2. The Flashbacks
Much of the time Arrow's flashbacks to the island have been more enjoyable and enthralling than the story told in the present. Part of this is due to Stephen Amell's acting as a very different Oliver than the one we're used to and the chemistry he and Manu Bennett share. Manu Bennett is also a large part of the reason the flashbacks are so good he's a very capable actor and the perfect fit for someone like Deathstroke. I'm very excited for when he'll eventually appear in the present timeline. A lot of momentum was made in this story as I thought it would be at least another episode or two until the two groups not only met face-to-face, but Shado and Slade rescued Oliver and Sara. Those actions came quicker than expected and it was all the better for it. However, I'm still not entirely sold on Sara's stance as she seems to help Ivo one minute and then be completely on Oliver's side the next. Her own flashbacks will help clarify this, but I'm nonetheless excited to see what the group does next. It was also a very nice touch to have Slade's face paint reflect the mask he'll undoubtedly be wearing soon, which neatly piggybacks off my last point about more DC elements being introduced to Arrow. I can only theorize this serum they're all looking for is what will give Slade his enhanced abilities.