Tag: Stephen Arnell

WonderCon 2013: ‘Arrow’ Sizzle Reel Teases What’s To Come

by Shawn Madden

A new sizzle reel for The CW’s hit series Arrow was unveiled earlier today at WonderCon. The reel teases what’s to come and reveals that we’re definitely going to be seeing more appearances made by Deadshot.

Arrow airs Wednesday nights on The CW.

Extended Preview Released For ‘Arrow’ Season One Ep. 17 “The Huntress Returns”

by Shawn Madden

Did last night’s explosive episode of Arrow leaving you wanting more? Well, you’re going to have to wait a few weeks until the next episode hits the air. On March 20th, Helena Bertenelli is making her return to Starling City and this is anything but good news for Oliver Queen.

 

 

EDM MEGASTAR STEVE AOKI OPENS OLIVER’S NEW NIGHTCLUB — With his nightclub set to open and a new romance brewing with McKenna (guest star Janina Gavankar), Oliver (Stephen Amell) is as happy as he’s been since returning to Starling City. But when Oliver’s ex, The Huntress (guest star Jessica De Gouw), suddenly returns to town, she threatens to destroy everything and everyone he cares about. Meanwhile, Laurel (Katie Cassidy) and her father (Paul Blackthorne) struggle with the return of Dinah Lance (guest star Alex Kingston) who claims she has proof Sara is still alive. Thea (Willa Holland) gets Roy Harper (guest star Colton Haynes) a job at Oliver’s club, but he’s not too inclined to stop his life of crime. Oliver and Tommy (Colin Donnell) are thrilled they were able to get Steve Aoki to play at the opening of their new nightclub, Verdant. David Ramsey and Susanna Thompson also star. Guy Bee directed the episode written by Jake Coburn & Lana Cho (117).

Extended Preview Released For ‘Arrow’ Season One Ep. 16 “Dead To Rights”

by Shawn Madden

Well, it looks like there’s one hell of an episode of Arrow coming next week. First off, it’s written by DC Comics writer Geoff Johns. Second, you’ve got Deadshot and China White returning to take out Merlyn aka The Dark Archer. Let’s just say that we can’t wait to see this one.

 

 

DEADSHOT RETURNS — Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Diggle (David Ramsey) learn that Deadshot (guest star Michael Rowe) is still alive and his next target is Malcom (John Barrowman). Malcom invites Tommy (Colin Donnell) to attend a benefit honoring Malcom for his work with Starling City but Tommy refuses to attend. Oliver encourages his friend to mend his relationship with his father while he can. Meanwhile, Oliver struggles to balance his new relationship with McKenna [Janina Gavankar] and his duties as Arrow. Katie Cassidy, Paul Blackthorne and Susanna Thompson also star. Glen Winter directed the episode written by Geoff Johns (##116).

The CW Releases Extended Mid-Season Trailer For ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

The CW has released a brand new extended look at what is in store for the rest of this season on the hit series Arrow. You have two choices, escape or die. Well, that or you could watch the video below.

 

 

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. When he returns home to Starling City, his devoted mother Moira, much-beloved sister Thea, and best friend Tommy welcome him home, but they sense Oliver has been changed by his ordeal on the island. While Oliver hides the truth about the man he’s become, he desperately wants to make amends for the actions he took as the boy he was. Most particularly, he seeks reconciliation with his former girlfriend, Laurel Lance. As Oliver reconnects with those closest to him, he secretly creates the persona of Arrow – a vigilante to right the wrongs of his family, fight the ills of society, and restore Starling City to its former glory. By day, Oliver plays the role of a wealthy, carefree and careless philanderer he used to be – flanked by his devoted chauffeur/bodyguard, John Diggle – while carefully concealing the secret identity he turns to under cover of darkness. However, Laurel’s father, Detective Quentin Lance, is determined to arrest the vigilante operating in his city. Meanwhile, Oliver’s own mother, Moira, knows much more about the deadly shipwreck than she has let on and is more ruthless than he could ever imagine.

 

Arrow airs Wednesday nights on The CW.

The CW’s ‘Arrow’ Officially Renewed For A Second Season

by Shawn Madden

The CW’s hit DC Comics television adaptation Arrow (that most of us here at Geekscape love), which stars Stephen Amell as Green Oliver Queen, has been a success ever since it first premiered last October. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the network has chosen to pick up the series for a second season. Check out the full press release below.

 

green-arrow-cw-thumb-640x426-2589

 

The CW Network has given early pickups to three of its hit series for next season, including freshman hit ARROW, its top-rated drama THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and fan favorite SUPERNATURAL, it was announced today by Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW. All three shows will return in Fall 2013.

 

“We said last year that one of our goals was to establish building blocks to grow on, and now with our new hit ARROW and fan favorite SUPERNATURAL on Wednesday night, and the continued success of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES on Thursday, we’ve been able to do that,” said Pedowitz. “Not only do ARROW, SUPERNATURAL, and THE VAMPIRE DIARIES perform well on-air, they’re also extremely successful for us both digitally and socially. I’m thrilled to have all three shows returning to our schedule next season.”

 

One of the true breakout hits of the season, ARROW posted The CW’s best series premiere since 2009 and currently stands as the network’s most watched show (4.3mil). Heading into its fifth season next fall, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES remains The CW’s highest rated series in target demographics, including adults 18-34 and women 18-34. THE VAMPIRE DIARIES also continues to be one of the network’s top performing shows digitally and socially; in fact, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES recently topped Trendrr’s list as network TV’s #1 social program for the week of January 21–27.

 

The Winchester brothers of SUPERNATURAL will continue to fight the forces of evil for a ninth season. Since being paired with ARROW on Wednesday this year, SUPERNATURAL has seen a dramatic uptick in its ratings from last season, rising 15% among total viewers, 10% in adults 18-34 and 18% in adults 18-49.

 

Chin Han Joins The Cast Of The CW’s ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

Actor Chin Han (The Dark Knight) will be be making the move from Gotham City to Starling City for a recurring role in The CW’s Arrow. The actor will play the role of Frank Chen, who is described as “a successful businessman and old friend of the Queen family.”

 

home_cinema_700_darkknight_lau_large

 

The character is also a member of ‘The Undertaking’, the mysterious group led by Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman). There’s not much more known about the character, but it seems like we can expect him to cause some trouble for the Queen family.

 

Source: Deadline

Extended Preview Released For ‘Arrow’ Season One Ep. 14 “The Odyssey”

by Shawn Madden

Check out an extended look at next week’s episode of Arrow, which also contains a sneak peek at the rest of the season and our first glimpse of Colton Haynes as Roy Harper.

 

 

MANU BENNETT (“SPARTACUS”) GUEST STARS AS SLADE WILSON — After Oliver (Stephen Amell) is shot, he turns to a surprising person for help – Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards). Diggle (David Ramsey) is stunned when he sees Felicity walk through the front door of the lair dragging a dying Oliver behind her, and the two team up to save Oliver’s life. As Oliver (Stephen Amell) hovers between life and death, he flashes back to a seminal event on the island – a daring escape attempt with his new friend Slade Wilson (guest star Manu Bennett). Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland, Paul Blackthorne and Susanna Thompson also star. John Behring directed the episode with story by Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg and teleplay by Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim (#114).

Extended Preview Released For ‘Arrow’ Season One Ep. 13 “Betrayal”

by Shawn Madden

Check out an extended preview for next week’s episode of Arrow. The episode features David Anders (Once Upon A Time, Heroes) as Cyrus Vanch, the series first original villain! Anders was great as a villain on Heroes and we can’t wait to see what he brings to Starling City next week. Well, that and the addition of Manu Bennett as Slade Wilson/Deathstroke. It’s going to be a long week waiting for this one.

 

 

DAVID ANDERS (“ONCE UPON A TIME,” “THE VAMPIRE DIARIES”) GUEST STARS — Cyrus Vanch (Anders), a nefarious criminal, is recently released from prison and intends to re-secure his position as leader of the underworld. His first step is to take down his biggest opponent in the city – Arrow (Stephen Amell). Meanwhile, Oliver shows Moira (Susanna Thompson) his father’s notebook and questions her about the names on the list. Thea (Willa Holland) is miserable as she starts her internship with Laurel (Katie Cassidy) at the legal aid office and Detective Lance (Paul Blackthorne) makes a deadly mistake that puts Laurel in the crosshairs of Vanch. David Ramsey and Colin Donnell also star. Guy Bee directed the episode written by Lana Cho & Beth Schwartz (#113)

New ‘Arrow’ Promo Photos Released For “Vertigo”

by Shawn Madden

In two weeks Seth Gabel (Fringe) is coming to the The CW’s Arrow  as DC Comics villain Count Vertigo. Word is that Vetigo will be “Oliver’s deadliest adversary to date… He will be truly scary and nightmarish.”  That’s good news, bad news is that we have to wait two weeks to see this episode.

 

vetigo-01 vertigo-02 vertigo-03 vertigo-04 vertigo-05 vertigo-06 vertigo-07

 

 

SETH GABEL (“FRINGE”) GUEST STARS WHILE THEA FACES PRISON TIME — Thea (Willa Holland) is in trouble with the police after she gets caught using a drug called “Vertigo.” Oliver (Stephen Amell) thinks the only way to keep her out of jail is to find the dealer, a man who goes by the name of “The Count” (guest star Seth Gabel). Oliver turns to McKenna Hall (guest star Janina Gavankar), an old flame and current Vice cop, for help. Meanwhile, Laurel (Katie Cassidy) steps in to defend Thea, and Felicity (guest star Emily Bett Rickards) gives Oliver some disturbing news about Moira (Susanna Thompson). David Ramsey, Colin Donnell and Paul Blackthorne also star. Wendey Stanzler directed the episode written by Wendy Mericle & Ben Sokolowski (#112).

The Mark: ‘Arrow’ Season 01 Episode 10 “Burned”

by Shawn Madden

The CW’s Arrow is back and so is “The Mark”, our weekly rundown of the series. The mid-season break is over and Oliver Queen is back.  Did the mid-season return “heat” up or fizzle out? Well, I am happy to say that things are definitely “heating up” in Starling City. Minus a not-so-action packed finale, with an ending that you didn’t completely expect, it was another solid episode for the series.

 

Burned

 

The episode picks up six weeks after the Dark Archer’s attack before the break and we find Oliver shaken and quite off his game. Well, he’s going to have to get his head in the game because there’s someone going around killing firefighters and it’s a job that seems to be more than the police can handle. Who is it that’s doing this? Well, that would be Arrow-verse version of DC Comics villain Firefly. Oh, come on don’t act like you didn’t already know about that one. It’s a pretty dark introduction to the character and actually one of the best opening’s that the series has had.

 

mark-burned-2

 

The episode also saw the residents of Starling City go from calling the character a vigilante to a hero. After being gone for six weeks, the effect he has had has been seen and they want him back. The hero Starling City deserves, but not the one that’s anywhere to be seen right now? Okay, there’s the one Nolan joke about the series that I will make.

 

Overall it was a solid episode and really expanded upon all of the sub-plots, but did leave a bit to be desired. The action and tension were well done, minus the finale. While I did enjoy the Arrow-verse’s take on Firefly, the character met a demise that seemed way too quick. The finale of the episode lacked a bit in the action department and seemed to kind of “fizzle out” at the end. I did like how Lynns went out, but I definitely would have liked to have seen more lead up to it than we got.

 
Burned

 

The episode did continue leaving me wanting more of the series and there’s plenty to come. Wondering when Roy Harper is going to show up in Starling City? That is going to be Episode 15. Did you want more Deadshot? Well, he’ll be back and teaming up with China White in Episode 16. Want to learn more about the Dark Archer’s backstory? You’re going to and that’s just some of the stuff coming this season. Are you excited to see the rest of the season? We definitely are. Check out the promo for next week’s episode “Trust But Verify” below!

 

New ‘Arrow’ Stills From “Burned” Give A First Look At Firefly

by Shawn Madden

This are going to be heating up when Arrow returns on January 16th. “Burned”, the first episode of Arrow  in 2013, will see Oliver Queen go head to head against DC Comics villain Firefly (played by Andrew Dunbar). This version of Firefly is a former firefighter who becomes embittered after being injured in the line of duty.  Check out some stills below giving a first look at Dunbar as Garfield Lynns aka Firefly.

Arrow returns to The CW on January 16th!

Source: Examiner

The Mark: The Four Essential Green Arrow Storylines

by Shawn Madden

Arrow won’t be back until mid-January, which means you have plenty of time for some good ol’ fashioned comic reading. So, we’re going to share the four essential Green Arrow comic book story lines to hold you over until Oliver Queen returns to your small screen.

4. Quiver

Quiver from writer Kevin Smith and artist Phil Hester tells the tale of the return of the original Green Arrow after being thought dead for a number of years. Many want to know just how he survived the plane crash thought to have killed him and just where he has been. Quite possibly one of the most convincing resurrection stories for a superhero.

3. Hard Travelling Heroes Vol. 2

Hard Travelling Heroes Vol.2 by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams, the team-up between Green Lantern and Green Arrow, also includes one of the most well known of Oliver Queen’s stories “Snowbirds Don’t Fly”. In this we see Roy Harper aka as Speedy, Green Arrow’s sidekick, become a junkie. While the story is somewhat of a cheese filled 70’s tale it definitely did tackle an issue not commonly touched in comics. What made these stories stand out was that rather than focus on action they dealt more with character, something uncommon with the comics of this era.

2. The Longbow Hunters

One of Oliver Queen’s more interesting stories, The Longbow Hunters by writer and artist Mike Grell, sees Oliver and girlfriend Black Canary move to Seattle. The series established Green Arrow as more of a vigilante than a superhero and was pretty damn violent. Grell really downplays the superhero aspect quite a bit and sees Oliver Queen realizing that in some ways he’s lost his way and moving away from his trick arrow and back to the longbow and arrows. Definitely one of the defining story lines for the character.

1. Year One

Arrow takes quite a bit from Year One by writer Andy Diggle and artist Jock. This story told an updated and thrilling re-imagining of Oliver Queen’s beginnings as Green Arrow that kept the essence of the original while updating it very strongly. If you’re a fan of Arrow, this is probably at the top of your “must read” list. Actually, even if you’re not a fan of the show you should read this one.

New ‘Arrow’ Promo For “Burned” Teases First Look At Firefly

by Shawn Madden

The CW’s Arrow will return on January 16th and things are about to “heat up” in Starling City. In this episode we will see  Oliver Queen taking on Garfield Lynn aka Firefly and learn even more about “the list” and just who is really behind it. If you missed it, check out our look at the mid-season finale with The Mark.

The Mark: ‘Arrow’ Season 01 Episode 09 “Year’s End’

by Shawn Madden

This week “marked” the mid-season finale of The CW’s Arrow, don’t worry it will only be off the air for a month, and we saw quite arguably the most interesting episode of the series yet. Oliver Queen finds himself confronted by a Dark Archer taking some quite deadly measures to get the attention of the character while The Queens hold a Christmas party and we see Moira try to push Walter off his investigation into “the list”.

This is a return to form for the series after a few not-so-great episodes. We get a return to the flashbacks that were missing over the past two episodes and learn more about what really happened on the island. Oh, and does that included more Deathstroke? Oh yes, indeed it does. Did you the Yao Fei versus Deathstroke fight leave you wanting more? Well, you’re getting it! The episode has plenty of action to keep you  happy after the last few episodes seemed to really lack in that department.

“Year’s End” brought about some interesting new questions and contained plenty of fantastic action sequences that helped make this one of the best episodes of the series. The implication that the Dark Archer may actually be a family tradition is a pretty interesting reveal. And while it wasn’t a major surprise who was behind that mask, it was still a great reveal learning the true identity of the “Dark Archer”. Well, mostly because of the last name that has implied this character since the first episode. As well as the revelation that there may indeed be someone worse out there that is the true mastermind behind this all. Maxwell Lord? One could only hope!

Minus a few stumbles here and there, the series continues putting together an exciting and intelligent re-imagining of our favorite DC characters. Definitely looking forward to what the rest of the season brings, especially after the reveal that Roy Harper would be joining the cast of the series. “The Mark” will be back in January!

The easter eggs and comic references you may have missed:

– “To see who’s the better archer.”: In the comics Merlyn challenges Green Arrow to a public archery contest and defeats him. Later on Green Arrow and Merlyn meet again and at the end of the confrontation Merlyn tells Green Arrow that he’s become “the better archer.”

– The dinner conversation discussing giving “The Hood” a better name. Not quite an easter egg nor comic reference, but definitely a nod to Christopher Nolan’s Bat-films. There was a quite similar scene involving Bruce Wayne and “the vigilante” featured. The scene where he calls Diggle after being injured is also quite similar to a scene seen in Batman Begins.

Teen Wolf’s Colton Haynes Joining The Cast Of ‘Arrow’ As Roy Harper

by Shawn Madden

Another classic DC Comics character is coming to The CW’s Arrow. Ex-Teen Wolf star Colton Haynes will be joining the cast of the series as Roy Harper. Many of you may just recognize that name as the alias of the Green Arrow’s sidekick Speedy, also known as the Teen Titans member Arsenal, Justice League’s Red Arrow and current cast member of the New 52’s Red Hood And The Outlaws.

Greg Berlanti stated:

“We were big fans of Colton from Teen Wolf and we are thrilled he’s joining Arrow.“

The recurring role will provide a love interest for Oliver’s sister Thea. Oh, so the Speedy references were a little bit of foreshadowing? Very well played Arrow. Word is that Roy is “destined to become a significant part of her life and an important player in the larger world of Arrow.” and the character is being described as “a handsome, street-savvy, teenager from ‘the Glades,’ the harsh, poverty-stricken portion of Starling City.” We will see the character appear in early 2013. While it is a bit quick for Harper to appear in the series, Haynes is definitely a good choice for the role and may be a great addition to the cast.

Source: TV Guide

‘Spartacus’ Star Manu Bennett Cast As Deathstroke In The CW’s ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

We’ve seen him in flashbacks to the island but now Deathstroke is coming to Starling City in The CW’s Arrow! In the flashbacks Deathstroke was played by stuntman Jeffrey C. Robinson but we’ve now learned that Spartacus fan favorite Manu Bennett has been cast as the popular DC assassin. He has yet to remove the mask but we will see that change when the character returns in episode 9.

Bennett, best known as Crixus on Spartacus and who will also be appearing in The Hobbit: An Expected Journey, has signed on to appear in multiple episodes. Can we expect him to become one of Oliver’s recurring enemies? One can only hope.

Source: EW

The Mark: ‘Arrow’ Season 01 Episode 07 “Muse Of Fire”

by Shawn Madden

Did you miss last night’s episode of Arrow? Well, you shouldn’t have. This episode “marked” the start (Bad pun…I know) of the second real story arc and was definitely was one of the more significant episodes of the series. In the episode we saw a change from the typical formula of hunting down a name off the list in order to introduce new characters into the series and it’s ever thickening plot.

The plot was fairly simple for the episode but was full of some big revelations. We’re introduced to Frank Bertinelli and his daughter Helena, who will go on to become The Huntress. In the start of the episode we see Helena (in disguise) take a shot at one of her father’s lieutenants, who conviniently happens to be meeting with Moira Queen at the time. Ollive goes on to learn that several of Bertinelli’s gang have been killed, and while investigating, ends up on a date with Helena when Frank Bertinelli is called away to deal with other business. The other business? Meeting with the Chinese triad including China White. Oh, what a tangled web Arrow is weaving.

The episode had plenty of action and plenty of twists and turns to get us back to the pace that seemed to slow during the last episode. We’re also given one of the biggest surprises when we learn who John Barrowman’s character actually is. No, it’s not Maxwell Lord but let’s just say his last name is going to prove him to be one of Oliver’s greatest enemies or the reason that someone else becomes that enemy. Not a big enough hint for you? Well, take a look at the image below and you may piece it together because I’m not giving it away. So many events with serious repercussions were packed into this episode that definitely set Arrow up for some intriguing episodes to come. With the season finale quickly approaching, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.

The comic references and easter eggs you might have missed:

– Michael Staton: Helena’s dead fiance shares a last name with Joe Stanton. Stanton helped create both the original and rebooted versions of the Huntress.

– Tahmoh Penikett as Nick Salvati: Not exactly an easter egg, but Salvati was played by Tahmoh Penikett. Penikett has appeared twice on Smallville and will also be appearing in Man Of Steel. He will play Henry Ackerdson, an alias once used by the villain Metallo.

David Anders Joins The Cast Of ‘Arrow’ As “Cyrus Vance”

by Shawn Madden

David Anders (Alias, The Vampire Diaries) will be coming to Starling City in thirteenth episode of Arrow as “Cyrus Vanch”. The character isn’t actually from the comics and is being described as one of Oliver’s greatest threats yet.

“Vanch is a ruthless career criminal who is released from prison after a long stint. Laurel is particularly invested in taking Vanch down. When she discovers that the police can’t get him off the streets, she turns to the Arrow for help. Unfortunately, the cunning Vanch is one step ahead of them — he’s looking to take control of Starling City’s criminal underworld, and in order to prove himself to the lowlifes, he’s got a mind to eliminate the man criminals fear most.”

With so many DC villains already coming to the show I am glad that they’re bringing in some original characters into the mix. With such a lengthy description it’s possible that we may see this character more than just once.

Source: Zap2It

The Mark: ‘Arrow’ Season 01 Episode 06 “Legacies”

by Shawn Madden

This week’s episode of Arrow may not have been the strongest of the series but it wasn’t horrible. The episode showed us what passed for quieter times in Oliver’s life and allowed the show to focus a bit more on some of the supporting characters.

The central focus of the episode centered around Oliver expanding his mission out to help anyone who needs his help, and not just solely focus on his list of targets. We’re introduced to the series incarnation of The Royal Flush Gang, this time around a group of bank robbers rather than cyborgs. Really…you were expecting the cyborgs? This change in Oliver’s mission statement came through the influence of Diggle, who continues to be endlessly useful in his role as Ollie’s partner. On the side we saw the romance sub-plot between Tommy Merlyn and Laurel Lance but it really wasn’t that interesting. Come on, we all want to see Ollie and Laurel together.

The main problem with this episode was that the villains really lacked any development.  The encounter between Olliver and the father in the bar was well done, but other than that the rest of the gang wasn’t really fleshed out much. The whole concept of a working class family just suddenly into becoming professional bank robbers just came off a bit weird. Overall the episode just felt like a filler episode but it did broaden Oliver’s range from just the list to every criminal which is very important. John Barrowman aka “The well dressed man” was nowhere to be seen this time around but hopefully he’s back next week so we can get one step closer to finding out just who the hell he is. Here’s to hoping that next week gets us back on track with the great start the series had.

The comic references and easter eggs you might have missed:

 stepping up as a hero rather than a ma

– A lost donor to Laurels legal aid foundation named Stagg: Simon Stagg is a fictional DC Comics businessman. Stagg is the unscrupulous owner and CEO of Stagg Enterprises and the father of Sapphire Stagg.

– The Royal Flush Gang holding up a bank in Keystone City: Keystone City is a fictional city in the DC Comics Universe. Specifically, it is the home of both the original Flash, Jay Garrick, and the third Flash, Wally West.

– Coast City: Coast City, was a city located in California. This made it one of the few fictional cities in the DC Universe to have a specifically given location from the start. The city is primarily the home to Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern.

Fringe’s Seth Gabel Cast As “Vertigo” On The CW’s ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

Last week it was revealed that DC super villain Count Vertigo would be appearing on The CW’s Arrow…well, a version of the character that is. This take on the DC villain will be quite different than his comic incarnation and apparently he won’t even be called Vertigo.

In the episode we will see the character appear in, a deadly new drug called Vertigo “becomes all the rage” in Starling City. According to TV Line, Seth Gabel (Fringe) will be playing the “scary and nightmarish” antagonist, who has even been described as “Oliver’s deadliest adversary to date.” The episode is set to air in early 2013.

The Mark: ‘Arrow’ Season 01 Episode 05 “Damaged”

by Shawn Madden

This week’s Arrow was probably the one that fans were looking forward to the most. And the hype was lived up to because it was easily the best episode since the pilot, and probably the best of the series thus far. “Damaged” picks up after the end of last week’s episode and the events that went down. The primary focus of this episode is proving Oliver’s innocence after his arrest last week. And there’s definitely some unexpected plot twists as we learn one piece of Oliver’s master plan.

The most impressive part of this episode was that it didn’t reply heavily on the action but heavily on personal drama. Writers  Wendy Mericle and Ben Sokolowski’s script for the episode is fantastic and moved quickly but allowed scenes the time to breathe and characters to interact. The dialogue in this episode, which has been a bit of a problem here and there, was noticably improved upon. We also saw quite a few sub-plots developed this episode. The primary of the two being the romance between Oliver and Thea and the bro-mance between Oliver and Diggle.

While the episodes high point’s were the drama…the action was still there. The big scene was definitely Deathstroke vs Yao Fei on the island and probably the best action sequence the show has offered so far. The very well choreographed scene does leave you wanting more though and hopefully we’re going to be getting it very soon.

Overall, the episode was definitely the best of the series so far and balanced a good amount of both drama and action. We still have no idea who John Barrowman’s character is but after this week you can definitely assume he’s definitely going to be someone huge. Trust me, we’ve got our fingers crossed that someone calls him Maxwell Lord at some point.

The comic references and easter eggs you might have missed:

– Edward Fyers: The characterappears in the comics as Eddie Fyers. In the comics he is a skilled mercenary and actually one of Green Arrow’s close allies.

– Kate Spencer: Similar to the show, Kate Spencer was a federal prosecutor. She eventually became the Manhunter character.

– Fishnets – In the episode, Laurel makes a reference to wearing fishnets at a Halloween party.  The most iconic part of Black Canary’s costume are her fishnet stockings.

 

Count Vertigo Is The Next DC Villain Coming To The CW’s ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

It has been revealed that DC Comics villain Count Vertigo is set to make his small screen debut in Arrow early next year. This incarnation of the character is set to be very different than the comic book version of the character. Sources are indicating that the CW series will be giving him both a new name and appearance. In the episode we will see “the deadly new drug that becomes all the rage in Starling City in the Big Bad’s introductory episode will be called Vertigo!”

However, while they are making changes it is thought that his powers will remain intact. The character is being described as “truly scary and nightmarish,” and is “Oliver’s deadliest adversary to date.” Now the big question is…who is going to be playing the character?

Source: TV Line

First Look At Jessica De Gouw As The Huntress On The CW’s ‘Arrow’!

by Shawn Madden

It was revealed a short while back that Helena Bertinelli aka The Huntress would be joining Oliver Queen in the CW’s Arrow this season. In the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, we get to see actress Jessica de Gouw suited up as The Huntress for the first time. Helena Bertinelli’s alter-ego is set to make her debut on November 28th in the episode “Muse Of Fire” that will be penned by DC Comics Geoff Johns.

Source: GreenArrowTV

The Mark: ‘Arrow’ Season 01 Episode 04 “An Innocent Man”

by Shawn Madden

We pick up this week’s episode where we left off. Oliver has revealed the truth about how he spends his nights to Diggle and it’s not very welcomed knowledge. So, how was the fourth episode of Arrow? Is the show still “hitting the mark”? I can definitely say that it is. This series is becoming more interesting with each episode and this week the character development definitely went up a notch.

The main plot focuses on Peter Declan, whom the episode is named after, a man on death row convicted of killing his wife in his daughter’s bedroom. His execution is imminent. And just like in reality, executions these days get a lot of press. While watching television Oliver Queen hears that Peter’s wife Camille worked for a certain Jason Brodeur. Why is that significant? Well, Mr. Brodeur’s name is on the list of course.

But there’s plenty of sub-plots as well in this episode as well that’s really giving it that comic book feel. They do an excellent job this episode jumping between the numerous sub-plots without getting us lost or confused. This episode was quite possibly the best for the series. We saw it develop the romance sub-plot, develop some of the supporting characters, contain plenty of action as well as ending with one hell of a cliffhanger. We also got some of the best flashbacks to the island as we learned even more about what really happened on that island. Or do we have no idea at all yet? Guess we’re going to have wait until next week to find out.

Something I particularly enjoyed about “An Innocent Man” is that the episode had a feeling of the 1970’s Green Arrow where his stories often centered on social issues instead of supervillains. In this era we saw Oliver Queen fighting crime to aid the people who needed it. He would come to the aid of the poor, the disenfranchised, and ethnic minorities. I’m glad that the team behind this show is really looking to bring in elements from each era of Oliver Queen.

Another thing that I am glad is that we weren’t given another DC villain in this episode. Rather than over saturate us and constantly remind us that this is a DC Comics show we are allowed to focus on the central and core plot of the series, the list. This “case of the week” format fits just right for this episode and offers up plenty of plot twists along the way.

With the introduction, and no we still don’t know who he is, John Barrowman’s character (we’re all hoping it’s Maxwell Lord) as well as promo at the end showing Deathstroke…we should definitely expect next week to kick things up a notch.

The comic book references &  easter eggs that you may have missed:

– “The 10:15 to Blüdhaven.”: Blüdhaven is a fictional city that served as a backdrop for the first Nightwing series. The city is both south of and located close to or adjacent to Gotham City, home to Batman.

– Iron Heights: Iron Heights Penitentiary is a maximum-security prison which houses the many Flash rogues and superhuman criminals of Keystone City and Central City when captured. Iron Heights first appeared in Flash: Iron Heights (2001).

 

Six Images From ‘Arrow’ Episode 6 “Legacies” Featuring The Royal Flush Gang

by Shawn Madden

It appears after the cliffhanger ending of this weeks episode of Arrow, we will see Diggle begin to help train Oliver in his quest to save Starling City. These new promotional photos from the sixth episode of Arrow were just released and feature Oliver Queen training with bodyguard John Diggle. We also get a peak at the Royal Flush Gang’s bank heist in the episode. In the series we will see the gang given a more realistic approach versus their cyborg versions in the comics.

THE ROYAL FLUSH GANG INVADES STARLING CITY — A gang of bank robbers, dubbed The Royal Flush Gang, hits a local bank and seriously wounds an off-duty police officer during a heist. Diggle (David Ramsey) tells Oliver (Stephen Amell) he needs to deviate from his father’s list and start helping the citizens of Starling City. Meanwhile, Tommy (Colin Donnell) asks Thea (Willa Holland) for relationship advice, but things get awkward when she realizes he was asking about Laurel (Katie Cassidy). Moira (Susanna Thompson) confronts Oliver about all of his recent disappearances in the middle of family functions. John Behring directed the episode written by Moira Kirland & Marc Guggenheim (#106).

Source: GreenArrowTV

The Mark: A Weekly Look At ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

The third episode of Arrow lets off another shot and it continues down the path that this show has been on. The show has been getting progressively better with each episode with the action seeming to get stepped up a notch and the character development becoming more interesting.  In “Lone Gunmen”,  we see Oliver Queen finding himself tasked with taking down a deadly assassin known as Deadshot (played excellently by Michael Rowe), while dealing with personal crises unresolved from his time on the island.

This week’s episode brings in yet another popular DC character very smoothly and in a fashion that is acceptable to both fans as well as the general audience. I’m not quite sure if it’s the stars or the tone of the drama with this series, but with only three episodes down that are full of rich plot developments as well as perfect amounts of action, this show is becoming one of our favorites (well, some of us) of the new season.

The performances in this episode were the strongest of the three, especially for star Stephen Arnell. And while he only had a few lines (keep in mind that Deadshot doesn’t really say much in the comics) I think Michael Rowe’s performance as Floyd Lawton, aka Deadshot, was fantastic and I would hope for more of it. Well, that is if he survived that final showdown… We’re hoping he did and comes back with a vengeance. Or is that too comic cliché? Overall, the action and the performances in this episode were the best of the three so far.

One thing I feel I have to comment on, while I loved Nolan’s Bat-films, is that Arrow is doing a much better job of the detective angle. I’m really impressed by how much detail they are paying to this and I did feel it was one thing that the Bat-films lacked.

The episode ended with plenty of cliffhangers and questions that left you wanting more, including a pretty big revelation for one of the main characters.

And of course, there are the comic book references &  easter eggs that you may have missed:

– The “New 52” reference: Floyd Lawton aka Deadshot is staying in room 52 at the hotel.

– Black Canary foreshadowing: In the club scene we are introduced to Dinah Lance being proficient in hand to hand combat which could foreshadow the chance of seeing her become her DC Comics alter-ego, Black Canary.

– Felicity Smoak: This character isn’t actually a Green Arrow character. Felicity Smoak is a character who was introduced in Firestorm during the 80’s. The character was the manager of a computer software firm in New York City.

Did we miss anything this week? Let us know! And check back next week when we take a look at the next episode: “An Innocent Man”.

The CW Orders Full Season Of ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

With ratings that hit the mark for the network, it looks like The CW’s Arrow will be sticking around for awhile. After just two episodes the CW has made the decision to pick up the series for a full 22-episode run.

Being that the series premiere became the network’s most watched episode of a TV show in over three years, this isn’t really all that surprising at all. Honestly, I don’t think anyone would be surprised if we get a second season as well. Are you guys ready for more Arrow?

Source: TV Line

Arrow: “Honor Thy Father” Review

by Shawn Madden

So, after a very successful pilot episode, did the second episode of Arrow improve from the pilot or struggle to keep up? Well, it definitely did not struggle. I really liked the pilot but within the first ten minutes of this episode, it was pretty much solidified that I would definitely, at the least, be watching the entire first season of Arrow.

The episode kicks off with a great action packed sequence which was very fluid and smooth. Honestly, it was a really strong opening for a TV episode and got you hooked and excited. The action in this episode was great and very well handled. Never too slow. Never too fast. I do feel that the fight with China White (Kelly Hu) felt a little inconclusive but I am glad they left the character around and hope they continue in this fashion to allow him to establish a sort-of rogues gallery with the villains that will be appearing in the series.

Stephen Arnell’s performance continues to be fantastic on the show and i’ll just leave it at that. In the episode we also get to see more of Laurel Lance’s life as an attorney, which wasn’t touched on too much in the pilot, and it definitely shows off that Katie Cassidy is going to be a great part of the show. If you haven’t seen the episode by now I’m not going to ruin it for you, but there’s an easter egg lying in the name of the person she is representing in this episode. One clue: it’s a current DC Comics writer. Another improvement in this episode is that we got to see a bit more of John Diggle in action. We can probably expect this character to end up being a fan-favorite.

Many fans had griped about Oliver’s mother being alive on the show but with each episode her character becomes much more interesting and leaves you hooked with these cliffhangers. Definitely looking forward to finding out what her and John Barrowman’s characters relationship will be all about.

The only complaint I probably had with the episode was how short the flashbacks to the island were. But, other than that I thought this episode was really good and has got me interested and wanting more Arrow. Well, especially after seeing that clip for next week’s episode. Deadshot!