Arrow Review: Lost Canary (Season 7 Episode 18)
After an emotional hiatus, Arrow returns with an hour that sees the ladies taking the reins as Earth-2 Laurel becomes public enemy number 1, shifting the focus of the present story, on Arrow Season 7 Episode 18, “Lost Canary.”
“Lost Canary” is a two-pronged approach at the Canary story, giving context in the present that translates into the future while working through the concept of what redemption entails and how much of free will is involved in the process.
It works efficiently and makes the Black Siren story tie in nicely to the overarching Canary one.
Redemption is something that is always hinted at on Arrow, and it’s been no different for Earth-2 Laurel up to this point. From turning her back on the Dragon to helping Felicity and standing by her when no one else would, Siren has been on this road over the last season.
But what the hour does is plainly set up benchmarks for redemption and the importance of choice as a factor for that redemption.
So, it makes sense that it’s Siren’s story to illustrate the redemption benchmarks. The one thing that still doesn’t sit right, though, is the amount of nudging and pushing Felicity, Sara, and eventually, Dinah do for Siren to be willing to continue her path towards redemption.
It almost feels like it was too much pushing and nudging to get her to see it, contradicting a bit of the idea that redemption involves choosing to turn things around.
Another aspect of the story that is interesting is Earth-2 Laurel’s announcement about her return to her home Earth. Is that even remotely possible at this point and how will that happen? Or will this play into the larger Arrowverse arc playing out?
The future continues the Canary story while picking up where Arrow Season 7 Episode 16, “Star City 2040” sort of left off, with Galaxy 1 continuing its attacks and the Canary Network in peril.
With the foundation of the story set with the Canaries and Siren amicably working together with Overwatch, Felicity, and Mia, join Zoe and Dinah to figure out the next steps.
Mia’s tenacity continues to be the best combination of Oliver and Felicity, and it’s in moments like her face-off with Dinah that really highlights it. Mia wants to fight and do what needs to be done, not knowing that she’s got more of her parents’ hero spirit in her than she’s probably imagined.
Elsewhere in 2040, questions about Earth-2 Laurel’s plans are raised again when she comes in with an assist as Mia tries to take down one of those masked men. Does this mean Siren left and returned or did she stay on Earth-1 the entire time?
It took way too long to get to this point where an all-female mission is possible, but I’m glad we finally get one before the show ends next season.
Random Thoughts
- Oliver and Diggle together, out in the field again, is something I’ve really missed. So, seeing the pair out there trying to get answers about Emiko and the Ninth Circle’s situation is great to see. I honestly am confused about the Ninth Circle/Emiko story, but I am here for more Quiggle and hints of the early days.
- Sara’s return is very much welcomed and not overstated, adding fun to the ladies’ outing in the hour.
- The Queen-Smoak domesticity is heart-meltingly sweet, from Oliver telling Felicity to take it easy because of “precious cargo,” to the foot rub scene at the end of each of their missions. To think that moments like these are numbered is bittersweet.
What did you think of this episode of Arrow? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Arrow airs Mondays at 9/8c 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.