ARROW: Change is a Comin'

**Spoilers Ahead**

If we learned anything on Wednesday's episode of Arrow, it's that change is coming and it isn't always kind. We've known for a while that the CW is gearing up for another spin-off series, borrowing spotlight characters from both Arrow and The Flash. One more show I must watch, I swear that my DVR is going to implode one of these days! Anyway, we entered the episode with the aftermath of Roy swooping in, while wearing the green hood, and proclaiming himself as the Arrow. We kind of knew the team had a plan, but we really didn't know what that plan was - and this episode certainly put us on quite the roller coaster to find out.

As the episode progressed we saw the emergence of two distinct paths of determination. The first, Oliver's team stepping up and helping him even when he struggled with accepting that help. The second was the ruthless determination of Ra's al Ghul as he continued to try and force Oliver's hand in taking his place. Both of these weaving and intersecting story lines left us with moments of hope and loss. We knew from the previous week's sneak peek that Roy would find himself in prison, but the danger for Roy escalated rather quickly, culminating in multiple attacks against the "so-called" Arrow and eventually his untimely death...well, sort of.

Roy trying to convince Oliver that the city needs him more. "Broken Arrow" 3x19

Even as Oliver expressed his own plans to help Roy and get him out of prison, his team seemed oddly reticent in making a move - choosing instead to focus on the latest criminal threat in Starling. We find out later in the episode why they are so hesitant to focus on Roy's situation. In the meantime, it becomes clear that the Arrow's companions have done everything they can to cover Oliver's tracks and make sure that the vigilante vendetta that Captain Lance is pursuing cannot be pointed at Oliver. I hope I wasn't the only person screaming at the screen when Lance busted into the secret lair. If only he knew the trouble he was truly causing with this little tirade of his! Hindsight...someday...that's about all I can say about that.

Captain Lance looking for evidence in the Arrow's lair. "Broken Arrow" 3x19

As Roy is dodging attacks in prison, the team tries to move forward and capture the latest criminal threat to Starling - which, props for bringing in Doug Jones for a little guest appearance. He's one of those talents who's often hiding behind effects and makeup, but rarely actually seen on screen with his true face. Granted, he had a little CGI help on the eyes for this character, but we did get to see him large as life on camera.

Doug Jones as Deathbolt. "Broken Arrow" 3x19

In one those rare hero tests, Oliver is forced to stay in the background while others fight crime for him. Oh, the frustration of a hero who can't be a hero! With all the tests and trials that Mr. Queen has faced, sitting on the sidelines seems to be one of the most difficult for him. It does give us a few rare and humorous moments between Oliver and Felicity though, as they are watching Ray (in his A.T.O.M. suit) trying to fend off the bad guy...and failing, miserably.

A lot of team angst as they watch Ray getting his ATOM kicked.

 Honestly, the quips between Felicity and Oliver were some of the best moments of the episode. It also reinforced the idea that their relationship is far from over. As we all know, the A.T.O.M. is slated to move into the next crossover, so odds are that Ray won't be in the picture much longer anyway. Which is unfortunate, he is like a male version of Felicity and the two of them together was pretty adorable. As Oliver snidely pointed out to Felicity during the episode, "there's a decent chance that you and Palmer are related." There's probably a bit more behind that statement than the quip, but we'll leave it at that for now.

Really what we come away from with this episode is a good mix of endings and new beginnings. Ray Palmer is tested as a superhero and has to fail to eventually succeed. Obviously an important lesson if he is about to strike out in a new series. The twilight of the Felicity and Palmer relationship is darkening our door as the episode concludes with Felicity still unable to find the "L" word where Ray is concerned. Followed by the heartbreaking moment where Palmer overhears Felicity telling Oliver how much people love him. Ouch! That's a knife to the feels. How can we forget Roy's death (not) in prison and his subsequent exit from Starling and the show? I'm not sure where the boy is going next, but I hope he'll make at least a guest appearance on one of our soon-to-be three superhero shows. If not, he'll be missed.

Thea, right. How can I forget Thea? Finally, I'm curious about her character. I've had a love-hate relationship with Oliver's sister since the beginning of the show. Her arc thus far has been my least favorite of any of the characters, but at last we have something to look forward to! A little dip in the lazarus pit is going to be a nice jump-start for a whole new Thea. I, for one, can't wait to see how she changes. Oh, and if there was anyone out there who was surprised by Ra's giving Oliver's sister a little sword in the midsection...maybe you should flashback to the beginning of the episode when Merlin flat out told Oliver that Ra's hadn't yet killed anyone he cared about. "Hello, foreshadowing to the left!!"

Big changes and new beginnings are in store for Arrow. Some exciting, some sad, but all very interesting. Keep watching!