Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Arrow Reaction: "The Recruits" (5x02)

Warning: Arrow contains PG-13 level content. Spoilers included.


The Green Arrow is finally recruiting members for a new Team Arrow, but his training methods come across harsh and untrustworthy. Meanwhile, Oliver has a new project to complete as mayor while investigating several attacks in Star City.

"You have to decide if you want to be a man in a hockey mask or someone else... something else." -The Green Arrow

What I Liked
New Team Arrow
I'm thrilled to see new faces on Arrow this season. I think Oliver definitely works best when he has a team behind him. While the training didn't go that well (mainly because Oliver + people = failure), the end of the episode was exciting because we got to see the team come back together and hopefully move forward. Curtis was a gem, as always, and I'm grateful he's around to reveal to Oliver what's not working. (Also him trying to exercise like Oliver was hilarious.) There wasn't a lot to Evelyn Sharp yet, but I'm looking forward to her development as a character. Wild Dog is interesting--he definitely has guts and passion; I can't wait to watch Oliver shape him into a better hero.

(New Team Arrow: a summary.--source)

Russia Flashbacks
The flashbacks for Russia in this episode had a nice connection to Oliver's training in the present day. A+ script writing. This is so much better than last season's, which felt so distant from what was happening in Star City.

Felicity
Although I still have reservations about Felicity's character this season, I'm grateful she's the one sticking around for Oliver. She's the one who can set Oliver straight and let him know truths he can't always see. Oliver probably would have failed long ago if it weren't Felicity backing him up. Plus, she has a great jokes.

(This is all Emily Bett Rickards.--source)

Thea
I never thought I would like Thea's character; for a long time, she bothered me. But this season, she's grown into a better character--a character that can organize Oliver, do reconnaissance without being on Team Arrow, and help out Quentin. Honestly, I love that she's looking out for Quentin. I still think Thea should just take over as mayor.

(You tell him, Speedy.--source)

Rag-Man
How can I express my intrigue for this new character? I can't. At first, I was a little shocked when he killed the representative of Amer-Tek, but once his purpose (and face) was revealed, I was stoked. I want him to join Team Arrow because he's got magical cloth powers and he actually gets stuff done. (Also his connection to Havenrock, the place that got nuked last season, is definitely going to be interesting.) So please come back!

(His mask still looks like Scarecrow.--source)

Prometheus
The mysterious archer gets a name: Prometheus. In the comics, Prometheus is connected to Dr. Alchemy, who we know has made an appearance on The Flash recently. The writers of Arrow have stated that Prometheus won't be like the comic book version, but I can't ignore that link. The writers have also said that Prometheus will circle back to season 1 and whoever is under that mask will be a complete shock to Oliver. Let's just say, I'm looking forward to this development. (Also, he can knock down Church, so bonus points.)

(His mask looks like Scarecrow too.--source)

What I Didn't Like:
Diggle
While I'm glad Diggle isn't completely off the show and that he is doing what he feels is best, I'm not very interested (right now) in his story. He left Oliver, so I'm a little bitter. And while his mission connects to the nukes from season four, I just don't care. Bring Diggle back to Star City. Then I'll care.

(Okay, but I still love him.--source)

Fancy facial hair dude with Felicity (Detective Malone?)
I don't like him. At all. Nope. Get out.

Mr. Church/Amer-Tek/All of Star City
I'm still not sure how I feel about Mr. Church. He doesn't seem like that great of villain. He just happens to have his hands in everything--including the good Oliver is trying to do for the city. Amer-Tek was super weird; I don't even fully understand what happened with that. (This is what happens when there's a lot of talking and not enough fighting.)

Overall, this episode was intriguing. I'm eagerly looking forward to what happens next!

(Oliver and training: a summary.--source)

What did you think of "The Recruits"?

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