TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews Arrow Season 04 Episode 04: Beyond Redemption

Once again, Arrow gives a consistent yet good episode for Season 4. “Beyond Redemption” had a simple story, but one that affected many characters in ways that brought a lot of emotion to what could have a been a very filler-y episode.

The core of this episode was actually simple as I mentioned, a group of highly trained cops were stealing drugs in order to make bank…but they had a code…of sorts. Which was also a theme of the episode, “where do our lines lie?” The big focus here was not only getting these dirty cops, but also finding out if Officer Lance could still be trusted after Ollie (through very logical and simple means) finds out that he is working with Damien Darhk.

I’m honest when I say that the first “heart-to-heart” between these two was amazing. Paul Blackthrone shined throughout the episode, and this scene was hard to not be sorrowful at. As he revealed the hows and the why as to the relationship between him and Darhk. Then Ollie countered with the anger and betrayal of it all. For me though, I love the line Ollie said that Lance was the reason he wanted to fun for mayor, cause he wanted to show Lance the man he wanted to be.

Naturally, this did all get resolved quickly, but that’s not a bad thing. The last thing this show needs is lingering “anti-trust” plotlines, we’ve had plenty of those the last few seasons, and even in the beginning of this one with Ollie and Diggle, and of course, now Lance is playing double agent, which will no doubt be fun.

Then, as if Lance didn’t have enough to worry about, he was shown that Sara was still alive! There comes a point when you have to wonder if a character has suffered enough, and Lance is getting to that point for sure. The range of emotions he had to feel seeing Sara alive would’ve crippled most men. Then, after talking with Darhk, almost killing his daughter cause she “wasn’t her” was tragic. Thankfully (and obviously) he didn’t do it…but it was still something to watch.

And finally, Ollie did finally announce that he was running for mayor, and he did so in a way that’ll bring a smile to Arrow fans who have been around for a while. I’m still not sure if they’ll actually let Ollie be mayor, but you never know…

Some fun notes. Darhk is a father, and has a daughter, will she be making an appearance? Ray sent a message to Felicity, will we hear it next episode or two? “You have failed this city!” returned! YES!!! Oh, and next episode…? CONSTANTINE!!!!!

“Beyond Redemption” may have had a simple premise, but it brought out the most in its characters, and that’s what superhero shows can do when given the chance. Keep it up Arrow Season 04, you’re doing great.