The death of Moira Queen by Slades hand will go down as one of the biggest moments in Arrows history. Heading into the episode, and considering the title, we all thought Roy and his rampage would be the focus but without us expecting it, Arrow was quietly building towards Moira Queens final scene in incredible fashion. Moments before Moira is about to reveal a secret involving Malcolm Merlyn to her children, their limousine is involved in an accident. Ollie awakes to find Slade has put him in a similar situation to the one that started his quest for vengeance, but instead of Sara and Shado, he is forced to choose between Moira and Thea. Ollie pleads with Slade and refuses to choose until Moira makes the decision for him, demanding Slade spare the life of her children in exchange for her own. He puts the gun away and for a split second, seems swayed by Moiras courage, only to turn round and stab her through the heart - it was an emotionally charged scene that rivals Tommys death in the season one finale. The job the four actors did should be commended; Stephen Amell has done a splendid job lately and continues to better himself with each demanding scene. Willa Holland, who is often criticised for being far too 'soap opera' at times, showed off her true potential with her cries of despair when Moira was killed. Manu Bennett did another great job as Slade, showing a ruthlessness the character is famous for in the comics. You possess true courage. Im truly sorry you did not pass that on to your son were his last words to Moira before he stabbed her, perfectly delivered with a cold intensity. But the standout performance of the scene was Susanna Thompsons portrayal of Moira. She was the star of the episode, playing character who the writers were quietly preparing for a send off that would shock fans. It is the contrast from Moira buying the silence of Ollies affair to her last moments where we see just how far she has come. Her journey this season was all about redemption; from patching things up with her family to building Starling up from the rubble she allowed Malcolm to leave it in. In her closing moments she achieved that atonement, dying for her children like any mother would; her sacrifice did more than any policy she could make as mayor would ever accomplish in the eyes of viewers. Slade commended Moiras bravery, and it is that bravery which completes her story. The audience must now wonder where the Queen family goes from here. How will Thea take her Mothers death, will she blame Oliver? And of course, how will Ollie protect Thea from being Slades next victim? The playing field is now level between Ollie and Slade, one life for another and fans can't wait to see Oliver's quest for vengeance. It adds to an already exciting season finale, with the recently-released promo for the next episode showing a city under siege from Slades army, presented in a style similar to the old teaser for Dark Knight Rises. It wont be long until we finally witness the penultimate showdown between The Arrow and Deathstroke, one that is almost guaranteed to deliver a sight of pure joy for fans. What are you thoughts on the episode? Give us your comments and thank you for reading!
An aspiring filmmaker, writer, traveller, and avid comic book fan, with an undying passion for calligraphy and chopping boards shaped like fruit. Genuinely enjoys receiving your hate mail.
