It is no secret that once Season 6 passes, Deathstroke's (Manu Bennett) story arc will be most remembered. "Deathstroke Returns" was a breath of fresh air and proved that Arrow can handle a more darker tone. This week around, there was a bigger focus on the fallout caused by Vigilante's (Johann Urb) unmasking in Star City and the impact that the two Wilsons had on each other. Slade's Season 2 activities also became revealed. An overall satisfying, sad and emotional conclusion to a great characters story.
7 Reviews
Were the Promises Kept?
lassegalsgaard-4528424 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
We all know how great it is to see a specific storyline be resolved; especially if it is a great resolution to a character arc, as well. I am not sure that this is the last we are going to see of Slade Wilson, but if it is, I will say that he has had one hell of a run. By starting out a good guy, it had such an impact on fans when he turned out to be the main villain of the second season, and to then have his redemption in Season 5. This character has been through so much on this show, and it is always a pleasure to see Manu Bennett return; even if it merely for a short term. His performance as this character will forever be one of his best, and he will be remembered as one of the show's best characters. However, as the title of this review suggest, I do think (and hope) that we might see Slade return. If the writers decide to bring him back, I would be all in. If the writers decide to not bring him back and let this storyline serve as a resolution to his arc on the show, then I will simply say, "Thanks for the incedible run."
Once again, his arc was main plot of the episode, and I thought it did a great job of following the last episode by starting exactly where we left off. To find out more about Joseph and his motivations for being the leader of the Jakals was also very riveting, and weirdly emotional, as well. I think the chemistry between Bennett and Liam Hall was amazing, especially in the flashback sequences where we see what Slade went through after he was found by the A.S.I.S. after being left for dead on Lian Yu. They set up a great dynamic between the two, that ended in a cool fight between the two and a nice little emotional scene.
To speak about the flashbacks, I love that they continued the Slade-centric flashbacks from the first episode. I also appreciated that the flashback from the previous episode actually factored into this episode. It was great to see Slade and Shado together in a scene again, as I have always believed that his mental sickness was one of the most interesting aspects of his character in Season 2. They brought it back this time in full force, and it served as a nice nod to that season.
The development of John Diggle, as well as the performance by David Ramsey, was also a huge plus in this episode. It was about time that he decided to tell his family and teammates about this thing that has been going on with him, and the writers managed to make those scenes some of the standouts of the episode. The most intriguing part of Diggle's arc so far, is that he now has a connection to the (supposed) main villain of this season: Ricardo Diaz. I think that is a nice change-up, especially considering that he is the Green Arrow, and the main villains have always had some kind of connection to the Green Arrow.
This was also the episode where we finally got to see Ricardo Diaz, portrayed by Kirk Acevedo. As I said, I think his introduction was great and I think it was a smart decision to continue the trend of having the main villain have a connection to the Green Arrow. While we did not get to see that much of Diaz in this episode, we certainly got the idea that he is going to be a big presence in the future episodes. I also liked the fact that his codename was "Dragon," as a great little nod to Richard Dragon; the character's true comicbook personification.
I only had one flaw with this episode, and it was that Oliver Queen didn't have the best writing. I am not meaning dialogue-related, but some of the scenes that we was involved in were a bit forced. At one point, we see that he has been taken prisoner by Nylander, and I didn't believe that Oliver would actually led himself be captured by someone like that. Oliver could have easily kicked Nylander's butt, however, because the episode demanded it, he had to be taken prisoner by him.
Once again, his arc was main plot of the episode, and I thought it did a great job of following the last episode by starting exactly where we left off. To find out more about Joseph and his motivations for being the leader of the Jakals was also very riveting, and weirdly emotional, as well. I think the chemistry between Bennett and Liam Hall was amazing, especially in the flashback sequences where we see what Slade went through after he was found by the A.S.I.S. after being left for dead on Lian Yu. They set up a great dynamic between the two, that ended in a cool fight between the two and a nice little emotional scene.
To speak about the flashbacks, I love that they continued the Slade-centric flashbacks from the first episode. I also appreciated that the flashback from the previous episode actually factored into this episode. It was great to see Slade and Shado together in a scene again, as I have always believed that his mental sickness was one of the most interesting aspects of his character in Season 2. They brought it back this time in full force, and it served as a nice nod to that season.
The development of John Diggle, as well as the performance by David Ramsey, was also a huge plus in this episode. It was about time that he decided to tell his family and teammates about this thing that has been going on with him, and the writers managed to make those scenes some of the standouts of the episode. The most intriguing part of Diggle's arc so far, is that he now has a connection to the (supposed) main villain of this season: Ricardo Diaz. I think that is a nice change-up, especially considering that he is the Green Arrow, and the main villains have always had some kind of connection to the Green Arrow.
This was also the episode where we finally got to see Ricardo Diaz, portrayed by Kirk Acevedo. As I said, I think his introduction was great and I think it was a smart decision to continue the trend of having the main villain have a connection to the Green Arrow. While we did not get to see that much of Diaz in this episode, we certainly got the idea that he is going to be a big presence in the future episodes. I also liked the fact that his codename was "Dragon," as a great little nod to Richard Dragon; the character's true comicbook personification.
I only had one flaw with this episode, and it was that Oliver Queen didn't have the best writing. I am not meaning dialogue-related, but some of the scenes that we was involved in were a bit forced. At one point, we see that he has been taken prisoner by Nylander, and I didn't believe that Oliver would actually led himself be captured by someone like that. Oliver could have easily kicked Nylander's butt, however, because the episode demanded it, he had to be taken prisoner by him.
Goodbye Slade...
hawkins_saints_rock18 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Another strong episode for Arrow this week as it focused around Slade and his son, with flashbacks to how Slade became deathstroke after surviving Lian Yu.
We get a strong and emotional opening scene between Slade and his son, which sets up the episode. Slade decides to "join" the jackels and help them on their mission. But of course, Oliver shows up to save Slade which leads to some more awesome bro scenes between the two. The flashbacks for this week show Slade back at ASIS after Lian Yu, and he is training with his son. To me, these are the strongest scenes of this episode as Slade notices the similarities between training with his son and training with Oliver on Lian Yu, which leads to the Mirakuru creating Deathstroke as he kills almost all of the ASIS soldiers and leaves his son. From remembering these flashbacks, Slade realised that his son is using the same anger and hatred that Slade had while on mirakuru, which leads to another strong scene between the two in the final battle as Slade tries to convince Joe that this is not the way.
Back in Star City Dig struggles with his injury and runs out of the drug that helps him. This compromises Dig in the field, not only physically, but mentally as the Team look to shut down the drug lord that Dig has been buying from. In the end they stop the drug operation (for the time being?) and Dig comes clean to the team who all forgive him. This happens as it is almost time for Oliver to go back to being under the hood. Wondering what triggers this though? Will it be the threat that comes in the big crossover event?
Finally, at the end of the episode we see what is potentially the end of Slade Wilson. When Joe escaped I thought that we'd be seeing more of Slade in the back half of the season. But that scene with Slade walking away from Oliver into the alley sure felt like a final goodbye, and what a ride it has been.
A great episode this week and Arrow has had a fantastic fortnight.
9/10 *winner of episode of the week
We get a strong and emotional opening scene between Slade and his son, which sets up the episode. Slade decides to "join" the jackels and help them on their mission. But of course, Oliver shows up to save Slade which leads to some more awesome bro scenes between the two. The flashbacks for this week show Slade back at ASIS after Lian Yu, and he is training with his son. To me, these are the strongest scenes of this episode as Slade notices the similarities between training with his son and training with Oliver on Lian Yu, which leads to the Mirakuru creating Deathstroke as he kills almost all of the ASIS soldiers and leaves his son. From remembering these flashbacks, Slade realised that his son is using the same anger and hatred that Slade had while on mirakuru, which leads to another strong scene between the two in the final battle as Slade tries to convince Joe that this is not the way.
Back in Star City Dig struggles with his injury and runs out of the drug that helps him. This compromises Dig in the field, not only physically, but mentally as the Team look to shut down the drug lord that Dig has been buying from. In the end they stop the drug operation (for the time being?) and Dig comes clean to the team who all forgive him. This happens as it is almost time for Oliver to go back to being under the hood. Wondering what triggers this though? Will it be the threat that comes in the big crossover event?
Finally, at the end of the episode we see what is potentially the end of Slade Wilson. When Joe escaped I thought that we'd be seeing more of Slade in the back half of the season. But that scene with Slade walking away from Oliver into the alley sure felt like a final goodbye, and what a ride it has been.
A great episode this week and Arrow has had a fantastic fortnight.
9/10 *winner of episode of the week
A great installment that further completes the Deathstroke storyline
jadon-7883219 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Manu Bennet delivers yet again another great acting performance. It makes you wonder why they don't try to make him a more regular character.That being said, this episode was excellent because it answers questions people had all the way back to the earlier seasons of the island flashbacks. It also shows how the Mirakuru made Slade begin to despise Oliver Queen. His action scenes this episode were remarkable as well as greatly choreographed. Team Arrow also has now been introduced to Richard Dragon, which leads to a further storytelling of Diggle and his condition. I am still waiting and wondering when Oliver will become the Arrow again, but I feel it will now be even longer. This was still a great episode and leaves you wanting more of Deathstroke.
Were the Promises Kept?
lassegalsgaard24 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
We all know how great it is to see a specific storyline be resolved; especially if it is a great resolution to a character arc, as well. I am not sure that this is the last we are going to see of Slade Wilson, but if it is, I will say that he has had one hell of a run. By starting out a good guy, it had such an impact on fans when he turned out to be the main villain of the second season, and to then have his redemption in Season 5. This character has been through so much on this show, and it is always a pleasure to see Manu Bennett return; even if it merely for a short term. His performance as this character will forever be one of his best, and he will be remembered as one of the show's best characters. However, as the title of this review suggest, I do think (and hope) that we might see Slade return. If the writers decide to bring him back, I would be all in. If the writers decide to not bring him back and let this storyline serve as a resolution to his arc on the show, then I will simply say, "Thanks for the incedible run."
Once again, his arc was main plot of the episode, and I thought it did a great job of following the last episode by starting exactly where we left off. To find out more about Joseph and his motivations for being the leader of the Jakals was also very riveting, and weirdly emotional, as well. I think the chemistry between Bennett and Liam Hall was amazing, especially in the flashback sequences where we see what Slade went through after he was found by the A.S.I.S. after being left for dead on Lian Yu. They set up a great dynamic between the two, that ended in a cool fight between the two and a nice little emotional scene.
To speak about the flashbacks, I love that they continued the Slade-centric flashbacks from the first episode. I also appreciated that the flashback from the previous episode actually factored into this episode. It was great to see Slade and Shado together in a scene again, as I have always believed that his mental sickness was one of the most interesting aspects of his character in Season 2. They brought it back this time in full force, and it served as a nice nod to that season.
The development of John Diggle, as well as the performance by David Ramsey, was also a huge plus in this episode. It was about time that he decided to tell his family and teammates about this thing that has been going on with him, and the writers managed to make those scenes some of the standouts of the episode. The most intriguing part of Diggle's arc so far, is that he now has a connection to the (supposed) main villain of this season: Ricardo Diaz. I think that is a nice change-up, especially considering that he is the Green Arrow, and the main villains have always had some kind of connection to the Green Arrow.
This was also the episode where we finally got to see Ricardo Diaz, portrayed by Kirk Acevedo. As I said, I think his introduction was great and I think it was a smart decision to continue the trend of having the main villain have a connection to the Green Arrow. While we did not get to see that much of Diaz in this episode, we certainly got the idea that he is going to be a big presence in the future episodes. I also liked the fact that his codename was "Dragon," as a great little nod to Richard Dragon; the character's true comicbook personification.
I only had one flaw with this episode, and it was that Oliver Queen didn't have the best writing. I am not meaning dialogue-related, but some of the scenes that we was involved in were a bit forced. At one point, we see that he has been taken prisoner by Nylander, and I didn't believe that Oliver would actually led himself be captured by someone like that. Oliver could have easily kicked Nylander's butt, however, because the episode demanded it, he had to be taken prisoner by him.
Once again, his arc was main plot of the episode, and I thought it did a great job of following the last episode by starting exactly where we left off. To find out more about Joseph and his motivations for being the leader of the Jakals was also very riveting, and weirdly emotional, as well. I think the chemistry between Bennett and Liam Hall was amazing, especially in the flashback sequences where we see what Slade went through after he was found by the A.S.I.S. after being left for dead on Lian Yu. They set up a great dynamic between the two, that ended in a cool fight between the two and a nice little emotional scene.
To speak about the flashbacks, I love that they continued the Slade-centric flashbacks from the first episode. I also appreciated that the flashback from the previous episode actually factored into this episode. It was great to see Slade and Shado together in a scene again, as I have always believed that his mental sickness was one of the most interesting aspects of his character in Season 2. They brought it back this time in full force, and it served as a nice nod to that season.
The development of John Diggle, as well as the performance by David Ramsey, was also a huge plus in this episode. It was about time that he decided to tell his family and teammates about this thing that has been going on with him, and the writers managed to make those scenes some of the standouts of the episode. The most intriguing part of Diggle's arc so far, is that he now has a connection to the (supposed) main villain of this season: Ricardo Diaz. I think that is a nice change-up, especially considering that he is the Green Arrow, and the main villains have always had some kind of connection to the Green Arrow.
This was also the episode where we finally got to see Ricardo Diaz, portrayed by Kirk Acevedo. As I said, I think his introduction was great and I think it was a smart decision to continue the trend of having the main villain have a connection to the Green Arrow. While we did not get to see that much of Diaz in this episode, we certainly got the idea that he is going to be a big presence in the future episodes. I also liked the fact that his codename was "Dragon," as a great little nod to Richard Dragon; the character's true comicbook personification.
I only had one flaw with this episode, and it was that Oliver Queen didn't have the best writing. I am not meaning dialogue-related, but some of the scenes that we was involved in were a bit forced. At one point, we see that he has been taken prisoner by Nylander, and I didn't believe that Oliver would actually led himself be captured by someone like that. Oliver could have easily kicked Nylander's butt, however, because the episode demanded it, he had to be taken prisoner by him.
Great two part episode
Abdulxoxo15 October 2020
Let me start by saying the use flashbacks to tell us how Slade came to be the person we saw in S2 and the ones with his son is brilliant, it really connect the dots. Last two episodes about Slade has been great. Oliver and Slade are great together. There are some good fight sequences with good use of slow motion and eerie background score. Meanwhile Diggle and team had to take down the operation of his drug supplier while struggling with his injury and becoming the new Green Arrow back in Star city.
The End of Deathstroke?
ThomasDrufke16 November 2017
So the Deathstroke two-parter is over, and we may very well have seen the last of Slade Wilson on this show. Each of the last few times he has made an appearance, I've thought that it would be the last time Manu Bennett would get to grace us with his presence, however they keep figuring out a way to bring him back. If it is the last time we see Manu, it's been quite a ride. And although this episode wasn't nearly as good as last week, it proved a fitting end to Oliver & Slade's promise to help each other.
The flashbacks were once again told using Slade, this time after his time on Lian Yu and before he brought rage upon Star City. Albeit these weren't overtly necessary sequences, they helped fill in the gaps of time where we didn't know what Slade was doing, and it also doesn't hurt to see Slade in full Mirakuru berzerker mode one last time. This helped inform us into why it is exactly Joe Wilson is doing what he's doing, it all leads back to Slade abandoning him years back to exact revenge on Oliver. Nothing special in these scenes either, but again, Manu Bennett can only do good things on this show.
Meanwhile, the team went after a villain known by dragon, AKA Ricardo Diaz. I'm not sure it was the best move to debut the supposed big bad of this season without having the main character actually appear in those scenes, and it also just wasn't a strong debut for the character anyway. If he's going to be the big bad this year, then there's still plenty of work to be done. Especially because selling drugs isn't the type of bad guy I would want to be the focus of this season.
On that note, it was nice to see Diggle finally own up to his questionable extra-curricular activities this season. It also nice to see Lyla back, you can always count on her to be the voice of reason for Dig, and with Oliver out it was a nice time for her to step in. Which brings me to a question: What was the "big" decision Oliver made tonight that is clearly stated in the synopsis for the episode. Was the decision to tell Felicity that he made the "right" choice by not being Green Arrow? To me, that's not much of a big decision at all, especially considering he's obviously going to break it in the next few weeks and it's not a new plot point. I just found that to be frustrating and confusing. Otherwise, it was an alright episode with some memorable Slade moments for sure.
7.8/10
The flashbacks were once again told using Slade, this time after his time on Lian Yu and before he brought rage upon Star City. Albeit these weren't overtly necessary sequences, they helped fill in the gaps of time where we didn't know what Slade was doing, and it also doesn't hurt to see Slade in full Mirakuru berzerker mode one last time. This helped inform us into why it is exactly Joe Wilson is doing what he's doing, it all leads back to Slade abandoning him years back to exact revenge on Oliver. Nothing special in these scenes either, but again, Manu Bennett can only do good things on this show.
Meanwhile, the team went after a villain known by dragon, AKA Ricardo Diaz. I'm not sure it was the best move to debut the supposed big bad of this season without having the main character actually appear in those scenes, and it also just wasn't a strong debut for the character anyway. If he's going to be the big bad this year, then there's still plenty of work to be done. Especially because selling drugs isn't the type of bad guy I would want to be the focus of this season.
On that note, it was nice to see Diggle finally own up to his questionable extra-curricular activities this season. It also nice to see Lyla back, you can always count on her to be the voice of reason for Dig, and with Oliver out it was a nice time for her to step in. Which brings me to a question: What was the "big" decision Oliver made tonight that is clearly stated in the synopsis for the episode. Was the decision to tell Felicity that he made the "right" choice by not being Green Arrow? To me, that's not much of a big decision at all, especially considering he's obviously going to break it in the next few weeks and it's not a new plot point. I just found that to be frustrating and confusing. Otherwise, it was an alright episode with some memorable Slade moments for sure.
7.8/10
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