Arrow Season 7: 4 Ups & 1 Down From ‘Spartan’

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1. Diggle's Convenient Pig-Headedness

This is probably nit-picking but, given Diggle's somewhat hyprocritical history on the show, it was hard not to notice it.

His issues with his stepfather undoubtedly made for a strong episodic narrative and it was the most engaging that the character has been in a very long time. However, there were a few occasions were he risked slipping back into his old ways for no reason other than complete pig-headedness.

Accompanying General Stewart on a mission because he thought that their turbulent relationship all of a sudden made him the bad guy? Getting caught up on the way that his stepfather phrased things? Questioning logical decisions that the general made even though John would have made the exact same choice if he had been the one in charge? All examples of forced minor conflict in the episode because the writers relied a little too heavily on Diggle's adoration for blaming innocent people.

Of course, it was forgivable this time because, when all was said and done, he needed to be at odds with his stepfather and, as the wounds were from his childhood, it worked. That said, it just highlights the injustice that that had been done to the character over the years because, even with such strong grounds for his behaviour, it was hard to take him seriously when he began acting out.