‘Arrow’ season 4, episode 11 review: Meet Overwatch, the John and Andy Diggle story, and a death
Going into Wednesday night’s new episode of “Arrow,” we knew that we were going to have a Diggle-centric episode. Also, we knew that there was more than likely going to be a chance to learn Felicity’s new codename … and it was not Oracle based on a hilarious in-joke that Oliver made.
Instead, we learned that Felicity is now in some ways Overwatch in the field of battle, which ironically is also the name of a work from executive producer Marc Guggenheim. Inadvertent product placement? Sure. Felicity managed to become this new identity after fighting her inner self, which also just so happened to be goth Felicity. This was probably Emily Bett Rickards’ finest work on the show, since it gave her two very different ranges to play within a few minutes (and it also reminded us of “The Leftovers” to boot).
By the end of the episode Felicity was much more of her old self, and the good news for Diggle was that he was actually still alive after a tense situation broke down involving ARGUS and Shadowspire. The major sort-of highlight here is the death of Amanda Waller, which is an obvious and terrible ploy by DC Entertainment so that the movies can have all of the gusto. It’s annoying, given how much the show had set this up to be a great person at the center of this universe, only for there to then be likely demands to take her out because of “Suicide Squad.” We’re envisioning the order came from the top, judging from what happened with Deadshot last season.
The good news for John is that through this mission, we learned that he can trust Andy. Also, Lyla is still alive, so there is a reason for everyone to have some hope in this world, especially Felicity. At the end of the episode Diggle finally let Andy out of his cell, and Felicity showed Oliver her old goth look (which was actually a season 3 promotional photo, arguably one of the laziest decisions we’ve seen the show make).
In the end, we’d consider “AWOL” to be at times really strong (the great Diggle adventure; Felicity talking with Felicity), and at other times frustrating (Amanda Waller’s death). We’re trying still to reconcile the two. Grade: B-.
Head over here to preview the next new episode of “Arrow” right away! Also, you can sign up over here to book some more TV news on everything we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: The CW.)