It has been a long time since I have given a perfect 5 Star rating to a new series after just one episode. A little background stuff first. I have never read a single comic based on the character, even though I've known about the Green Arrow for years and years. So I have zero knowledge about the Oliver Queen and his supporting players that make up his world. I think the creator / show runner for Arrow did a great job setting up all the characters, especially that of Oilver and his 'origin' story. They only hint at the 'Island' that he has been stranded on for the last 5 years, but this is where he changed from 'rich, snobby, trustfund baby' to a new Superhero.

I'm also glad to see that Katie Cassidy is on board for this. I have not seen her in anything (that I can remember at the moment) since Melrose Place was unceremoniously cancelled. She is always good in everything she has a hand in and sometimes she is the best thing. So, this is a big win for the series already. If I have a criticism, it would be the costume he wears. I'm sure they are staying true to the original costume, but I would think in this day and age it could be a little more updated. I don't mean to suddenly have him sporting hi-tech armor and all that. This isn't Batman afterall. But I just think it would benefit to have a costume that doesn't scream out that it's already a dated look.

Anyway, I am definitely on board with Arrow if the rest of the season and keep the same level of excitement as the Pilot exhibited. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this. This twist at the end was a nice surprise. I suspected that the new 'Step-father' was behind the attempted kidnappings of Oliver.

I like Kelly Hu. Been a fan of hers for a long time. But she looks weird, bad in a White/Blond wig playing assassin China White. I get why the character and hair go hand in hand, but it still doesn't make Kelly look any less odd. I think anyone in a white wig is going to look weird. Who knows, maybe over time I will come to like it. Anyway, I'm glad she is portraying the character as it offers her a chance to reprise the role in future episodes. Now, as far as the backstory on the Island goes, they did give us a good tease at the end with the original (what I think to be anyway) Green Arrow.

Solid episode. I really liked this one as they are starting to explore more of what went down on the Island that Oliver was stuck on for 5 years. Back in present day, the villain of the week was Deadshot. I know the character. Kinda. That's why I was shocked that Green Arrow killed him. Well, in the comic book universe, that's all subjective. But I can't see anyone surviving an arrow through the eye into the brain. Good twist at the end when Oliver reveals himself to his bodyguard Diggle because he needed to save his life. I'm liking this series a lot and it's jump the front as 'must-see-TV' for me.

Even though I am new to the Green Arrow mythology, it was a foregone conclusion that Diggle would partner up with Arrow and keep his identity safe. What I didn't expect is to see Oliver arrested so soon into the series and being pegged as the 'Vigilante'. Yes, I know there is an out and someone else will probably play the part of Arrow while Oliver is in custody to punch holes in the Detective's theory as to who is the real Arrow. My money is on Diggle being that person to play the part. Duh. I really like the back-story of the Island. It's feeding me enough to want more and more.

This episode played out exactly as I said it would and it was still fun to watch. But the best thing going for this episode was of course Deathstroke's appearance on the Island to torture Oliver. The actually made him look kick ass and I look forward to seeing more of the character in future episodes, be it on the Island or in present day New York.

Kind of a detour episode where Oliver goes after bank robbers instead of CEO's. The narrative was basically to reveal how his father's little book came to reveal itself to him and also to highlight how a father can influence a son, good and bad. Even though the episode was kinda slow compared to everything that's come before, it was still an entertaining one at that.