9) “Seeing Red” – April 23, 2014
In the tapestry of season two, “Seeing Red” services a number of storylines, including Roy’s Mirakuru rage, Moira’s political ambitions and the cover-up of Thea’s heritage that has driven a wedge in the entire Queen family. On its own though, “Seeing Red” highlights the dramatic differences between many of the characters, who are all fighting for the same cause, but have very different ideas about how to achieve their ends. Some, like Sara, decide that they’re too far gone to be a part of the group anymore; others, meanwhile, try to reconcile albeit nearly too late before tragedy strikes.
Yes, the Grim Reaper returns to Starling City, and this time it’s to pick up Moira Queen. Slade stages a recreation of the night Shado died, this time making Oliver choose between his mom and his sister as the one to die. It’s Moira who chooses, by sacrificing herself to Slade as Oliver and Thea watch helplessly, which satisfies Slade, who leaves the Queen family there to mourn.
[zergpaid]Love her or hate her, Moira was a complex and nuanced character, who has capable of doing despicable things, but always in the best interest of her family. It was easy to think of her as a Machiavellian figure, but there was no plotting, or scheming, or thinly veiled threats here, just a mother’s instinct to act in the best interest of her children.
It’s a brutal scene, and one that shakes our hero right when his city is about to need him the most.