I know not all fans will agree, but I loved this episode. In fact, The Fallen is one of my favourites of Season 3 so far. The drama was maintained from beginning to end, and the emotional weight of the episode was a powerful thing. Plus John Barrowman got to show off his fine acting skills and I’ve missed his special brand of arrogance over the last few weeks.
The show started with Thea curled up next to the broken table Ra’s so viciously threw her into last week. That wasn’t the worse part though, no, that was running her through with his sword and leaving her to die. Thea had made a valiant attempt to reach the phone when Ollie walked into the apartment. I have to say, his reaction was priceless. He actually paused for a second, as though he couldn’t quite process the scene.
The emotional onslaught began with Ollie lifting his sister into his arms and rushing into the emergency department. His acting was superb this week. It’s not only the stark emotion in his face, it’s all the little things – the way his pain is reflected in his eyes, in his very posture. At one point he actually stumbled back in relief when Thea’s heart started beating again.
Then came Merlyn, and his own heartbreak. Say what you will about him. He genuinely loves his daughter. He might have a twisted way of showing it, but I don’t think he truly understood the depth of his feelings until he was faced with losing her.
When Diggle and Felicity arrived, Ollie was in the waiting room, trying to process the fact Thea was going to die. Not that the League gave him very long before sending up a smoke signal, demanding his attention. Diggle tried to talk Ollie out of confronting them until they had a plan, but Ollie was too angry to see reason. His failure to predict Ra’s actions, and to protect Thea weighed too heavily.
After confronting Maseo (leading with his fists first), Ollie was offered a way to save his sister – which we all knew was coming. Diggle and Felicity found him packing and would have tried to talk him out of it, I’m sure, if it hadn’t been for Merlyn’s intervention. Finally, the healing pool was referred to as the Lazarus Pit. Merlyn informed them, rather ominously, that the pit had allowed Ra’s to live for over a hundred years and could restore the dead back to life. The chill factor cranked up a little when he tried to tell Ollie that the Thea he got back would not be the same. That she would be fundamentally changed. It didn’t make a difference and, as always, Felicity was entrusted to lighten the mood. Her line about a magical hot tub was classic!
Having decided to accompany Ollie on his crazy mission, the next obstacle was finding a way to Nanda Parbat – cue Ray. This time, instead of his helicopter, Felicity asked to borrow the jet. Even this scene tugged on the heart strings, and usually the pair provide a little light relief. Ray confronted her about her feelings for Oliver and even when she admitted she didn’t love Ray (or as good as), he sent her away with his jet and his good wishes. That had to hurt.
When they reached Nanda Parbat the League were waiting. As Ollie walked forward with an unconscious Thea in his arms, they all bowed to him. It was a gripping moment and I couldn’t help wondering how Ollie felt; if the full weight of his decision sank in, or if he was focused solely on Thea.
As they prepared her for the ritual, Maseo showed Diggle to his ‘digs’ (sorry) – with a throwaway comment about hoping the room was to his liking. I enjoyed the way Diggle challenged Maseo on his betrayal, because that’s how he sees it. As a betrayal to Ollie and their friendship. He talked about the League being feared for their bravery and power, when all he saw were weak men running away from their lives. Maseo defended his actions, finally revealing the death of his son, which at least cooled Diggle’s jets a little.
Thea’s resurrection ceremony was probably the only thing I didn’t like about the episode. They added drama with the chanting and lowering her into the water bound at the feet and wrists. But when she sprang up from the pool like a rabid beast, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the transformation, or by her confusion. She recognised her father, but thought Ollie was still dead.
One of my favourite things was the confrontation between Felicity and Ra’s. I love that she challenged him, and that he humoured the outburst. He spoke of his past, of having a family, and losing those he loved when a man came to his door and offered him a horrible choice. For the first time since the story arc began, it finally made sense. His obsession that Ollie should take his place. I think he truly believes in the prophecy and that conviction is a powerful motivator. That Oliver said no, especially when he didn’t have the same luxury, made him all the more determined.
When Ra’s told Felicity to say her goodbyes, and to confess her love to Oliver, it was a pretty clear indication of what would happen next, especially given the recent teaser trailers. I wasn’t sure how the scene would play out. Felicity and Oliver undeniably have chemistry, but the timing felt a little off. I was totally wrong about the timing, and it actually made perfect sense. Ollie saw an opportunity to show Felicity how he really felt, and the scene was quite lovely. At least in my opinion.
I liked the way the writers played it, especially when Felicity said ‘so that happened!’ After being intimate, and understanding she might lose him forever, it’s clear to me why she did something completely crazy – like drug him when there was little chance of getting him out.
It’s not surprising the plan failed, but it did allow us to see Maseo trying to fight his way back, when he helped them. It also gave Ollie a chance to ensure their safety, and to say goodbye. I was touched by his scene with Diggle. I almost teared up when Ollie told him he’d always be his brother.
What did surprise me was Ra’s acceptance of Maseo’s betrayal. He’s killed men for much less. I think there’s more to that story, and we’ll soon find out. There are only three episodes left. Those episodes will likely be focused on Ollie’s transition, as he is required to renounce his old life. According to Ra’s, Oliver Queen is dead. I’m not so sure about that!
Still, he’s been cleansed by fire and got himself a whole new set of threads! Who knows what’s going to happen. But it sure is going to be fun finding out.
What did you think of The Fallen? Do you have any predictions about the way things will pan out? I’d like to hear your thoughts.
NB: Images used within this review are the copyright of The CW Network. All rights reserved.
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