Arrow Review: Spartan (Season 7 Episode 19)
With a story that feels like a very long time coming, Arrow Season 7 Episode 19, “Spartan,” introduces another part of Diggle’s past, answers (and more questions) about the future, and another Archer/Ninth Circle development.
The Diggle family drama is the big draw of the hour, drawing on a disappointingly underutilized aspect of the show until this point: the fact that John Diggle has a family we’ve never heard of, except Carly back in Arrow Season 1, and Andy’s formal introduction in Arrow Season 4.
Seeing Diggle navigate his tumultuous relationship with his stepfather adds to the hour, giving us another layer to why John Diggle is the way he is. It’s especially interesting to see what aspects of his upbringing contributed to his personality, including the heartbreaking truth he learns about what really happens to his father.
Stewart’s appearance leads to a series of solid Quiggle moments, as Oliver and Digg bond over their shared daddy issues. Their moments serve as a reminder of one of my favorite parts of Arrow: the OTA-bonding moments that are reminiscent of their earlier days in the bunker.
Ernie Hudson as General Stewart is a beautiful addition to “Spartan,” playing the initially tough, but eventually understanding four-star General/stepfather very well. It’s a wonderful mix of the military personality and emotion, leading to their final scene together.
Diggle: If I’m a hero, it’s all because of you…sir.
That sentiment and hug are absolutely lovely to see, showing signs of a healing relationship. I hope this isn’t the last we see of General Stewart.
Elsewhere, Felicity’s dealing with another Archer obstacle and this time it leads to a heartbreaking sacrifice on her part.
Seeing Felicity push the self-destruct button on Archer is tough to watch after seeing what it took to make it. But with Archer technically gone, questions arise about exactly how Archer (or some version of it) comes back to haunt her in the future.
Of course, if that look on Alena’s face as she holds that drive in her hand is any indication, I imagine we’ll be finding some sort of connection to it soon. Or will she not seemingly betray her friend?
Meanwhile, the future manages to throw us yet another twist, and this one hurts a bit. So, while the news JJ is alive answers one of my many questions, the fact that he’s become Deathstroke brings up a load of more questions and emotions.
After being raised by Diggle and Lyla, two dedicated heroes in their own right, the fact that their son chooses the villainous route feels disheartening and makes me wonder how it all happened and who introduced him to that life.
Will we be getting that answer anytime soon?
Random Thoughts
- I am fully behind Connor and Mia a.k.a. SmoaknHawke. The tension there is fun and as clear as day, from their talks about Connor’s family drama to that moment where they choose to hide behind that shelf.
- I’m not sure who Dr. Will Magnus is, but the emphasis on his name and seeming importance in the universe makes me believe he’ll probably be popping up again.
- I know it’s probably nothing, but the fact that the General’s last name is Stewart feels extremely significant on its own. Given that the Green Lantern, John Stewart, has been thrown around before when it comes to David Ramsey, it feels like a bit of a nod to that dream casting…or maybe something else?
- Did anyone else get Star Wars: Attack of the Clones vibes from that soldier scene in the future?
- Oliver’s continued determination to see the best in people is heartwarming to see, and kind of incredible considering everything that’s happened to him.
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.