#allimariexf arrow meta

[allimariexf]

And now we need to talk about Future! Dark! Felicity (The “Calculator”)’s lair.

We need to talk about how literally everything about it proves that in the flash forward future,

Felicity is not dead

she is not “dark”

she is not alone

First off, can we all agree that if Felicity were really to go dark, she would never-in-a-million-years style herself “The Calculator?” Like, never. She has enough daddy issues. If she ever became a villain, she would NOT take a parallel path to his. I mean, even excusing everything else, she’s just more creative than that (and I think she has expressed some serious disdain for the name in the past). 

Therefore, the only conclusion we can draw is that she chose that name because of its association. The Calculator (Noah Kuttler/her father) is certainly googleable, dark-internet-searchable, mythic in certain circles, and - most importantly - personally connected. So it’s a clue. It’s not seriously Felicity’s villain name.

Secondly, the tennis ball arrow passcode thingy. I DON’T NEED TO SAY ANYTHING, OBVIOUSLY.

Therefore, the only conclusion we can draw is that Oliver - who he is and who he was - is/was still very important to Felicity. She still loves him. Which means that if he is alive and able to be with her, he’s with her. (And he’s definitely alive. And if he can’t be with her physically for whatever reason, THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL THAT THEY’RE AT LEAST NOT IN CONTACT.) 

Also therefore, the tennis ball arrow passcode thingy existing in that lair proves that Oliver - what he stands for - is centrally important to whatever her mission she is on in that secret lair. In other words - her mission IS NOT EVIL.

THIRDLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY. The fern.

Two things: The fern exists, and the fern is dead.

We know that the fern itself is symbolic of several things: 

Oliver himself: the fact that he is dark but he “thrives on low light” - his light being Felicity

Felicity herself: she is the spot of brightness that can thrive in dark conditions

Overall, then, it represents Oliver and Felicity’s relationship - the symbiotic nature of their love for each other

JUST THE FACT that the fern is there, then, SHOWS US IN VERY OBVIOUS TERMS that (up until it died, which couldn’t have been that long ago and might have only happened since Felicity was “murdered”) what Oliver stands for is still very important to Felicity, that she was still lightness in dark conditions, and that she still loves Oliver.

AND THE FACT THAT IT IS DEAD is clearly an obvious attempt to suggest that everything it stands for has likewise died. That she has lost her light, that she has lost her love, that she has actually died. 

Therefore: NOPE.

[allimariexf]

Okay I know I reblogged this earlier but I just re-read the script and it totally hit me, how it’s written. For the first time, I realized just how this scene was supposed to go, and why Felicity was only meant to be a one-time character. It’s because she was written to be one of his conquests, but Stephen and Emily just didn’t play it that way.

Looking at the direction we see just how different the scene was acted compared to how it was intended:

Felicity stops talking -- thank god --

If Stephen had done as intended, he should have seemed mildly disgusted or put off in this moment. Instead, he is undeniably amused.

Felicity stares at him. Incredulous. But also smitten.

But as we all know, she doesn’t necessarily look smitten, or even incredulous. Instead, she does the “you know I know you’re lying” look.

She looks like she could pass out. Oliver just...smiles.

Clearly, they wanted this to be pre-island Oliver using his charm, and the charm totally working. And if that were the case, that would definitely be the end of it. Because who cares? There’s no story there. 

But that’s not how it worked out at all. Felicity doesn’t look like she could pass out. And though Oliver does smile, it’s because he is the one who’s smitten.

Felicity Smoak made her Arrow debut in “Lone Gumen” on October 24, 2012

Happy 6 Year Anniversary to Felicity Smoak & “Lone Gunmen”! (x)

[lucyyh]

Olicity parallels: 3x20/7x10.

Meta by @allimariexf (gifset idea by her too :D)

"What I love about this parallel is that we can see how much Oliver has been influenced by the way Felicity believes in him.

In 3x20, he is still so unsure about who he is. He's not sure he's a hero. We see him struggling with the idea of whether or not he has been a force for good. She tries to convince him of all the good he's done, but he still doesn't believe that his life is worth more than its value as a sacrifice.

Since the island, since learning of the sins of his family, he has a deeply internalized sense of shame, and he constantly struggles to feel worthy. In 7x10, we see Oliver struggling with his self-worth again. But in the years since 3x20, he has changed. He has grown. He has learned to trust the belief that Felicity has in him.

This time, when she tells him "You are a better man than your father ever was," he believes her. Rather than staying out of Emiko's life, he goes to see her, believing that  he can "make things right" by being a part of her life, just as Felicity suggested.

And this is the impact that Felicity has had on him: even though he will probably always struggle with self-worth on some level, he believes her when she tells him that he is a good man."

[hope-for-olicity]

Arrow Rewatch 2018: 5x08

Quick Thoughts

- Unpopular opinion -I did not like this episode.

- SHIRTLESS Oliver!

- I get what they were trying to do paying homage to past episodes but as a person who loved the past episodes, they focused on the WRONG THINGS. The lack of Felicity and OTA was just plain offensive

- Why is Felicity not freaking out - AT ALL??

- Rene’s dislike of metas and aliens feels racist and ignorant

- Laurel’s wedding dress was very pretty

- The alien thing was just stupid

- Thea’s storyline was the most heartbreaking, I completely understand why she wanted to stay in the dream world. She also had the coolest lines. I enjoyed her shooting an arrow for Sara to catch, that she was the one to figure out the alien spaceship - she really was the highlight of it all.

- Of course I loved the Smoak Technologies building

-Season 5 tally- 2/8 episodes with shirtless Oliver.

@memcjo @allimariexf @blondeeoneexox @jules85 @it-was-a-red-heeler

[jules85]

Arrow Rewatch 2018 3x19: Broken Arrow

- A meta is in town with laser eyes.

- Roy is arrested and Laurel gets Oliver free.

- Things are a little bit awkward between Felicity and Ray after the 'I love you' moment.

- Another all time favourite scene on this show...

'Do you remember what I told you when I found out you were the Arrow?'

'Yeah. You told me I saved your life.'

'Now I get to save yours.' And I am a puddle on the floor. This relationship has come so far. I love them. Can't wait for Roy/Oliver scenes in s7.

'The city still needs you.'

'It needs you more.' Aw.

- the police raid the foundry.

They break the Fern. Not the love fern! That has very important symbolic meaning for my ship ya'll. It thrives in low light, just like Oliver. Holy shit, guys. Broken Fern. Broken Arrow. I just got that. Seriously show?

- Felicity and John wiped everyone's prints bar Roy. The OG's aren't amateurs. They're pretty good at covering their tracks.

- Oliver and Ray team up! Oliver looks so happy about it lol. Weirdly, this is the episode I actually started liking Ray. I think his 'funnyman' shtick works better against Oliver's 'straightman'.

- there are so many parallels with Roy in prison to Oliver now in s7.

- Oliver is so done with Ray lol.

'I honestly can't think of an answer to that question that doesn't get me in trouble.'

Oliver looks to John, who just nods. She's much worse lol.

- 'There's a decent chance that you and Palmer are related.' I love sassy Oliver.

- 'When I'm out in the field, my bow, my arrows, they're just tools. I'M THE WEAPON!'

THIS!

No one, including the writers, should ever forget this. Oliver doesn't need any weapons. He IS the weapon. Underestimate him at your pearl.

Also, I love mentor Oliver. I think I've mentioned that lol.

- Go, Roy. Kick their asses while proving Oliver right. Roy doesn't need his bow in jail, he learned from the master.

- That Oliver/John scene was intense. Anytime those two yell at each other I want to hide and pray for Stephen Amell's life, because...arms.

'You have to throttle this back, Oliver. You have to before you lose everything.'

'I've already lost everything.' Did he look back at Felicity before saying that?

Diggle tags in Felicity.

- Felicity talks him down. She knows him so well. And he listens to her.

'Whether you're in a suit or under a hood, you're the man that I l...you're the man that I believe in.'

That moment where he thinks she's going to say it...She almost slips up. It's funny. She couldn't get away from Ray fast enough, but here she almost says those 3 little words without a second thought.

- the only time I am going to criticise Felicity Smoak is for her outfit choice for this errand. A tight, white skirt and heels is not appropriate field attire, Felicity. Don't be that girl. Also, for not knowing immediately that the guy wearing sunglasses indoors was the bad guy. Come on writers. This is Felicity we are talking about. Never dumb her down for plot. Never.

Sigh.

- The shadow boxing scene was really cool. Oliver looks hot. They should have him take up boxing in prison. I would be all over that.

- well done, Ray for defeating the meta. Poor Oliver having to listen to him and Felicity over the comms.

- Here it comes...Roy is stabbed in prison. I remember being in absolute shock when I watched this the first time around. Poor Oliver and Thea.

But the twist...

'This time we had to save you.' Roy Harper I love you. I'm actually crying. A team!!!!! A family!!!!

-Goodbye, Roy. You will be missed.

- 'So, on a scale of 1 to 10 how mad at us are you?'

'I need to learn to let people help me.' He listens to her.

'I just think sometimes you're so focused on people you love, you forget to see that there are people who love you.'

Would any of those people be you, Felicity? Hmm?

I love when she holds his arm and rests her chin on his shoulder. It's such a sweet and intimate gesture. They're so beautiful. Ray can see it too. Poor guy.

- Cisco! Ray takes the meta to Central City. Turns out laser eyes wasn't in Central City when the particle accelerator exploded. Interesting. Could Argus be involved?

- when Ras Al Ghul shows up at Thea's loft I got chills. I just filled with dread coz I knew what was coming. I was not expecting to be so emotional during this rewatch, but seeing Thea being thrown through a table and impaled on a sword was brutal. My poor baby.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆1/2 what a roller coaster of emotions this episode was. Arrow at its best.

@hope-for-olicity @blondeeoneexox @memcjo @it-was-a-red-heeler @allimariexf

[allimariexf]

Do you think Felicity saying what is best for her is probably is not what's best for them is her wanting space or is there more to it than that? In my mind I thought that was basically her fear talking and afraid Oliver wont love this new version of her and she is just not sure how they move forward. I didn't see it as them separating just kind of like "where do we go from here, how do we fix this" What do u think?

Anon, I’m so glad you asked! I happen to have very strong opinions about this. Short version: I agree with you :)

For three reasons:

1. The logic of the story itself. Some people are interpreting Felicity’s words at the end of the episode to mean that she wants to break up or separate from Oliver, but I firmly believe that when Felicity says “I just don’t know if what’s best for me right now is the same thing as what’s best for us,” she is specifically referring to the fact that she has irrevocably changed and she is afraid that Oliver cannot love the “new” her.” Because:

The entire episode, she was fiercely loving and protective toward Oliver, and showed no sign of pulling away at all until after he says “the old you is the person I fell in love with.” 

Sure, they were awkward and struggling to find their footing with each other, but 

Felicity came to him in the shower

she leaned into him when he zipped her dress

she gave a small speech about him being a hero

she was overwhelmed by the fact that he remembered their anniversary and the vows he spoke at their wedding

she shielded him from the prying of the paparazzi, and Max Fuller, and the team

and she threw around that “my husband” like nobody’s business

When Oliver starts to question her and she stands up for how she’s changed, it’s only then that she withdraws from him. Up until that point, she was certain of his love for her, and with that she can get through anything. 

But he straight up tells her that he fell in love with WHAT SHE SEES AS A VERY DIFFERENT version of her.

(And of course that’s the key, right?? We know, and Oliver knows, that she’s not actually a totally different person now - she’s just exhibiting different facets of the STRONG - not weak - person that she always has been. But in her mind, she’s become someone else entirely, and she is afraid that he cannot love this new version of her.)

And her love for him is her biggest vulnerability (and I think in part this is part of what she was getting at when she said “I love you more than a human being should love another human being” - not that I don’t LOVE that line, for reasons). So in order to protect herself in this situation, she does that very Felicity thing - she withdraws. 

And of course, let’s not forget how clear it is that her love for him is NOT IN QUESTION. In addition to all the little signs throughout the episode, there’s also the fact that:

she says, very clearly, “I want to” begin pushing in the same direction as him again

she absolutely declares “I love you more than a human being should love another human being.” !!!!!!!!!!

2. The overall narrative conflict that we always see on TV, definitely including Arrow. By this I mean the fact that TV is broken into episodes the way that a nuanced sentence is broken up with punctuation. The sentence doesn’t make sense if you stop reading at the first comma. The same is true for TV: we like to speculate and worry over every pause and cliffhanger as if it’s the end, but the truth is there’s a larger story being told here, and I absolutely believe it’s heading in a good direction. For reference, please consider:

the end of 2x23

the end of 3x01

the end of 3x09

the end of 3x12 

3x15

(guess I’m seeing some narrative arc parallels between season 3 and season 7, hmm?)

and then REMEMBER THE END OF SEASON 3

3. Stephen’s (possibly spoilery?) comments in this article: “I learn that a lot of the stuff that Diaz was saying about Felicity is true, and I thought the way that we worked it out - and we do work it out pretty quickly — we come to an understanding that nothing’s ever going to be perfect…or normal about our relationship, and I think that the sooner that the two of them accept that, the sooner that they can move on with their lives.” This comment not only anticipates the angst we’re currently seeing, but it assures me that it will be resolved to my satisfaction, sooner rather than later. Nothing about that quote says break up to me. It just says different, which I interpret to mean better and stronger.

[allimariexf]

Oliver and the light

Mmmkay I wrote a 7x06 meta about Felicity and “darkness;” here is its corollary. 

I think the Oliver/Stanley storyline is a perfect reflection of Felicity’s attempt to try Oliver’s “way” in 7x06. 

Throughout the prison arc, we’ve seen Oliver adopt Stanley because, as an “innocent,” Oliver thinks he both needs and deserves his protection. 

How does this parallel/invert Felicity’s journey? Well, just as she has been lost and blindly attempting to do as he would have done with regards to catching the bad guy, he has been been lost and blindly attempting to be the hero he knows she believes him to be with regard to “saving” Stan. 

Unfortunately, all by himself he’s fallen into a couple predictable Oliver Queen Traps (TM) regarding who needs saving and how to go about doing it:

“deserving”: we know that this idea that “all people are both good and bad” is a major theme of the season, and in fact most recently in 7x06 we got to hear BS’s take on the theme. So obviously Stan’s duplicity is going to serve to illustrate this point dramatically. By judging by appearances, putting people in boxes, assuming people are all good or all bad, Oliver has sorely misjudged Stan, and completely miscalculated his situation. (Leading directly, I’m assuming, to the conflict in 7x07). 

protection: Oliver’s unfortunate instinct, we know, is to “protect” the people he loves or feels responsible for, regardless of their wishes *ahem* Felicity *ahem.* Rather than truly seeing what the object of his protection needs (in Stanley’s case, some scrutiny, in Felicity’s case, some freaking trust), he just tasks himself with handling things on his own in the name of “protection.” We know that Oliver is long overdue for a come to jesus moment regarding this instinct. (Never mind the fact that we assumed he had it in season 5?? mooooving on.) So I hope that the Stan situation will give him some more perspective on why he needs to stop. doing. this.

Meanwhile, he’s figured out that Stan’s not as innocent as he appears, and he makes THAT FACE. (That face fucking wounds me). It says everything. Disappointment, betrayal. Because that is the moment he realizes just how fucking lost he is without Felicity. He has been trying so hard to stay on the path but he can’t see it in the darkness without his light to help guide him!! 😭😭😭 And he knows it. He might not be thinking of Felicity in those terms specifically, but he is aching for her with every fiber of his being because she always helps him find the better way just by being her.

But he’s alone and he’s so lost.

[allimariexf]

@dust2dust34 (okay I don’t even know if you follow me but I wanted to engage with your tags on this post because) THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I’M SAYING (quoting from my 7x03 meta here):

I love how they’re reminding us what Oliver is capable of. I think one thing that people miss when they lament “the good old days of Arrow,” and when they (I’m talking about the anti-Olicity/anti-Felicity crowd now) complain that Oliver went “soft” in seasons 3 and 4, is the lack of this hard, imma-fuck-you-up Oliver. And I admit it, I miss it too. The difference is, I don’t “blame” Felicity/Olicity for it - Oliver getting in touch with his humanity, learning to be happy - we want that for him, and I’m glad he got there. But I think where the show made a misstep previously is showing us that side of Oliver without maintaining an awareness of THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM of dark and light that he contains. Yes, he found happiness, but that doesn’t mean that he just forgets his trauma. As the show moved into later seasons (and I’m talking about 4, 5, and 6 here), it stopped showing us the NUANCE of Oliver’s character. 

CREATING NUANCE BY WEAVING AWARENESS OF CHARACTER HISTORY INTO THE STORY IS JUST GOOD WRITING, and we deserve it, especially because Arrow has so much history between its characters, and because it literally is a show about how past events shape you!!!

I just wanted to pull this out as a specific topic of conversation because in your tags you said “I don’t know what I’m saying” but NO - it’s SO IMPORTANT! I think. :D The balance between Oliver’s darkness and lightness (and actually, every character on the show) is THE ESSENCE of this show. It’s the driving force behind the entire story: WHAT MAKES A HERO? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VIGILANTE AND HERO? It’s about time they remembered that and showed it onscreen again.

[allimariexf]

alli’s Arrow 2x02 rewatch thoughts

(Aka: Felicity establishes some friendship rules for OTA)

Diggle: “Why the sudden interest in my love life?” Oliver: “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me.” aww! (and yet, it’s easier for Oliverto acknowledge a real love and friendship for Dig because his feelings toward Dig are straightforward, unlike his feelings toward Felicity)

Felicity “I quit!” With newfound confidence, self-worth, sass. Partially because this is her professional sphere, where she always had a lot of confidence. And partially because she has become more aware of her own strength, bravery, and sees herself as more of an equal.

I think this change in Felicity is very similar to the change we see in her after Oliver “dies” in his duel with Ra’s al Ghul. When he comes back, everyone has gone through a lot without him, and in 3x13 Felicity’s like “That doesn’t mean we can go back.” We never get to see what they go through when Oliver leaves after the Undertaking, but it’s safe to say it had a profound effect on them. Felicity grows more confident - both because during the Undertaking she helped mitigate the damage and was heroic and self-sacrificing, and because she had to come to terms with fear and pain in its aftermath.

She always did have fight in her when pushed, when her unconscious confidence rose to the surface, but she’s not holding herself back now. Last season I measured progress in her almost-touches, but this right here she jabs him in the chest unapologetically. “Which you think I am going to accept.” And unlike the Oliver of old who held himself apart, he kinda plays along lolol. She jabs him and he reacts bodily like she pushed him hard (the first in a long line of Oliver-reacting-to-Felicity-punching-him-as-if-it-hurts), looking down like “did you really just do that?” ADORABLE. (But he basically accepts it and this is the real start of Oliver and Felicity being handsy with one another.)

“Every time we need to discuss how we spend our nights.” // “And I love spending the night with you.” OMGGGG though I’m so struck this time around by how much this flirty sexual tension is ON THE SURFACE. Like, ON. THE. SURFACE. I’m just picturing Diggle already thinking they need to get a room.

Meanwhile I love how Oliver tries to catch John’s eye like “can you believe the big deal she’s making over this?” but instead John adds his own, “Well it could be worse. My secret identity’s as his black driver.”

So she gives in but she makes sure to let him know she won’t make this easy for him: she’s gonna be loud and opinionated! Slamming her hand on his desk, clomping loudly in her high heels, and then: “May I get you a cup of coffee?”

She’s provoking him, instead of simply holding silent. She wants him to know she’s serious. She wants him to know that she’s done silently doing his bidding while fading in the background. Also, the dress. The clothes and the attitude definitely go together. And the hair. All of it deliberately provocative. My godddddddd this scene is everything!

----------------

And then THIS SCENE after Oliver’s ambushed by the SCPD:

Felicity reaches out and almost touches his arm in sympathy, but then at Dig’s mention of Laurel: “Hey! Go easy on him!” (“It’s all right, Felicity.”) “No. It’s not.” SHE GRABS HIS ARM and this is the first time she’s ever grabbed him and he looks down like “wtf is happening?” I think he’s equally caught off guard by the fact that she grabbed him and the fact that he’s letting her.

“You don’t get to jump down his throat just because you happen to be having a lousy week. You’re pissed - he invoked the almighty Laurel.” This is the first time she calls out the way he reveres Laurel. Definitely Oliver’s personal life has always been “off limits,” but she’s done with that. And she’s mocking him over it.

Felicity’s speech and anger on John’s behalf basically draws a sharp contrast between the way Oliver treats Diggle and Felicity versus the way Oliver treats Laurel. On the one hand, Dig and Felicity know his secrets, have his trust, and risk their lives for him, while Oliver constantly questions their judgment, disregards their advice, and leaves them out to dry. On the other hand, Laurel doesn’t know anything about who he is now, doesn’t risk her life for him, and now is actively working against them, while Oliver continues to keep her on a pedestal and disallows anyone from saying anything bad against her.

So in this scene Felicity is defending Dig, but she’s also standing up for herself, requiring that Oliver recognize that THEY ARE IMPORTANT. They are people too, and they are actual friends who deserve respect, and he’s got to listen to what they have to say and he can’t just act without taking their needs and concerns into consideration anymore. (And yeah, I 100% believe she’s still bitter about him making her his EA without at the very least consulting her. Wow! Just realized how deep this boy’s patterns of behavior run. Season 2, season 4 (and now, dammit, season 6 😫 though I blame that on bad writing, not a lapse in Oliver)).

The thing about the way Oliver and Felicity communicate is that he always catches her subtext. I am sure he caught this subtext, which is why it had such an impact on him - why he seems apologetic to her, even though the argument was ostensibly over Oliver’s treatment of Diggle.  

But she turns her back on him and walks away. I think this is the first time she ever actually turns her back and walks away from him. And it cuts him because maybe without him even realizing it they’ve gotten to the point where her opinion of him matters.

-------------

Mmkay just so we are clear: Felicity as Oliver’s EA is just so delicious, one of my favorite things about season 2, and I absolutely think it helped bring them closer faster. I wishhhh we saw more of it on the show. Thankfully there’s EA fanfic, some of which I’m writing.

“Miss Smoak.” “Hmm?” “Would you get my guest and I some coffee?” HE IS ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY TRYING TO PUSH HER BUTTONS HERE. You can tell by his little smile that it’s a challenge. (ADORABLE!)

OH OLIVER, FELICITY HAS COME TO PLAY: “You know, I would Mr. Queen, but it seems someone’s broken our coffeemaker. Violently.” ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: PLAYFULNESS (and deeper respect).

---------------

Oliver: “I got wrapped up in my own suffering and I forgot that some other people might be suffering too.” OH YOU THINK, OLIVER? At least we’re seeing the immediate payoff of Felicity’s influence right here. *sigh*

AND THEN: The coffee cup of emotions. “One.” She brings him that coffee because she can see he’s feeling down, and because she sees he’s apologizing to Dig and just generally trying. So the context of her bringing the coffee has entirely changed, which is why she allows it: this isn’t the action of an EA, but of a friend.

AND THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS HOW YOU BUILD A BEAUTIFUL, STRONG, SLOW-BURN SHIP BASED ON MUTUAL RESPECT.

(further random thoughts below the cut)

Workout montage 😍

Season 2 Oliver in a suit is just something to behold. And then. The grey t-shirt. Which I am also very okay with.

(Not gonna lie, I skimmed through a lot of the flashback and Laurel stuff because honestly none of that ends up being really significant in the long run. And as I said earlier, I find Oliver/Shado to be icky, and Laurel in season 2 to be pretty annoying, so….)

So season 2 was the debut of Katie Cassidy’s new chin and I have never been a fan, sorry. I mean, a person can do what they want as long as it makes them happy, but there was nothing wrong with her original chin. :\

I had forgotten about the weird Laurel/Sebastian relationship thing. Uck.

*ring* “It’s Felicity.” (Oliver to Felicity:) “Tell me.” Those communication skills tho.

She’s just gained so much confidence in the Arrow Cave, too! Her voice, her attitude, it’s awesome.

(“Who in the hell could be feeding us year-old surveillance?”) Bwaahaaa, cute confident Felicity, that’s who!

Chien Na Wei is so awesome. I miss the old-fashioned fights that didn’t have progressively-unbelievable “canary cries,” if I’m honest.

Eermigerd tho this little BrOTP Oliver/Diggle scene: “I didn’t need one of your trick arrows.” “I couldn’t risk it. Where would I be without my black driver?” WHEN THESE TWO JOKE WITH EACH OTHER, YOU GUYS. It’s like the alignment of all the planets and there are like rainbows and puppies and library fines amnesty.

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity @memcjo

[allimariexf]

alli’s Arrow 2x01 rewatch thoughts

Let me start off by saying OMG I AM SO EXCITED FOR SEASON 2!!!!!!  (Season 2 is an absolute joy, my friends. I see now how very difficult it’s going to be for me to refrain from commenting on every little thing. I will do my best. But this turned out to be very long so I’m gonna lead with the Felicity/Olicity stuff and put other/random observations under the cut.)

I love the intro. A true WTF moment for the audience. And then: DIGGLE AND FELICITY! Felicity jumping out of the airplane remains one of the cutest things EVAR. 

(Okay but the fact that Oliver returned to Lian Yu, and the fact that Delicity went to find him there, is SO HUGE and the show just coasts over it and I have read some great fanfic that deals with this but honestly not enough. We definitely need more fic exploring this.)

“Just FYI - no one is eating the bagels!” LOOOOL the iconic random line. The best. (And of course there’s at least one great fic that touches on this, but I can’t remember the name).

I LOVE how Felicity shows her confidence through her clothing and hair choices. Throughout every season there’s small changes that parallel her attitude and I love it. Season 2 sassy “I AM DONE BEING SILENT” Felicity is still my favorite.

Regarding Isabel Rochev: “For the record I hated her before we found out she was a super villain.” - Felicity 2x19, but also me right now.

So when the Hoods come to attack Oliver at QC, I have always been annoyed that Oliver dives to protect Isabel rather than Felicity, but I do LOVE that they share a little look right when the Hoods bust in. And I guess Dig was behind Felicity so Oliver knew she was protected. But still.

Felicity saves Oliver tally: #2!! THE BEST! And of course, the fact that she freezes after having just stepped in and saved Oliver, but he wastes no time in BODILY protecting her. And then (good thing they practiced this on Lian Yu) he grabs her and dives out the window!!!!! *sigh* And then he checks on her, still wild with adrenaline, but he has to be sure she’s okay. *sigh* And she gives him the little nod, and my dears, Achievement Unlocked: welcome to The Next Level of Olicity. ❤️❤️❤️

“And excuse me for saying this, but so what? Since when do you care?” I think this is the first time that Felicity has made a long angry speech at Oliver. In the past, she’s stood up for John and herself, but in a quieter, gentler way and she was always sure not to push Oliver too hard. But here she’s pushing, really really asserting herself, for the first time. Season 2 Felicity, I welcome you (and I adore you!). She’s stepping up her game of holding Oliver to a higher standard.

“When I put on the hood, it’s kill or be killed.” // “So don’t. It’s not like you’ve killed every guy you faced.”

New Lair is cool but the moment is kinda overshadowed by the fact that murderers just stole Thea, but anyways #salmonladder 😁 Oliver’s semi-exasperated look at Felicity’s “I liked watching you do that” is adorable because you know he acts annoyed but really he eats it up and totally struts around shirtless because he likes her reaction. And this interaction is just a continuation of the truth and intimacy about their sexual chemistry that most definitely became A Thing in the Merlyn elevator. Only this time Felicity’s more confident in herself and less apologetic about the whole thing. PROGRESS.

At this point, Oliver’s so completely dependent on Felicity’s skills for info. He’s just like “what do we know about the guy” and boom! she figures out his identity. Then he’s like “phone records” and she’s like “here’s where he met his accomplices.” PLUS SHE HAD A RAD NEW BOW CUSTOM MADE. Oliver, behold your future wife! “It’s perfect.” And I guess that’s all the thanks she’s gonna get. :P

“Maybe there’s another way.” ICONIC. ❤️ *squee* all the love ❤️

And then right afterward, to Quentin: “I’m trying another way.” ❤️ 

“Most people fail to see the real me.” ❤️ *looking at Felicity when he says this*

“If it’s online I can find it.” FELICITY you always manage to reach Oliver with humanity and levity right when he needs it. *sigh*

“It’s just like a good friend once told me....I had to find another way.” He looks her in the eye, slow and deliberate, and says this. He is deliberately acknowledging, for the first time to her, that she is a good friend. Not merely someone to be hidden from his friends (“This is Felicity. She’s setting up my internet.”). Not a random person whose presence he has to explain (“This is Felicity. She’s my friend.”) But an actual good friend. Which, we all know how seriously Oliver takes his actual friendships. It’s meaningful and deep. #MyEmotions He’s essentially acknowledging that he’s done denying how important she (and John too, I think) are to him.

And she gives him that little smile, acknowledging that she recognizes that their relationship has forever changed.

Mmmmm Oliver in that vest. Oliver. In. That. Vest.

ARROW SEASON 2, MY FRIENDS. :D

random other observations below the cut: 

I miss (mostly) carefree Thea. Poor Thea. I blame Malcolm Merlyn entirely 🙄

Dig opening the car door for Oliver and calling him “Mr. Queen” after Oliver basically just treated him like dirt rather than a friend who stood shoulder to shoulder with him during the Undertaking - if that isn’t some of the best shade I’ve ever seen. 😎

These copycat Hoods are justifiably angry, and definitely their vision of vengeance is misguided, but honestly none of that is an excuse for how these actors play them like low-budget action movie villains #justsayin 😆

Thea: “I’m not going to that prison. It’s the only way I know how to hurt her.” Roy: “You might want to consider how much it’s hurting you.” Wow. This show used to be so amazing with the dialog.

I love that Felicity and Quentin suddenly have a new level of friendship, despite not actually having been in the same room together since he brought her in for questioning, simply based on the fact that she helped him defuse a bomb over the phone. ❤️

Oliver, Moira warned you not to trust Isabel Rochev. That includes sleeping with her. #ListenToYourMotherOliver

Moira and Thea *sob* “If I died you would spend the rest of your life thinking that I hated you.” “However long I am in this place, you have freed me.” 😭  #ArrowIsAShowAboutFamily

Oliver and Walter!! I love Walter, as a person and as a father-figure to Thea and Oliver. I miss him. 😭 He’s the parent they all needed all along. (I mean don’t get me wrong, I love Quentin as a surrogate father to everyone, but we can all agree he’s not the most stable dude around.)

Oliver and Laurel: just putting the final few nails in that coffin.  “I understand why we can’t be together. I still need you in my life.” THIS is an Oliver and Laurel relationship I can get behind. One that recognizes their problematic past, but also recognizes that meaningful relationships don’t have to be romantic.

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity @memcjo

[allimariexf]

alli’s 1x04 Arrow rewatch thoughts

On Laurel + Oliver: 

I find it really amusing that they’re clearly trying to create this titillating scenario where Laurel is both attracted to Oliver and to the vigilante, but - haha! - she doesn’t realize they’re one and the same, yet the exact opposite is what is actually compelling. And by that I mean Felicity. Not only does Felicity learn early on that Oliver and the Hood are the same person, but she even sees through Oliver’s mask when he’s ostensibly not wearing one (trusting him despite the obvious lies, knowing that “he’s a good person with a good heart.”) So on the one hand we have the writers trying to get the audience to invest in the romantic triangle caused by Laurel falling for two! different! men! (who are actually the same man), and this is made crystal clear by the fact that Laurel tells Oliver that he doesn’t care about anyone but himself, while she tells the Hood that the city needs people like him, who care people other than just themselves, but on the other hand the audience actually becomes invested in Felicity, who sees the real man behind the mask, regardless of whether or not he’s wearing one. Obviously the way Felicity sees Oliver is way more significant and meaningful and deep, and it’s what wins in the end, bwaahaahaa.

Meanwhile Oliver somehow thinks his winning Laurel over as the Hood will somehow help him win her over as Oliver?? That boy’s not right.

On Diggle:

“Oliver, you’re not a soldier! You’re a criminal. And a murderer.” Ohhh Dig. Always up front straight talk from the beginning.

“Second time tonight that a friend of mine has taken me to the woodshed. Kinda tires you out.” Aww poor baby Oliver called Dig his friend and was hurt by his harsh words. :(

I love their choice for Dig’s replacement: his lack of depth just highlights how deep Dig really is.

Oliver going to Big Belly to try to convince Dig to join him!! I love this. Oliver pulling out the notebook literally putting everything on the table. This is the first real conversation they’ve ever had. Oliver bringing Andy’s killer into this. This conversation is all about their families, how they’re doing this either for justice for or because of their families. Right from the start. Also: “oh, that boy’s long gone, man.” With that little hand motion. LOL

Dig is already on his way to being one of the best characters of the show. I love this: “Diggle, I’m not looking for anybody to save me.” “Maybe not. But you need someone just the same. You are fighting a war, Queen. But you have no idea what war does to a person. How it scrapes off little pieces of your soul. And you need someone to remind you of who you are, and not this thing you’re becoming.” If Arrow had a thesis statement, this would be it.   

On FELICITY!!

She is always such a refreshing presence.. And she is always so feisty! Look at her standing up for herself to the CEO (Walter)! Eeee she just lights everything up and I want mooooore. :)

FELICITY YOU ARE MY FAVORITE! She is the best character on the show already lolol.

Random: 

“I know it might not seem like it sometimes, but I’m not the same person I used to be.” Ughhh Oliver trying to connect with Thea is heartbreaking. My feels.

Ohhh god douchebag Island Oliver hair is getting worse.

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity @memcjo

[allimariexf]

alli’s Arrow 1x15 rewatch thoughts: DODGER!

AKA “Felicity begins to turning Oliver into a hero”

“Has it ever occurred to you you could do some real good in the city?” ICONIC.

This is the first time we see Oliver showing Felicity his ferocity. And of course he expects her to be cowed, but she’s not cowed because she’s already her own hero of her own story and she won’t compromise her own ideals in order to fit into Oliver’s mission. She’s more confident in herself than he is in himself, which is why he is the one to back down when she stands up to him. YASSS. Also: HELLOOOOO unintentional sexual tension.

And so when he goes to see her in her office, his charming facade is gone. Not because he doesn’t respect her, but because he does. He is already (uncharacteristically) interested in her opinion of him - not her opinion of whether she finds him charming, but her opinion of his moral character. Look at the way he watches her as Dig talks about the Dodger. He is already seeking her approval, wanting to live up to her expectations of him.

Sassy Felicity so sassy: “It’s too bad his name’s not in your notebook!”

I love how Felicity’s presence allows both Oliver and Dig to loosen up and actually talk about personal things. Felicity brings up the fact that Carly is “Hot for [Diggle]” and instead of just letting it pass by, Oliver interjects: “Actually I was thinking you should probably ask her out.” Which, though others had already made this observation about Carly and Dig while Oliver was there, this was the first time he actually comments on it. And that leads to Dig pressing Oliver about McKenna, which means that Oliver’s personal life is now fair game for discussion for the first time. Felicity is like social lube lololol

Oliver’s “We can try your way” actually marks a change in how he goes about things from now on (not entirely, but certainly a new avenue): “techy-tech” over “putting the fear of god into them.” Once she joins the team, her tech ability basically reduces the need for violence, since they are able to use smart precision rather than blunt-force methods. She facilitates a better, less violent way (and is, herself, the critical component of that less violent way). Basically this is the very first instance of “maybe there’s another way,” and Felicity is that other way.

I adore how Felicity has already made herself an active part of the team: using her skills and her strategic mind to figure stuff out and strategize. Not just sitting there taking orders.

Felicity asks Diggle and Oliver about their dates and then does her little “Don’t change the subject” and he just kinda rolls his eyes/head - she already doesn’t back down from him, even on the little things, and he already accepts this from her when he wouldn’t from anyone else. Like, he only just met her and already he’s accepting grief from her, and on personal matters, no less.

EEEeeeEEEeee so much Felicity goodness in this episode I actually forgot about The Look. The Look is everythingggggg.

He is definitely amused by her “family jewels” slip. She makes him feel so many things. He has no idea how to deal with all the emotions. It’s okay Oliver. In time you’ll realize you love her and once you do there will be no one else for you, ever. :)

Oliver saves Felicity tally: #1 Also the first “Talk to me, Felicity.” Also Oliver stealing that guy’s bike is both funny and a little swoon-worthy. (The way he is already so dead-serious about saving Felicity.)

non-felicity stuff under the cut: 

Regarding McKenna: Oh Oliver. When you’re simultaneously asking a woman out and lying to her/using her, maybe that should be your clue that the relationship is doomed? Maybe you should consider a woman you don’t have to lie to, hmm?

Also, he tells Thea he’s nervous about his date because McKenna “knew him before the island, before he was -” (he gets cut off). I think this shows that McKenna’s just another of his attempts to “fix” and make up for his pre-island ways. Just like with Laurel (but of course with way less messy history), he feels like if he can make this work now, it will somehow help atone for how much of a useless jerk he used to be. But of course his now-self is not nearly as well-adjusted as he’d like to believe, and he won’t be until he embraces who he really is now, rather than holding on to some ideal of the past. In short, he needs Felicity to help him discover himself. :)

Meanwhile: ROY!!!! RED HOODIE ROY! Don’t you just hate it when your soulmate steals your purse? I love Roy and Thea’s story. They way they both need each other, they way they both make each other grow. She saves him from jail, he saves her from thugs. <3

I always wanted Dig to have a love life, but I was never feeling Dig and Carly. Just kinda yeesh. Carly being Andy’s widow was just uncomfortable. I was not sorry when the broke that up and introduced Lyla, because their backstory and chemistry is just yesssssssssss.  

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity @memcjo

(and credit and thanks to @thegeriatricfangirl for the gif)

[allimariexf]

alli’s Arrow 1x09 rewatch thoughts

- Clearly the takeaway from this episode is that Oliver thinks Felicity is remarkable

- Oh hey Adam Hunt. And goodbye Adam Hunt!

- Something that has always struck me about later seasons of Arrow is how much they emphasize all the killing that Oliver did in season 1. But watching season 1, I actually find very little evidence of Oliver killing. (Granted, even one person is one person too many, but still.) In the later seasons they always make it seem like he was “dropping bodies left and right,” while during season 1, they frequently mention that Oliver only kills as a last resort. And here Dig even just said he imagines that Oliver’s on St. Nick’s “nice” list. Just a thought. I mean, season 1 Oliver is certainly lost in darkness, etc., but he’s not this complete monster that they basically characterize him as in seasons 4,  5, and 6.

- Cue the season 1 Oliver and Laurel will they/won’t they. (Spoiler alert: they won’t.)

- (Oh, and you know, Merlyn as the Dark Archer. Is there any way Arrow can ever have a better villain arc than the arc of season 1? I mean, even season 2 was not as shocking and riveting. I dunno, maybe it’s just not possible anymore. I agree with those of you who are saying you’d like to see a return to the villain-of-the-week format.)

- And...how have I never noticed that Felicity called Walter to ask about Oliver?? “Thank you Felicity, it was good of you to call, but Oliver’s going to be fine. He’s already on the mend.” SHE TOTALLY CALLED WALTER TO CHECK ON HIM!! (I guess the fact that Walter gets kidnapped immediately after is kinda a show-stealer which explains why I never really noticed before?).

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity @memcjo

[allimariexf]

alli’s Arrow 1x18 rewatch thoughts 

Aka “the one where Oliver and Felicity begin confiding their innermost thoughts and fears to one another”

Look at Felicity watching shirtless Oliver. Look at shirtless Oliver doing his pull-ups right over Felicity so she can’t help but notice him. :)

“Tonight, Felicity, we cross Mr. Nicol’s name off the list.” AND THEN HE CHECKS IN WITH HER: “You okay with that?” He is beginning to want her approval to the extent that he seeks her input on things first.

“Felicity, I need you to get me anything you can…” Again, look how he’s already begun relying on her for Arrow assistance.

Also this scene is just so casually great: “Plus…” (silence, she’s going to censor herself and he says, “What?!” (“You went over there to be all ‘grr stop being bad or I’ll arrow you and now you want to rescue him’)  “I don’t like the idea that somebody dangerous is out there.” And that look she gives him, and he gives her a look of concession in return. “Somebody else!” (She pushes, she doesn’t just accept. He’s used to being obeyed, to cowing others into compliance, and she doesn’t obey, she questions. She isn’t cowed, she bristles.) And then he has to get the upper hand again, so he glowers, “Because typically, they don’t show my level of restraint” all leaning into her and dominating. (His typical intimidation just never works on her; why is that?)

“Oliver, no offense, but do I tell you how to sharpen your arrows?” CHEEKY FELICITY 

Oliver clearly feels very helpless against this techy villain, and he’s all: “Track him, Felicity.” And he leans into her space and is like, “Come on.” He trusts her to pick up his slack, relies on her as part of his team. Already!

Is this the first time they’ve used comms?

“This wasn’t your fault.” “I’ve never seen anybody die.” “Hey. This is the thing about what we do. Sometimes we lose.”

“Maybe it is better being alone. I’m not seeing anyone currently, but if I were, I don’t know how I’d tell them about today.”

I find it highly interesting that, for their own reasons, they’ve both come to this “I should be alone” conclusion during this episode.

And the “If you ever need to tell someone about your day, you can tell me” isn’t just a nice gesture toward Felicity; it’s Oliver wanting to open up, too. He offers this as a way to help her out, but he also wants someone to talk to. He wants Felicity to talk to. 💗💗💗 It’s so beautiful I can’t even stand it!

“Are you waiting for me to finish before giving me a lecture?” Oliver has also come to accept criticism from Diggle, who calls Oliver out on “spending a lot of time under that hood last couple weeks” and mentions Oliver’s decision to “avoid entanglements,” which Oliver said is “for their protection. The people who get close to me get hurt.” (Dig mentions McKenna, Helena, Oliver continues with Laurel, Sarah). “The life that I’m leading for myself right now doesn’t leave much room for an actual life. And I don’t need one.” “That’s a pretty bleak future you plan on spending with no one.” “I’m used to isolation.” “You’ve been home 8 months, Oliver, but I don’t think you’ve left that island yet.” <-- THIS LINE THO (And here’s Oliver already making exceptions to his rules for Felicity and Dig - he doesn’t consider that letting them into his crusade means he’s letting them get close to him - but oh boy, is he.)

So Olive asks Laurel to have dinner or coffee sometime, because he doesn’t “want to be on an island anymore.” BUT. Right after this he also tells Felicity she can talk to him. See, he thinks he’s doing it for her. But really he’s doing it for himself too.

Also: ROY! This is such a good episode. So much stuff happening, even in the flashbacks. Roy bout to be saved by the vigilante. 💗

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity @memcjo

[allimariexf]

alli’s Arrow 1x14 rewatch thoughts

And now Arrow can really begin 😆

I am going to start keeping a tally of all the times Felicity saves Oliver’s ass, either by saving his life or by preventing his secret from getting out:

#1: when she takes him to the foundry and assists Dig in doing emergency surgery (and when she fixes the defibrillator) - I’ll just count those all as one thing.

#2: when she hacks the crime lab and deletes the blood sample taken from Moira’s office

I love Diggle and Felicity in this scene. “Without you we never would have found [the count].” The way Dig says, in no uncertain terms, that Felicity has been helping them in their mission all along. :D

OMG She is so tiny and Dig is so huge!

I think he really really likes having a buddy down here to deal with Oliver. Everyone needs a buffer when dealing with Oliver. (And eventually they all function as each other’s buffers.)

Also it just works way better from a storytelling perspective. Oliver and Diggle are both pretty stoic, so they don’t talk much to each other...need super-talkative Felicity so they can further character development and exposition through dialog!

It’s really amazing how much Diggle-building they manage to get in through these Felicity-Diggle conversations. It’s awesomeeeeeee. Especially because Felicity is the type of person that stoic dudes (Oliver and Diggle) trust to open up to.

“Does that mean you’re in? You’re practically an honorary member of the team already.” I love how Oliver asks Felicity to join his mission without having to invite her - like she should assume she’s welcome to join and they’d be happy to have her. Which is true.

I adore that Felicity starts taking liberties and making herself at home right away. Her standing up for herself to him was never a surprise; not when she strides into the vigilante’s lair for the first time and revamps his tech set-up without anyone telling her it’s okay. And he just gives her a look, but accepts it.

“I’ll help you rescue him, but that’s it. Then I want to go back to my boring life of being an IT girl.” AHAHA suuuuure Felicity. Sure.

Also I love how, when she says “I’ve been meaning to ask,” he braces himself for the invasive questions he’s used to getting - and I think he actually would have even answered some coming from her - but then she just asks about the bathroom, and this is the kind of acceptance of others that just defines her from the start and it’s beautiful.

This episode is all flashback and felicity-in-the-bunker. Wish there was more of the latter. :D That being said, FLASHBACK THOUGHTS UNDER THE CUT!

Season 1 flashbacks are the best:

Slade training Oliver is really intense. And the dialog is so good! They did such a good job with his character, especially considering that the whole time they’re already constructing him as the season 2 villain. 

First landmine! It’s a rite of passage to step on a landmine on Lian Yu. 

“I’ve been working on this for 2 hours.” “I know, I was watching you. Thank you for the entertainment.” xD

“It’s why I’ve gotta get home. To make this right.” PROOF RIGHT THERE. That Oliver is fixated on Laurel in season 1 because he’s trying to right wrongs (not only his father’s but his own sins from pre-and-post island).

“Everyone’s in this life for themselves.” Slade’s story, the lessons he imparts. Mention of his son Joe. All of it so relevant to Oliver’s own journey and growth. Oliver and Slade really are brothers in circumstance, and I always preferred him as an ally. They really hyped up his return in seasons 5 and 6, and I was disappointed. I hope we get some real Slade in season 7 - would like to see a continuation of their relationship. Actually, thinking on it now, Slade is kinda the direct opposite of Felicity. They both go through bitter experiences, and Slade becomes jaded while Felicity remains optimistic (mostly). And they are both important influencers on Oliver. Slade turns Oliver from observer to fighter, and Felicity teaches him to go from fighter to life-embracer.

I really appreciate how difficult they make everything for Oliver. For example, the fact that he fails in his one job to take out the dude in the air-control tower, and Slade gives him grief over it. I appreciate how much more realistic it is than if he were to just suddenly become amazing at things.

“All my life, all I ever thought about is myself. I took my family for granted, I betrayed people that I love, and I’m not going to be that person anymore.”

Oliver’s first heroic act: standing up to save Yao Fei!

And the first time Oliver inspires someone else to be better (Slade!)

And the first time he’s mockingly called a hero (Fyers), and he answers: “I’m not a hero.” :(  I think this is the moment when Oliver, having just had his moment of realization how selfish he’s always been, finally realizes just how far from being a hero he really is - and maybe the realization that he wishes he could be one (but truly doesn’t believe it’s possible).

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity @memcjo

(and credit and thank you to @and-i-believe-in-you for the gif)

[allimariexf]

alli’s Arrow 1x01 rewatch thoughts

Opening sequence: I always think about my first viewing of this show. The pilot starts out with a bang, and it’s just intriguing and action-packed and mysterious and interesting. At the time I first started watching Arrow, that’s exactly what I was looking for: something interesting and attention-grabbing, but not necessarily good quality. I wasn’t expecting excellent character development, fantastic acting, or even particularly well-plotted story. I most definitely wasn’t expecting one of the greatest ships of all time. But as I started to watch this first episode for the first time, my initial expectations changed dramatically. I realized I was going to be pleasantly surprised.

On voiceovers and context-setting: yeah, I understand why voiceovers were necessary the first few episodes, but I’m glad that they got phased out so quickly. Also, he’s totally lying in his first voiceover. Voiceovers are always strange in non-confessional shows because you always wonder: who’s he talking to? I mean I get that they’re setting up the story with the voiceovers, and it’s a solid choice, but it’s still just an awkward storytelling kinda thing. I love the “news clip” storytelling method much better. It works particularly well for this character (because he’s already a tabloid-famous billionaire who disappeared/died), and I love how, throughout the whole series, the news stories give a unique depth to the characters. Not only do we get to see them through each other’s eyes, and our own eyes, but, because they’re famous, we get to see them through the eyes of fame and infamy, which is just interesting as a fan.

Random: young Moira! She looks so great. Lost! doctor! There’s an Oliver Queen character study fanvid that is basically my favorite thing ever and I recommend you ALL WATCH IT IF YOU HAVEN’T: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YMTJZFslsU&t=0s&list=PLho1lhjzsqc78WersS7U49_QI92xL1yVi&index=2

mooooore below the cut!

Moira and Oliver: first hint that (as I always tell people) ARROW IS A SHOW ABOUT FAMILY!

Thea: Having watched all of Thea’s growth, and the fact that she’s gone now, this scene just...wahh. Kinda want to cry a little.

Laurel: there was so much Laurel in season 1. I miss her old chin. Is that rude? Lol

Sara: aww the old Sara. I wonder what made them decide to replace her with Caity Lotz.

Tommy: note to self: check later flashback episodes to see if Tommy actually did say “Yachts suck” before Oliver went on the boat. Also, the Lost reference was a very good initial indication that this show was very self aware and thoughtful. (Also, later: Lance’s “I’ll put out an APB on...Robin Hood.”) Related: this show does a great job using cultural references as a way to connect to the audience. (And of course The Flash and the other Arrowverse shows do that so well, too….)

Season 1 Oliver in a well-fitting (grey) t-shirt. Yes pls. And pullover. Mm.

Flashbacks, kidnapping scene, Laurel scene: damn, this pilot is so good. It does an excellent job setting the aesthetic, the characters, the plot, and the storytelling techniques of the whole show. (Which yeah, in many ways they kind of get away from in later seasons, but mostly it all stays consistent.)

Lance! (side note: isn’t it convenient how Lance is basically The Policeman in basically every situation? lol). I loooove this Lance scene. God Paul Blackthorne. What did we ever do to deserve you?

Raisa: now I’m wondering, at what point during the 6 years of the show did Raisa figure out that Oliver was the Arrow? I’m thinking it was well before season 6 - maybe even as early as season 1. (I mean I know we don’t see her in most of the seasons, but she’s obviously “out there” and still somewhat in touch with Oliver.)

DIGGLE!!!!!! And the first DiggleDitch!

Oliver-setting-up-the-ArrowCave montage: Somehow I always forget about this, but I’m glad it exists. It actually does a good job setting an expectation for a certain level of realism. And honestly Arrow’s “realism” (for a comic, let’s be honest) has always been majorly appealing to me. I mean I love The Flash and even LoT and stuff, but just not in the same way. Never in the same way.

I’ve always been impressed at the way Arrow can make all the characters relevant both to each other (relationships and shared history) and as individually relevant to the plot. Honestly, making that seem so effortless is one of the keys to why this show (and especially seasons 1 and 2) are sooo good.

Dialog: So snappy! Seriously this pilot is so good, and I’m so glad because every line of dialog sets a precedent for each character that honestly remains so true for each character.

Tommy’s estimate on how long it’s been since Oliver had sex: SO WRONG LOL

Oliver and Laurel: yep, no chemistry. xD The way she walks up to him real close (“You know what, Oliver…?”), clearly they were trying to show some angsty ust, but it totally falls flat.

The Vigilante’s first heist: but how DID he do that tech thing? Where did he learn THOSE skills? A.R.G.U.S.? Honestly I’m at a loss.

Oliver’s dad shooting himself in the head: but whyyy didn’t he just fill Oliver in on more before killing himself?

@jules85 @blondeeoneexox @hope-for-olicity