Arrow Review: Emerald Archer (Season 7 Episode 12)
Not many shows make it to 100 episodes, much less 150 episodes. So, when that episode rolls around, it’s a chance to honor what’s important to the show at its core. That’s what Arrow Season 7 Episode 12, “Emerald Archer,” attempts to do.
While the hour succeeds in certain aspects in honoring the show’s DNA, it falls short on some of the other elements that I have come to love and appreciate over the last 6 seasons.
It’s only taken 7 years to hear finally, but it’s so satisfying hearing all of the interview subjects bringing up the importance of what Oliver’s done and how he’s been instrumental in keeping the (at times ungrateful) city safe.
After hearing nothing but how much of a danger Oliver and the Green Arrow are to people around him throughout the years, it’s a promising, if not frustratingly slow, start to have everyone admit that the city’s safer with him as the Green Arrow.
From the team that abandoned him last season to the Mayor admit that not only is the city safer when he’s doing what needs to be done, but that he’s also grown to become more than just a vigilante—he’s become a hero.
It’s this aspect of the hour that feels like a very long time coming. All of Oliver’s sacrifice and selflessness and determination to keep people safe is being recognized and rightfully so.
William’s return brings with it the inevitable confrontation of the circumstances of his being sent away. He’s a teenager who was abruptly sent away by his parents and has had to deal with the distance and to be alone on his own for the last few months, which makes his cold behavior towards Oliver and Felicity make sense.
Seeing William turn to Zoe to confide in is a pleasant surprise and is so sweet to find out that they’ve been talking since he went away. I love that this dynamic is being built up in the present and helps add a bit more to their dynamic in the flash forwards.
I am a little disappointed that we don’t get to see more of William, Oliver, and Felicity, and that Queen-Smoak dynamic throughout “Emerald Archer.” But if William and Felicity’s final moment together is any indication, this is the beginning of a promising Queen-Smoak family arc with William being expelled and finding out more about the cause behind the expulsion.
Elsewhere, though Oliver and Diggle (generally) make amends for everything that’s happened over the last year, something about the sentiments Diggle offers comes off as disingenuous considering the proof to the contrary.
I get the need to essentially gloss over this giant conflict that’s left this distance between them to the point where it feels uncomfortable between the pair for the sake of keeping the story going. But it honestly could have also been accomplished without revising history, including the bit about having each other’s backs.
Because let me tell you, the last 6 episodes of Arrow Season 6 and the first 5 episodes of Arrow Season 7 aren’t really giving off that supportive vibe from Diggle, Dinah, or Curtis. If anything, it feels like they made him out to be some sort of controlling criminal, much like others outside of the “team” did.
Felicity really was and is the only member of the team that has stuck through it all, provided that support through the rough times, from the team deserting him and Felicity to his time in Slabside.
I wish that apologies were sent Oliver’s way and not coming from Oliver when it comes to this specific story. It’s a sticking point because my memory is what it is. But what are we gonna do, really?
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take the Oliver and Diggle reconciliation as is if it means we get one step closer to an OTA reunion.
One of the things that makes this hour interesting is the mixed methods of filming “Emerald Archer.” The fact that it’s shot partly like a documentary and by the end of hour reveals Connor and Mia (Maya?) adds to the episode. It’s a refreshing take on how the story is shown, and I appreciate it.
In terms of the Connor and Mia reveal, it just brings up so many questions about what I thought I knew about the flash forwards. The conversation following them viewing this documentary gives off the vibe that Mia’s definitely harboring some resentment and that Connor only gives off a curious vibe.
Is this Connor like the Connor we met in Legends of Tomorrow’s 2046? What’s Mia’s (Maya’s?) story and why is she holding these resentments? Is it towards all vigilantes or just a specific pair?
Overall, the hour does a good job of (finally) honoring Oliver Queen’s sacrifices and accomplishments as the Green Arrow. I just wish it also honored the other aspects of the show that I’ve loved so much.
Random Thoughts
- Seeing the Warner Bros. theatrical opening and a cinematic opening is a fun little nod to the documentary theme and very fitting for the big episode.
- The nods to characters from the past, from Quentin Lance to Sin and Thea, in the form of interview clips is a fun and heartwarming way to kick off the hour.
- When will OTA return from the war? For an episode that is meant to honor the core of the series, there is a stunning lack of the core trio that used to be a highlight of the show for me. Give me more Oliver, Felicity, and Diggle working together again, please.
- Was the documentary a little light on Felicity’s presence considering her part on the original team or is that just me?
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.