*This review contains some spoilers*
"Red is so much cooler than green."
Whether you like one show more than the other or love 'em equally, it's impossible not to notice the huge differences between Arrow and The Flash. The most notable difference: the tone. The Flash is often fun, uplifting, and full of laughs. Arrow? It's often stern and loaded with drama. There's no room for laughter as they fight to save lives and loved ones are lost. They may exist in the same universe, but that doesn't mean they're all that similar. Yesterday's crossover episode of The Flash, "Flash vs. Arrow," offered an incredibly fun insight into just how different these two heroes are; it was totally fitting for the show and also highlighted Barry Allen's lack of training. Tonight's crossover in Arrow still has some really good laughs along the way, but it aims to put a more serious spotlight on what sets these two awesome heroes apart.
There's a lot to love about this episode, but the thing that stood out the most is something that can best be described as "blunt Barry." The scarlet speedster may still have a lot to learn when it comes to combat -- something Ollie helped him with in yesterday's episode -- but now Barry is here to help Oliver. The emerald archer has been doing this vigilante thing for awhile now (8 years, if I remember correctly), so when it comes to this scene, he thinks he knows more than Barry does. So, when Barry calls him out on his brutal methods, Oliver reminds the metahuman about all of the tragedies he's endured. Usually, this is where someone may go silent or apologize to the vigilinate, but Barry called him out on it, reminding Arrow that he also witnessed the death of his mother but doesn't use that terrible event to channel darkness within himself. Barry may not know a lot about being a hero and outsmarting his enemies just yet, but what he does know is how to be a good person. Bringing that kind of uplifting spirit into Arrow's world was such a refreshing change of pace and the dialogue between the two was really absorbing. I'm sure I'm not the only one whose jaw dropped when Barry told Ollie he can inspire, but not as Arrow because that guy's a... well, you heard what he said! It's almost like Barry was the voice of the people, telling Arrow that he doesn't need to be so down in the dumps and drowning in darkness all the time. He's putting his life on the line to save people, after all. His path may be more tragic and violent, but that doesn't mean he's a bad man who's incapable of redemption and helping others. I just wish Barry reacted this way in yesterday's episode when Oliver implied he could never be with Iris. Anyway, the writers did an exceptional job handling the scenes between these two and the flashbacks really enhanced the episode's theme. The tone was balanced very, very well. And I have to point out that both Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell really went all-out with their performances. The scene when Arrow finally lets his guard down and opens up about what he's become was seriously heartfelt. Oh, and that final scene? Gah! What a tease! Totally exciting, but still a tease! I almost wish they'd just come out and admit that Flash wins unless there's a plot device and prep time on Oliver's side. But whatever, I can't blame them for wanting to give both heroes an equal amount of love.
Much of the relationship between the two heroes had a more serious approach, but there was still plenty of solid comedy, especially with all of the supporting characters! Bits like Flash obliterating the salmon ladder or Cisco acting like a total fanboy in the "Arrowcave" were great. Watching these more approachable and optimistic characters interact with team Arrow really brought out the best in them. Seeing them smile, laugh, and joke around was so pleasant. Season 3 has been overflowing with depressing material -- and understandably so, given how it began -- but this feels like a much-needed and greatly appreciated break from the norm. It doesn't ever take away from either show, either. It does a fine job reminding us why they're so different. It doesn't make Arrow seem unnecessarily depressing and it doesn't make The Flash seem goofy. They've taken the best from both worlds and it's such a nice blend of laughter and drama. Thankfully, there wasn't any real relationship drama in this one and the developments between Diggle and Lyla were legitimately sweet and heartwarming. That, too, is a nice break from the normal dose of, "No! I can't be with you because... stuff and things!"
"The Brave and the Bold" had an entertaining villain and did an awesome job focusing on the differences between Barry and Oliver's methods, but minor criticisms about the action began to really add up. Please bear with me for a minute as I go through them, okay? Firstly, the opening sequence with Digger Harkness, a.k.a. Captain Boomerang, did a fine job letting us know he's skilled and deadly foe, but man, that scene made A.R.G.U.S. look really, really weak, didn't it? Not only was the security horrendous (the dude just stares as Boomerang reveals what's clearly a weapon?), but everyone held off on firing their weapons for so long. Yeah, it gave Boomerang a chance to look cool, but when you show everyone getting into position and aiming their weapons, it's odd not to have anyone take a shot for quite some time while their own teammates are being killed. Secondly, having Barry clear out the train station was such a cheerworthy moment and a nice follow-up to Oliver's lesson and was even a nod to his failure against Captain Cold (mind your surroundings, Barry!). However, wouldn't it have been like, way easier if he just grabbed Digger instead? Way less cool, but more practical, right? And when Boomerang began to take out the detonator, did anyone else really want to exclaim, "Go grab it, Flash!" Obviously, he'd soon learn that wouldn't resolve the problem, but it was a little odd having him wait and find out. Thirdly, during the shootout in the "Arrowcave," Lyla fired a lot of rounds as Digger moved from cover to cover, yet none of the monitors or anything else seemed to take damage. It stood out to me when there was a close up of Digger hiding behind a monitor as several shots are being fired at him, yet nothing is hitting the cover he's lurking behind or even near him. Lastly (I swear it's the last action critique!), it's odd to have Boomerang hold his own against Roy and Ollie, and then get totally wrecked by Ollie in their rematch. It's not like Arrow used a new trick to beat him; he just straight up demolished the dude. I know it happens all the time in comics, but making it a little more challenging would have been appreciated. Now, if you view all of these as inconsequential, then you're obviously going to have a more favorable impression of the episode.
Other minor criticisms: I understand Amanda Waller sees potential in Oliver and wants to push him, but if she's going to teach him how to "interrogate" someone, maybe she should have picked something with smaller stakes and a situation that wasn't so time sensitive? I understand the whole trial by fire approach, but jeez. Or maybe -- just maybe -- Waller was okay with sacrificing those people just to give Oliver the lesson he needs about taking extreme measures? Something tells me we won't get an official answer on that in the show, but how twisted would it be if Waller viewed that as a win-win? If Ollie gets the info, great! Lives saved. If not, it shows him that he can't hold back with those kinds of people and he becomes a more formidable agent for her. What do you think, people on the other side of the internet? The other minor gripe is Thea's oh-so-brief appearance. I love what they're doing with the character, but did we really need that short cameo to also link to that DJ plot? It's a personal gripe because I thought that was a totally unnecessary part of the last episode. I really hope they have bigger plans for that character and he isn't there just for relationship drama.
As always, there were some easter eggs scattered throughout. Little things like Quentin calling Barry "Bart" or Flash being called "speedy" are sure to make any comic fan smile. And how cool was Cisco's parting gift? Oh, and when Lyla said Task Force X was taken out, are we assuming that was a previous incarnation of the team or was Captain Boomerang on a mission with Deadshot and Bronze Tiger? I'm going to assume it was an older team, because otherwise that's a hugely disappointing way to hear those guys were killed off-screen!
"The Brave and The Bold" had a really strong script which did a terrific job focus on the differences between the two heroes while also throwing in a good amount of laughs and fun. Minor gripes with the action began to really add up and took me out of the moment more than a few times, but this was still a great episode thanks to excellent writing and some solid performances. Fingers crossed we'll get another crossover in the future because this 2-parter was a great way to celebrate both shows while also providing a substantial look at the leads. It's a bummer these shows are now going their separate ways, but there's exciting stuff lined up for both of them. It's time for Ra's al Ghul and Reverse Flash!