Arrow Season 7: 3 Ups & 3 Downs From 'Brothers & Sisters'

Downs...

3. Laurel's Continued Background Role

The good thing about being this deep into a redemption arc is that it only takes little things to prove just how far the character on this redemptive path has come. Laurel's attention to her cases, her enjoyment of her job, her caring attitude towards Felicity's pregnancy all prove that she is no longer the cold-hearted villain that she once was, while her occasional lack of empathy and hot-headedness show that she still has some things to work on.

Unfortunately, the simplicity of being at this stage in the character's journey has given the writers a get-out-of-jail-free card and, as a result, they're robbing Laurel, and us, of significant storylines. Recently, the character has either appeared on screen for only brief scenes or been absent altogether. Though her backstory was explored a little in Episode 11 (and that stuff was great), this was only an episodic story that was wrapped up by the conclusion.

The references in this week's episode to the progress that she has made is proof that Laurel is far from merely a sounding board for Felicity in her times of need, but she does need to be given more screen time in general, and it would certainly help if it were with other characters as well as Felicity.

We've already discussed how the pair's relationship has been one of, if not the, greatest aspects of Season 7 but it's become the show's best kept secret and, quite frankly, it's time to let the cat (or Canary) out of the bag and give Laurel more to do with the overall show.