Confession: Arrow 5x17 Review (Kapiushon)
Episodes like āKapiushonā are the reason I love Arrow. Ā Taunt, dramatic and emotional storytelling that is driving towards some larger truth. Ā We kid about Oliverās manpain sometimes. Sometimes out of frustration for the things he does. Sometimes for Arrowās laser focus on the central character, occasionally at the cost of a supporting characterās story. But Oliver Queen is the center of this story for a reason. Ā
Man or a Monster by Sam Tinnesz and Zayde Wolf
When you close your eyes, what do you see?
Do you hold the light, or is darkness underneath?
In your hands, thereās a touch that can heal
But in those same hands, is the power to kill
Are you a man, or a monster?
Are you a man, or a monster?
Are you a man, or a monster?
When you look at yourself, are you a man
Itās so hard to tell which side youāre on
One day is Hell, the next day is the dawn
The lines are blurred, you keep rubbing your eyes
The tables turn, now itās time to survive
Are you a man, or a monster?
Are you a man, or a monster?
Are you a man, or a monster?
When you look at yourself, are you a man
You canāt take back the damage youāve done
Oh, you can hide, but you canāt run
No, you canāt take back the damage youāve done
Afraid of what you might become
Arrow is driving towards bigger questions with this character. Ā Who is Oliver Queen? Is he a hero? Is he a man at all? Or is he something much worse? This deep examination should force us to reflect on our own humanity, compassion and moral compass. Itās a lofty goal for a television show thatās ājust on the CWā or ājust a comic book showā but these are questions most shows are too afraid to ask. Arrow isnāt about Oliverās manpain. Itās about his trauma. Real, excruciatingly painful, trauma and Oliver has to deal with it or heāll never truly be free.Ā
Arrow is pushing Oliver, and us, towards these questions because they require answers. Since Oliver is the only one who can provide those answers,Ā Arrow forced him to face the darkness tonight. So he can find his way to the light. Real, lasting, life sustaining, light. This show was never just about a man becoming a hero. This show is about saving a manās soul⦠but first we have to start with confession.