Arrow Review: Ties That Bind (Season 6 Episode 22)

Another solid hour focuses on relationships as Oliver and Felicity address issues about balancing the risks out in the field and their lives as spouses and parents with the help of Dyla on Arrow season 6 episode 22, “Ties That Bind.”

The heightened stakes and the tense action throughout the hour provides a great backdrop for Oliver and Felicity to work through their issues with the fear and the risks they face.

In this new phase of their lives, Oliver and Felicity are still trying to find a way to balance every aspect. The pair is determined to keep their family safe, but the way they want to do it, initially differ.

Putting themselves in danger has always been a part of their job description, as Felicity listed off other times she was out in the field. But the way their lives have changed and all of the loss they’ve experienced puts Oliver in a place where the fear starts to creep in.

It’s wonderful to see them not letting these things fester but talk it out, coming to terms with what the risks that come with protecting the city understanding that it’s all worth it for their family’s future.

All of this, of course, comes as a result of their respective talks with Diggle and Lyla.

It feels like the pair has been the reflection/model that Oliver and Felicity have looked to when navigating their relationship through these superhero hurdles.

So, it makes sense that the pair relies on the advice Lyla and Diggle give them when they don’t see eye-to-eye when they know they stand to lose so much more than before.

Speaking of Lyla and Diggle, it’s always a treat to see them together, planning a date night, handing out advice to their friends, and providing field support for each other. Lyla’s presence seamlessly fits into the team dynamic so much so that it makes me wish we got more of Audrey Marie Anderson on the show.

I mean, can you imagine Lyla Michaels-Diggle being a more substantial part of Team Arrow or hopping on missions providing that ARGUS support more frequently?

If we got more Lyla in the future, maybe we’d even get more of moments like the one between her and Felicity in the van.

Lyla is, at this point, the one woman who can relate to Felicity the most because they lead such similar lives. They are vigilantes (on top of their day jobs), they are determined to do good (though it may look different to each woman at times), they are parents, and they are wives.

That relatability allows for her to offer Felicity advice on anything from their vigilante work to being a parent to being married to another vigilante. It’s a beautiful dynamic, and I would love more of it.

Meanwhile, we get the beginnings of what looks like a reconciliation between Oliver and Digg as Digg offers solid advice about how their work is a partnership and how Oliver needs to be there as field support for Felicity.

If there’s anyone who understands Oliver’s fears, it’s Diggle. Their talk even offers hints of Diggle admitting that what he said to him when they fought was not something he should have said.

I’m glad we get this wise Diggle back. He has been sorely missed.

The hour hands out one last surprise as Oliver gets desperate. A surprise that really made me giddy: the return of Agent Samanda Watson!

With the way the hour ends, Watson now knows the truth. How will she end up helping Oliver in his fight against Diaz and how will this all end for him?

A Few Stray Observations

• I get the need of working together with the newbies considering what they are up against, but it feels like all of their issues were glossed over, and they may never be resolved.
• That Queen-Smoak family dinner is so adorable, and that bit of domesticity is a perfect illustration of what Oliver and Felicity stand to lose if they don’t successfully do their vigilante jobs.
• Their moment with William on the phone is so heartwarming as they assure him that they’re safe and that they miss him. It’s incredible to see how much they’ve grown as a family.

So, what is the second thing Watson is asking for? Did the casting aside of everything that’s been said by the newbies bother you, despite the understanding that they are in a time of crisis? Can we get more Olicity and Dyla together on the field?

Is this not a beautifully-shot, well-written hour?

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

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

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