayed Batman.
At the 1:12 mark, Deathstroke’s mask is spotted.
Episode 2 – Honor Thy Father
Ollie visits Laurel. He deeply regrets being a jerk prior to the boat incident.
Episode 3 – Lone Gunmen
Floyd Lawton/Deadshot factors in. Way before Will Smith portrayed Batman’s foe in the critically panned “Suicide Squad.”
Episode 4 – An Innocent Man
After saving Diggle from a poison bullet, Ollie reveals his identity to him. The former accepts the latter’s offer to recruit him.
Ollie attempts to clear an innocent man’s name for a crime he didn’t commit.
Episode 5 – Damaged
Ollie’s arrested, he seeks Laurel as his lawyer. Relax, he’s got more adventures on the way.
With Ollie under house arrest, Diggle takes his place.
Ollie & Laurel share an emotional moment.
Five Years Ago, Ollie meets Deathstroke.
Episode 6 – Legacies
Safe: Ollie formulated a plan to stop the Royal Flush Gang.
Ollie confronting Ace at a bar, mirrors the coffee scene from “Heat.”
A flashback unlocks a key part of Ollie’s motivation.
Tommy mentioned Coast City. That’s where Hal Jordan/Green Lantern resides.
Danger: There’s no scene on what happened to the other robbers if they’re dead or alive.
Episode 7 – Muse of Fire
Helena Bertinelli makes her first appearance. She’s known as Huntress.
Ollie & Helena have dinner together. They talk about their daily lives.
Episode 8 – Vendetta
Ollie teaches Helena how to use a bow and arrow. A more effective way for stealth approach.
Ollie says, “I can do this all day.” Captain America’s catchphrase. “The Avengers” came out in 2012.
Helena says, “Does it come in purple?” A reference to Bruce Wayne’s line in “Batman Begins.” “Does it come in black?”
Ollie learns a valuable lesson about changing a person’s M.O.
Episode 9 – Year’s End
During Christmas time, Ollie squares off against a copycat killer. His identity’s revealed.
Meanwhile, Ollie’s friends and family celebrate the holidays.
A joke alludes to Oliver’s codename.
Episode 10 – Burned
After Ollie recovers from a brutal battle with Dark Archer, he loses his self-esteem. He bounces back.
Ollie encounters Garfield Lynns/Firefly. He’s known as a Batman villain. Originally, Brendan Fraser filmed his scenes in the cancelled “Batgirl” film. Thankfully, Mr. Fraser deserved an Oscar for “The Whale.”
A funny moment with Ollie who has a hard time pronouncing a comedic actor’s name. I’ll give you a hint. He voiced Joker in “The Lego Batman Movie.”
Episode 11 – Trust but Verify
Ollie’s suspects Diggle’s pal as a target.
Thea learns a family secret.
Somebody gets kidnapped.
Episode 12 – Vertigo
A hallway fight scene pays homage to “Oldboy.”
Ollie tracks down a drug dealer.
Episode 13 – Betrayal
Back on the island, Deathstroke reveals his identity as Slade Wilson.
Ollie listens to an audio recording that changes everything.
Laurel has unexpected visitors.
Episode 14 – The Odyssey
Wounded by a gunshot, Ollie reminisces his time with Slade.
Slade has an awesome fight.
An associate of Ollie’s becomes an ally.
Episode 14’s title is named after Homer’s story.
Episode 15 – Dodger
Roy Harper makes his debut.
Back on the island, Slade’s wounded. Ollie looks for healing herbs.
A car chase ensues.
Episode 16 – Dead to Rights
Deadshot attempts to assassinate Malcolm Merlyn.
Episode 17 – The Huntress Returns
This episode’s title is named after “Batman Returns” & “Superman Returns.”
Helena comes back to finish a personal score.
Episode 18 – Salvation
Ollie’s next target is a real estate developer named. John Nicol.
Episode 19 – Unfinished Business
Lance uncovers incriminating evidence on Tommy.
Episode 20 – Home Invasion
Ollie’s next target is a financial advisor named. Edward Rasmus.
Deadshot returns. So, Ollie sets a trap to possibly apprehend him. Diggle has a personal score with Deadshot.
Laurel’s home is invaded by Rasmus’ hired gun.
Episode 21 – The Undertaking
Ollie embarks on a rescue mission.
Felicity uncovers a clue.
Episode 22 – Darkness on the Edge of Town
Ollie, Diggle & Felicity infiltrate Merlyn’s building.
Tommy asks Oliver, “Why so serious?” A reference to Joker’s line from “The Dark Knight.” Back in 2011, Christopher Nolan was filming “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Episode 23 – Sacrifice
After 22 episodes of build-up, Ollie squares off with Dark Archer.
Dark Archer’s grandmaster plan becomes crystal clear.
Lance helps Ollie’s predicament.
Season Finale ends on a bittersweet note.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BRIGHTNESS!
Arrow’s first season is a good start for the Arrowverse. If you’re new to the Arrowverse, watch the first season.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 