I couldn’t have asked for a better way for Arrow to end than what happened in this episode. It reunited our favourite cast members from the past and present and I felt like it delivered everything I needed for a satisfying ending.
The main cast are all brought back together in mourning for Oliver and there are some extra surprises as the rebirth of the universe has meant that Moira, Quentin and Tommy are all alive on this Earth. Their presence made the episode really feel complete. Crime has literally disappeared overnight meaning that our heroes are finding themselves at a loose end. However, thanks to one of Oliver’s past foes, they find themselves on one last mission to save little William who has been kidnapped.
Throughout season 8 there have been many moments that have brought excitement and fun due to the return of old cast members and nods to the shows past. A highlight for me was having Thea back but I remember being a little disappointed that Willa Holland and Colton Haynes didn’t share any on screen time during that episode. Their reunion this week completely made up for that and made me see that it was important for us to have an episode which was just all about Oliver and Thea. Having Thea and Roy back together was something special as their relationship was a huge deal way back when Arrow began and they both share such strong on screen chemistry. I really loved how their story wrapped up.
I enjoyed seeing Joe Dinicol back as Rory and I appreciated getting to see him use his rags one last time. The biggest thing for me though was the return of Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity. The way she was brought back was so well done – she wasn’t made to steal the show and there was no over acting from Emily. It was essential that she was in the finale and it played out perfectly. She shares a moment with future Mia (who has been brought back to the funeral by Sara), which was really emotional.
I’m glad Oliver’s statue wasn’t shown properly on last week’s Canary episode as the reveal by Quentin was lovely. The statue is fantastic! The episode draws to a close as they all stand around Oliver’s grave. Barry, Kara, Talia, Nyssa and Anatoly join the others to pay their respects and there is also another lovely moment where Emiko is welcomed into the family by Moira and Thea. Rightfully so, Diggle is pushed forward to say some words and I just feel like he’s that guy who says the perfect thing at the perfect moment. Diggle’s future seems exciting as he prepares to move to Metropolis with Lyla and the kids, however just before he sets off things take a turn. They say the grass isn’t always greener but for Diggle it may just well be!
The final moment takes us back to Felicity walking through the portal set by The Monitor at the end of season 7 and we finally get to see her at the other side, reunited with Oliver. We needed this scene and we needed to see Oliver and Felicity together again. We needed to know that even though he left his family to save the world that someday these two would find each other again and for me, this was perfect!
I’m going to miss this show so much. It’s meant a lot to me and as corny as it sounds, it’s changed my life! I’ve met some wonderful people thanks to Arrow and fell in love with writing due to being pushed to do it by @lastsonjim after meeting him at an event the Arrow cast were at. As a result of that so many good things have happened to me. I’ll be forever thankful to Stephen Amell. This man is empowering and his continuous honesty and generosity inspires me. Lastly, I want to thank anyone who has taken the time to read, like, share and comment on any of my Arrow reviews. I’ve absolutely loved writing them and sharing my love for the show with you all!