Arrow (3×07) Review - “Draw Back Your Bow”

Cupid brings the love to Starling City

“Draw Back Your Bow” put Arrow back in the fast lane after some rather shaky episodes in the past few weeks. We were introduced to the crazy, psychotic, yet sexy Cupid, played by Amy Gumenick, and she wasn’t the only main focus of this episode. Oliver’s romantic life was also put into the spotlight as he struggled to reveal his true feelings for Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards), while she’s slowly becoming closer to Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh). All of Ollie’s current problems became enhanced as there were also developments in the flashbacks, which relationships were also developed. Who is Cupid and why did she become so obsessed with the Arrow? Where does Felicity stand between Oliver and Ray? Prepare to draw back your bow, and shoot right into the action.

Love can only be expressed in so many ways

First and foremost, Carrie Cutter (aka Cupid) was a solid addition to the show, and Amy Gumenick fulfilled her characters role to the fullest, displaying what a love-crazed psychopath is capable of, along with the extremes to while they’ll go to find their salvation. Writers Wendy Mericle and Beth Schwartz did a great job tying in her role and obsession with the Arrow to the events of the battles with the Mirakuru soldiers as an innocent passerby, to be saved by him. We weren’t given much in terms of her back story, but we were well aware that she’d gone off-the-charts crazy. It was very briefly suggested that Cupid could be Sara’s killer, but that notion was shut down immediately as they focused more directly on the conflict at hand.

Cupid is a former cop and has kept that training with her, but she’s not as dangerous to Ollie compared to others such as Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman) or Slade Wilson (Manu Bennett). There was obviously a need to create some even 1v1 action, but the fight between Cupid and Ollie shouldn’t have lasted as long as it did, especially since she’s only had a few months to train opposed to the five years Ollie had away from home. It was interesting to see her also get the jump on Roy, whose head is most certainly not 100% focused on the tasks in front of him. This was a cool concept in that we can expect much more development in Roy’s character not just physically, but mentally.

Cupid exposed Ollie’s based of operations with ease thanks to her “friend,” who she managed to kill with no hesitation or remorse; of course, that’s because she’s spoken for, right? Perhaps Oliver will need to address this issue, which may be difficult seeing as he isn’t exactly on the road to riches right now. Cupid’s overall influence on Oliver was heavy as he was (surprisingly) able to relate to some of her dilemmas. The fact that she would kill anyone for him, and even allow him to be killed if she was going along with him, probably had an even greater affect on him in making him realize just how much he cares about Felicity.

“I understand that you’re hurting and I what it’s like to want someone but not be able be with them. How you wish things could be different, but they can’t. I can’t be with you; I can’t be with anyone. I have to be alone.” - The Arrow/Oliver Queen

There were tons of character personality and relationship developments in “Draw Back Your Bow”

There’s been a ton of drama throughout Arrow’s first three seasons when it comes to relationships and love interests, and there was no shortage here whatsoever. Ray continued his charming ways by revealing his built torso to Felicity, along with a dress that’s worth thousands of dollars… And a necklace that’s worth 10 million dollars… 10 MILLION DOLLARS! Brandon Routh was once again great this week, and we even got the chance to see him doing his own salmon ladder workout! What a copycat! At first it appeared to be mere wooing because of his personality, but as the season’s progressed it’s become clear that Ray does in fact have real feelings for Felicity, and they may run deeper than expected – she’s been reluctant to reveal she somewhat feels the same way. The “Olicity” ship was become very popular amongst various forms of social media, and it’s difficult to continuously observe something come in between their potential relationship every time it seems everything could work out. Some fans might not like the Ray/Felicity dynamic but it definitely works. It’s clear Felicity understands more of Ray past his exterior, and her conversation with the businessman at the dinner meeting clearly displayed this. It was originally said that the Atom wouldn’t likely appear with powers on Arrow, but in recent weeks that’s changed entirely as viewers were teased with Ray’s designs of the A.T.O.M. exo-skeleton suit. He could be looking to become something beyond what he is now, and only time will tell how he goes about his plans.

The relationship building there is great to see, but we also saw both Ollie and Roy go through an emotional upheaval of sorts, with Ollie learning about Felicity’s more frequent meetings with Ray, and Roy trying to come to terms with his Mirakuru past. Ollie’s confronted Roy about not totally being himself, yet neither has he, as he continues to deal with the loss of so much – his mother being killed by Slade, his company taken over, and Sara being killed by an assailant who’s still unknown. He’s so focused on being the Arrow at this point that he can’t even describe his feelings to Felicity, which led to Diggle (David Ramsey) attempting to do it for him. Roy still somewhat believes he knowingly killed the cop, and hasn’t been 100% focused on the crusade which doesn’t help either. Near the end of the episode Ollie pulled him aside and said they both needed something, to get away from it all, which led to a very pleasant scene in the form of a family dinner at Diggle’s place, along with Lyla and their daughter. This was much needed bonding for the show as the characters have been 50/50 with each other for a while, and more small moments like this will help strengthen their relationships.

The flashbacks took a step forward this week in developing the relationship between Ollie and Tatsu (Rila Fukushima), where they teamed up to find Maseo (Karl Yune) after he’d gone out much longer than expected. Viewers had the chance to see Tatsu wield her katana for the first time, and it’s highly unlikely it’s not the last. What surprised us is how Maseo was simply waiting for the two at home like not much had happened. He explained the setbacks, but it’s obvious he’s hiding something which could have a big domino affect down the road.

Then there’s Thea (Willah Holland), who didn’t have much screen time in this episode, but was looking to hire a new DJ for Verdant. We were aware she would have another potential love interest, but it was a bit unnecessary for him to appear in an episode which focused on more detailed and crucial relationships. Most characters who debut midway through a season have something to bring to the table. Is the DJ just there to pester Thea or does he have something greater in store for us?

Final Verdict

Cupid wasn’t much of an intimidating foe, but an extreme one nonetheless. If she hadn’t been stopped here, who knows the lengths to which she would’ve gone just to get Ollie’s attention? Amy Gumenick’s acting was on point and a solid addition to the show, as she displayed all the signs of crazy we can expect to see from a psychotic, violent (and did I mention sexy?) woman who will stop at nothing to be with her lover. She’s been sent to Amanda Waller to join the Suicide Squad, with hopes that being around others can help her. There have been a few cameos and hints at the famous Harley Quinn, but none greater than her indirect mention by Diggle in this episode, explaining that the squad’s previous female member was much crazier than Cupid – please give us Harley! On a side note, if you loved Cupid, thank one of Arrow’s executive producers, Andrew Kreisberg, through social media as he’s the individual who created the character during his run writing the Green Arrow comics. Thank you Andrew!

The Ray/Felicity dynamic was a major highlight in this episode. The writers Wendy Mericle and Beth Schwartz did an excellent job in establishing a connection between the two that extends beyond their professional relationship. Ray has frequently charmed Felicity with one liners throughout this season and though she hasn’t come to admit it, she’s slowly falling for them, and him. Her speech at the dinner meeting was spot on, and was a defining moment at this point in their relationship. Her reactions to Ray were funny, from the expensive dress to the super expensive necklace and in particular, when he was on the salmon ladder – “I do have a type!”

The writing was great throughout the episode, whether it be Cupid’s dialogue full of insanity or Ollie trying to remove himself from the situations he’s stuck to. However, what’s been a recurring theme in Season 3 is a lack of motives and developments for Roy that’s crucial to the story. We love Roy and what he currently brings to the table with his skills, but there’s a lot more to be explored with him, and so far that exploration hasn’t gone far. Colton Haynes is an excellent actor, and gives the viewers unfamiliar with the comics a good idea of who Arsenal (commonly known as Red Arrow) is, but not enough. Roy needs more complexion to his own story which can be solved by developing his character in more fruitful detail. There’s no doubt this will happen but it needs to happen sooner than later.

Overall, “Draw Back Your Bow” was an awesome installment after a few weak ones leading up to it. Amy Gumenick’s Cupid was spot on while the Ray/Felicity dynamic took a big step, resulting in Oliver taking a step back especially after witnessing their kiss – Stephen Amell excelled in displaying his character’s roller coaster of emotions. The flashbacks were strong as Ollie and Tatsu had a refresh with one another, which will be very important to that part of the show’s story ahead. The next episode will be the Flash part 2 crossover, and fans are either really stumped or completely excited about the addition of DC’s popular villain Captain Boomerang (Nick Tarabay) at the episode’s end. Oh boy, we’re in for one wild ride…