Arrow Review: The Thanatos Guild (Season 6 Episode 16)

Just when we get Thea back on the team and more active, we have to say goodbye on Arrow season 6 Episode 16, “The Thanatos Guild,” as this new guild swoops into Star City looking for what Malcolm Merlyn left behind.

The Thea-centric focus is welcome as she comes to terms with what her next steps in her life are, especially with the legacy her father left her and the creation of this new guild looming overhead.

Thea’s never been enthusiastic about what Malcolm’s legacy entails, so it makes sense that she spends so much of her last episode trying to keep her father’s disciples from the map that inevitably leads to the existence of three Lazarus Pits.

The parallels between Oliver’s struggles with his father’s legacy and Thea’s issues with Malcolm’s stand out throughout the hour and show how similar the siblings are.

Their journeys, traumatic and heartbreaking as they have been at times, and their unwillingness to fall into their fathers’ footsteps make them who they are and help their ability to offer that insight to each other in moments of doubt.

Thea: Because being the Green Arrow is what makes you feel complete. Somehow putting on that hood makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

The Queen sibling moments are as heartwarming as they are saddening with the realization that they will be kept apart once again. Stephen Amell and Willa Holland have always brought the warmth and heart to Oliver and Thea’s relationship, so it’s no surprise that they help highlight those feelings in “The Thanatos Guild.”

It’s so well done that even with the knowledge that this exit is imminent, their final scene packs an unexpected emotional punch especially with that call back to one of their first lines to each other in the pilot.

Meanwhile, Nyssa’s return to help Thea rounds out an hour that brings back a sense of familiarity while also surprisingly bringing a bit of humor at the expense of one of the most uncomfortable story choices on the show — that forced League marriage between Oliver and Nyssa.

Nyssa takes every chance to poke fun at both Oliver and Felicity about the League marriage, much to the pair’s dismay.

Nyssa: I never kid.

Felicity: Except when it comes to my marriage.

While these moments are funny, there is still a hint of discomfort watching them because I can’t help remembering why it happened. Nonetheless, Nyssa’s parting gift to Oliver and Felicity help with that feeling of closing out another chapter in Arrow’s story that permeates throughout the hour.

Ultimately, while the hour brings back a sense of familiarity and comfort, it’s an hour that’s meant to say goodbye to a part of the show as Thea goes on, choosing her own path and identity.

It’s something she’s searched for since she discovered that Merlyn was her father at the end of Season 2, and it’s something she’s definitely earned (and so much more).

It’s just a shame we’ll be missing out on more interactions with Thea and William, something we never got much of it seems.

A Few Stray Observations

• I’m calling this now: the “hot” cop that Curtis asked out will be one of Diaz’s and will eventually turn on him (and by extension, the team) in some way.
• There are hints of the Oliver/Digg angst storm coming with the passive aggressive comments, and I’m not ready.
• There are also hints of Oliver’s struggles with not giving up the Green Arrow mantle that plays into his and Digg’s issues about who takes the lead. He got past admitting he doesn’t want to give it up. Now to come to terms with why.
• Hearing Thea say “plus we have the world’s greatest mathematician right there” and pointing to Felicity is a joy.

So, what did you think of the episode? Was it an appropriate send-off for Thea? Did anyone else get emotional at that goodbye?

What did you think of this episode of Arrow? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Arrow airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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