'Arrow' Review/Recap: "Draw Back Your Bow"

Nora Dominick ‘17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

Arrow continues to dominate the competition as it goes on to grow it’s characters and storylines. Arrow increased the intensity once again with its latest episode entitled “Draw Back Your Bow.”
Arrow’s universe expanded once again in this episode. Carrie Cutter (Amy Gumenick) made her first appearance as villainess Cupid. She is a major enemy of the Green Arrow and the Black Canary in the DC comic book universe and it was amazing to see the character come to life. In Arrow, Carrie is an ex-military and ex-police officer that was fired from both positions because of her mental stability. In a six month flashback, fans saw Arrow (Stephen Amell) saving Carrie from one of Slade’s (Manu Bennett) mirakuru soldiers. She then begins a crusade to become Arrow’s girlfriend and wants to kill his enemies for him.
Gumeneck’s portrayal of Carrie was exceptional. She brings the character to new heights as she gives a whole new meaning to the word “obsession.” Her sultry walk, her obsessive need for affection and her impressive arrow skills make her the perfect villain for Oliver and the team to fight. By the episode’s end, Cupid and Arrow fight it out and she eventually ends up with Agent Wallar as part of the “Suicide Squad.”

It’s safe to assume that Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) is a fan-favorite among Arrow fanatics. In this episode, viewers saw their favorite “b*tch with wifi” in between two, extremely attractive, men. One of the lucky men is Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh). In this episode, Ray took Felicity on a work date where he managed to get some reassuring words from her. While talking to a client, Felicity explains how Ray is different because he inspires people to be better. “Olicity” shippers will surely hate to love this relationship. Ray has blossomed into a major secondary character. He managed to turn around Queen Consolidated, now named “Palmer Technologies”, and sweep everyones favorite girl off her feet. Roth continues to flourish as he solidifies his rank amongst the superheroes of Arrow. At the end of the episode, it was revealed that Ray has been working on plans for blueprints for ATOM’s Exosuit. Everyone’s favorite billionaire seems to have a super secret.
Ray may be in the picture but, it’s Oliver Queen that has a firm grasp on Felicity’s heart. After a short lived relationship in the season three premiere, Oliver’s feelings for Felicity resurface during this episode. After finding out she has a date with Ray, Oliver is livid. Felicity seems to have a new man in her life. In a gut-wrenching scene, Oliver strips away his hardened exterior and reveals to Diggle (David Ramsey) that he is bothered that Felicity has moved on. He broke up with her to protect her but, doesn’t want her with anyone else. Amell has done a spectacular job at taking Oliver from a hardened rich boy who refuses to let others in, to a fully developed character that needs human compassion.

Arrow also introduced the character of Chase (Austin Butler), a DJ who begins to work at Verdant alongside Thea (Willa Holland). Much to her dismay, she hires him and things escalate very quickly. After only a few brief encounters, the pair ends up kissing. Looks like Chase has his eyes on Ms. Queen. Its certain to say Roy will not be too thrilled about this new relationship when, and if, he finds out.
Just when fans began doubting the China flashbacks sprinkled throughout episodes, they finally delivered. This week viewers followed Oliver and Tatsu Yamashiro (Rila Fukushima) on their quest to rescue Maseo (Karl Yune) from the Triad. Oliver and Tatsu’s relationship has been very rocky up until this point but that all changed when Tatsu revealed her insane martial arts skills and saved Oliver. These flashback sequences could still be stronger but, this week was a surprising improvement.
Arrow continues to surpass all expectations for this season. With each episode revving up with intensity, it’s hard to imagine what the mid season finale will have in store. When the show returns two weeks from tonight, fans will be in store for one amazing episode when Arrow battles the Flash in a sure to be incredible crossover event.
Arrow airs on Wednesdays at 8/9c on the CW.
Overall Episode Grade: A-