Verdant Arrow

What I really love about this is that it’s not a subplot. Oliver and Felicity’s relationship is just a fact, shown in small things like the way they look at each other when they’re trying to figure something out, the way Oliver puts his hand on her shoulder as he leans over to look at her computer, the way they sit on the couch and talk about the day’s events. It’s a hundred throwaway things, like Felicity on the new PA system saying, “This is your overlord, Felicity Smoak,” and Oliver saying mildly, “I’m going to regret putting that in.” It’s a huge relief to have all that angst over with and the romance contract clear, it’s a lot of fun to have that relationship playing in the background, and it’s a clear refutation of the idea that committed relationships are death to storytelling. Plus the stability of the relationship adds a lot to Oliver’s stability and maturity as a character. He’s not brooding any more because he’s happy. THIS is the way relationships on series should be done. I have to admit I had grave doubts about how Oliver was going to handle Ray coming back into Felicity’s life, but the writers nailed it, using the conflict to reinforce the strength of the relationship and Oliver’s maturity. This may be the best relationship on television, at least until Quentin and Donna hook up.

I know I always say this but…. “home” is my favorite theme in romance.  Whether its one or both people having no place they fit, being “lost” or thinking they can never have a home because of past actions…. watching those people find where they belong, find the person they belong with… seeing them be bold and brave enough to risk their heart, that hurt, open themselves up to trusting someone, facing rejection, being willing to step off that cliff….  it’s always a poignant story that always grabs my heart and just puts it through the grinder. 

Oliver is ALLLLLL the suits next week.