Weren't Arrow and Daredevil Meant to Be Together: A Comparison of Television Quality and Legacy

Why is it that Arrow never got the chance to air on a streaming platform like Netflix? A deep dive into the original series reveals a significant distance between the character's portrayal and the plot quality of the show, which pales in comparison to the excellent storytelling that first captivated audiences with its gritty, dark narrative.

The Evolution of Storytelling and Character Depth in Arrow

As a pivotal character in the Arrowverse, Green Arrow's transition from comic book lore to the small screen (and potentially even the streaming giant of Netflix) does begin with a gut-wrenching departure from the original source material. However, the issue extends beyond the darkness of the character, as the Arrow series fell into an abyss of wasted potential with a dearth of proper plotlines and decent scripting. The show, once a beacon of light, soon transformed into a mere soap-opera where it was all about the characters in costumes.

The Decline of Storytelling and Dialogue Quality

Journeying from the initial brilliance of the character, where Oliver Queen had to carefully maintain his secret identity, Arrow morphed to the point where fans could predict his motives like the plot of a Naruto filler episode. The flashbacks, once a crucial storytelling device, became unbelievable and predictable. Add in the persistent overuse of cliche superhero tropes where characters kept popping up in extravagant ways – either resurrected, saved at the last moment, or joining a greedy superhero coalition – and it's no wonder it felt like a Dragon Ball filler episode at times.

The Basics and Beyond: The_Final.dat of Parallels

One might argue that an issue with a Netflix release for Arrow wasn't about the platform per se, but about the inevitable decline in quality in the later seasons. The character in the comics was darker, but the presence of a Spin-off series (The Flash) demonstrated that light-hearted adaptation could still create meaningful narratives while following established source material. As the show shifted from a darker tone to a more ripped-from-the-daily-newspaper style, the reliance on filler content grew. Compelling profiles of villans and supporting characters could have been the fulcrum of the narratives, but the show often leaned on monotonous reveals and jump cuts to keep pace with fan expectations.

Choreography and Combat Styles

On the front of action sequences, Arrow excelled. The choreography was not just for show but was considered among the best in the television industry. This style, distinct from Daredevil's, prioritized subduing the criminal without necessitating hospital visits. The actor playing Oliver Queen did an excellent job, especially in the early seasons, where nuanced dialogues and emotions played more than cheesy one-liners. That said, the rapid descent into melodrama and convoluted plots, makes the later seasons feel more like a hybrid of Power Rangers combined with a soap-opera narrative than a serious drama with foreseeable stakes and endgame.

The Ongoing Fan Debate

The show, despite its initial promise, had a strong fan base that remained largely loyal. This fan base, however, now grapples with the notion that quality of storytelling and script has significantly declined over the years. The Arrowverse remains a topic for passionate discussions on forums and social media, with many arguing the show would have been better off maintaining the original legacy and tone under the same creative team responsible for Daredevil.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity?

Ultimately, the question remains whether Arrow could have thrived on Netflix under the same creative umbrella as Daredevil. While the platform limits are worth considering, the narrative's arc and character development are what truly matter. With proper scriptwriting and a tighter storyline, there's no doubt that the series could have delivered a more consistent and compelling viewing experience. Fingers crossed that future reboots will take this into account to honor the character and the fans more preemptively.