Episode description: Oliver tracks down another millionaire from his list, but before he can get the answers he wants the man is killed by an assassin known as Deadshot. Initially, the police suspect that the vigilante, whom they refer to as "The Hood", is responsible for the murder, but the evidence begins to prove that he did not kill anyone. Oliver decides to build a new dance club above his hideout to explain where he goes at night. While comparing the competition, Oliver finds Thea, who reveals that Laurel and Tommy had been sleeping together during Oliver's abscence. Laurel becomes suspicious when Oliver does not react to the news. Meanwhile, Oliver uses the assassin's M.O. to learn his true identity, and enlists the help of Detective Lance to stop Deadshot from assassinating more of the wealthy. Oliver manages to stop Deadshot, killing him in the process, but his bodyguard Diggle is shot during the assassination attempt. Oliver is forced to reveal his true identity to Diggle in order to save Diggle's life. In another flashback, it is revealed that the archer who attacked Oliver was actually trying to help him. Oliver misunderstands and escapes, but is pursued by an unknown group of armed men.
The Review Machine
GENERAL REACTION TO THE EPISODE
| It's so bad, I want to gouge out my eyes, cut off my ears & numb all of my remaining senses. | This is a facepalm parade. | You know what, this is OK. | I can't believe I enjoyed that. | Now that was simply entertainment.
5 |
STORY
| What was the point?! Staring on a blank wall would have been a better story. | Plotholes over plotholes over plotholes! Arrgh! | The story is nice… serviceable. | That was some smart storytelling.
4 | Brilliant from start to finish. |
Reviewer's note: I am liking the hook of the show; a son who is trying to right the wrongs of his father using unconventional means because the conventional won't work. The "Island" flashbacks, little by little gives us important information on our lead.
ACTING
| It's criminal that you consider these people actors. | Seriously? That's the best you can do. | Some good. Some bad. | Mostly good.
4 | Perfect casting. Flawless. |
Reviewer's note: The cast are really starting to get the handle of the character they are playing. I think they are benefitting from a solid concept for the show (unlike Smallville with the fantastic setting) grouding this show to gritty street level crimes was a smart move. Though at times it still comes off as Dark Knight - lite but that's not a bad, right?
DIRECTING / EDITING
| You have no business being part of this show, or any show. | Maybe in a few years you'll get the hang of it… 50 or 60 years. | Those were some good choices but some you could have done better.
3 | You're on your way to the big leagues if you’re not there yet. | It's a pleasure watching a genius at work. |
SOUND EDITING / MUSICAL SCORE
| The show would have been 100% better if it was a silent movie. | It's bad… plain and simple. | Unnoticeable… which can be a good thing.
3 | It enhances the show. | An indispensable part of the show. |
COSTUME DESIGN / CHARACTER LOOK
| Could have been worse…. Nah! Who am I kidding it's the worst! | Uninspired. | I appreciate the effort. | I see what you did there, and they were very good decisions.
4 | I never knew that you can improve on perfection. |
Reviewer's note: Again I have to commend the makers of this show, the character 's all look great. The lead's costume has right enough mix to remind us that he is our favorite "Emerald Archer".
ACTION QUOTA : WE'RE COMICBOOK FANS WE LIKE CARNAGE OF SOME SORT
| I made more action by turning on the TV. | Breathing doesn't qualify. | That was so-so. | Nice one.
4 | Pure adrenaline rush. |
Reviewer's note: I'm starting to say… Hawkeye who?
EASTER EGGS : BECAUSE WE'LL KNOW MORE THAN THEY'LL EVER KNOW
| No eggs at all. No eggs at all. | Rotten eggs. | Well that was a surprise. | Nice, well done.
4 | A very healthy serving. |
Reviewer's note: I think the show gives enough easter eggs to entertain us comicbook fans. Introducing early on characters that are based on the comics is a nice touch, even though they are altered in some ways.
BASING ON THIS EPISODE ONLY, WILL YOU BE WATCHING FUTURE EPISODES?
| You can't pay me enough to watch another episode. | A miracle or a gun pointing at my head might make me consider watching another episode. | Probably if it's already on air and I have nothing better to do. | I already marked the next episode on my calendar. | I hate waiting… I'm dying of anticipation.
5 |
Reviewer's note: Really looking forward for the episode where they fully introduce "Deathstroke".
AS A COMICBOOK FAN WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SHOW SO FAR?
| I'm ashamed to be called a comicbook enthusiast, knowing that this abomination exist. | Why did they think this show would work? | It's an ok show, don't even care that it was based on a comic book. | I'm really liking the show.
4 | Loving the show, I highly recommend it. It's so fun seeing this comicbook characters in this interpretation. |
Final Rating :
4/5
Verdict:
Good
Bonus Feature: COMICBOOK CONNECTIONS
Newly Introduced Comic Character
DEADSHOT
Comics: Deadshot is a hired assassin and the world's greatest marksman. Having been a super-villain and anti-hero, he'll commit any murder for the right price because of a notorious suicidal death wish.
Deadshot was created by Bob Kane, David Vern Reed and Lew Sayre Schwartz, first appearing in Batman #59. (1950)
Live Adaptation: Floyd Lawton, known to Interpol under the codename "Deadshot", is an expert marksman that uses a sniper rifle
Portrayed by:
Michael Rowe
The Characters
GREEN ARROW
Comics: Green Arrow is a vigilante superhero who fights crime using archery, technology and martial arts. In his secret identity he is liberal politician and billionaire Oliver Queen, a hot-headed social activist and owner of Queen Industries.
Green Arrow was created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, first appearing in More Fun Comics #73. (1941)
Live Adaptation: Oliver Queen recently returned to Starling City after being stranded on a remote island for five years, much to the surprise of everyone since he was assumed dead. On the island, Oliver learned to fend for himself, and so upon his return, became the vigilante known as Arrow.
Portrayed by:
Stephen Amell
DINAH LAUREL LANCE
Comics: Dinah Lance is Black Canary's secret identity, she is a superhero vigilante who fights crime using martial arts and a sonic scream attack. She is one of the greatest fighters in the DC Universe, and also a strong tactical mind.
Black Canary was created by Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino, first appearing in Flash Comics #86. (1947)
Live Adaptation: Dinah "Laurel" Lance is the ex-girlfriend of Oliver Queen, the daughter of Detective Quentin Lance and the sister of the late Sarah Lance. Laurel is part of a group called CNRI that helps people in need. With the insistence of her father, Laurel received extensive hand-to-hand combat training allowing her to defend herself very effectively.
Portrayed by:
Katie Cassidy
MERLYN
Comics: Arthur King is "Merlyn the Magician," a well known archer. On one occasion Merlyn has challenged Green Arrow to an archery duel and ended up defeating him. Merlyn uses his talents primarily for crime. He is known to have been a member of the League of Assassins.
Merlyn was created by Mike Friedrich, Neal Adams & Dick Dillin. First appearance was in Justice League of America #94 (November, 1971)
Live Adaptation: Tommy Merlyn is a billionaire playboy "trustafarian", and the best friend of Oliver Queen. When Oliver returns to Starling City, Tommy believes the good times will roll again but is greatly mistaken as Oliver is a changed man. It is not yet known if this Merlyn is an able archer.
Portrayed by:
Colin Donnell
SPEEDY
Comics: Mia Dearden is the second and current Speedy. She is a young girl adopted by Oliver Queen who rescued her from a life on the streets as a prostitute.
Mia Dearden was created by Kevin Smith and Phil Hester, first appearing in Green Arrow (Volume 3) #2. (2001)
Live Adaptation: Thea Queen is the sister of Oliver Queen, she idolized Oliver as a child. They used to be close and, according to Oliver, she used to chase after him when she was younger; thus her given nickname, "Speedy. An archery trophy can be seen in her room in the "Pilot."
Portrayed by:
Willa Holland
MOIRA QUEEN
Comics: Moira Queen is married to millionaire industrialist Robert Queen and the mother of Oliver Queen, who would grow up to become Green Arrow. The family was on safari in Africa hunting when the parents were both killed by lions. Oliver still blames himself for their deaths because he was too hesitant to pick up a weapon and hurt the animals.
First appearance: Green Arrow Annual Vol 2 #7(1995)
Live Adaptation: Moira Queen is the mother of Oliver and Thea Queen, and the wife of Walter Steele. When her son returns, she is seemingly happy that he is alive. After Oliver is abducted, she voices concern over his safety, and hires John Diggle to be his bodyguard. However, at the end of "Pilot", she is shown to be the one behind Oliver's abduction after his arrival.
Portrayed by:
Susanna Thompson
DETECTIVE LANCE
Comics: Larry Lance is a private detective working in Gotham City, formerly an officer in the Gotham City Police Department. His wife was Dinah Drake, the Golden Age vigilante Black Canary. They had a daughter together named Dinah Laurel Lance who would succeed her mother in this position. Eventually Lance was killed by Aquarius during a Justice Society adventure.
Larry Lance was created by Carmine Infantino, first appearing in Flash Comics #92. (1948)
Live Adaptation: Detective Quentin Lance is the father of Laurel and Sarah Lance. He is a police detective, and is partners with Detective Hilton. Lance is described as a “gruff, determined city detective” who believes true justice can only come from law and order.
Portrayed by:
Paul Blackthorne
WALTER STEELE
Comics: Walter Steele is the new CEO of Queen Industries.
Created by J.T. Krul, Diogenes Neves. First appearance Green Arrow Vol 4 #1 (August, 2010)
Live Adaptation: Walter Steele is the step-father of Oliver Queen. He works for Queen Consolidated.
Portrayed by:
Colin Salmon
YAO FEI
Comics: Through his tragic actions, the soldier Yao Fei became the latest man to hold the mantle and supernatural powers of the Accomplished Perfect Physician.
Created by Grant Morrison. First appearance 52 #6 (June, 2006)
Live Adaptation: Yao Fei is an expert archer and a mentor to Oliver Queen while he was shipwrecked on Lian Yu.
Portrayed by:
Byron Mann
FELICITY SMOAK
Comics: Felicity Smoak was the manager of a computer software firm in New York City.
Created by Gerry Conway, Rafael Kayanan. First appearance: Firestorm Vol 2 #23 (May, 1984)
Live Adaptation: Felicity Smoak is an IT employee of Queen Consolidated.
Portrayed by:
Emily Bett Rickards
Source/s:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrow_(TV_series)#Episodes | http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2310914/ | http://arrow.wikia.com/ |