1.8 Vendetta The first scene of the episode repeats much of what we saw last week, with Oliver and Helena arguing about the difference between vengeance and justice. Anything Oliver has to say comes across entirely hypocritical of course, as he’s been waltzing around Starling City snapping necks since day one. This week is actually the first time Oliver appears normal and well-adjusted in contrast to his thoroughly damaged partner in crime, and this may just be a move on the writers’ part to make him more relatable and less troubling for the audience. I prefer it for now, but I hope they don’t sap the darkness out of him. His relationship with Helena, who this week gets to wear her purple Huntress costume, is still genuinely interesting, but I had some trouble with the romantic drama between them. When they’re out fighting crime, the dynamic between them is electric and compelling, but her storming out of the restaurant during a particularly awkward double date just seemed out of character. I know she has some trust issues, but shouldn’t an ass-kicking superheroine be a bit more secure in these situations? It also brings up the annoying love triangle between Oliver, Laurel and Tommy. Elsewhere, Tommy and Laurel’s relationship is going from strength to strength. Their slightly mundane problems are a weird distraction from the action going on with Oliver, but it’s nice to have a little levity each week. It’s a smart move to get the audience on side with this romance since all love triangles are better when both sides are equally viable, but I don’t see it lasting. If the show follows the comics, Tommy will most likely become some kind of villain in the end, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this affects the relationship between the three core characters. All in all, this was a more human Oliver Queen, and the closing scene between him and Diggle in the diner might have been the sweetest moment we’ve seen so far. He can’t stay that earnest forever, so I feel this is a step in the right direction for both the character and the show. Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
