Ra’s al Ghul returns, the Atom suits up, and secrets are revealed.
Here’s our review of Arrow “Nanda Parbat.”
Nanda Parbat is the sequel toThe Climbinsomany ways.
There are obvious story and thematic similarities, of course, but this was even paced like The Climb.
This is very much the middle act episode of what I imagine is a trilogy.
But unlike the rather ill-fated Brick trilogy this one has higher stakes and an a-list villain pulling the strings.
This is a good thing.
Ive been struck recently by how sure of itselfArrowhas felt over the last few weeks.
The Climb is one of those episodes.
This episode doesnt have to work any harder to impress anybody.
Heres a graphic novels worth of superheroes and supervillains, and theyrestillletting characters talk things out.
Thats tough to do.
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It doesnt hit the mark quite as well as The Climb, though.
The Climb had that heart-stopping climax going for it, and Nanda Parbat does get a little talky.
Diggle asking Ollie to be his best man.
Felicity making the first move on Ray.
These were moments that couldnt have been sandwiched in an episode with too many of the usual pyrotechnics.
Willa Holland delivered another tremendous performance as Thea.
Is Thea going to be that character for season three?
Although I do feel like she got off a little too easy in her chat with Laurel.
You shouldnt even speak to me.
Its hard to remember a time when I was actually in love with you.
I will gladly tell you where to find my home, because you will die there.
That fight with Ollie and Nyssa on the docks by the helicopter was beautifully shot.
Oliver and Diggles assault on Nanda Parbat had a heaping helping of badassery, too.
I especially liked how that one dude just burst into flames.
That scene could have been longer, honestly, but Ill take whatever I can get.
If nothing else, it takes serious spine to scale things back like this.
I sometimes advocate for shorter seasons.
Well, even ifArrowseason three were following that model, Nanda Parbat would make the cut.
It might have just been really noisy.
The guy shouldnt take anything for granted by now!
Obviously, we havent seen the last of General Shrieve, either.
DC Universe Watchtower
First up, the Atom.
Obviously, this couldnt be any further away from the shrinking Atom power-set of the comics.
I wonder how much of this was just an overcorrection to avoid being compared to this summersAnt-Manmovie?
And I still feel like the Ray Palmer characterhas a little bit of a Ted Kord hangover.
Flying aside, his arc could have worked just as well with the Blue Beetle.
The suit takes a little getting used to.
Im also glad that they didnt go the Iron Man route with how he flies.
We got to hear our full-blown Atom theme music tonight, though!
But youre going to have to stick with me a little on this next bit…
So far, there have been no Lazarus Pits inArrowcontinuity.
But this show sure does love to play with pit imagery, doesnt it?
From Ras reclining in that refreshing (rejuvenating?)
spa, to lots of the wells weve seen hanging around in Nanda Parbat.
They know what theyre doing.
But tonight also brought us the most explicit references to Mr. Ghuls immortality so far.
Malcolm Merlyns almost over-the-top display of terror when confronted by Ras is one thing to consider.
Rating:
4 out of 5
