If any of you thought that Arrow peaked with this finale season in its first chapter, "Starling City", this episode is the reason why. Or more specifically its formula. What the last two-three episodes have largely failed at is the delicate balancing act of Crisis build-up, spectacle and heart. "Starling City" had all, with nostalgia, top-notch action and set pieces along with a huge push towards intergalactic annihilation. "Reset" works because it nails this juggling act. And it does so with excellence.
The much-anticipated return of Paul Blackthorne's Quentin Lance did not disappoint. This is the Quentin we know and love. A stern, duty-bound father-figure to all. This was more than just an extended cameo though. Lance was this episode's biggest factor to success. Without the emotional, heartfelt hellos and goodbyes shared with Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Laurel (Katie Cassidy), I don't think "Reset" would have worked as well as it did.
Stephen Amell was, once again, in fine form. Oliver has been getting more and more exhausted and sad every episode. Heck, even his hair is unkept. It's amazing to see that Amell can turn in such powerhouse performances at every turn. It's both amazing and sad. Amazing, that his character has endured so much and still finds ways to see the right path and sad because, well his inevitable demise is edging closer.
It was also a treat to see David Ramsey have a second go at directing. I enjoyed sections of his first attempt last season. I still don't think it was the best episode for him to tackle, but there were several little kinks that he did that I hadn't seen others do. Here, oh boy! The fluid, almost dance-like camera movements help sell the convoluted, fast-paced story. And that warehouse fight! What a oner! Arrow has done a lot of ambitious and cool fight scenes in its 8 year run, but I haven't anything quite like this. Definitely a favourite!
We also got the Crisis momentum we needed. Although I would have preferred LaMonica Garrett's imposing mutton-chopped space god instead of Lyla (Audrey Marie Anderson) foretelling the catastrophe, we now fully grasp The Monitor as a character. Moreover, we know what his endgame is. And that of his nasty twin too...
"Reset" is destined to be a classic Arrow episode. It's just spectacular and memorable. Its formula is familiar, but done to perfection and its use of Paul Blackthorne leads to some of the most emotionally satisfying moments of the show. David Ramsey's unique directorial talents are on full-display as he brings us an immaculate action sequence to shake things up. And what is set up for next week look absolutely bonkers!
