tv echo

Maybe the problem is that TV show producers think they must shake things up - shock the audience, have surprises and game changers, etc. - in order to attract attention and ratings, and to keep the show fresh and "original". Instead, these shows should stick with what made them successful in the first place - have the show evolve, but keep the winning elements while jettisoning the weaker elements.

Yes. In the climactic fight scene between Lamia wielding Excalibur and Flynn wielding the pipe, the Librarians team electromagnetized Flynn's pipe. The crown was then magnetically zapped from Lamia's head to Flynn's pipe. Having the crown, Flynn was then able to control Excalibur.

https://twitter.com/Misskatrinalaw

This article is pretty on point about how Roy's character development has gotten lost in the shuffle this season... Arrow’s Roy Harper Problem By Randy Dankievitch on Dec 8, 2014 http://www.tvovermind.com/arrow/arrows-roy-harper-problem-246233

OLIVER's BOWS Oliver has used at least five bows on the show so far: 1. Longbow (season 1 flashbacks) - On the island, Yao Fei used a longbow, which was subsequently used by both Shado and Oliver. 2. Recurve bow (season 1) - In season 1, Oliver used a customized, "oddly short" recurve bow which he brought back from the island. The origins of this bow are unknown, although there's speculation that it was made by him or one of his island companions. This bow "met its end in 'Darkness on the Edge of Town', when it was destroyed by Malcolm Merlyn". 3. Superbow (season 2) - This bow is a customized Oneida Kestrel compound bow, which Felicity had custom made for Oliver. It was presented to him in the newly renovated Arrowcave when he returned to the city at the beginning of season 2. This bow has cams like a compound bow but has limbs shaped like a recurve bow. "Most viewers had never seen a bow like the Kestrel, and everyone was really excited about it." 4. Modified superbow (season 2) - After Slade's army was defeated, Oliver used a modifed version of his superbow. This bow "unfurls to its full length when needed, but is otherwise 'curled' into a smaller size". 5. Handmade bow (season 3) - In the "Corto Maltese" episode, Oliver made his own bow (since he could bring along no weapons on the plane). In addition, Malcolm, Nyssa and the LOA use PSE Chaos AD compound bows, painted black: http://arrow.wikia.com/wiki/Oliver_Queen%27s_bow http://www.archery360.com/2013/10/second-season-arrow-debuts-superbow/ http://www.archery360.com/2014/10/exclusive-arrow-archery-expert-talks-season-3/

That's an interesting theory and would work around the problem of how Oliver could possibly defeat Ra's al Ghul - clearly, he can't. However, I also wouldn't be surprised if the midwinter finale ends with Oliver going over the cliff but grabbing Ra's at the last minute and taking him over as well - then both tumble over the cliff a la Sherlock Holmes' classic "death" scene (more copying). Here's my newest theory on Sara's killer -- the DNA evidence is only conclusive enough to identify it as belonging to a male Queen family member. Since Robert is dead and there are no other male relatives, Oliver is the only suspect. However, it turns out to be Connor's DNA! Planted by ARGUS in some convoluted plot that will spin out over the rest of the season and also involve the LOA. (Of course I'm not serious.)

The story about Superman's grandfather(!)... Another Superhero Prequel is Coming to TV with SyFy's Krypton by Lauren Piester Mon., Dec. 8, 2014 8:30 PM PST http://www.eonline.com/news/604710/another-superhero-prequel-is-coming-to-tv-with-syfy-s-krypton

They don't have time to invent their own stories. They're too busy working on spin-offs and developing their own DC tv-verse. So they copy from Nolan's Batman trilogy, and they introduce a lot of new superheroes with quick journeys to hero-hood so they can copy from the comics.

I thought Felicity's coat in the latest promo video in the Spoilers thread was purplish (mixture of red and blue), so either it's a different coat or the effect of lighting. Symbolism?

I haven't been a fan of Elizabeth Mitchell in the past. I found her performances to be terribly wooden on both Revolution and V. But her portrayal of the Snow Queen has been absolutely riveting and superb. She was crazy and vulnerable and emotionally stunted. That last scene where Ingrid was holding Gerda's scroll and realized that her sister loved her was heartbreakingly touching. Then her happy self-destruction in order to save the townspeople from her own evil spell was the perfect resolution to her story. I even found Regina tolerable in this episode. The Evil Queen has always been OTT. When the curse broke and she says "what am I wearing" (again) made me laugh. I really, really cannot stand GoldRumple. If he kills Hook and gets away with his machinations, then I am done with this show. I want GoldRumple to leave - and take Belle and Henry with him. Best line for me: David's jeer to Kristof about selling ice in a land that's all frozen. I will miss the Frozen characters. Their likeability made up for the unbelievable coincidences that fueled their entire story arc, culminating with Anna finding her mother's bottled-up scroll just in time to sway the SQ and save everyone.

These episodes were light fluff and derivative, but entertaining enough to watch when there's nothing better on TV. I agree that this show is a like a combination of Warehouse 13 and Leverage. Eve Baird (Rebecca Romijn) was Myka from Warehouse 13. Jake Stone (Christian Kane) was basically Eliot from Leverage but with a better c.v. Ezekiel Jones as the thief was not a Parker clone, but it's too soon to tell if he has any personality. Cassandra (Lindy Booth) at first seemed like Gary, the autistic guy from Alphas, but turned out to be different. However, I found Cassandra rather annoying. I could understand why the group forgave her betrayal after she saved Flynn's life at the expense of her own, but I couldn't understand why they let her back into the group. I also found Jenkins (John Larroquette) to be both obnoxious and borderline racist (his "shifty" comment to Ezekiel). The standout of these episodes was Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle), who is so much more appealing and likeable than Tom Mason from Falling Skies. Too bad Flynn is only going to be a recurring character on this show. Baird seems too humorless to anchor the show. The plot was kinda silly and the villains from the Serpent Brotherhood seemed like parody versions of members of the League of Assassins. But, as I said, Flynn Carsen was what made both the Librarian movies and these Librarians episodes watchable, so it remains to be seen how the rest of the cast holds up in his absence. Bottom line: Not must-see TV, but mindless fun (if you don't want to think too much).

I don't want this show's Green Arrow to be a womanizer. Oliver was a womanizer before the island, so for him to become a womanizer again would be a regression. As he slowly recovers his emotional health, I think he'll lighten up. I couldn't care less about the comics. I'm watching the TV show and want the TV show to make sense on its own.

Excelsior! Stan Lee Will Make A Cameo In Marvel's AGENT CARTER By nailbiter111 - 12/6/2014 http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=112049

From John Campea... Arrow After Show Season 3 Episode 8 "The Brave and the Bold" Published Dec. 3, 2014, by thestreamtv

I was just wondering how the EPs were going to come up with a believable way for Laurel to use that baton or tonfa this season. We've seen zero weapons training for her so far. If she shows up during the BC trilogy wielding that weapon expertly, that's going to be too much of a handwave. A police baton might be more believable given her cop father, but your points all make sense (careful father, still not expert, no evidence of training in past two seasons). A tonfa might be more accurate but where and how? And if she's not going to wield that weapon with any degree of expertise, why show her holding it in her BC picture?

This is a cute pic, though it looks photoshopped (couldn't get the pic to paste here)... http://instagram.com/p/wPRziWDTKH/

Believe it or not - Felicity beat out Margaery Tyrell (96% to 4%) in Hypable's semi-final round for Character Combat: Fierce Females... Character Combat: ‘Game of Thrones’ VS ‘Arrow’ Tariq Kyle 10:00 am, December 4, 2014 http://www.hypable.com/2014/12/04/character-combat-game-of-thrones-vs-arrow/

In Tumblr's 2014 Year in Review, Olicity is number 18 on their list of "most reblogged ships". http://yearinreview.tumblr.com/post/104214981882/most-reblogged-ships

The use of red and blue colors to symbolize Oliver versus Ray as a romantic partner for Felicity has previously been discussed in various threads here. This article's writer is optimistic... It Was Red by Kay Spauls ⋅ Posted on December 4th, 2014 at 12:56am http://moviepilot.com/posts/2014/12/04/it-was-red-2482561?lt_source=external,manual,manual,manual

The jbuffyangel review of "The Brave and the Bold" episode (posted in the Starling City News thread here) includes a really detailed analysis of Oliver's character (in her opinion, of course). It's worth a read.

And yet another reference to Joss Whedon... "ARROW" AND "FLASH" EPS ON CHANNELING COMIC BOOK CROSSOVERS, FUTURE TEAM-UPS Wed, December 3rd, 2014 at 12:00pm PST http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=57499 This reviewer wants more crossovers... ‘Flash vs. Arrow’ Must Happen At Least Twice a Year By Paul on Dec 5, 2014 http://www.tvovermind.com/arrow/flash-vs-arrow-must-happen-least-twice-year-246132 Here's jbuffyangel's in-depth review of "The Brave and the Bold"... What Does It Mean To Be A Hero? The Brave and The Bold Arrow 3×08 Review December 5th,2014 | jbuffyangel | http://www.oliverandfelicity.com/2014/12/05/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-hero-the-brave-and-the-bold-arrow-3x08-review/

Sorry - didn't realize there was a Companion Series thread, so thanks! http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mega-Buzz-Walking-Dead-Forever-Bones-1090227.aspx From the new TV Guide (Fan Favorites print issue) for Dec. 8 - 21, 2014.

When I first saw the spoiler pics of Laurel as the Black Canary holding a black police baton, I wondered when or if they were going to squeeze in any scenes of Laurel training to use that weapon. However, I just realized that they can easily retcon in some expertise by showing a flashback scene of child Laurel practicing with her father's police baton.

SA is certainly doing his part to promote the episodes that he's not even going to be in (except maybe in flashbacks). From the new TV Guide (Fan Favorites issue):

News on the companion series... Cliff Curtis To Star In ‘The Walking Dead’ Companion Series by Nellie Andreeva • December 4, 2014 9:00am http://deadline.com/2014/12/cliff-curtis-cast-the-walking-dead-companion-series-spinoff-1201308108/ 'Walking Dead' spinoff casts male lead By James Hibberd on Dec 4, 2014 at 12:24PM @james_hibberd http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/12/04/walking-dead-casts/ ‘The Walking Dead’ Companion Series Casts Cliff Curtis as Male Lead DECEMBER 4, 2014 | 10:04AM PT Laura Prudom News Editor @lauinla http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/walking-dead-spinoff-cliff-curtis-male-lead-1201371013/