Arrow Review: Docket No. 11-19-41-73 (Season 6 Episode 21)

Arrow rebounds from its latest run of episodes with Arrow Season 6 Episode 21, “Docket No. 11-19-41-73,” as the focus returns to the emotional stories for some of our favorites, and common sense knocked into some of them.

With Oliver on trial for being the Green Arrow, it’s the perfect backdrop to offer more insight into what is at stake for him and his family with moments that are as wonderful as they are heartbreaking throughout.

Oliver’s willingness to put his family and Rene’s daughter before himself during the trial and sacrifice his freedom and life with his family is one of the signs of just how much compassion, empathy, and heart he puts into his mission and what he stands for.

It’s incredible that after all of the things he’s seen over the years and everything he has been put through, he maintains those aspects. It’s what makes him a hero.

Stephen Amell plays heartbreak, understanding, and resignation so painfully well throughout the hour, and it shows in moments like Oliver understanding what Rene is up against and his conversation with Jean about what his life as the Green Arrow meant for him.

Oliver: I have been the Green Arrow for 6 years. I didn’t plan on doing it forever. I thought that one day my mission would end. And I would finally, after all this time, get a chance to actually live my life.

It’s something that’s been brought up before, but he’s never put it so clearly.

It makes sense considering it feels like he’s put on the hood this season to take down Diaz and help the city, but it feels like a different sentiment from earlier in 6b when there was a sense of belief that he could do both.

Felicity’s pain is palpable as Emily Bett Rickards plays the balance between determination and fear of losing someone she loves beautifully.

Felicity: We fight for each other, Oliver. We protect each other. We’re gonna save each other.

Her support for Oliver and show of strength for William as he’s faced with losing his father, who he just technically started getting closer to, while also dealing with the prospect of losing her husband is painful.

Those three absolutely crush these family moments and wreck me.

The emotional hits that Oliver is put through adds to the ongoing trial, especially when he’s blindsided by Human Target’s appearance as Tommy as the Green Arrow. The astonishment and hint of sadness in his realization that it’s not his friend is apparent on his face.

In terms of the ongoing divide, there are hints of things changing.

Rene’s apology is very much appreciated and sorely needed after doubling down on the nonsensical newbie logic as of late. It’s the first step on a very long path to putting things right with Oliver, Felicity, and Diggle, and I hope we see more of it.

Though it feels like it’s meant to be a balm to kind of gloss over everything, it’s definitely not, and I expect more attempts at apologizing from the other two newbies if it’s ever expected that they get even close to reconciling with OTA.

Because let’s face it, if anyone needs to do the apologizing it’s them.

Even with everything, it’s beautiful that no matter what forces may be pulling them apart, Diggle will always be there for his brother as he brings Human Target in for the save. It’s an encouraging constant and a sign of the Diggle we all know and love.

Now, let’s get more of him back with Oliver and Felicity and bring my OTA back.

A Few Stray Observations

• The fact that we get confirmation that Raisa knows the truth is a fantastic little moment.
• The Dragon is still not an impressive villain with the tiny exception of escorting Zoe into the courtroom.
• “I have been in love with Oliver for 6 years. Trust me, it felt anything but rushed,” is a sweet line that had to make it in.

What did you think of those Queen-Smoak family moments? How about Digg’s support for Oliver? Was Rene’s apology enough or are you hoping for more attempts at making amends?

As the season heads towards the finish line and the apparent threat to everyone close to Oliver by the end of the hour, how much pain do you think we are in for?

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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