The Brave and the Bold

Disclaimer: I "get" these ex post facto episode reviews are scrutinized mainly by die-hard fans and anyone who doesn't grasp the total wonderfulness is often hissed and boo'd. But, as I reviewer, I call them as I see them.

Here are my notes:

* generally I have been a big fan of Arrow as my prior reviews show. I have criticized, and will criticize until someone listens, their over-use of flashbacks. I grew up with David Carradine in Kung Fu so I am no stranger to flashbacks. But this writing team needs to go cold turkey with a 7 step program before they hurt someone

* fave episode so far -- the "secret origins of Felicity Smoak" - seriously cool

* before continuing, let us do something different, (a la Monty Python) and peek behind the scenes. Forget the Dems and the Republicans, Google and Microsoft, the real battle is between DC and Disney/Marvel. Both have imported a truckload of MBAs with the sole mission to monetize every hero, slogan, weapon, idea, motto, dustmop, broom and deli sandwich in the archives.

* both teams have already had misses. Superman has been redone so many times even his mother wouldn't recognize him. And I mean both mothers. And Nolan's ode to Batman involved ageing the poor guy into senility. Nothing good will come of that. Over at Marvel, their smartest move, one of the smartest in the history of the art world, was to bring in Team Whedon. Which lead to Avengers 1 and AGENTS OF SHIELD. So far. And they are just warming up

* when did Nick Fury become a black man?

* I am not a fan of FLASH (think a huge casting error was made, or they sold out whatever integrity was left to pre-teens) and I also have some issues with AGENT CARTER.

* I absolutely have problems with the "forced pairing" of Flash and Arrow, and especially the horrid speech where Arrow explains to the Flash the difference between their cities. Don't look now, but the suits just took over the production and that NEVER ends well. That speech will live in infamy I think

* I am astonished that earlier reviewer for this 'sode said it was "fun." To replay the most risqué (and most overlooked) line from Whedon's Avengers 1, "I think you and I remember this episode very differently"

To start, I have not seen a single episode of The Flash, yet. Maybe if I did, more of this episode would make sense. However, what is obvious to me is that the styles of both shows simply don't match. When the two new guys join the "Arrow cave" they act like comic book fans going to a convention. Quotes like "this is all so freaking awesome" really don't fit the darker style of Arrow. In part, that's what this episode was about. Some of the discussions between Arrow and Flash are exactly about the differences between the two cities. But for that story to progress the writers made Arrow do stuff that he hasn't done before in other episodes: torture bad guys. Another thing that doesn't make much sense is that if Flash is so powerful and Starling City is so much more violent as Central city then why doesn't Flash just clean house in Starling? If they used Oliver's strategic insight and Flash's superior superpowers together wouldn't Starling be cleaned up a lot faster? Litterly. So not only does this episode feel forced and the styles clash simply doesn't fit, it really hurts the credibility of the rest of this show. For the record though, I loved the first two seasons of Arrow and from what I've seen I think I might like The Flash as well. Just saying that this review does not reflect on either show as a whole.

I just started watching this show...

As I started to watch this episode and noticed that the "previously on..." didn't make sense. I continued to watch...the whole thing just seemed out of place. Only reason I am even here as I was checking the title and number of the episode to make sure I wasn't watching out of order.

On a side note, in season one, the scene that scrolls by the front of the Queen mansion is what started my critiquing of this show...the power tower, cam locks and power cables... It wouldn't have bothered me...but you just keep reusing that scene...oh, and the blue police car leaving the SCPD HQ every time...regardless of the amount of flaws and a fair share of bad acting...I'm still watching. Call me a light comic book series fan, as I am no fan boy to anything really.

The previous persons comment about watching Flash was a good idea...but as I said, I'm not a fan boy...and I'm not a teen...same reason I haven't watch Gotham...the whole cast is kids.

After The Flash brought the fun, Arrow brings the fire. "The Brave and the Bold" is a gritty, action-packed continuation of the crossover that digs deeper into the contrast between two very different heroes-and forces both to face hard truths about justice, fear, and legacy.

The Mission: Hunt for Boomerang

The central threat is Digger Harkness (aka Captain Boomerang), a former A. R. G. U. S. Operative with a vendetta. Unlike the meta-villains Team Flash is used to, Boomerang is a trained killer-and one of the most dangerous non-superpowered threats in Arrow's world. His deadly precision and ruthlessness make him a perfect fit for the darker tone of Arrow.

Nick Tarabay plays Harkness with cold menace, and his assault on A. R. G. U. S. (and Diggle's wife Lyla) escalates the stakes quickly.

Barry & Oliver: Clash of Ideologies

Where Part 1 was fun and flashy, Part 2 digs deep. Oliver and Barry's differences aren't just stylistic-they're philosophical. Oliver tortures a suspect for information. Barry is horrified.

"You can inspire people in a way I never could... but your weakness is needing to be liked." - Oliver "You're the guy who gave up everything for the cause. That's not me." - Barry

These conversations hit hard. This isn't a rivalry-it's a respectful, thoughtful disagreement between two men shaped by very different lives. It's what makes their dynamic feel real.

In the end, both heroes learn from each other. Barry sees the value in making hard calls. Oliver realizes that he doesn't have to be alone in the darkness. Their growth feels earned-and powerful.

The Final Battle

The climax is explosive and satisfying: Team Arrow and Team Flash team up to stop Harkness from detonating bombs across the city. The standout moment? Oliver and Barry, side-by-side, defusing the threat like true partners. There's no ego-just trust.

Felicity, Diggle, Caitlin, and Cisco all have great moments too, showing just how well these teams complement each other.

More Than Just Action

This episode also dives into what it means to be a symbol. The title-"The Brave and the Bold"-is more than a DC nod. It reflects how both heroes, despite their differences, stand for something bigger than themselves. They're not just vigilantes or speedsters. They're leaders. Legends in the making.

Final Verdict:

"The Brave and the Bold" delivers on every level: action, emotion, character growth, and comic book spectacle. It deepens Oliver and Barry's relationship, pushes their characters forward, and leaves fans wanting more crossovers.