Arrow Arrow Season 3 Episode 13 "Canaries" discussion thread

[az824]

My favorite episode of the season so far! We had some solid acting like others have mention. I really enjoyed the Laurel scenes and I'm glad she's becoming a fully fleshed out character. We're really seeing this journey of her becoming her own hero. And my favorite part is that Felicity has been a part of that. It's nice to see female characters supporting each other and being strong together. It's a great set up for birds of prey

Also glad Thea was so positive about the whole Arrow thing. Although, I'm not completely buying the whole Malcom hate thing, even though it's more than well deserved

 

[Rowsdower!]

Much, much better episode than last week. I really liked how Thea was supportive of Oliver right off the bat. I mean, she really should be, considering that she trusted Malcolm pretty much right away. Also, good to see DJ Evil Hansen Brother die. That guy was annoying.

 

[Seb]

This episode feels like the writers realised all the things they did wrong and just decided to pretend that they never happened. Thea completely trusted Merlyn? Nah, she was pretty close to leaving, just needed a final push. Thea reacts badly to justifiable lies? Nah, she's a pretty reasonable person. Laurel will never tell her father anything because he will definitely die? Nah, he'll just be sad like a for reals human.

There was probably some more, but I'd be Okay with them just pretending they were doing it right all along and try to at least give us a good final third of the season. If this episode is a good barometer, at least I won't want to throw things through the screen anymore and I might even cheer every now and again. Liked this a lot, and not much irritated me (first time in a while).

 

[Binarb]

I thought the episode was weak. The writers really need to keep track of things their characters have said otherwise they'll end up with this inconsistent mess. Roy went from thinking Malcolm's bad news for Thea to Malcolm really cares for Thea back to distrusting Malcolm all within three episodes. And I guess Thea hates Malcolm now.

Laughing at how Oliver made that grand speech to the citizens of Starling last week about not leaving the city again only to peace out again a week later.

This episode really made me miss Sara and Caity Lotz.

Also not liking the fact that trained soldier Diggle is being left in the lair. What's with Oliver deciding to take Laurel who was pretty much beaten to a pulp just earlier rather Diggle? It doesn't make sense.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Loved this ep, the Ollie and Thea scenes were really good and I am glad she is finally in on things and her reaction to the fact her brother is a hero was positive.

I also liked the rounding out of Laurel's arc, facing her fears and telling her Dad what has really happened with Sara and being accepted onto the team.

Then there was the fact Ollie now realizes how much bigger the mission is and that it's not just his anymore, I felt that was great for the team dynamic and I always like it when Digg gets all wise on Ollie.

 

[Arrowshieldfan]

This episode feels like the writers realised all the things they did wrong and just decided to pretend that they never happened. Thea completely trusted Merlyn? Nah, she was pretty close to leaving, just needed a final push. Thea reacts badly to justifiable lies? Nah, she's a pretty reasonable person. Laurel will never tell her father anything because he will definitely die? Nah, he'll just be sad like a for reals human.

There was probably some more, but I'd be Okay with them just pretending they were doing it right all along and try to at least give us a good final third of the season. If this episode is a good barometer, at least I won't want to throw things through the screen anymore and I might even cheer every now and again. Liked this a lot, and not much irritated me (first time in a while).

they probably want to wrapped up some storyline because of the bigger threat that is going on

 

[Hunter Rider]

This episode feels like the writers realised all the things they did wrong and just decided to pretend that they never happened. Thea completely trusted Merlyn? Nah, she was pretty close to leaving, just needed a final push. Thea reacts badly to justifiable lies? Nah, she's a pretty reasonable person. Laurel will never tell her father anything because he will definitely die? Nah, he'll just be sad like a for reals human.

There was probably some more, but I'd be Okay with them just pretending they were doing it right all along and try to at least give us a good final third of the season. If this episode is a good barometer, at least I won't want to throw things through the screen anymore and I might even cheer every now and again. Liked this a lot, and not much irritated me (first time in a while).

I agree, it was like they realized the errors they made with Roy and Thea's characterization completely and simply reset it, and they just got Laurel telling her dad the real deal out of the way as they finally realized him not knowing served zero purpose, maybe he can get more involved now.

It's not great that they had to do this but it's better than continuing to head down the wrong path.

 

[fire117]

Loved this ep, the Ollie and Thea scenes were really good and I am glad she is finally in on things and her reaction to the fact her brother is a hero was positive.

I also liked the rounding out of Laurel's arc, facing her fears and telling her Dad what has really happened with Sara and being accepted onto the team.

Then there was the fact Ollie now realizes how much bigger the mission is and that it's not just his anymore, I felt that was great for the team dynamic and I always like it when Digg gets all wise on Ollie.

Agreed.

 

[JJmelo]

I agree, it was like they realized the errors they made with Roy and Thea's characterization completely and simply reset it, and they just got Laurel telling her dad the real deal out of the way as they finally realized him not knowing served zero purpose, maybe he can get more involved now.

It's not great that they had to do this but it's better than continuing to head down the wrong path.

I brought up a lot of the same points in my review of last weeks episode. 'Arrow' has fallen behind 'Flash' because it tries to add drama where there doesn't need to be. Laurel has been a perpetual liar for the last 2 seasons for no apparent reason, all she ever got out of it was a drinking problem and grief.

Thea trusting Merlyn wasn't the worst thing in the world. After spending so much time with him its understandable that she would take a liking to him. I think it is stranger that she turned on him so quickly. Had it been a slower burn I could have accepted it as it came but it was a bit hard to swallow all at once. Not a huge deal but just a little odd.

I also really liked the way they kept the growth of Team Arrow from Ollie's absence. Had they returned to the way things were his "death" would have been purposeless. At least this way we get a new dynamic and better characters, especially Roy.

Here is my full review of the episode
http://otlnews.net/2015/02/12/arrow-review-s3-ep-13-canaries/

 

[ardee]

It was eh.

Action was almost non-existent. I don't like that we're going from arrow duels over the roofs of Starling and psychotic drugged out Hulks (Grundy) to Brick and Vertigo throwing syringes at people (how does that even work btw? It's impossible to throw a syringe hard enough to cause the plunger to come down).

The Felicity/Laurel scene was cool. I like they're becoming friends. God knows the female characters should actually interact with each other.

I'm pumped for next episode. It looks like we'll be seeing Slade again. Can't wait.

 

[BattleCat]

Damn, Roy should think about early retirement. He's always catching a beat down.

 

[Bathead]

Shout out to Dagget oh yeah.

I thought that was interesting because it was in BTAS that Dagget and his Renu-You (sp?) cosmetic cream turned Matt Hagen into Clayface.

 

[Tv's Phil]

As I assumed, when things change for a character or characters, some viewers would claim it was some kind of apology by the writers as opposed to being plotted out before production. But whatever. That's not anything we can really know unless we're told. I'm personally not going to assume it's all reactionary.

Good episode. Much better paced with more of the kind of character progress we get to see on The Flash like Thea's reaction being positive, Oliver and Diggle's talk leading to Oliver understanding that it's not just about him anymore and not trying to strong arm his support.
That's where I don't want this Oliver to be like Batman in that he should be more open to the independence of his allies. That doesn't mean he has to stop worrying or ever get to oppose their decisions, but he shouldn't be a fascist.

Look like we may possibly get more Team Arrow minus Oliver next episode. Depending on whether it's entirely focused on him and Thea or not. Either way, looks interesting.

 

[Human Torch]

This episode feels like the writers realised all the things they did wrong and just decided to pretend that they never happened. Thea completely trusted Merlyn? Nah, she was pretty close to leaving, just needed a final push. Thea reacts badly to justifiable lies? Nah, she's a pretty reasonable person. Laurel will never tell her father anything because he will definitely die? Nah, he'll just be sad like a for reals human.

There was probably some more, but I'd be Okay with them just pretending they were doing it right all along and try to at least give us a good final third of the season. If this episode is a good barometer, at least I won't want to throw things through the screen anymore and I might even cheer every now and again. Liked this a lot, and not much irritated me (first time in a while).

Well said,Seb.

 

[Herolee10]

lol; that's the funny thing though. Unless the writers realized that they had messed up as soon as they finalized the drafts for the previous episode, then there's no way that they would have been able to change the contents of this episode as a result of some fans not being happy with what the final product of last week's episode.

 

[chamber-music]

Hipster DJ hit it and quit it.

Count Vertigo is still meh. Would it kill the writers to have Werner steal a Vertigo device like Captain Cold/Heatwave are doing on Arrow and play up the deposed European aristocrat angle. It would be more interesting than just another two bit drug dealer.

Roy being his own man was cool.

All the secrets are finally out in the open except for Malcolm drugging Thea.

Quentin worked out who Ollie, Roy and Canary is. Glad he finally knows Sara kicked the bucket although I imagine he will want details.

Paul's performance great.

 

[taigawithapen]

Hipster DJ hit it and quit it.

Count Vertigo is still meh. Would it kill the writers to have Werner steal a Vertigo device like Captain Cold/Heatwave are doing on Arrow and play up the deposed European aristocrat angle. It would be more interesting than just another two bit drug dealer.

Roy being his own man was cool.

All the secrets are finally out in the open except for Malcolm drugging Thea.

Quentin worked out who Ollie, Roy and Canary is. Glad he finally knows Sara kicked the bucket although I imagine he will want details.

Paul's performance great.

Fantastic episode. Probably the best of the season so far except for this one part that confuses me. Ollie knows that Thea killed Sara doesnt he? Why didnt this come up when he was in the same room with Thea and Malcolm?? Are they saving this for the season finale or something?

 

[StarLord]

RIP DJ Nanda Parbeatz.

Good episode though.

 

[kane9321]

Godamn..laurel...just die and get off my screen

i'M SICK OF MERLYN just walking into the arrow cave...GET NEW LOCKS

 

[ZIPBAGS]

Time for Roy to join the new Titans tv show.

 

[Mister J]

A number of steps forward tonight; most of which have been recounted. Thea embracing Ollie's secret was a welcomed break from the usual reaction in that situation. The flip-flop on Malcolm was overdue. I'm not too crazy about this excursion back to the island, but I'd there's Slade, I can deal.

DJ *****ebag's lone contribution to the show will be the correct pronunciation of Ra's. Glad he's gone.

 

[Hunter Rider]

GamerSlyRatchet wins the thread with "RIP DJ Nanda Parbeatz."

Thea trusting Merlyn wasn't the worst thing in the world. After spending so much time with him its understandable that she would take a liking to him. I think it is stranger that she turned on him so quickly. Had it been a slower burn I could have accepted it as it came but it was a bit hard to swallow all at once. Not a huge deal but just a little odd.http://otlnews.net/2015/02/12/arrow-review-s3-ep-13-canaries/

I think the issue was in how far they took her relationship with him. To have it be that she was relying on him to make her stronger and maybe seeing some glimmer of good left in him was one thing, but she was acting like she'd forgotten everything he'd done, including the death of 500 people, so I think the harsh course correct was needed.

 

[kvz5]

I'm so glad that the truth tea was spilled all over everyone in this episode!

I think my favorite part was Roy giving Oliver some (much deserved) attitude.

 

[chamber-music]

Fantastic episode. Probably the best of the season so far except for this one part that confuses me. Ollie knows that Thea killed Sara doesnt he? Why didnt this come up when he was in the same room with Thea and Malcolm?? Are they saving this for the season finale or something?

I wouldn't be surprised if Oliver had some long game plan to use Malcolm to defeat Ras and then knock him out so that he can imprison him on the island.

I think either that will happen of Malcolm may finally sacrifice himself to save Thea.

The league DJ's line about the one place Malcolm won't follow (dying) seems like foreshadowing

 

[marvelrobbins]

Felicity came off as way too *****y for me.

They act like they went through more than Oliver

Ra's isn't going to be easy to beat.Although i hate the reasons he's big bad of season.Being upset over malcolm and sara's death

The so called team acts like they don't need Oliver and know more than him.

I am sorry but i will never like laurel no matter what BS they try springing
to try to make her appear better than Sara.Seeing hallunications of sara last night just prove that.

The flashbacks just aren't very intresting with Oliver as waller's threatened puppet.Flashbacks in seasons 1 and 2 were better.