6.04 Arrow - Discussion Thread (Spoilers)

[Prognosticator]

LANA =deserves more Screen Time!!!!!!!!!!!

Kaboom=Opinions are less thought of by me now

 

[The Caped Knight]

The SmarkVille Rant - "Arrow"

Ollie boma-ye! Ollie boma-ye!

It's all about the Ollie.

Was it me, or was this episode very Batman 1989-ish? With the mystery surrounding Green Arrow and the reveal at the end?

Let's get down to business.

.90 Run? I'd say so.

The Good -

Oliver Queen/Green Arrow. My first thoughts initially from his debut was..."they used the same cheesy vigilante music from that episode with the stupid Huntress ripoff! Hahaha!!" Fortunately I was jumping to conclusions, as that generic Elfman theme was only heard once. I initially thought the shot of Green Arrow ascending up the Luthor Corp looked cheap. Upon second viewing, it looked much better. The debut of the Emerald Archer was handled very well, from his stealing to his one-line quips to his trick arrows.


A very famous staple in his myth, the trick arrows are just as revered as the batarangs. I was hoping to see the boxing glove arrow , but no go. Maybe next time.

They also have alluded to Ollie's origin:


To my knowledge, Ollie landed on a deserted island after being washed overboard during an ocean cruise. I never read anything about his parents, so can't say whether this is right or not. But it's another great tie-in.

I loved the pacifist/fascist comment, and I hope to hear more about Ollie's political stance since that's one of the things he's known for. He was kinda Batman-ish, though that is to be expected. Crossbow was sweet, the regular bow was borderline ridiculous and almost had me flashing back to some of the crazy utlity belt gimmicks from Batman incarnations. But, it worked. Ollie's a millionnaire, so using he'd have the money to fashion a weapon like his bow. I've got comments on the costume for later. The voice synthesizer...nice touch.

I'm also digging the Green Arrow theme, or whatever gets played when Ollie is on screen. It has a swashbuckling flair to it which suits the character. Being a fan of Robin Hood and Zorro, it pulls my heart a bit.

Lex was smooth this week, and this is two weeks where I have been happy with Lex. His paranoia for Lana is well-warranted considering his last relationship ended with a nasty betrayal.

Clark was okay this week. I have my nitpicks about some of the things with him, but that's for later. His view of right and wrong is becoming blurred (though you'd think it already was). Ollie seems to be the one who will take Clark on the next step towards heroism, having going out helping people instead of waiting for someone to come to him like he's a private eye. Clark being concerned for Lois dating someone leading a double-life...good. He's experienced the consequences of it with Lana and knows how it will end. More specifically, it sets up the future romance with Lois, as he knows that he has to be completely honest with her in order for the relationship to work. Speaking of metaphors...

Hey, Lana seemed interesting for once.

The double-life metaphor was all over the place. Clark Kent - Smallville farmboy/superpowered alien; Lois Lane - Inquisitor writer/Chief of Staff. Oliver Queen - Boy millionnaire/Robin Hood styled vigilante. Then you have Lana playing Lex and showing new sides to her character. And of course, you have to wonder if Lionel really is leading a double-life himself.

The Bad:

One thing that annoyed me was Clark's reason for entering the investigation: He doesn't want his mother to be in debt to Lionel. Didn't make any sense to me. Lionel gives Martha a necklace to wear for the ball, he loans it to her. It gets stolen. Don't see how she would be in his debt. Just seemed like a forced way for Clark to get involved. Maybe I'm thinking too much about it.


The Queen coat of arms' shot made it way too obvious that it would be important to the story, especially since they hung the camera on it too long. You knew it would get referenced later. Nothing serious.

While Lana being curious about the technology made for interesting development, especially with the intentions of protecting Lex, her blackmailing people? Don't buy it. Felt way out of character for her. I can't imagine her blackmailing anybody. It felt very awkward. And maybe I don't remember, but did she know about the technology in Lex's possession before moving in?

Clark had me rolling my eyes this week. First, why didn't he use his x-ray vision to peer through Green Arrow's disguise? Wouldn't that be his first instinct? Next, he tosses GA through some museum artifact, not only revealing his abilities but setting off the alarm. At this stage, I would think Clark has gotten smarter in publicly using his powers. Now GA knows he has abilities, and museum cameras probably caught them on video. I mean, the videos caught Clark's blur on camera in season one. And couldn't the security guard have gotten a good look at CK before fading out?

Ollie gets defensive when Clark questions Green Arrow's code of honor. Then, he reveals that all of the stuff that's been stolen has been bought off of the blackmarket. Ollie has inadvertently given away that he's Green Arrow...and Clark is only in shock over the blackmarket scams? Ha, amazing. Is Clark thickheaded or what?

Green Arrow's three fingered gloves. A nitpick, but a guy who's thief would usually cover his entire hand. Wouldn't his fingerprints be on the last thing he stole? Or if he touched anything in the area?

Other thoughts:
I also found it funny that Lionel told Clark it's not wise to advertise your vulnerabilities, then later on Clark advertises his powers to Green Arrow. Some neat foreshadowing.

Does it anger Chloe that she's stuck writing obituaries in the basement while her cousin Lois, who is just now doing journalism while Chloe's been doing it since high school, is now writing headlines? Yeah, it's a tabloid, but it's a headline. Then top it off that Lois asks her to help with research. Feel the burn!!

The costume: I thought it looked like something an action figure would wear when basing it off of the stills. Seeing it in action and movement, I think it works great. A modern take on the classic GA/Robin Hood look.




If I had to nitpick anything, it'd be the gloves and the sunglasses. See above comments about the gloves. I think he should've worn a domino mask. He's Green Arrow, not Blade. And I don't think it would've looked anymore ridiculous. How could the mask stick to his face? Spirit gum. Batman & Robin sucks, but I like how they designed Nightwing's mask. Maybe a dark green mask could've worked. With lenses that have nightvision. Those starlight lenses that are the rage with millionnaire vigilantes. Too campy? Umm, hello, trick arrows?

In his early days, Ollie didn't have a beard. So he used a fake one when he went out as Green Arrow. Wish that was incorporated here. Would've made it even better.

Clark's thinking issues and Lana blackmailing people aside, this was a very good episode, especially because of Hartley's work as Green Arrow. I'm guessing this arc will carry first part of the season, which is great but kinda sad and awkward at the same time.

****1/4 stars for this one.

Impressive review Sage I agree with all of your points In[]Bold[]

 

[The Caped Knight]

Thanks Kai

Ah Lois t: t: :heart:

 

[Serene]

We luv ya dood.

Speak for yourself, babe.
The amusement factor wore out many posts ago for me.

 

[KalKai]

First, why didn't he use his x-ray vision to peer through Green Arrow's disguise? Wouldn't that be his first instinct?

Again..

http://superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10370097&postcount=624

 

[blksuperman2]

Again..

http://superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10370097&postcount=624

Cool. How'd you do that? That little trick would really come in handy.

 

[avidreader]

Clark was okay this week. I have my nitpicks about some of the things with him, but that's for later. His view of right and wrong is becoming blurred (though you'd think it already was).

I dont understand why Clark's view on right or wrong is blurred. I always understood that Clark/Superman didnt see himself as Judge, Jury and Executioner.

Two wrongs dont make a right.

If he sees something as wrong, like Ollie stealing, he'll see to it that the crime is discovered.

If Lionel has committed a crime by stealing in the first place, then that crime will take its punishment as its discovered.

Next, he tosses GA through some museum artifact, not only revealing his abilities but setting off the alarm. At this stage, I would think Clark has gotten smarter in publicly using his powers. Now GA knows he has abilities, and museum cameras probably caught them on video. I mean, the videos caught Clark's blur on camera in season one. And couldn't the security guard have gotten a good look at CK before fading out?

I always think people take this tossing and throwing stuff way out of context. Its an action show and they are mostly just playing the gag more so than somebody trying to inflict harm or worry about being discovered.

Then, he reveals that all of the stuff that's been stolen has been bought off of the blackmarket. Ollie has inadvertently given away that he's Green Arrow...and Clark is only in shock over the blackmarket scams? Ha, amazing. Is Clark thickheaded or what?

I dont think he was shocked that he forgot all else. I think it just surprised him that "rich" people would resort to that kind of theft. Clark is and always has been a little naive when it comes to what people are actually capable of doing.

 

[Serene]

Again..

http://superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10370097&postcount=624

I beg to differ just a little bit.
Remember in Red, when Clark used his vision to look through Chloe and Lana's clothes? So, he must have some ability to control the, uh..depth of penetration.

*cough*

 

[The Sage]

Again..

http://superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10370097&postcount=624

I disagree. If he could do it the first time he used the ability, then there's no reason why he can't do it now. What is it, he's lost the ability to focus the ability like that? If you learn how to walk, do you forget how to crawl?

And don't hand me that it's called "X-ray vision", not "See-thru vision" stuff. The reason it's called x-ray vision in the first place is because he can see through things.

 

[blksuperman2]

I disagree. If he could do it the first time he used the ability, then there's no reason why he can't do it now. What is it, he's lost the ability to focus the ability like that? If you learn how to walk, do you forget how to crawl?

And don't hand me that it's called "X-ray vision", not "See-thru vision" stuff. The reason it's called x-ray vision in the first place is because he can see through things.

Well the writers see a difference. They used it because that was the status quo for Superman. They have said that they didn't like him seeing thru things. That's why you won't see it again.

 

[The Sage]

I dont understand why Clark's view on right or wrong is blurred. I always understood that Clark/Superman didnt see himself as Judge, Jury and Executioner.

Two wrongs dont make a right.

If he sees something as wrong, like Ollie stealing, he'll see to it that the crime is discovered.

If Lionel has committed a crime by stealing in the first place, then that crime will take its punishment as its discovered.

It's like Ollie said, the end justifies the means. I'm thinking Clark knows the method is wrong, but the reasons behind it were right.

I always think people take this tossing and throwing stuff way out of context. Its an action show and they are mostly just playing the gag more so than somebody trying to inflict harm or worry about being discovered.

It's a gag that's getting worn out. Especially in places like a museum. I can understand if it's outside, but very public places with possible video cameras, I can't. Plus Green Arrow provided the action by saving Lois, and Clark used his heat vision and kept himself concealed. I can understand Clark tossing guys from season one to season three. Not too much right now.

I dont think he was shocked that he forgot all else. I think it just surprised him that "rich" people would resort to that kind of theft. Clark is and always has been a little naive when it comes to what people are actually capable of doing.

Can't disagree there.

 

[The Sage]

 

[The Sage]

Well the writers see a difference. They used it because that was the status quo for Superman. They have said that they didn't like him seeing thru things. That's why you won't see it again.

That's kinda silly. If they don't want him seeing through things, then why use x-ray vision at all?

 

[KalKai]

I beg to differ just a little bit.
Remember in Red, when Clark used his vision to look through Chloe and Lana's clothes? So, he must have some ability to control the, uh..depth of penetration.

*cough*

Did WE get to see it? No.

I disagree. If he could do it the first time he used the ability, then there's no reason why he can't do it now. What is it, he's lost the ability to focus the ability like that? If you learn how to walk, do you forget how to crawl?

Maybe because they decided to keep it exclusively to X-RAY vision? I must have heard them saying it somewhere, if he could it again, we would have seen it more often, but we don't, it's been 5 years.

 

[The Sage]

Maybe because they decided to keep it exclusively to X-RAY vision? I must have heard them saying it somewhere, if he could it again, we would have seen it more often, but we don't, it's been 5 years.

But why can't Clark do it again?

 

[avidreader]

It's like Ollie said, the end justifies the means. I'm thinking Clark knows the method is wrong, but the reasons behind it were right.

But didnt Clark say I'll never think like that. Or words to that effect.

It's a gag that's getting worn out. Especially in places like a museum. I can understand if it's outside, but very public places with possible video cameras, I can't. Plus Green Arrow provided the action by saving Lois, and Clark used his heat vision and kept himself concealed. I can understand Clark tossing guys from season one to season three. Not too much right now.

Well its a stunt that the show uses and always has and probably always will.

And in any case I thought they were in the guy's home. Not everyone desires to have security cameras to peep on their girlfriends getting undressed.

 

[Serene]

Did WE get to see it? No.

Only in fanart.

Of course they wouldn't show us that, but they clearly showed that Clark was able to see beneath peoples clothing if he chose to do so.

 

[blksuperman2]

Did WE get to see it? No.



Maybe because they decided to keep it exclusively to X-RAY vision? I must have heard them saying it somewhere, if he could it again, we would have seen it more often, but we don't, it's been 5 years.

I can't remember where I heard them say that either. I believe it was on either the Season 2 or 3 featurettes. I'll have to pop em in real quick.

 

[The Sage]

But didnt Clark say I'll never think like that. Or words to that effect.





Well its a stunt that the show uses and always has and probably always will.

And in any case I thought they were in the guy's home. Not everyone desires to have security cameras to peep on their girlfriends getting undressed.

LOL!!!!

 

[KalKai]

I can't remember where I heard them say that either. I believe it was on either the Season 2 or 3 featurettes. I'll have to pop em in real quick.

I think it was in 1 of the documentaries, The Science of Superman or Look Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman.

 

[blksuperman2]

I think it was in 1 of the documentaries, The Science of Superman or Look Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman.

I found it. Season 2. Disc 6. Faster Than a Speeding Bullet: The Visual FX of Smallville:

 

[KalKai]

I got that, let me see, lol.

That's it.

 

[Kaboom]

Kaboom=Opinions are less thought of by me now

kaboom could not care less who thinks what of his opinions.

Vive la resistance!

 

[The Spawn]

He lacked skill in the sense that the comic book version would have made all those shots sans the eye-tech this guy wore in the show.

 

[The Spawn]

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