Fans of the Green Arrow had high expectations for "Arrow" on The CW, and the show did not fail to deliver an hour premiere that invited fans to stick around in the future. The expectations were met and exceeded.
What needed to be done
The creators of "Arrow" needed to take a character, who had been developed in the pages of comics since 1941, and bring him into the modern age. A billionaire heir, who resembled some of those followed by TMZ, fit the modern day. A complex character had to be delivered, and this was done by displaying how Oliver Queen could seamlessly move from a playboy public persona to a young man who wants to better himself to the vigilante mentality of The Arrow.What needed to be avoided
The writers of "Arrow" on The CW had to create a character that was based in our reality without trying to bring in the supernatural and superpower abilities comics and comics-based TV shows are known for. While The Arrow battles at the peak of human ability, he did not display any powers that appeared to be superhuman nor did any of his advisories. Queen's infamous trick arrows could not defy the laws of science. The only trick arrow seen so far was the Green Arrow's caribeener arrow.
The fight scenes
The directing of the fight scenes resembled those which might be seen in a modern action movie, with quick flashes of action and momentary cuts. These types of fight scenes turned "The Transporter" and "The Bourne Identity" into cult action classics. Brutal moves were delivered without having to step on the line protected by the censors. If the show can deliver the same type of action in upcoming weeks, The CW is sure to make waves in the ratings.The characters
Oliver is not the only complex character as Tommy is hiding the fact he suspects his best friend is The Arrow. The main character's ex-girlfriend is obviously struggling with separating her feelings for Tommy, her current love, from her feelings for Oliver, and from her hatred of the new vigilante for cheating on her with her deceased sister. Oliver's mother is happy to see him back but is plotting against him to see if her former husband gave their son any information that might be damaging to her.The actors
All of the actors in the episode gave believable portrayals of the characters without detracting from the main character or the major storylines. Stephen Amell as Oliver can connect with women as well as he can with the male fans of the Green Arrow (albeit in a different way for most). Colin Donnell did have a standout performance as Tommy due to the subtle facial expressions that invited fans to pay closer attention to his character. Fans should eagerly anticipate who will be introduced in the future and how the characters can develop "Arrow" into a blockbuster show.More from this contributor:
How 'Arrow' fan feedback will help Marvel's 'S.H.I.E.L.D.'
'Arrow' on the CW: Why Oliver Queen needs to kill
When will CW's 'Arrow' jump the shark?
