Geekscape Recaps: Arrow – ‘The Candidate’

Season four of Arrow is rolling right along with a slightly new identity and the same level of action. As I mentioned last week, we were all wondering how the humor and intensity would blend together. So far, it seems to blend well. This episode shifted away from most of Team Arrow and focused on Felicity’s dynamic with Mister Terrific. ‘The Candidate’ was also heavy on Thea’ development and we got some misdirection as to who the candidate really is. So without further ado…

Warning: Spoilers Ahead! 

So far, we haven’t head from Ray Palmer. Judging by the Legends of Tomorrow Promo, we know he’s still alive…somewhere. In that same promo, Palmer alludes that he was never gone, he was just really small. I assume we’ll find out eventually when Ray gets to be his normal size again.

Arrow 402

We also had a couple of scenes with Darhk this week, one of which was with Captain Lance. Lance keeps visiting Darhk to voice his displeasure for HIVE’s tactics. It’s a discussion he always loses. Still, it’s interesting to see just how far Lance will go with Darhk out of a mixture of pride and fear.

Arrow 402

Second, we got our Anarky origin story. His origin fell a little flat for me, but it was worked well into the story. It’s also pretty cool that despite burning alive, he was able to escape custody and leave a wrecked ambulance on foot. His resurgence will hopefully be more akin to Anarky’s typical way of doing things.

Anarky

Anarky got his start in 1989, Detective Comics #608. In the comics, Anarky had schemes where he meant well, but he was always over the line.

Anarky

In his debut, he attacked the owner of a factory plant that was polluting Gotham’s water. In another scheme, Anarky stole money from large corporations and would channel it to third world countries. Schemes like these are what lead to many disagreements with Batman.

Arrow’s Anarky differs in that it seems like all he cares about is creating chaos and violence without any real intent to take on the status quo.

Mister Terrific

Arrow terrific

We first got word that Mister Terrific would be making an appearance this season back at Comic-Con. His introduction this episode went smoothly and he’s a great fit to be working alongside Felicity. In the comics, Mister Terrific is known to have genius-level intellect and specialize in chemistry, psychology, and science. Terrific even served as chairman of JSA at one point.

While I don’t suspect we’ll see Holt in costume anytime soon, his induction to Team Arrow will happen at some point this season, even if he doesn’t know it.

Lazarus Pit

It looks like we’re going back to Nanda Parbat next week in an effort to find out more about Thea’s condition and, by Laurel’s request, dump Sara into the Lazarus Pit as well. It’s week two and we’re already seeing what the pit can do to a person.

Arrow 402

Thea is starting to lose control and she’s she’s realizing it. While going to Merlyn for help may not be the best option, Thea and Laurel believe it’s their only option. Besides, I doubt Laurel can keep their trip from Oliver for long. I suspect he’ll be there for Sara’s resurrection Keep in mind that every episode is just one closer to adding Constantine in the mix. Will we see him at Nanda Parbat?

 

That’s all for this week! Think I missed something? Don’t be afraid to comment!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAj9b190vbw