Arrow Review: Past Sins (Season 7 Episode 11)
The past comes back to haunt a few characters on Arrow Season 7 Episode 11, “Past Sins,” in a slight improvement over the last hour as it focuses on the present and shows that Oliver is still trying to make good on his mission to get out from under his father’s legacy and the connection to his family name.
Even after 7 years, Robert Queen’s sins continue to haunt Oliver and threaten to thwart everything he’s worked so hard for. It’s precisely this that gives Oliver a chance to show how he’s grown and how different he is than his father.
The level of accountability we get to see Oliver take on without it completely bogging him down as it used to earlier on in the series, is one of those shining examples. His understanding that what Robert did in his life is not an indictment on the kind of person he is feels like a critical moment, and it’s done well in his confrontation with Sam at the police station.
It’s that moment and the way he handles Sam that seems to help along his relationship with Emiko, their final moment offering a promising step towards developing some kind of dynamic between the pair. I’m honestly looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops over the remainder of the season.
I wonder if this direct examination of the effect of Robert Queen’s actions on Oliver is one of the last significant obstacles he has before becoming a fully-realized version of what Oliver’s hoped he’d become someday; the kind of hero he wants to be.
While the past is handled well with Oliver, I take some issue with the way that Siren’s history is dealt with. I mean, the guilt behind her final words to her father is understandable. It adds a level of sympathy to the character.
But then it feels like there’s an attempt at equivocating her desire for revenge and her proceeding to kill, joining leagues of villains, among other actions since Siren was introduced to what Oliver’s gone through and call it a road to redemption.
I mean, she’s worked with Diaz and Adrian “Prometheus” Chase and has hurt, maimed, or killed many. It was never indicated it was in the name of revenge or to right some sort of wrong (and even if it were, I’m still not finding the narrative tie to that). That’s where the story loses me and fails.
I will say, though, that the dynamic between Felicity and Siren as necessary allies in a no-nonsense way has been interesting to see develop over the season and makes me wonder where that is going to go.
Elsewhere, the way the Ghost Initiative comes into play in a way that isn’t intrusive on the story overall throughout the hour provides some fun in a surprisingly solid way. Carrie Cutter is always fun to have on the show, and I am honestly so surprised at the effectiveness of the play Curtis makes.
Random Thoughts
- Oliver and Felicity’s two-person Team Arrow has become a wonderful aspect of the show. They complement each other well, prove that they are a solid unit together, and it still gives us a taste of the Team Arrow I’ve loved so much.
- Curtis brings up some very good points when he voices his concern about whether Diggle’s told Oliver and Felicity about Diaz. Diggle withholding feels like a big deal.
- Considering everything that their parents were, it’s a miracle the Queen children have turned out the way they have.
- What are the odds this stalker is Slabside Stan?
- “Directed by David Ramsey” is one of those happy opening credits moments. Well done!
What did you think of this episode of Arrow? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Arrow airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Brianna Martinez
Brianna spends her time away from briefs, legal research, and pleadings, watching TV and writing about it. She generally has a lot of feelings about TV, which you can read about here and on Twitter.