As we had assumed, Oliver Queen was finally freed from prison tonight during “The Slabside Redemption,” though not by a brute force escape as previously expected. You see, the authorities still had every intention of giving him an early release as negotiated by Laurel Lance, but one Ricardo Diaz threw a wrench into those plans.
What went down was a magnum opus in director/stunt coordinator James Bamford’s storied career working on Arrow, thus allowing for lead actor Stephen Amell to show off his fighting and parkour skills. Not only that, but Michael Jai White fought by his side as Ben Turner AKA Bronze Tiger, likewise displaying his martial arts proficiency.
Long story short, after Kirk Acevedo turned in an unforgettable performance as Diaz and Oliver turned the tables on him by taking back Slabside, it was only fair the guards recognized the once and future Emerald Archer’s heroism by letting him walk out the front gate as originally planned.
With that, the promo for next week’s adventure, “Unmasked,” can be viewed at the top of this article and, in a sense, shows a return to the familiar. Yes, Ollie is finally suiting up as Green Arrow yet again – but with a bit of a twist.
You see, the title “Unmasked” looks to actually be referring to Oliver taking to the streets in his signature costume worn since season 5, but he’s doing it without the domino mask and with his hood down. I guess when the whole world knows your secret identity, there’s not much need to conceal it.
Still, we can’t rule out the episode’s title having dual meaning and playing host to the revealing of the new Green Arrow’s identity. If there were ever an opportune time to do such a thing, it’d be when the O.G. is about town. Odds are the network will release a new photo gallery within the next few days, so we should have a better idea before long.
For more on “Unmasked,” be sure to check out the official synopsis:
FELICITY MAKES CERTAIN DECISIONS FOR HER FAMILY — Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) stands by her recent decisions regarding her family. Meanwhile, Diggle (David Ramsey) and Lyla (Audrey Marie Anderson) continue to look into the Dante painting that Curtis (Echo Kellum) found. Alexandra La Roche directed the episode written by Oscar Balderrama & Beth Schwartz (#708). Original airdate 12/3/2018.
Arrow airs on Monday nights on The CW.
