In Review: Arrow – Inmate 4587

Synopsis: After surrendering to the police for being the Green Arrow, Oliver tries to survive in the prison while a new unknown vigilante emerges in the Star City.

Review: Arrow opens its seventh season picks up events five months from where the season six finale left off. A lot has changed for Star City and not for the better.

The Story

Star City is suffering as opportunistic criminals take advantage of the fact that there are no more vigilantes in town, but when Nick Anastas, an arms dealer is attacked by a hooded figure. Dinah and Rene have to take note and try to catch the impersonator, but it seems the two former vigilantes aren’t on the same page.

Meanwhile in prison. Oliver is trying to keep his head down and stay out of trouble, but its proving to be a difficult task given that Danny ‘Brick’ Brickwell and his gang are doing their utmost to provoke him. Added to all that stress is the fact that Oliver is having recurring nightmares about Diaz murdering Felicity and his son William who are both in witness protection.

The Acting

Vinnie Jones makes a return as Danny Brickwell and proves to be as menacing as ever with his efforts to taunt and intimidate Oliver. It’s always fun to watch Vinnie Jones in pretty much any role where he can be the villain and he is not wasted here.

There are a few strong performances in this episode, but the moments I really enjoyed were where Rene and Dinah have a difference of opinion about the individual who is impersonating the Green Arrow. I also loved the dream sequence in which Diaz gets to Felicity.

Kirk Acevedo makes a welcome return as Diaz and this season he is even more determined to hurt Oliver and anyone that he calls family.

Overall

This is a pretty good start for Arrow, which has already presented us with some interesting questions such as who is the Green Arrow impersonator? Is that question answered in the closing moments of the episode or will it be someone else entirely?

Also, how long with it be before Dinah, Rene and Diggle decide that enough is enough and resume their vigilante activities after a five-month break.