Note: Because I simply don't have enough time to do in-depth reviews for both The Flash and Arrow every week, I'll be doing smaller ones for both in one post. I figure it saves me time writing and you reading. I've got your back.
The Flash: "The Man Who Saved Central City" (Season 2, Episode 1)
Quick Recap: Six months after his battle with Harrison Wells/Eobard Thawne/Reverse-Flash and the near-destruction of Central City, Barry continues to fight crime as the Flash, but does it alone. When a metahuman code-named Atom Smasher crashes an event celebrating the Flash and Barry finds himself unable to stop him, Team Flash reunites to save the day. The team defeats Atom Smasher, and before the villain dies, he tells Barry that a man named Zoom told him to kill Barry. Barry's father is released from prison and decides to leave Central City. the episode ends with the STAR Labs crew being visited by a man named... Jay Garrick *gasp*.
Thoughts
Thoughts
- I was really disappointed that the events of last season's finale didn't really have a huge effect on the show. Yeah, Barry's a bit shaken up and would prefer to work alone now, but that's resolved by the end. The timeline seems fine, even though Eddie and Eobard's deaths would riddle it with parodoxes. Ronnie's sacrifice to save Barry seemed to me the only big consequence, and I didn't like that revelation since that seemed shoehorned in and almost like an afterthought (He's probably not even dead). Garrick's arrival should certainly have something to do with the singularity, and hopefully he'll show our heroes how catastrophic things are because of what happened.
- Side note: If I were in charge, the season would open with Barry trapped in another timeline and everyone back home forgot he existed except Cisco (cuz he's got that timeline vibration power thing). The next one or two episodes would be about Barry's attempts to return and the consequences they have. But I'll be quiet because I'm just a first-year Broadcasting student with a blog.
- It's funny how this show has an agenda of taking somewhat cheesy (in a good way) comic book characters (ie. Grodd) and events (Flash Day) and having them work well with the show's universe, yet we still get some really cheesy (in a bad way) scenes. The "Welcome Home, Henry" party montage at the end being the latest perpetrator. It's a feel-good moment, yes, but all the hugging, the shots of the cut cake, the muting of dialogue, and the pop song...ugh. Classic CW.
- Wells/Thawne taping a confession for the murder of Nora for Barry was a great twist. That character's still interesting even after he's been erased from history.
Rating: 6.8/10 "boots"
An OK start to the season, but I was expecting something a lot more timey-wimey (yeah, I said it) from the premiere. Something that would clearly demonstrate the impact the first season finale's events had on this world.
Arrow: "Green Arrow" (Season 4, Episode 1)
Quick Recap: Oliver and Felicity's blissful suburban getaway is interrupted when Laurel and Thea urge him to return to Starling (now Star) City. An army of soldiers known as "Ghosts" are creating chaos and have recently assassinated three city councilors. Much to Diggle's chagrin, Oliver and Felicity return, and the group finds out that the soldiers' leader is Damien Darhk, leader of HIVE and the rival of Ra's Al Ghul. Darhk plans to destroy the city's new train station by hiding a bomb on a train. The team foils his plans and Oliver reveals his new mission and codename, Green Arrow, to the public. A jump cut to six months later shows Oliver and Barry standing over the grave of what is presumed to be someone close to Oliver (wisely, we don't see the name on the tombstone).
Thoughts
- This season taking on a lighter tone instantly makes the show feel much different from previous seasons. It's taking a page from The Flash's success and allowing for more comicbooky things and to feature and for more humour while still maintaining the Arrow grittiness. It'll take some getting used to,but I think it's a good move.
- Seeing Oliver and Felicity's life in the suburbs was more entertaining than I expected. I was bemused to see Oliver exchanging slow cooker tips with a neighbour and making plans to get groceries for brunch. What's even more hilarious is it's Felicity who is growing restless of this new lifestyle and secretly aiding the team back home when you'd think it'd be Oliver.
- Speaking of Oliver, he's definitely the happiest we've seen him so far in the series. He's smiling. Frequently! Stephen Amell does a great job at giving us a happier Oliver while still giving us hints of darkness.
- It's tragic to see the Oliver/Dig relationship so strained. It's wise of the writers to carry Dig's distrust over from last season, but it shouldn't be a problem for too long.
- This distrust is making me think it's Diggle who unfortunately bites the dust this season and is the name on the grave. Sad face.
- Neal McDonough is awesome as Damien Darhk. You just can't take your eyes off him. I was surprised to see he had some powers though, and the twist that Lance is working for him was excellent.
- Laurel's rescue of the boy at the station was painfully awkward.
Rating: 8.4/10 omelettes
This episode sets the fourth season on an interesting direction and it looks the flaws of the third season will be fixed this year. Hooray!
Noah
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