Arrow 'Deathstroke' Review: The Big Setup

Last week’s Arrow was not the most satisfying episode of the season, but with a renewed focus on Deathstroke this episode has some potential. The slight detour of last week is necessary with such a long twenty two episode season, hopefully this hour will focus the final four episodes of the season more clearly.

Spoilers for ‘Deathstroke’ below.

Slade offers Thea a shoulder to cry on, then reveals his true intentions. It’s slightly disappointing to see her kidnapped as the usual plot point. The show’s ideology is a little lacking at times. Thankfully, this also marks the return of Brother Blood. Thea becomes even more of a plot point as her kidnapping is streamed at the mayoral debate. This almost comes across as lazy writing. The angsty teen is let go early by Wilson, who promises to divulge one of Oliver’s many secrets. Later on in a very melodramatic turn of events, Thea reveals that she knows the truth about her parents

Oliver Queen has a business meeting which nice for a change. The show almost never addresses this aspect of the family. He signs Isabel over as temporary CEO of Queen industries. This move should have some repercussions somewhere down the line. His duties have been glossed over for the most part this season, and it is nice to see the show still addressing them. A return to that subplot later on in the episode shows the plot thread playing off nicely. Isabel has been an interesting player since she was introduced, and tying her into Slade pays off the story just right. She can also kick some ass, in bold fight scene with Ollie. Even when she loses, the Queen Consolidated CEO is still pretty scary.

He also comes into contact with his mother, who he promptly gives the cold shoulder. Yet he still states that he will support her public campaign for mayorship. Sesbastian Blood makes his sinister return. He does a nice job trying to reassure Oliver that he is okay. He does a great job being a snarky villain with just the right nasty thing to say too the good guys. Moira’s big moment with Oliver redeems her slightly. It’s hard to forgive her after she has done the same thing over and over to the family. Ollie is keeping secrets from her, but he is still her son, and she is supposed to be the model for the family. They come to an understanding in a moment that is well acted and tolerable.

The island scenes show how ruthless Sarah can be in tracking down Oliver and Slade. Watching an old man from the KGB diffuse a land mine makes for interesting television. The officer has a knack for witty comic relief perfect for the situation. Sarah continues to be crafty in a hostage scenario with Wilson. The assassin claims to witness to his dead daughter in a crucial moment, which pops later on in the episode. This is an interesting new layer for all the spinning plates in the air.

Team Arrow now has a location to investigate regarding Thea’s capture. In a surprise confrontation with Slade Wilson, Deathstroke lets himself willingly be captured by the Starling City Police Department. The chemistry with the two actors in the custody scene is a joy to watch. It’s clear that this is a man holding some serious grudges. The villain manages to outrun a chase with every member of team Arrow. Roy Harper’s devilish mix of hormones and mirakuru have been driving him absolutely crazy.

Oliver is sent to battle with Deathstroke in another strange deserted back alley. Like a classic villain, he sends a horde of baddies to do battle with the Queen son. The choreography in these moments is slick and brutal. This show has done a great job mixing plot with crazy fighting. Deathstroke makes some new friends at Iron Heights. Quentin Lance is arrested, which proves to be a slightly aggravating move. Obviously this will all be threaded together later on in the season when Slade is taken down. Brother Blood is upset that is not going to be mayor, and we are shown Isabel Rochev in her element. Is is still up in the air whether Shado is truly alive or not.

Wilson reveals Ollie’s identity to Laurel.

UGH....there is going to be a massive amount of melodrama! Did you really have to do that Slade? Really?

The CW-esque elements have been an issue that this show has done a good job dealing with last week’s ‘Birds Of Prey’. Arrow really could benefit from a renewed sense of focus. Hopefully, the balance from earlier moments in the season will return.

7 Out Of 10