Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

This week’s episode trip down memory lane was slightly weaker, compared to the season premiere last week. While I thoroughly enjoyed this episode’s dedication to Oliver’s time in Hong Kong, it was undeniably a sore area in the show’s history, so having Oliver reflect on his time with Maseo and Tatsu was more about the lesson and less about seeing these characters: China White and Tatsu.

I welcomed Tatsu’s return and her resolution with China White. Her role in the episode / scenes with Oliver were incredible. Stephen Amell is able to deliver that epic speech on sacrifice while also relearning what he learned countless times before: “There’s always another way.”

Seeing China White reminded me how underused she was since her introduction in the first season. She had the potential to become Oliver’s long-lasting nemesis, the woman who would always get away, but she never developed beyond “villain of the week” past the first season.

Diggle-Oliver dynamic is going strong. While they’ve rehashed the conversation about guilt and “bad choices” time and time again, the topic of an erased universe makes the conversations they have in this episode go deeper than ever. Oliver also starts to think The Monitor might have ulterior motives, and his plot twist alliance with isn’t looking too good for the future.

The flash forwards sat quietly in the background this week. I hope we gain momentum on these soon as most fans—and myself—are questioning their significance beyond a nice way to set-up a spin-off. Although, Mia Smoak is rumored to join the other heroes fight Crisis On Infinite Earths, so the flash forward story will likely factor into the 5-night crossover as well. The Diggle brothers have a one-on-one about good and evil and the whole “it’s my fault you’re this way” guilt. Mia Smoak’s protectiveness of her brother is growing on me… I hope William Clayton doesn’t die.

Laurel Lance E-2 (Katie Cassidy Rogers) had to process what she lost, and ran off on her own. She’s desperate not to believe her world is gone, especially after going through a redemption arc last season and earning the right to some happiness. Diggle calls Lyla, and she helps Laurel process the loss of Earth-2 in time for the last fight scene against China White for the Alpha-Omega Virus.

Overall, Tatsu, Laurel, and Lyla stole the episode for me. I was most engaged with those characters. Oliver and Diggle retreaded familiar territory / issues, and while both actors performed well with their nostalgic scenes / improved fights, it was annoying to recap a lesson they’ve learned time and time again. Next week’s dedication will be season three but the storyline involving the League of Assassins. Oliver wants answers on The Monitor, and that place is his best bet.

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