While I’m glad we’re seeing more of Ruve and Oliver’s mayoral campaign, I don’t understand why the show decided to NOT show us the debate. After all, the entire episode was building up towards that singular event, and then the show promptly decided to skip it? I get that Arrow is not a “political” show, but it would have been welcome to see Ollie navigate a different kind of enemy right in the public eye. Missed opportunity if you ask me.
Just when I was proud of Arrow for really sticking with Felicity’s disability, the show went on ahead and gave us a cure courtesy of Curtis’ implantable biostimulant. The reveal was undeniably touching, but I simply can’t hide my disappointment at the insistence of “curing” Felicity when she’s displayed nothing but strength and resilience since the attack. A pity.
And then there’s that ending with a whole lot of forward momentum as Damien arrived home with none other than Ollie’s son William. Surely Arrow won’t kill off a child (Samantha is obviously the one in the grave), but I’ve got high hopes for this storyline. This season has potential, but it feels like it’s been flopping at every turn (we’re not season three level yet, but I was hoping for a season two-esque resurgence).
Interestingly enough, Code of Silence was directed by the James Bamford. The show’s incredible stunt director previously directed Brotherhood, an episode that produced the show’s most impeccably-staged action sequences yet. Silence wasn’t nowhere near as impressive, but I still appreciated Bamford’s framing with long single takes and top-notch choreography. Here’s hoping he continues to handle the reigns every so often.
Bits & Arrows
– Loved the opening with Team Arrow trailing Ruve. It’s so much fun to see the team working together. But why wasn’t Laurel there when Diggle and Speedy saved Ollie from the ambush?
– Damien holding a meeting and telekinetically choking someone through Skype – hilarious!
– The only good thing about the flashbacks this week was Ollie and Conklin’s dagger fight that resulted in the former’s death.
– Nifty sequence with the entire building crashing on Quentin and Laurel as they make their escape. Apparently, it was all filmed in one take!
– Is anyone even interested in Quentin and Donna’s relationship dramas? It feels like a rejected subplot from a soap-opera!
– Diggle getting his ass kicked was brutal! Loved The Demolition Team; badass new villains.
– Cheap CGI with the building crashing (both times).
– Honestly I found it uncharacteristic of Thea to support Ollie’s lie about William.
– Funny touch: Curtis’ Felicity screensaver.
– Lazy writing: Thea explaining Alex’s absence because his mom has surgery. Anyways I almost forgot he existed.
– How great was it to see Laurel and Thea double team Miss Demolition? And Laurel’s face getting struck by the nails was HARSH!
– I sure hope the show isn’t trying to hint at romantic sparks between Taiana and Oliver. Would anyone really kiss their brother’s killer on the cheek? Ugh.
– Ollie telling Curtis he’s “terrific” is a nod to Curtis’ soon to be alter-ego, Mr. Terrific. We’ve got a new Team Arrow member incoming!
Starling Quips
Oliver: I look forward to it Ms. Adams.
Felicity: More like Mrs. Deceitful-Darhk.
Felicity: I really need you to take a look at these engagement party invites. My mom’s been hounding me.
Oliver: The envelope is very pink.
Laurel: I’ve run out of roof.
Oliver: We need to evacuate the building.
Felicity: It’s an old system. It might take me a minute.
Thea: (turning on the fire alarm) Yeah. I learned that in high school.
Oliver: That’s nice applause. It’s enough to bring the house down. Almost.
Conclusion
While it had some good action and a thrilling ending, this was a very uneven hour of Arrow.
Nad Rating
B-
WORD. The debate was literally the only thing I was looking forward to in this episode and then they just SKIPPED it?? What a missed opportunity indeed.
And I can't stand Felicity anymore or the flashbacks obviously. But I did enjoy that Terrific line! And glad to hear James Bamford was back to direct another episode. Some of the action sequences were kinda cool!