Arrow "Suicidal Tendencies" & "Public Enemy" (DOUBLE REVIEW)

written by Justin Prince (@prince_justin)

Much like the recent double review for iZombie, the facts of being super busy have backed me up on my Arrow reviews as well. But before tonight's episode airs, let's get a bit caught up. The last two episodes signify the proverbial remnant-drop in Oliver's quest to save his city. "Suicidal Tendencies" sees the return of Task Force X, primarily Deadshot and the newly acquired Cupid, while "Public Enemy" continues the fall of Arrow as the hero of Starling City.

I now pronounce you husband and wife

welcome back Task Force X

Lyla and Diggle's wedding get interrupted when Task Force X comes-a-knocking with a mission and a wolf in Arrow clothing is killing bad guys while penning the blame on Ollie. "Suicidal Tendencies" focuses heavily on Task Force X while Arrow and Arsenal play second fiddle. Deadshot and the lovely Cupid making their return was welcome while the events unfolding in Starling City felt more like a passing thought.

Arrow going toe-to-toe with Atom was welcome, after Ray finishes building his Atom suit, he goes full on Iron Man with Arrow. This, while fun, did make me question what the show runner's were planning to do with Ray Palmer. In the comics, Ray Palmer has the ability to shrink himself down at the molecular level while his Arrow counterpart feels more like an Iron Man knock-off. It makes a bit of sense since originally they wanted Brandon Routh as Ted Kord/Blue Beetle.

Arrow vs Atom

Back in Starling City, Team Arrow is forced to go toe-to-toe with the SCPD with Ra's al Ghul attempting to force Oliver into taking his offer by making the city revile him. Captain Lance brings his vigilante task force back with Laurel turning against her father and standing with Team Arrow.

Flashbacks for both episodes fit with the episode quite well, in "Suicidal Tendencies" flashbacks focused on Floyd Lawton returning home from deployment while "Public Enemy" bought us back to Hong Kong with Oliver running into Shado's twin sister. Floyd Lawton was looking for purpose while Shado's sister was searching for the truth. Feels like it's about time they leave Hong Kong, it's begun to wear thin and doesn't feel nearly as interesting as Oliver's time on Lian Yu.

Shado's twin

The last two episodes bring forth the final moments leading to the finale. How Oliver's battle with the League of Assassin's resolves itself is still up in the air. I don't know if he'll take the offer or whether his new found role as a dark vigilante will continue. But for a season that has had so many highs and lows, I find it hard to stay optimistic with this season.

from hero to villain

Season 2 was an excellent season and Slade Wilson made a worthwhile adversary. Given the history of Ra's al Ghul, pegging him as an Arrow villain felt unbalanced this entire season. Hopefully it wraps up cleanly, but with only a few episodes left I can only hope that they can turn it around.

Team Arrow: Public Enemies