Arrow Season 8 Review: 11 Ups & 2 Downs From 'Green Arrow And The Canaries'

7. The Tone

In spite of being a potential spin-off of Arrow, Green Arrow and The Canaries doesn't feel like Arrow. Again, this goes back to the whole establishing its own identity thing, but it's also worth looking into how it does that.

Heavily influenced by its futuristic setting, there's almost a cyberpunk feel that is completely unique to this episode. Sure, the stunning cityscapes and technological advancements feed into that, but it also bleeds into the overall presentation of the show with elements like the loud and boisterous score - as well as the punk songs that played during fight scenes - heavily enforcing it.

This, mixed in with the more grounded tone of Arrow's debut season, creates a unique blend of realism that just shouldn't work - and yet it absolutely does, setting up a show that is more unique than any of the others.

Sure, it's dark and gritty, but it's also lively, fun and mature - and that's a show this writer can get behind.