Arrow - TV Series Review

Arrow revolves around billionaire playboy Oliver Queen who goes from being stranded on a mysterious island, on the brink of death, and finds himself transformed into a complete, completely diabolical revenger. Reborn as a cloaked vigilante determined to clean up Starling City of its corrupt people with his prowess with a bow, he returns. Arrow is a gripping TV series that tells Olivers past and the present so intricately, that they are one story of action, drama and mystery.

At the heart of Arrow is themes of redemption, vigilantism and justice. Internal struggle of a man trying to reconcile his past sins with search for justice is what it portrays. The dark and intense has its ups and downs, but Oliver’s dual nature as man and vigilante is gleamed through.

Stephen Amell is Oliver Queen himself, Oliver Queen, and Oliver Queen majoring in intensity and bested with heartfelt sincerity. Diverse character arcs are added to the narrative by the supporting cast, including David Ramsey and Emily Bett Rickards. Characters, like Oliver but his allies, help create the emotional depth of the show.

Arrow director (James Bamford, John Behring) takes care of tension and action very well. Each episode ramps up the narrative for the complex output, with action-filled sequences balanced against meaningful character development; and the Blake Neely’s music heightens the suspense and raw emotion on the series.

While Neelys score is powerful in highlighting significant moments, it also deepens the emotional involvement and adds to the sonic atmosphere that complements the visual one in Arrow.

Arrow’s cinematography is also famous for its dynamic camera work. It manages to capture the Shadowy and Gritty essence of Starling City. The darker themes of the series are afforded emphasis by the use of lighting and angles, and produced the immersive experience of watching Arrow.

Arrow’s production design helps in depicting of a crime ridden city. Special effects in Arrow, from which the vigilantes lair to Starling City, is executed with precision and it contributes in making the narrative realistic and giving the show a gritty tone. The superhero theme of the series meshes well with the show’s use of sharp editing to create narrative tension and pacing; the series also utilizes the visual portrayal of archery and combat to supplement the show’s visual appeal. Narrative development is well interleaved with flashbacks that lace audience familiarity with Oliver’s character and ensure that this storyline continues to be engaging; yet as Arrow is as brisk as it gets, action sequences are interleaved with pace which prevents the flow from slowing down. Both the introverted yet proud monologues of Oliver and the dialog of how he interacts with his allies and foes foster the essence of Arrow’s characters.

The show’s structure of flashbacks and ongoing events maintains the momentum with its continuous interest. First, it does a wonderful job of including the series’ main themes of justice and redemption, giving us more and more layers to character development. Some character development is uneven, resulting in case of some inconsistencies. But its still an engaging overall narrative, even if Arrow does a good job of providing a thriller ride through the duality of its central character, Oliver Queen. This all lends itself quite well to more emotional and moral complexities explored, making it a standout in the superhero genre overall. Leaving an impression because as well as action, drama, and intrigue, it is a combination.