Arrow season 6, episode 21 recap: The People v. Oliver Queen

A thrilling new episode of Arrow impressed by holding a trial for Oliver Queen that was completely unpredictable.

First off, I have to say that “Docket No. 11-19-41-73” was a wildly unpredictable episode of Arrow. Based on various internet rumors and the course of the season, I fully expected Oliver (Stephen Amell) to found guilty and sent to prison. However, that didn’t happen. Alternatively, I figured Oliver might get off with the help of a convincing double. But that didn’t happen either. What did happen was a thrilling chess game between Oliver and Diaz (Kirk Acevedo) that ended with someone else kicking over the board. Judging by this episode’s quality, Arrow really needs to do more courtroom set installments in the future.

The episode began with Diggle (David Ramsey) killing his way through an active war zone to rescue…someone. Back in Star City, Oliver learned that he the judge in his upcoming trial was in Diaz’s) pocket. And that the only deal on the table was a 15-year prison sentence. In Other Bunker, Rene (Rick Gonzalez) expressed guilt about his role in Oliver’s current predicament. The trial began with Oliver’s lawyer Jean (Teryl Rothery) suggesting that the former mayor’s indictment was the result of a conspiracy. The non-corrupt prosecutor, Alexa Van Owen (Catherine Dent), responded by destroying the credibility of Oliver’s allies on the stand.

Although I was totally on Oliver’s side, I really appreciated how well Van Owen argued her case. Despite the fact the trial was built on false evidence, Oliver is the Green Arrow. And he’s made a lot of mistakes along with way regarding his identity secret. The show’s writers arranging those mistakes in a way that made a really strong argument that Oliver had to be the city’s chief vigilante. And they did it without destroying the future viability of Oliver having an alter ego. That was some really impressive scripting.

“Please don’t tell me you have FOMO because you weren’t subpoenaed.”

In the local injustice hall, Diaz threatened to kill Black Siren (Katie Cassidy) if he didn’t like what she said on the witness stand. Back in the courthouse, Van Owen got Oliver to admit that he lied being on Lian Yu. But his testimony was interrupted by the sudden arrival of the “Green Arrow.” The Emerald Archer revealed to be Tommy Merlyn (Colin Donnell), claimed responsibility for all of Oliver’s vigilante-related actions. After his arrest, Tommy escaped with help of Diggle and Rene and was revealed to be Christopher Chance (Wil Tarval). In response, Diaz ordered Siren to take the stand and explain who Chance was using data stolen by Cayden James.

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While the Tommy reveal wasn’t a huge shock, I liked the way the show played it. With alternative universes, time travel, and resurrection pools available in the Arrowverse, you couldn’t point to one cause for Tommy’s sudden reappearance.  I feel like a real trial that was interrupted by a dead man claiming to be a superhero would be declared a mistrial, but as the evil judge said, I’ll allow it. The only part that bugged men about the fake out was Oliver not reading Felicity in. Still, she did know he is consummate lair when she married him, so different strokes to different folks.

“You cannot live in denial.”

Siren, pretending to be Laurel, claimed that Tommy was Green Arrow and later told Quentin (Paul Blackthorne) he inspired her to be brave. In spite of everything, Oliver was found guilty by the jury, but the corrupt judge set aside the verdict and found him innocent. But as it turned out, Chance had impersonated the judge at Rene’s suggestion. Afterward, Rene and Oliver finally reconciled.

Later, Diaz executed the real judge and was attacked by Siren. Because he had a sonic nullifier, Diaz was able to overpower and capture Laurel. The episode ended with Diaz vowing to finally kill Oliver and his loved ones.

Although it took way too long to get here, I’m glad Diaz is done playing games with Oliver. Having failed to get a conviction when he owned half the witnesses, the judge and possibly the jury, Diaz now knows Oliver can’t be brought down politically.

Still, being aware that the city’s vigilantes are effective and now seemingly no longer divided, I’m curious as to what his next play will be. Surely he must know that if he kills one of them, they’ll kill him. And that killing Green Arrow will bring down the wrath of his super friends. Seeing how Diaz plays his last hand will really determine if the character was worthwhile or not.

Next: Arrow season 6, episode 20 recap: The Emerald Knight falls

I was also happy to see Siren step up. Although her fear was justified, Quentin was right to point out that she has superpowers. If her big attack on Diaz involved a little more strategy or some backup, she could’ve taken him out. Now that she’s turned on him, I’m very interested to see where she’ll end up. A redemptive sacrifice could work but would feel a bit pat. I think I’d be a lot more interesting to see Siren continue on in Star City without Diaz’s influence. Katie Cassidy has the chops to pull off a more long-term rehabilitation arc akin to Faith’s on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Arrow airs on The CW Thursdays at 9 pm.