Arrow Season 3 Episode 17 Review: Suicidal Tendencies
Carissa Pavlica
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RIP Floyd Lawton.
After the sacrifice he made in Arrow Season 3 Episode 17, Deadshot deserves to be remembered by his full name. That said, it's hard to decide if usurping Diggle's wedding and honeymoon felt like the right spot for Floyd's, um, origin story, even if ultimately tied into a life-altering decision for the newlyweds.
There was, perhaps, a little too much going on in "Suicidal Tendencies." Let's break it down.
Was it too much to ask that Diggle spend more than five or ten minutes at his wedding? One of my biggest annoyances with Arrow is how little time is spent on the man, and when he finally does something stupendous, it's cut short.
Yes, the Deadshot plot directly impacted the new married couple, but it also felt as if this was the end of the Suicide Squad on Arrow altogether. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Deadshot wasn't just my favorite member of the squad after he redeemed himself despite killing Diggle's brother.
Additionally, with Lyla quitting her employment with Amanda Waller and the reintroduction of HIVE through Deadshot's flashback, there is less reason to visit with ARGUS, if there is any reason at all. We're all done with that in Oliver's flashbacks now, as well. Perhaps with the movie coming out, it was time to cut the ties.
Far more interesting were all of the developments with the Oliver, Felicity and Ray trio. Felicity found herself in a really bad spot having kept pertinent information from both of her guys. Her emotional connection with Ray continues to be quite enjoyable, and the way they finally got everything out in the open was refreshing. It took a while, but they didn't duck and run.
Felicity: What's going on? Ray?
Ray: Oliver Queen is the Arrow.
Felicity: What?
Ray: I have a 140 IQ and three PhDs, but it's pretty hard to insult my intelligence, but I'm pretty sure you just did. It all makes sense now. Your, ah, sudden disappearances, your apprehension of helping me with my mission. You've been working with the Arrow this whole time.
I need a little help with something Oliver is suggesting, however. When did he pointedly say to Felicity that he couldn't be with her and save the city? While we know that's sort of what he's been driving at, has he ever come out and said it? Please point me to episode as I'd love to rewatch; I've definitely missed it in depth.
All things considered, it was surprising how quickly the situation resolved itself. I'm not sure I agree with Oliver that Felicity chose Ray, because he never gave her a choice in the matter despite what he seems to recall of the events. He gave her no choice and she walked willingly into the open arms of Ray.
It was very cool of Oliver to acquiesce to Ray and suggest he trust Felicity. If nothing else, it proves there is a deep friendship they're honoring even with the very peculiar circumstances. That can't be easy for anyone.
It got hairy when Ray went to Laurel and she bullied him into keeping information to himself, but he knows she's Black Canary now. It was funny as hell when Roy learned about Ray.
Ray built a supersuit? That's kind of awesome [Oliver glares at him]... and reckless.
Roy
Regardless, it seems that for the immediate future the whole gang will be getting along and working symbiotically; except for Captain Lance, of course. He's going to be the holdout, but that's to be expected.
Maseo was behind the Arrow killings that got ATOM all into a lather (rightly so) to try to persuade Oliver to go the way of his "master." What the hell, Maseo? He shot the mayor all dolled up as Oliver and was eyeing Felicity as the credits rolled. He's clearly not someone Oliver can call friend ever again. Another storyline coming to a close?
Will all of this pressure really turn the tide and force Oliver to accept the offer? If it does, there will likely be an ulterior motive behind Oliver's choice to do so. Just because Ra's sees something in him won't make Oliver want to succumb to the wishes of a killer. It was a really bad tactical move on the part of Ra's. How did he think that would work?
It's too bad Laurel didn't take her plus one to Diggle's wedding and show up with Nyssa, because she was missed. Do you think the cast was real for Katie Cassidy or a prop? Thea barely had a showing other than to dance with Roy and there wasn't a mention of Malcolm.
From the looks of Arrow Season 3 Episode 18 and the arrival of Donna Smoak after Ray is injured in the mayor's office melee, things won't be getting back to normal straight away.
This wasn't a bad hour, but it wasn't what was expected, either. Diggle was completely underutilized, although I'm pleased he'll remain on Team Arrow. We lost Deadshot, which wasn't expected or warranted. Ray was brought into the fold in an unexpected way and that turned out alright. We'll see what next week brings!
Hit the comments with your thoughts on "Suicidal Tendencies," as I'm sure you have plenty given the Oliver/Felicity/Ray action. What worked and what didn't? If you need to catch up, you can watch Arrow online and don't forget, if you know when Oliver told Felicity about saving the city, please drop me a comment.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
