Let's Review: Laurel Lance as Black Canary

Eonline: Introduction to the Black Canary Costume

Things have been heating up since the last episode. Ray and Felicity are slowly becoming a thing, Diggle asks Oliver to be his best man, Thea struggles with her first kill, and Ra Al Ghul offering the Arrow the role of a lifetime. Putting that aside, Laurel gets to share her moments as herself and the Black Canary. I think now is the time for us to evaluate what she has done so far. Why? For one thing, Black Canary is a very important character in DC. She is not just the love interest of Green Arrow, but also the person who knows how to keep things together. She's a fabulous mentor and is known in DC for her impeccable fighting skills. So the question is, did Laurel Lance do her justice?

To be honest, yes. 

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Let me remind everyone that this show is about Green Arrow, not the Black Canary. Yes, she is very important in his life, but it is a total no-no for her to take up a lot of screen time. Also, the first three episodes of the second half are her origin stories. In other words, she is just starting out. What's really impressive about her is that Katie Cassidy was good at turning Laurel into a very sloppy vigilante. I mean, that's how it's supposed to be when you're going to start something. I think we all remember how Oliver started out after the oh-so many flashbacks we've seen in this series, and do not make me start with Roy and Thea. So for now, I appreciate her current fighting level. It's slightly realistic (minus the part that she was willingly able to smash into a window) and how it's supposed to be for the time being. 

Her identity crisis was also something that most definitely caught my attention because it was not just a question of who she really is, but there was a tinge of sibling rivalry; and this rivalry is something that most of the viewers can relate to. It has always been a question of who could be a better Canary: Laurel or Sara. Back in season two, we all despised Laurel simply because we did not like her attitude back then, which made most of us lean more on to Sara (I know I did). Now these "Black Canary" episodes put that question into play. Interesting right??? However, the question still has not been answered. We still do not know if Laurel truly deserves or is supposed to be the Black Canary or not. Basically, Laurel still does not have a full motive as to why she took her sister's costume in the first place. Sara's death may have been the drive, but in the end we realize that's not exactly it. Heck we don't even know Laurel even wants to be a hero or not. Sara definitely did not. 

So hopefully, I want to see Laurel as a hero who truly wants to aid Starling City because that's not what Sara really wanted to do. I believe that being a selfless heroine will be the one that will set Laurel apart from her. Because the series is trying to tell us that they are not one and the same, and that Laurel is not just going to be the next Sara Lance (which kinda explains why her dad bitterly calls her the Black Canary). 

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Will we see a big development on Black Canary any time soon? Probably, because Sara will no longer be apart of Laurel's equation soon. We only got to see her truly become Black Canary in the "Canaries" episode, but it was a small rough start (thank you Detective Quentin for giving us feels). Will Black Canary be a killer? Maybe. However, Black Canary was never known for her killing sprees. Why did I ask that question? In case you have not noticed, killing has been a real issue in the series. It established the idea that killing does change a person, and it can change Laurel if it happens to her. However, I am honestly tired of seeing that scenario over and over. I want Black Canary's develop to be bumpy and complex just like Arrow's, Thea's, or Arsenal's, but I was hoping that it does not center on killing. I get that it changes people, but let's give Canary a brand new problem to worry about. 

Fangirl Moment! Flash/Arrow Spinoff Series

Recently, Caity Lotz posted on Instagram a picture of a news article announcing that there will be a brand new spin-off series with her, ATOM, Firestorm, Captain Cold, more unknown DC Characters as the main characters. So yeah, it does sound like it's going to be another version of the Justice League but not likely (my big guess is that they are going to be the Justice League of America but that wouldn't add up so well). Am I excited? Of course I am! Caity Lotz officially became one of my actresses mainly because she nailed the Canary role (sorry Laurel, but you'll get there) so well. Not only that, I love Captain Cold even if we still do not know what's his real deal is. Basically, I like the new DC characters of Arrow and The Flash, and I honestly want to see more of them. So personally, I think this whole thing is a really good idea, because this gives us a chance to get to know them more without them interfering with the main plots of the two main CW Series. 

From Caity Lotz's Instagram

My only guess as to why they would do this is because of two words: fan service. It has to be because they intend to include Sara Lance in the series, even if she's *spoilers* dead. If you have seen Twitter or any article related to Sara's death in the first episode of Arrow Season 3, fans were devastated. So yes, I am convinced that Caity Lotz's character was just as loved as Emily Bett's (who plays Felicity Smoak). I'm not sure about ATOM or Firestorm but since they're played by very attractive and talented actors (let's be honest), I guess some fans would definitely want to see them do their own thing. If it's not because of the fan service then I don't know what. My main concern is that it might not end up as popular as they expected it to be. In other words, the characters they chose for this series should be at least--in my opinion--ultimately favored by the fans. Aside from writing a very twisted, good, and cohesive plot, the characters must be high in demand or popular.

It is mentioned in the news that there will be three additional DC characters who still remain a mystery and haven't been seen or mentioned in any DC show yet. Yes, you know what's coming next... who should be the three new DC characters for this series? Here are my picks

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1.) Nightwing
I think it's been something that I've been talking about since last year. Putting the bias attitude aside, I really think he should a part of this series and he does not have to be a regular. This can be the perfect opportunity to introduce the upcoming series (assuming the spinoff series comes first), "Titans" which is all about the Teen Titans themselves and Nightwing himself is the leader of this young group. Plus, there used to be rumors that there is the possibility of a crossover between Titans, Arrow, and The Flash. It would make sense for Nightwing to be in this series since he's also the hero of Bludhaven, and he can be the connecting bridge for the future series to come. Let's just hope that CW can still use Nightwing as a character. 

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2.) Cheshire or Tigress/Artemis
Now this was certainly a hard deliberation for me, because they're both very interesting characters with so much potential. Basically, they were supposed to be one of the "forgotten" DC characters until Young Justice gave them more depth (mostly for Artemis, but you know what I mean). So if the writers based their characters on the Earth 2 or Young Justice Universe, then they could make great arc stories. Aside from the fact that they're supposed to or could be siblings, they are both very enigmatic characters and they both have scandalous family backgrounds. In Young Justice, they were the daughters of Sportsmaster and Huntress (Helena Bertinelli), who were wanted criminals. And it's all right if they don't focus on that, the back story of these characters are just pretty damn interesting. Artemis Crock is originally a villain, a minor member of the Injustice Society. In Young Justice, she suffers from some sort of identity crisis, unable to decide if she's a villain or a not. Cheshire, also known as Jade, she is originally the daughter of Lady Shiva (a villain of Batman...ehem Batman *points to Nightwing* Batman) and a member of the League of Shadows, or also known as League of Assassins...need I say more? These chicks can be potential anti-heroes of the series, and if we want feels... Cheshire became the wife of Roy Harper (but not exactly the Roy we know in Arrow), and Artemis was also the love interest of Wally West, who is the nephew of Iris West and is also known as Kid Flash, a member of Teen Titans and the protege of Barry Allen. Artemis was married to Icicle Jr. who was also a member of Injustice Society, but that's a different story altogether.

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3.) The First Ravager, Son of Deathstroke
Do I really have to explain why he should be included in the cast? He's the son of Slade Wilson! The offspring of the Deathstroke that we came to know. The son that he's been talking about since Lian Yu! And so far, we only heard of him so why not make him a character? Because believe it or not, he's just like his father. Why? Simple. Grant Wilson is the original Ravager until his sister took the mantle. Not only that, he's also a member of the Teen Titans. But just like Jason Todd, he didn't live long to tell his tale. Now I wonder why Deathstroke became the main villain of the Teen Titans in the first place....

And there you have it! If you have your own set of picks, let me know. And let us wish CW more awesome DC series to come. Till the next post~

8 Moments that Defined Arrow Season 2

WARNING: The following posts contains spoilers

The premiere of season three is upon us and I am very excited. The ending of season two has definitely brought me to the edge of my seat and ever since I watched the ultimate ending, tons of theories and predictions for the show came exploding in my mind.

Now that the third season is three days away, all of my favorite scenes in the last season have come flooding back in my mind and I would like to share these certain moments right here in my blog. Personally, these scenes totally defined Arrow and perhaps DC. These scenes are the reason why this show (and DC) is truly epic and awesome. I know there were a lot great scenes in that show, but the scenes I am going to talk about still linger in my mind. In other words, they created a huge impact to me. And yes, this is my way to keep everyone excited and very well anticipated for the brand new season!

For the nth time, stop asking if she's okay (source)

1.) Laurel's antagonistic moves

Her character pissed most of the viewers off. She tried to be her father and attempted to capture Oliver because she was blaming him for the death of Tommy. Then she thought Tommy's death was her fault and started drinking and acting like a total jerk. But let's focus on how she tried to put The Arrow in jail, shall we? Like I said several posts ago, she's not a completely bad character. She can be a badass anytime she wants, irregardless of how right or wrong the situation is. I guess this was not her season, and just like any other human, she turned to a very dark path for a little while. It happens. Hopefully, Laurel will be back on her feet in season 3. But her antagonistic tendencies proves that she's not to be taken too lightly. 

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2.) Dr. Ivo making Oliver choose between Shado and Sara and Slade Wilson repeat of the same dilemma

I had no choice but to merge these two scenes into one because they are not only related to each other, but they are very intense. I'm sure no one wants to go through what Oliver has experienced, especially this one. I guess these scenes show that humans cannot love everyone equally, which is a cold truth. You can divide your love among people, but deciding who gets the bigger piece is a tough choice. 

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3.) Deathstroke randomly killing Sebastian Blood's henchmen

He did not just kill them for any plausible reason. He killed them because he's pissed. And he had to wear his Deathstroke outfit. That's how much of a dangerous badass he is.

Roy Harper (Source)

4.) Roy Harper's bipolar attitude towards Oliver 

Like Laurel, the second season was not Roy's season. He had random fights with Thea, he got punched and arrested a few times, he had the Mirakuru in his system and went on a rampage for a few episodes, then he had to leave Thea but Thea eventually left him...yeah. However, all the things he had to go through had to happen, if he has to be in Team Arrow. But his impatient attitude is so Roy Harper, which I adore. So I give kudos to the writers for making his character spot on! 

They're bringing sexy back (source)

5.) The Canary vs. The Huntress

I am so glad that this episode finally happened! The fight between the Birds of Prey was not only sexy, but it was awesome! It was even accurate because Black Canary and Huntress always had a rocky relationship. I wish it was not their last episode together and hopefully next time, the Birds of Prey will finally be complete.

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6.) Moira Queen's death

Never underestimate a mother's love. Never.

Isn't this awesome? (source)

7.) Team Arrow and League of Assassins

Come on. It was so cool. Words cannot describe the emotions I had whilst watching this very scene. Nothing beats seeing two (maybe three, including the Suicide Squad, somehow) epic organizations work together.

You are not done fighting. (source)

8.) Felicity's pep talks

This is probably the first time I've seen a comic superhero who does not need a kiss from a very pretty girl to feel energized and encouraged. All it takes for Oliver to move on is Felicity saying that she still believes in him. Heck, that's all he ever needs to hear because almost everyone was looking down on him at this point. So it is good to know that we have the "Bitch with Wifi" who not only threatens and interrogates people using her computer, but also knows what are the right words to say to a man she really cares about. Rejoice, Olicity fans, rejoice!

So what were your favorite scenes in the second season of Arrow?

Related:

Fangirl Moment: Arrow Season 3: High Speed Chase Trailer
What to Expect this October!

Fangirl Moment: Arrow Season 3: High Speed Chase Trailer

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I do not know where to begin...

Multitasking... 

Arsenal...

Ollicity...

Black Canary's Return...
Brandon Routh???

OH MY GODS MY HAPPINESS CANNOT BE CONTAINED!!! 

Yes, I just watched the trailer for the first episode of Arrow, which is called High Speed Chase. I know, better late than ever, Tama. Well what can I say,  I was too busy with catching up on Season 2 to even look at it. So now, I've seen it...I am not sure if I will be able to make a comprehensive statement about how I feel right now. I feel excited, I have this sudden urge to bite and strangle anything. I want to scream around the streets like a crazy person, and I want to dance to the background music this trailer has (seriously, what is the title of this amazing song???). So far, Arrow has not disappointed me and each season/episode gets better and better. The previews look very promising and I'm not saying this because I am DC-biased. This series is a whole new level of awesome and if I have to explain why it's so amazing, I would end up writing a novel thicker than the Bible itself. So yeah, I'm keeping my fingers crossed...hoping this season will not flop. DC has certainly found its place in television series (alongside Gotham and Flash). And that's all I can say for now... why? Simple. I am going to watch this trailer again.