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An entire room of people who are happy to see Oliver alive and he turns his back on all of them when he hears his baby sisters door open.
He's surrounded by Rasia, Walter and Moira and they're all so happy to see him alive and well. Then he hears a door open upstairs and he walks away from all of them and he's got this smile on his face and he knows. He knows who he'll see come down those steps.
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Letās not forget the period when Gibbs met Hollis.
At the end of season 3, Gibbs was injured in a ship explosion, he had amnesia, forgot 15 years of his life, and believed that Shannon and Kelly had been killed just two weeks ago (if Iām not mistaken about the exact numbers, but Iām very close to the truth). Then Gibbs resigned and went away for three months to the Mexican wilderness with Mike Franks, where he drank beer and built a boat on the beach.
For Gibbs, when he met Hollis, only a few months had passed since he had re-lived the trauma of losing his family.
So, the trauma was still fresh for him ā and yet it didnāt stop him from moving forward with Hollis.
No Choice to Make: Arrow 2x07 Review (State v. Queen)
Is there anything better than Oliver saving Felicity? The correct answer is no.Ā Of course, my feminist side is screaming Felicity can take care of herself (and does in most circumstances), but my inner Gloria Steinem needs to zip it.Ā I want romance novel heroism and āState v. Queenā delivers on a swoon worthy level.
Letās dig inā¦
Olicity
This is easily my favorite Oliver protecting Felicity moment because there are so many nuances in their two primary scenes. However, to understand those nuances we have to review a little background information.
The Count escaped from Iron Heights during the earthquake (and released the Dollmaker while he was at it). I love this explanation for returning villains because it makes total sense. Logic in Arrow is rare jewel ā treasure the moment.
Moira's trial is under way, but Diggle is not feeling well. Oliver sends John home, but he collapses in the bunker.
Oliver: I heard you passed out.
Diggle: I told Felicity not to call you.
Felicity: Yeah, but before that you said āgawā and āthudā so I didnāt take it very seriously.
Felicity has John's blood tested and there are trace amounts of Vertigo in his system. They try Oliverās antidote, but it doesnāt work. Adam Donner, the lawyer prosecuting Moira, also collapses in court due to Vertigo poisoning. The Count kidnaps him and forces him to take the drug to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Itās broadcasted live, so everyone affected knows the only cure is Vertigo.
I feel I would make a pretty good drug lord after watching Breaking Bad, Power and Queen of the South. The key to success is return customers, so this is not a half bad plan. You have to admire the Countās industriousness. Ghost and Walter White would definitely approve.
Oliver hoods up after Felicity tracks Adam Donnerās location through the city seal of the Starling Municipal Records Department, which is reflected in Donnerās eye. Ok, so science is not sciencing in this episode. Felicity is immediately concerned about Oliver.
Felicity: I know what you're thinking.
Oliver: No you don't. I made a choice not put an arrow in this guy and it was the right choice. Thereās no more killing.
Felicity was concerned Oliver would regret allowing The Count to live, but itās just the opposite. Heās doubling down on his vow to Tommy. Oliver is not a conflicted man. He knows he made the right call. That's called growth, my friends.
Felicityās little assertive nod means she backs Oliverās decision one hundred percent. In fact, Iām sure she had a whole speech prepared for why not killing The Count was the right thing to do. Itās not just Oliver who believes there is a better way ā Felicity and Diggle believe it too. This is as much their mission as it is Oliverās. They also made a vow to Tommy to do better.
Unfortunately, The Count has caught wind that The Arrowās aim is not lethal these days. The Count holds his arms wide open ā an easy shot ā and taunts Oliver to kill him, while Donner is held hostage by a henchman. Itās always a bit of a pickle to determine how Oliver is going to get himself out of these situations without killing. Iām all in favor of the vow he made, but killing does have some practical applications.
Of course, Oliver always finds another way. He fires on some flammable canisters, which creates a fire in a drug factory ā clearly against OSHA regulations. Oliver spins and throws a flechette into the henchmanās arm, so he drops Donner and they make their escape.
THIS SCENE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. REMEMBER WHAT OLIVER DID.
Felicity and Diggle determine the common denominator between all those poisoned with Vertigo is a flu vaccine, but they need to be sure. Oliver is busy with his motherās trial at the courthouse and Diggle can barely walk. Felicity decides recon is on her tonight and seeks out the vaccine distribution van.Ā Low and behold, there is an entire shelf of Vertigo in the van, but The Count catches Felicity as she snoops.
Oliver and Thea are waiting for their motherās verdict, which could be coming at any moment, when he receives a call from Felicity. But itās not Felicity. Itās The Count.
The Count: Oliver? Is it okay if I call you Oliver? Surprised to hear from me, right? Not as surprised as I was. You see, I find thisā¦ not unattractive blonde getting all up in my business. And what does she have on her?
Source: Ā laurelscanaryĀ
Oliver can hear Felicity crying on the other line and closes his eyes in absolute horror when he realizes sheās being held hostage.
The Count: A Queen Consolidated ID badge. Now, I think to myself, why does that name ring a bell? Oliver Queen. He tried to buy off me last year just before the hood put me in a padded cell. Ipso facto, ARROW.
Source: Ā laurelscanaryĀ
Oliver doesnāt bother to contain his rage and without a second thought leaves the courthouse. Thea calls after him, reminding him that the jury will have a verdict anytime. All Oliver can tell her is that something came up at the office, but he cannot hide shakiness in his voice.Ā Oliver is afraid.
Oliver arrives at Queen Consolidated, suit on but hood down. For practical purposes, he doesnāt need to conceal his identity from The Count because he already figured it out ā something so many other characters have failed to do with much more information than he had.
But from a symbolical perspective, the hood down is crucially important. Oliver is not here as The Arrow. He is here as Oliver Queen. This is personal to him. So much of this series is about Oliver struggling to reconcile his two halves ā the hood and the man, but Felicity is one of the few people who truly knows both sides. He doesnāt have to hide with her.
Oliver approaches very slowly. He recognizes The Count has the upper hand and he cannot afford any mistakes. Felicity is zip tied to a chair and The Count holds a gun on her while he strokes her ponytail. That action alone sends the creep factor sky high.
Source: @yet-i-remain-quiet
There is a sexual element to Felicityās kidnapping. The Count referenced her attractiveness on the phone with Oliver. Now heās stroking her ponytail. Oliver asks The Count what he wants and he responds, āWorld peace and personal satisfaction. Though not necessarily in that order.ā He massages Felicityās shoulders at āpersonal satisfactionā in the grossest way possible.
Source: @yet-i-remain-quiet
Itās a thinly veiled threat of sexual assault, which does not go unnoticed by Oliver.Ā There are few things worse than rape and it serves to amplify Felicityās terror and Oliverās powerlessness and rage. If the writers intended to keep Oliver and Felicity strictly platonic they would not introduce this terribly disturbing aspect into the scene.
The Count monologues for a bit longer and tells Oliver someone else hates him almost as much. This mysterious benefactor funded the Vertigo operation, so The Count could draw The Arrow out and kill him. (Spoiler alert: it was Blood).
The Count gets the drop on Oliver and fires off a couple rounds. It forces Oliver to run and dive behind a couch. It always surprised me The Count was able to get the upper hand in this moment, which points to Oliverās fear for Felicity more than anything. Heās not thinking strategically when itās her life in danger. He canāt.
The Count cuts the zip ties and grabs Felicity by the ponytail. He drags her to the spot where Oliver was hiding, ready to finish him off, but this time Oliver gets the drop on him. He points an arrow squarely at The Countās chest, but he is using Felicity as a shield. The Count holds two syringes of Vertigo (a lethal dose) to Felicityās neck. Itās important to remember Oliverās antidote for Vertigo did not work on Diggle.
Source: @yet-i-remain-quiet
Donāt ever say to me Felicity Smoak is not a hero. She was willing to die to keep Oliverās vow to Tommy. Felicity was ready to trade her life for Oliverās soul. She believes in Oliver, and their mission, that much. What's madness is thinking Oliver would put the vow before her life.
The Count orders Oliver to lower his bow, which he does and tosses the arrow to the floor. Then we see him do something Oliver never does ā he tries to negotiate.
Again, Oliver doesnāt bother to hide the fear in his voice which makes the negotiating sound a lot like begging.
The Count: Consider this your penalty for making me go to plan B in the first place.
The Count raises the syringes to Felicityās neck and Oliver manages to pull not one, but three arrows in rapid succession - killing The Count.Ā
The look on Oliverās face when he fires the arrows, tell me two things.Ā First, this kill is emotional. When Oliver shoots to kill he typically only needs one arrow. The Arrow never misses. Three arrows is excessive.Ā It is literally overkill which means one thing ā pure rage.Ā Ā
Second, the act is instinctual.Ā The rapid succession in which he fires the arrows shows there is something programmed deep in Oliverās bones to protect Felicity. Her life was threatened and his body simply reacted.
Felicity drops to the floor and The Count crashes through the window. Oliver closes his eyes and exhales like heās been holding his breath the entire time. I think it is part relief and part regret. He doesnāt regret killing that bastard, but regrets he couldnāt find another way this time. Ā Ā
Or was there? Upon this rewatch I noticed a couple things. First, Laurel was held hostage by the Dollmaker and Oliver did not kill him. (Sara did the honors that time). But consider the scene with Donner. Oliver threw a flechette into the henchmanās hand to free Donner. The henchman let go of Donner as a reflex to the pain. Could Oliver attempt the same with Felicity? Would a flechette in The Countās arm free her as well?
The point is weāll never know. Oliver made a calculated risk at the municipal when he fired on the flammable liquid and injured, but didnāt kill, The Countās henchman. Oliver was willing to take the risk when Donner and Laurel were involved, but not Felicity.
Iāve been watching a lot of Bridgerton, so the next scene screams romance novel to me.
Source: AARONSWARNER
Oliver makes his way to Felicity who remains crouched on the floor and crying.Ā He gets down on one knee and tenderly touches her shoulder.
Source: AARONSWARNER
Felicity immediately flinches in fear at his touch, so Oliver in a voice so soft itās almost a whisper, gently reassures her. She finally looks up and sees Oliver staring back at her with concern and love. She exhales with relief.
Source: AARONSWARNER
The shock wears off quickly once she hears Oliverās voice and feels his hand on her shoulder. Oliverās first thought is for Felicity, but her first thought is for him. SHIP COUPLES WHO WORRY ABOUT EACH OTHER FOR CLEAR SKIN.
Source: AARONSWARNER
Oliver moves his uninjured arm from Felicityās shoulder and cups her face. The man has an actual bullet in his shoulder, but can feel no pain because Felicity Smoak is alive and safe. She is all that matters to him.
Source: AARONSWARNER
These physical moments are no small thing. Oliver keeps an extremely rigged line with Felicity that he rarely crosses. Shoulder touches are the maximum physical contact he allows and even those are on rare occasion. But she almost died tonight, so Oliver allows himself to take it one step further and touches Felicityās face.Ā Oliverās whispered reassurances in his reserved-for-Felicity-only voice unveil the real intimacy between them. He comforts her. Not in the way Oliver would like, but in the way he can allow. The line is still there, but itās blurred at the moment.
There is no moment which better encapsulates the two sides of Oliver Queen than this scene. One moment he is a rage filled killer and the next he is a soft spoken, loving and tender man. It is not an accident the two sides merge into one for her. Darkness and light working in perfect cohesion to be the hero Felicity Smoak needed.
Source: @laurelscanary
Oliver makes his way back to the courthouse. He is so visibly shaken that Thea asks Oliver if heās okay. She touches his injured shoulder and Oliver flinches, but itās not the bullet thatās bothering him. He came too close to losing Felicity. Way too close.
Source: @laurelscanary
Sadly, this somewhat reinforces what Oliver said to Felicity in 2x06. There is a direct correlation between proximity to Oliver and danger, so he thinks itās better to remain emotionally unattached. In his mind, keeping Felicity at armās length means keeping her safe.
But thereās what Oliver says and what he feels. He can refuse to acknowledge or act upon his feelings for Felicity, but that does not eradicate them. If Oliver is truly worried about proximity then why does he allow Felicity to be part of the team? Two reasons, Oliver needs Felicity and firmly believes they can protect her. But this was a frightening close call and Oliverās fear is stemming from a more than friendly place. Felicity Smoak has become too important to him and it is scaring the crap out of him.
Source: FERRISBUELLER
Oliver returns to the bunker after his motherās verdict to check on Diggle and Felicity. The way he looks Felicity up and down yāall isā¦ a lot. Queen Consolidated is formulating a non addictive antidote for the people with Vertigo poisoning. Moira is not guilty. Allās well that ends well, so Oliver tells Diggle and Felicity to go home and rest.
But Felicity needs to get something off her chest.
Felicity: Oliver, I uhā¦
The way this man spins at the sound of her voice like he's a golden retriever who saw a squirrel. He is so gone for this woman.
Felicity: I just wanted to say thank you.
Oliver: (nods) Yeah.
Source: laurelscanary
He truly cannot fathom what she is apologizing for and steps much closer than necessary.
Source: laurelscanary
It seems Felicity has inherited a little bit of Oliverās guilt complex. YOU WERE KIDNAPPED MY PRECIOUS CUPCAKE!!!
Source: laurelscanary
HE. TAKES. HER. HAND. We had a shoulder touch, tender face caressing and now holding hands. At this point, this equivalent to first base for these two. MY BRAIN SHORT CIRCUITED.
Source: laurelscanary
Earlier in the episode, Oliver and Felicity discussed not killing The Count previously and how it was the right decision. Oliverās certainty in the rightness of the decision solidifies his commitment to his vow to Tommy. It is not something Oliver is questioning or wavering on.Ā
But Oliver is not qualifying what happened to Felicity in those terms. This is not about right or wrong. In fact, it wasnāt a decision at all. Oliver was not calculating the risks. Oliver was not thinking about a vow, or honoring his best friend, or the mission. His only thought was Felicity and her safety. Oliver simply reacted. All he could see was Felicity. All he could feel was the unbridled rage that came from anyone threatening her life.Ā It is programmed deep into Oliverās bones to protect Felicity. There is no rational thought when it comes to her.
Nor does he care if it was right or wrong now. Oliver is not Monday morning quarterbacking the situation. Someone raised a hand to her, so that person is dead. End of discussion.
There is a war happening between Oliverās mind and his heart. Oliver was clearly thinking with his head when he told Felicity in 2x06 that he will not allow himself to love her. But this episode was a completely different story. Sometimes life and death circumstances bring a much needed moment of clarity. Oliver may believe he has a choice whether or not he loves Felicity, but his actions show his heart knows different. There is no choice to make.
Moira Queen
The trial is not going well, so Moira is forced to testify. Laurel is lead prosecutor now that Donner is infected with Vertigo.Ā "Conflict of Interest" is flashing in a neon sign. On any planet in the solar system, Laurel would recuse herself. THE INSANITY GIVES ME A MIGRAINE.
Laurel also decides sheād like to get disbarred and visits Moira in prison because they are āfamily." Yack. Give me a break. She doesnāt want Moira to take the stand because Laurel will have to prosecute her to the best of her ability and use their smoking gun. Sure, because now she cares about legal procedure.
So, Moira comes clean to Oliver and Thea and tells them she had a one night stand with Malcolm Merlyn while married to their father.Ā The kids are shocked to say the least. Oliver has a solid case of the yicks. Thea is more than a little angry since she accused her mother of having an affair with Merlyn last year. Moira assures Thea it was not an affair, so technically she didnāt lie. Moira should teach Professional Gaslighting 101.
Inexplicably, Moira is found not guilty. (In my notes: Hahaha suck it Laurel)
Even Oliver is wondering what the fuck just happened. Upon release from prison, Moira is driven to a secret location to meet up with none other than MALCOLM MERLYN. His explanation for being alive is basically, āIām a super awesome actor and faked it.ā Oliver ā did you check his pulse? What happened to the body? Did we miss a step Team Arrow? CLEARLY WE DID.
Merlyn bought the jury and Moiraās freedom (Ummm thanks I guess?) so he can deliver the second bomb. He ran a DNA test and knows heās Theaās father. PLOT TWIST! Honestly, this makes a lot of sense. I wasn't that surprised. Thea looks more like Tommy than she does Oliver.
Wait, this means Thea kissed her brother. Are we just going to Star Wars this and never talk about it again? Works for me.
Stray Thoughts
Oh shut up Laurel. Quit your bitching - me every time she opens her mouth lately.
Ivo is looking for the hosen because it contains coordinates to a sub that sunk in WWII. Whatever is on the sub can save the world. Shado and Oliver hope it can save Slade, so Team Island is going on a submarine field trip!
Slade has burns on half his body and yet he can still move. The man is not human.
"I have this thing about needles, all pointy things, which is ironic given who we work for.ā I just love her so much.
David Ramsey is so enormous he doesnāt fit on the table. The mind cannot conceive of all that muscle.
Ā āMom secrets are what put you into this situation. Secrets and lies. And now is the time to give truth its day.ā Oh the irony, Oliver.
Donner took drugs on live television. Re-election is going to be a real bitch for the DA.
I like the Theaās boxing moment with Roy. Nice foreshadowing. Girl is going to have a lot of rage to work through.
Laurel did make a good point about Walter and Merlyn. See? I can be positive about her.
OLIVER. STOP. ASKING. LAUREL. IF. SHE. IS. OK. Her whole āhow can you possibly forgive meā speech was also nauseating and not believable. I like her better drunk.
āIām pretty sure they arenāt interested in Buddhism.ā Slade is burned over half his body but he jokes.
30-30-175-12 Iām sure that has something to do with the comics but I donāt care.
Some guy named Cyrus survived Bloodās Frankenstein experiment. So thatās not good.
Listen to theĀ Watchover podcastĀ reaction to 2x07!!!
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Disclaimer: Any gifs on the blog are not mine. If you would like a gif removed from my reviews, please message me!
In the final moments for both Arrow and Flash's Pilot episodes we get shocking reveals taht path the way for way bigger revelations later in the shows. Which one made you had you most surprised, Moira being the one to arrange for Olivers kidnapping/interrogation or Harrison Wells standing in the time vault?
