I watched this initially as it aired in 2014. At first, I was unfazed by most of the episode. It seemed to not be accomplishing much, aside from Moira's withdrawl. But as it progressed, the other storylines kicked into gear. We see Sara in a moment of self-acceptance that she's too far gone, unlike Oliver. Roy's 'Tremor' storyline is thankfully on hold.
Watching this again, in 2018, I see how amazingly well-executed this episode was. It easily could have hit season 4's low if it hadn't been so fine tuned. The episode peaks with Moira and Oliver reconciling, and her admitting she knows he is The Arrow. Her speech sets us on the horizon looking forward to a bright future. When everything is all well, the unexpected twist kicks down the door and slaps us in the face.
Slade abducted Oliver, Thea and Moira. This scenes' juxtaposition to Ivo's ultimatum with Sara and Shado is beautifully shown. Amazing acting on all fronts. Manu Bennett is truly ominous as Slade, proving to us again that he is in control and will keep his promise. He runs Moira through with a sword in front of Oliver and Thea and retreats, leaving them to mourn their deceased mother. It's a heart wrenching scene with some of Amell and Holland's (Thea) best acting. The star of it all is Susanna Thompson. The flashbacks reveal how manipulative she was of her son's life. That last shot of her at the staircase invokes an idea of diabolical meddling and a seat of power. She's still missed on the show, 4 years on. This blow to Oliver seemingly breaks him, but it also sets him on a collision course with Slade in the finale, which is worthy of its own review.
Overall, 'Seeing Red' is one of the best episodes of the season, and even of the series. The different themes, the emotions, the character development; all of it so well executed. The dialogue wasn't blocky or unnecessary.
I hope everyone else agrees with my opinion
Watching this again, in 2018, I see how amazingly well-executed this episode was. It easily could have hit season 4's low if it hadn't been so fine tuned. The episode peaks with Moira and Oliver reconciling, and her admitting she knows he is The Arrow. Her speech sets us on the horizon looking forward to a bright future. When everything is all well, the unexpected twist kicks down the door and slaps us in the face.
Slade abducted Oliver, Thea and Moira. This scenes' juxtaposition to Ivo's ultimatum with Sara and Shado is beautifully shown. Amazing acting on all fronts. Manu Bennett is truly ominous as Slade, proving to us again that he is in control and will keep his promise. He runs Moira through with a sword in front of Oliver and Thea and retreats, leaving them to mourn their deceased mother. It's a heart wrenching scene with some of Amell and Holland's (Thea) best acting. The star of it all is Susanna Thompson. The flashbacks reveal how manipulative she was of her son's life. That last shot of her at the staircase invokes an idea of diabolical meddling and a seat of power. She's still missed on the show, 4 years on. This blow to Oliver seemingly breaks him, but it also sets him on a collision course with Slade in the finale, which is worthy of its own review.
Overall, 'Seeing Red' is one of the best episodes of the season, and even of the series. The different themes, the emotions, the character development; all of it so well executed. The dialogue wasn't blocky or unnecessary.
I hope everyone else agrees with my opinion