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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
Oliver Queen is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Here is a review of the season’s second episode titled Tribute.
Warning: Possible spoilers ahead!
Plot Summary
After the events that transpire in the previous episode, Oliver and those closest to him continue to live their lives in Star City. In this episode, we see the protagonist under hot fire as his identity as the masked vigilante is revealed to the city. An old friend turns against him as a repercussion.
Meanwhile, John Diggle reveals his own secret, one that emanated during the aftermath of the Season 5 finale.
Discussion
From Seasons 1 through 4, we watched Oliver balance his life as both a citizen and the Green Arrow. In Season 5, we watched as he balanced life as a mayor and the vigilante. In this season, we watch him add being a father into the mix. Throughout the episode, he learns that he cannot have everything.
Oliver also learns that he should not abandon his son, who worries for his father’s life. William says that “superheroes don’t save anyone,” and this is true. (Just look at Tommy, Earth-1 Laurel, Damien Darhk, Oliver’s parents etc.) Both of what Oliver learns in this week’s episode urges him to make the biggest decision he ever has to make, but how long will this last?
Fortunately, Tribute features no flashbacks whatsoever. It seems like the showrunners stuck true to their word when they said the flashbacks would cease by this season, but who knows? Perhaps, we will get some every now and then down the line.
We learn that some friendships come to an end as time progresses. Keep in mind that this seldom happens, but all friends should remain honorable in everything they do, and maybe this is to keep the reputation they have. Oliver struggles with cutting ties with a friend from the days of old.
Diggle’s revelation poses a challenge by the end of this episode. How long will he keep his secret esoteric between him and Dinah?
Overall, this episode of Arrow proves to do well without the use of a supervillain or some other type of menacing threat. Instead, the only true conflict is the one that derives from having alter egos, and this too can create some obstacles. Development of characters (e.g. Oliver and Diggle) can occur without the use of flashbacks, but of course this is not a bad thing.
Easter Eggs and References:
- At the beginning of this episode, Oliver name drops another character from the DC universe (a well-known Justice League member), one who is also known for their vigilantism. This is quite a surprise since this character has been teased in some episodes of the Arrowverse. Will they appear in a future episode of Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, or Supergirl? What if they appear in the upcoming Black Lightning show? The waiting game continues.
- Oliver’s son William seems to be a big fan of the Flash. In this episode, he is seen with a Flash backpack given to him as a gift.
Do you like Season 6 so far? What are your thoughts? Let us know! For more Arrow-related news and reviews, follow Geek Motivation on Twitter (@GEEKMOTIVATION) and Instagram (@geekmotivation).
Written by: John Tangalin
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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