Arrow has never required suspension of disbelief regarding the ease with which a character who looks like Stephen Amell can land his share of the ladies. Still, considering Oliver's penchant for sowing oats in a lot of inappropriate fields, the Season 3 slowdown has been a relief, and it works in-character for one simple reason: Oliver didn't suddenly choose celibacy. He chose monogamy. Sort of. They may not be together, but Oliver's eyes have not wandered since he realized that Felicity is the woman that he loves and desires and wants to make a thousand babies with. He's not even trying to fall out of love with her, and Stephen Amell has sold the heck out of it on screen. Now, with Oliver out of the picture, the writers have the chance to give a closer look at how Felicity feels about him. The pair certainly won't work things out until May sweeps, but their relationship requires consistent progress rather than just popping back into existence in time for the grand finale. Their kiss was the last thing that he saw before he died; surely he deserves another. On the non-Olicity front, Laurel and Ted Grant show promise. Ted empowers her as she tries to deal with Sara's death, and he brings out a side in her that is more assertive than abrasive. Just as Felicity is a sort of baggage-free anti-Laurel for Oliver, Ted could be the fresh start anti-Oliver that Laurel needs. Of course, not all of the potential romances deserve progression. For Ray Palmer and Felicity to actually enter a full-fledged relationship after Oliver died would be offensive to the narrative, to Oliver and Felicity's relationship, and to Felicity herself. Also: doesn't poor Thea have enough to worry about without her DJ planting unwanted kisses on her?
Fiction buff and writer. If it's on Netflix, it's probably in my queue. I've bought DVDs for the special features and usually claim that the book is better than the movie or show (and can provide examples). I've never met a TV show that I won't marathon. Follow on Twitter @lah9891 .
