While there were definite moments of levity and fun, “The Brave and the Bold” managed to be a heavy, dramatic episode as well. “Flash Vs. Arrow” filled the need for an obligatory fight scene between the two heroes, and tonight was all about the psychological and moral differences in their methods. As I mentioned before, Barry is a bit disgusted by Oliver’s torture tactics, and Oliver believes he’s lost a bit of his humanity over the years.
One of my biggest problems with Arrow‘s third season has been the complete lack of attention payed to Oliver’s life outside of the Arrow Cave, and I’m thankful that this episode addressed that. Oliver has devoted his entire life to becoming Arrow, and feels his true identity slipping from him. Luckily for him, Barry’s appearance brought a little bit of light into his dark world, and gave him the hope he needs to keep going and relax every once in a while.
Oliver opens each episode with a reminder that he’s had to become “something else” to become the Arrow, and this was just a reminder that he still has a way to go, and some transformations to endure, before becoming the Green Arrow we know and love from the comics; he isn’t quite so Batman-like, and is more of a fun, socialist, outspoken Everyman. Instead of becoming something “else,” perhaps Oliver needs to aspire to become something “better.”
