Arrow: 10 Best Episodes So Far
3. The Promise (Season 2, Episode 15)
Written By: Jake Coburn & Ben Sokolowski
Directed By: Glen Winter
Acting as a spiritual successor to a Season 1 episode set fully in flashback, The Promise marked Slade’s return to Oliver’s life. In the present day, after fully revealing himself to Oliver in the cliffhanger ending of the previous episode, Slade used the hour to taunt Oliver in his own home. He framed the past narrative as he charmed Moira and Thea at the Queen Mansion, slowly ramping up the tension as Oliver’s allies file into the house over the episode.
Despite Slade’s jovial attitude, the flashbacks themselves mark the end of a year-long friendship between himself and Oliver. But before it all fell apart, we’re first treated to the real birth of the Arrow. We see just how far Oliver has come, and how disciplined he’s become during his time on the island. Then there’s the action-packed assault on the Amazo freighter, the reveal to Slade of how Shado really died, and a dream sequence inside of a flashback.
The episode was pure Arrow gold and just greatness all around. It delivered emotionally, kept us enthralled and built up the characters just as they were all about to go at it. Even with all of the episode’s successes, however, it could never match the original...