The Dragon

This is exactly how I want to see every episode that doesn't feature it's stars.

All shows with semi- ensemble casts that run even near the double digits, require episodes without the main cast members in such prominent roles for scheduling purposes. It's just how it works. And this is a perfect example of how to use those episodes to better your stories instead of just fumbling through some cheesy rushed excuse to not have them in the plot.

We get great backstory and insight into a villain. I was wishy washy about him as a big bad this episode really changed my mind. I feel much stronger about him as a character and, more importantly, as a villain.

Great action and a good episode for Diaz character development, even thought it still felt like a filler episode. With Oliver having about 2 mins of screen time !!!

Best episode of the season if not the series. Diaz betrayal as a mad men seeking validation in an epic rise to power is one for the movies at the very least a spinoff. DC seems to be learning what Marvel TV recently found out as well, that the villains make the heroes. Great Episode!

The show never gives a whole episode to a big bad, not like this. I am really glad they did here, because it was wonderful. Between the incredible performance put on my the person who played Ricardo Diaz, to the storyline of the episode overall, it was just terrifying but also very entertaining. This episode was different but still managed to keep up with the greatness and the incredible acting that a usual Arrow episode has to offer. Themes were also very good, hearing The Dragon's themes makes you feel something and lets you know that this guy, this guy is different and so much more than the typical thug.

I truly hope this was a test for a new series. The story from the beginning took me in and the actor who plays "the dragon" is so compelling I did not want this episode to end. Even though the arrow is hardly in it, I believe fans will love this new character/story. Wow. Just great.