So I started out just wanting to do a quick take, but then it got too long so I decided to do a full review in a separate post.

Obviously, I’m still awake. Now that I’ve re-watched the episode again (and parts of it three times), I think I’m finally able to write some of my thoughts, in no particular order:

Big Thoughts

1. I said this in my Quick Take, but it should repeated: amazing episode. Action-packed as usual. Emotional. And the end of was shattering. And surprising, shocking even (to me at least).
2. Malcolm Merlyn is horrible. I didn’t think Barrowman’s Merlyn would be able to overcome Captain Jack (from Torchwood only) in my head, but he has. Good for him. Also Merlyn had to know Oliver would die, but was that his end goal or is there something bigger?
3. The scenes where Oliver says his goodbyes to Thea and then to his team are heartbreaking. His words are confident, but his demeanor is…weary and sad. I think he expects to die. Even his posture right before the fight, a little slumped over, a haunted expression. If he were confident I would expect him to stand up straight, look determined and be angry. But he’s not. And yet, and yet–he does pack his bag of magical herbs (at least I think that’s what it was). Why would he need those if he knew he would die? And there is the presence of Maseo, the Lazarus Pit and of course the possibility of a larger plan from Malcolm. I just feel like the Lazarus Pit would be a cop out. But we’ll see what they do. I just expected a better showing from our hero during the fight. I mean honestly, he’s THE ARROW. And yet he was flailing about like Laurel trying to box Wildcat (forgive me the comparison!). Still an awesome fight though. My heart wants it to be part of some larger plan he has to trick Ra’s. Perhaps because I just watched the movie recently, Oliver’s whole demeanor reminded me of Aslan in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It’s not like Aslan didn’t know he was going to come back, but he was still…weary and sad as he walked to the stone table to sacrifice himself. Feel free to call me crazy.
4. Hong Kong Oliver is really growing on me! I love his snarkiness. “Mind control. Really. That’s a thing?” Love it. And Stephen Amell’s facial expression? Perfect. He’s moved beyond the spoiled rich boy and so isn’t as annoying as I found Island Oliver to be sometimes, but hasn’t yet become the cold, killing machine we met in the preview. Current Oliver can be snarky too, but he has the weight of many things on his shoulders. Hong Kong Oliver is lighter somehow, even while learning to become an assassin and how to torture people.
5. Felicity. Or should I say Olicity. Gone are the more lighthearted, easy-going interactions they had in the crossover (especially the Flash part). Felicity has always had her little aside comments. The island girls one when she found out about Shado is the one that pops immediately to mind. But her “I can think of one” to Ray when he says no man could regret kissing her, is more bitter than I am used to from her. But she doesn’t know what we know about Oliver’s progress this season. And although we know Oliver would NEVER regret kissing her, she is obviously reading the situation a different way. But tonight there are no more ambiguities. It’s not a declaration in reverse. “Don’t say..” It’s not “You know how I feel about her.” It’s not an intense look or a charged touch.  Oliver says, “I love you,” straight out, while using the structure of  Felicity’s “two things” speech from the end of last season. Just as he remembered she was chewing on a red pen when they met. He remembers everything. This is a devoted man. Perhaps she’ll believe it this time, which will then cause her to regret not saying it back before he “dies.” Of course, if it turns out Oliver had some sort of plan of his own and didn’t share it with her and let her think he was dead for however long…. she will NOT be happy with him. And that would be completely justified. After they have some sort of joyous reunion (one can hope anyway).

Little Thoughts

1. I really loved how Oliver threw Merlyn down on the bar. Angry Oliver. Enough said.
2. Did Oliver warn Roy that Thea can kick ass? Might have been a good warning…
3. Ray is good at pushing boundaries. Um, showing up at Verdant after pinging her phone… again? However, the story about his dead fiancé does garner sympathy from me as it does Felicity. And also, does he blame the Arrow? Plenty of people could or would.  A.T.O.M. suit? Whatevs.
4. I was surprised at Dinah’s reaction to Laurel’s vow, but then realized she probably meant within the law. Really, though? Someone please tell Quentin.
5. I still dislike that they have a Ray and a Roy. Too easy to get the one letter switched around.
6. What’s with Laurel asking Thea to hide the fact that Laurel told her about Sara’s death from Oliver? I mean I guess I get it. She needed someone to talk to, someone to share it with. And Oliver doesn’t exactly see clearly where Thea is concerned. But still. Laurel is all about secrets these days, I guess. I wonder if Thea is the one who brings Sin back into the story now that she knows?
7. I decided to stop reading reviews once I decided to write one, but I did see one comment about the Raylicity stuff feeling out of place. I kind of agree, but I think it was on purpose, so I can’t call it a negative. Because we are not as invested in Raylicity, and because of the characters themselves, the scenes struck a lighter tone, however slightly. I think was needed to balance out the rest of the episode. However, the whole “Ray can be a hero too” bit was a little bit much for me though. Hit me over the head why don’t you?

I could probably go on forever. But I will stop there. So many questions. So many feels. And tears.

January 21 is too far away!!