TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews Arrow Season 06 Episode 22: The Ties That Bind

There was a lot of anticipation for tonight’s episode, for Diaz basically declared open war on the entirety of Team Arrow, and in one opening scene, he proved he meant it. I liked the “before and after” cuts they did, showing where everyone was before the attacks came, and it led to some pretty cool things. As well as some sad things as Curtis’ boyfriend got hurt.

With everyone in danger, all of Team Arrow had to rally together once more, even Lyla got involved to help where she could. It was definitely a good feeling to see everyone back together, even if it’s only for a little while.

Another thing that was good was the tension that was caused by this attack. Oliver was visibly shaken, and it was portrayed perfectly by Amell, who was honestly gunshy about what he wanted to do. He didn’t want to put any of the team at risk, and he didn’t want to go gung-ho like they’ve done in seasons past because he knew that would get them killed, and he was right in many levels.

Yet, Felicity wanted to be done with Diaz, and in a very cool police station fight, she risked it all to get a data drive. Then risked it all again to try and get it decrypted in time. I admired her courage, and the role reversal of sorts as it was Oliver worrying about her safety while Felicity was focused on the mission. It also shined a light on how great a married couple Lyla/Diggle are as they work well both at home and in the field.

Also interesting, though divisive, was the shifting in the ranks of bad guys. Anatoly saved Oliver and team, and then tricked Diaz into not only almost getting killed, but thinking that The Quadrant were responsible for the attack. Which led to Diaz becoming more and more hinged, to the point where he killed two members of the group and then coerced loyalty from the last one.

While this was funny, it also seemed to make the Quadrant look weak. This is a group that’s been in the shadows for years and yet in one night half the group was killed?

The finale was very well done. With Oliver and Felicity pulling a desperate play to get out alive, but not getting the data they need to stop Diaz, and losing the bunker and the Outsiders base in the process. Forcing Oliver to go to his former FBI nemesis for help. But…what’s the second condition?

In the end, “The Ties That Bind” did a good job setting everything up for a no doubt explosive season finale. What’ll happen though? That’s still up in the air.