The Green arrow character has been absent from TV screens for a few years since his last appearance in CW’s Smallville television show. He has now been given his own spotlight as the main focus in Arrow (2012).
CW has handled the character quite well, many were attached to the portrayal of the hero in Smallville by Justin Hartley so there was always going to be a certain expectation when seeing the character handled by Arrow’s cast member Stephen Amell. What can be said however is that he meets the expectation and even exceeds it. What works with Arrow is that as separate from the universe of Smallville Oliver Queen (Amell) shines away from the bravado of Superman/Clark Kent. This allows a greater focus on a sometimes sidelined quite large personality allowing for a much more complex characterisation.
Arrow is a show that delves into the moral choices and motivations of the Green Arrow. Much of the first episode is set in establishing his origin of being determined for his cause realised through trauma of being marooned on the island. Witnessing his fathers suicide to save him and hearing about the corruption/intimidation people have or have been doing in his city sparked a flare for desire. A desire to survive, get out and make things right.
As a TV show it excellently outlined what it is the character is and what his intentions are to be throughout the series. Essentially cleaning up the city, making it a better and safer place to live. In comparison to Smallville it took a long time for the show to move Clark Kent into a determined path. Mainly due to because it was an origin story but with Arrow this is not the case so what you get is a fully formed hero at the beginning of his days.
Another thing the show has done well is the casting. Every actor fits their part superbly and looks to be cast with total care and handling which helps to set a certain imagery for the show. There is little in uncomfortable scenes and the actors appear to work well with each other for these first two episodes. As can be seen they have been directed quite well and a certain standard has been set. One which I hope will continue throughout the series.
Another thing of note that I would like to mention is the colouring and effects of the program. Lighting is especially good one can notice the way it shines off the heads of actors at a certain angle in scenes making the show not only beautiful but also incredibly picturesque when watching. The colour scheme chosen is also excellent, the way green just seems to pop out at you or flare up in the background is a constant reminder of the green arrow’s presence But it is also incredibly smart to place it so in a way. The show is quite impressive visually which is always a good thing to have in these types of programs.
As for the acting in the program actors do well to match the characters tone and the show’s tone when portraying themselves in the role. I do believe there is good chemistry between Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) and Dinah Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy). Something that is difficult and many shows fail to achieve but the actors here seem to act well off each other. Many from reading the comics would know about potential future or ideas for the future of these characters but I would not be one to spoil anything as such especially if you’re new to Arrow. I think you should experience the show on its own as something new to be enjoyed.
Other supporting casting members of note would be David Ramsey who plays John Diggle (Oliver Queen’s assigned body guard) who actually has his comical moments of attempting to protect Queen, little does he know that he’s been the Arrow the whole time. Other cast such as Willa Holland who plays Oliver Queen’s sister Thea Queen. Many would remember Willa Holland as a familiar face possibly from the O.C where she was Kaitlin Cooper. In Arrow however she is Oliver’s sister, one he may need to look out for in the future with her sometimes drug problem/drinking lifestyle along with her nickname “Speedy” which some will know to pay attention to who have knowledge about that character from the comics.
With the first two episodes now spoken about it will be interesting to see how the rest of the season goes. For now I would like to see the villains take hold or become present over time. With the main characters especially Arrow’s motivations set and made up already it will be interesting to see how the show brings villains to it in the future. With the casting of Manu Bennett who is soon to join as Slade Wilson I can only eagerly wait for what his presence may bring to the show.
Overall the show is of superb standard thus far and I would recommend it to anyone interested in comic book heroes, any previous Smallville viewer or anyone just looking for a good show to start watching in their spare time. I’m sure it’s not one to miss out on and should be around for many years to come, well I hope it is.
Be sure to catch all the latest episodes on the CW or network airings in your country or online on the CW site at Arrow
You can catch episodes of Arrow on the Nine Network in Australia on the 8th of May 2013 at 8:30 and likely every Wednesday after that (if ratings suffice).
For more information on Arrow or similar news make sure to check back on Resident Entertainment
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