Hero Report: The Arrowverse bounces back with strong episodes
Photo Credit: The CW
Riverdale
After this week’s episode, there’s no doubt left that Riverdale has no idea what story it’s trying to tell this season. “The Hills Have Eyes” mainly centers around the core four going on a mountain retreat together at the encouragement of Hiram. Yes, Archie is in the inner mob circle now but it’s ludicrous to think that any father would want their teenage daughter alone with her boyfriend. Yet the group goes away where they take turns having sex for a couple of uncomfortable jokes. It’s like the series has completely forgotten that its protagonists are fifteen and sixteen years old, not young adults. Turns out the only reason Betty and Jughead are on the trip is that Hiram needs to prevent them from reporting his master plan in the Blue & Gold. Guess the battle lines have been drawn even after some home invasion bonding.
Elsewhere, Love, Simon gets an insane amount of advertisement time within the episode. It’s almost funny how much time is dedicated to speaking about the new movie. At least one good thing comes out of it: Cheryl finally coming out as bisexual. It opens up more storytelling ideas for her, but also sad that the show has lost all semblance of a plot outside of romantic relationships.
Hero Report: C-
Photo Credit: The CW
Arrow
Roy Harper is back! It’s amazing how much his return can improve Arrow and a sad reminder of the early days. “Doppelgänger” isn’t an amazing episode, but it’s such an improvement over the past few weeks that it doesn’t matter. Fake-Laurel manages to fool the public into believing she’s the “real” one which opens up some interesting possibilities. What the writer’s endgame is for her character could either be a good payoff or a big disappointment. With ratings sinking, hopefully, someone is listening to fans consistent request to see a more comics accurate version of Black Canary.
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However, the big storyline within “Doppelgänger” is Thea’s determination to save Roy. He’s been kidnapped by Diaz (who has yet to become a compelling villain), and Speedy comes out of retirement to be a hero. While Willa Holland still doesn’t get much to do, it’s still nice to see her doing anything at all. It’s been known for weeks that she’s leaving the show, hopefully, Arrow gives her the triumphant exit she deserves.
Hero Report: B