User blog comment:Gcheung28/Arrow: Fan Brain - Deathstroke/@comment-74.133.77.195-20140404022133

This episode had a lot packed into it. I understand if some people criticize it as being too rushed, but the writers have made it clear this show is fast-paced. In a way, the episode felt like a season finale, yet it also proved to be an effective cliffhanger. Next episodes ought to be exciting as Team Arrow takes the fight to Deathstroke and his minions. One of the questions I have is whether or not Roy will return to Starling. Without his power, Team Arrow will have a nearly hopeless time dealing with Deathstroke and his army.

The big theme about this episode was secrets. Deathstroke surely made a major move against Oliver. He has fulfilled the phase of his plan which involves corrupting Oliver's loved ones. First, he kidnapped Thea and revealed that Merlyn was her father, turning her against her half-brother. As I anticipated, it was only a matter of time before Thea learned about her true parentage. Then, in the end, Slade bluntly told Dinah [Laurel] Oliver is Green Arrow. Given that another one of Oliver's promises has shattered, his relationship with Dinah will never be the same either.

The revelation that Isabel Rochev is working with Deathstroke was quite a shock. I knew from the start she was a villain, but I always thought she was a separate foe for Oliver to face. She mentioned "sins of the father" to Oliver during their melee at Queen Consolidated. I wonder how long it will take Oliver to draw the conclusion she is on his father's list (at this point, one can definitely say, "Isabel Rochev, you have failed this city!"). From this information, we also know without a doubt that just as there is a heroic team, there is also its villainous counterpart.

One of the craziest things I can now say is Deathstroke is to Arrow as Khan is to Star Trek. Both characters are not only really strong but also incredibly intelligent. Furthermore, their vendettas are motivated by the loss of someone dear to them. Khan blames Kirk for the death of his wife Lieutenant Marla McGivers, even though Kirk gave her the choice of a court martial or accompanying Khan and his crew to Ceti Alpha V. Similarly, despite the fact Oliver did not actually shoot Shado, Slade still holds him somewhat responsible for her murder.