It was just over a year ago that I typed up my first (and only, until now) review for "Arrow": Season 1, Episode 6. "Legacies" was an episode that I enjoyed very much, as it presented to me a bright future for the series. Fast-forward one year, and that future is already here. "Arrow" has gone from being a show that I thoroughly enjoy to being what I would argue as the best show on television.
To be honest, after I saw the preview of this week's episode, I immediately let my expectations down. The Count was a villain I didn't particularly care to see again. After Oliver's return to Starling city, the subsequently amazing Black Canary arc, and the Diggle-centric thrill ride last episode, I thought that perhaps the show was finally slowing down; frankly, it was amazing that such momentum had been carried through six entire episodes. Fortunately, I could not have been more incorrect. "State vs. Queen" was amazing from start to finish. It was different from what we've seen so far, with a large portion of the episode devoted to the courtroom as Moira's trial progressed. There was also The Count, whose storyline this time around was much better than the previous two episodes in which he appeared. Lastly, there were the island flashbacks; few in number this week, but high in quality.
Most importantly, "State vs. Queen" concluded with revelations that will blow your mind. A spoiler tag isn't even necessary here, because there's no way that anyone who hasn't watched the episode will be able to predict what happens. It's game-changing, and I look forward to seeing just how the writers intend to progress.
In just a year, "Arrow" has transformed itself into an entirely new beast. I enjoyed the first half of Season 1, but I will admit it was flawed. In my mind, it was "Betrayal" and "The Odyssey" (Episodes 13 and 14, respectively) that began the transition down a higher-quality road for the second half. The additions of Felicity and Slade were monumental, and the season simply continued getting better and better until the finale, which easily became the best episode of the series up to that point. Then, Season 2 began, and we have been treated to fantastic episodes, one after another. With the introduction of Barry Allen next week, it appears that there will be no slowing down in the foreseeable future.
If you didn't read any of the ridiculous essay above, just know that I think "Arrow" is the best show on television. WATCH IT.