Arrow: Season 3, Episode 20: The Fallen
As much as I gripe and complain about this show being Batman with arrows, it is damn good. I didn’t think they would go as far as having Oliver join the league. I saw that there was an offer he couldn’t refuse, but I never figured he would go through with it. Thea was dying so Oliver didn’t think believe he had a choice. Everyone advised against it, but he still accepted. After he watched both of his parents die for him, it’s understandable that he would want to do this for his sister. The one thing they didn’t address though, was what Rā’s might possibly do next if he didn’t accept. Now we have Al Sah Him, the Arrow. Oliver Queen is no more.
Felicity’s plan, even though it was half cocked, wasn’t the worst. It would’ve gotten them all killed if Oliver didn’t wake up, but it was a noble effort. I’m actually quite surprised Malcolm agreed to it. I understand that he would do almost anything for Thea, but it was surprising to see him fighting for Oliver’s freedom.
Speaking of Felicity, I’m really glad to see that she finally did the deed with Oliver and the love triangle with him and Ray is finally over. It went on for a little too long for my tastes. I guess I’m just not much of a romance type of guy. Poor Ray, smart enough to recognize when he’s lost, but human enough to be hurt. He was so good for her, but I assume he’s going to meet Jean Loring at some point and marry her like in the comics. I do love Felicity though. She and John are definitely the most principled of the group and her quirkiness lightness the constantly dour mood.
Maseo/Sarab put himself at risk as well. He and Oliver have a long history, but he has dedicated his life to the league. He has been mostly loyal. His love for Oliver has been his only weakness in his master’s eyes. They gave a little background on why he gave his life up, but I still definitely want to know about how he joined the league. That’s what the flashbacks are leading up to I imagine.
One of the best parts was seeing that Rā’s is not the first Rā’s and his story for how he got there was interesting. It seems as though the concept of there being only one Rā’s al Ghul seems to be lost on live action audiences. I am glad to see that they included his unnatural longevity though. I’m a big fan of the Lazarus Pit concept. He’s my favorite Batman villain. Wait… Arrow villain, heh heh.
Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.
