Reflections on Arrow Season 4: A Return to Glory?

Season 4 of Arrow has rightly emerged as a turning point after the challenging episode count of Season 3. Cinematically, it is shaping up to be an excellent rivalry with other beloved series such as Flash, Jessica Jones, Agent Carter, Legends of Tomorrow, Luke Cage, and The Defenders. So far, episode 7 has been a resounding success—in terms of both narrative and character development.

One significant improvement is the return of Felicity to her original, fun, and comedic form. 'Thank God for that,' many fans would agree. Additionally, the addition of Neal McDonough to the cast breathed fresh air into the series, solidifying its already strong lineup. Nevertheless, the chemistry between Ray and Felicity, while previously praised, has been a regrettable aspect of the show's stronger seasons, highlighting the need for a fundamental reevaluation of the central dynamics.

In the overall cast, both Sara and Curtis Holt bring significant value. For instance, Sara’s portrayal of Black Canary remains superior to Laurel’s, and her transition to Legends of Tomorrow is anticipated, though not without potential losses. Even though there are many strong characters, crowding around the show can detract from storytelling. The dynamic between Thea and her malevolent tendencies has been a notable frustration, and Roy Garrett’s Arsenal was more impactful without her.

Furthermore, the recurring character of Laurel Lance has undergone no development since Teddy Grant, and Diggle (played by David Ramsey) is nearing the end of his tenure. These issues, alongside the diminishing impact of Brandon Routh as Oliver Queen, have sparked discussions and debates regarding the immediate future of Arrow. The necessity for reducing the number of characters to enhance the narrative flow and character arcs is a recurring theme in these conversations.

The last few episodes have seen a slight dip in quality, specifically with the sixth episode being the weakest so far. While the first five episodes managed to impress, the continued whiny manifestation of Felicity in the sixth episode is a notable letdown. Nonetheless, there's a distinct possibility that the show is building up to a grander storyline, such as a super team-up.

However, if the subsequent episodes continue to suffer from a decline in quality, the potential for a successful super team-up will be wasted. While fans hope for the return to glory of Season 2, the challenge lies in the execution of the remaining episodes. For now, it is essential to maintain the overall quality to keep the audience engaged and satisfied.

In summary, the hope for Arrow's Season 4 remains strong, provided it can address the concerns and hitches that have emerged, thus ensuring a balance between competition with other shows like Flash, Jessica Jones, Agent Carter, Legends of Tomorrow, Luke Cage, and The Defenders, and its own storytelling integrity.