‘Arrow’ season 4 premiere review: A surprise betrayal, a (future) death, and a ‘Flash’ cameo

“Arrow” is back, and for at least one episode, this is a show that is much more our speed.

In looking back at the third season, we don’t have the best memories. The show introduced a version of Ra’s al Ghul that was not that compelling, went from zero to sixty in some ways with the Oliver / Felicity relationship (we wanted more buildup to them sleeping together), and also became quite frankly too depressing for a comic-book show that was a little less angsty during the first two seasons.

Consider much of Wednesday’s premiere a course-correction. Are we a little bummed that we missed most of the Olicity dating and traveling that took place? Probably, but we know that the show wants to really throw us headfirst into the action; as soon as Thea and Laurel convinced Oliver to don his brand-new costume, we were right into the action again to take out the Ghosts, a new organization who just so happened to be led by Damien Darhk, an excellent new villain who seems to almost have force-powers straight out of “Star Wars.” This guy means business, and Neal McDonough is awesome.We’re not sure whether or not we love the magical element or the powers yet, but he’s a very different foe than we’ve seen.

Also, Diggle knows that he is with HIVE, but he is not sharing the connection between him and Andy’s death just yet. Maybe he thinks that is something better saved for when the trust is there between him and Oliver again, provided that it ever is.

One relatively-minor shock came in learning that Captain Lance of all people is working with Darhk, but it seems as though this was not done with the intention of hurting anyone. He was just unaware at the time of who this man really was or what he’s capable of.

The big shock of the present story came at the tail end of the hour, where Oliver and surprise visitor Barry Allen are at the grave of someone six months later (show time), reminiscing about whether or not anything could be done to change fate. Barry says that he missed the funeral because he was off battling Zoom.

Flashback story – We are back on the island! No shock there. We cannot say that this was the huge “twist” that we were expecting so much here, but this only hampers slightly what we would consider to be the strongest season premiere of the show to date. Grade: B+.

What did you think about the “Arrow” premiere and all it contained? Share now with a comment, and head over here to get some other news when it comes to the show, including a preview of what lies ahead! Also, you can sign up over here to get some further TV scoop sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: The CW.)