Arrow (TV Series) Underneath (2017) User Reviews

Underneath Review - episode 5.20

[BBloomcamera · 8/10 · 4 May 2017]

The Arrow Cave was used as weapon against Oliver and Felicity to keep the team distracted, so that Chase can find Oliver's son. Chase really has found every possible way to attack, torture, and torment Oliver and the Team. Please tell me that Team Prometheus (Chase, Talia, Evil Evelyn) will get what is coming to them sometime soon. There are only 3 episodes left-time to turn the tables.

Personally, I think Oliver and Felicity did need to have this discussion, and it was overdue. However, this kind of episode should have been done earlier in the season. Oliver and Felicity have been downright cold to each other at times this season, and their breakup in season 4 was so abrupt and pointless. It does not seem appropriate for two members working on a team together. Their relationship did need some repair work. My biggest argument regarding S4's Olicity storyline was the engagement taking center stage and how Oliver/Felicity were having arguments with each other over the coms(4x06) during Team Arrow missions. If this is a true Olicity makeup/reboot, I hope some lessons were learned by the writers and that there is better Olicity pacing/done in moderation this time.

Underneath was another filler episode like Dangerous Liaisons that disrupted the awesome build up to the Prometheus storyline that started with the big Prometheus/Adrian Chase reveal. Although these two episodes -Dangerous Liaisons and Underneath- were pretty good Team Arrow-focused episodes, these episodes would have been more enjoyable/appreciated as the newly teamed Arrow was still in its development back around episodes 12/13 or so. It took until episode 12 to really even get John Diggle back on the team this season/repair OTA. Team Arrow has been in disarray most of the season, and this is a big part of why Team Prometheus seems to be winning right now.

Pros: Oliver shooting Arrows again! Team Arrow had some great moments together, and each member was utilized. I am hoping this episode was sort of a preview of what a S6 episode would look like, if flashbacks are used. The fact that only main cast members were used in these flashbacks made those scenes more meaningful. Felicity giving Oliver the adrenaline shot was enjoyable too. This episode also included an Oliver salmon ladder scene, which then lead into a shirtless scene.

Cons: Time to get back to the Prometheus storyline full-force. No more filler episodes like this one. And, it is time for Oliver to get Psycho-Adrian Chase out of his head, which started back in episode 9. Lyla's backstabbing and overly critical comments of Oliver/Team Arrow seemed so out of place and hypocritical coming from her/her history.

8.0/10 Good Team Arrow Moments

Arrow - S05E20 Underneath

[j_forbesy · 9/10 · 3 May 2017]

In this episode of Arrow we had a very contained story that focused on Oliver and Felicity. No I am not talking about an episode from season 4. I wouldn't of thought that only a few weeks from the end of the season, season 5 could do an episode like this and I would enjoy it as much as I did.

My pet hate with these 22/23 episode seasons is when they put a filler episode so close to the end. I get the need for filler episodes but for me, as soon as you hit that 17/18 mark, you should be squaring up for the end. In many ways I would consider this episode filler because in the overall plot, it didn't add too much towards the Prometheus story. However, despite it being filler, I still really enjoyed this episode.

I am someone who was very much onboard with the Oliver and Felicity, or Olicity relationship when it first came about. I really liked their on screen chemistry and for me I thought them getting together at some point felt like the natural chain of events. We of course know how it ended and I have to say, regardless of what you thought about their relationship in season 4 or what you thought about Felicity as a character during that season, this episode is very much closure to everything that happened. I thought their chemistry was strongly written in a way that you could see there is still a level of care between them and that they have a strong history. I thought Stephen Amell and Emily Rickards portrayed the required emotion needed and because of that, made this episode have an impact that is going to be felt for a while.

I really liked what they did with the flashbacks this episode. A personal question I always wonder is what happens between seasons. As we know, seasons take place real time so the character are use to having their lives go to hell in December and beating the bad guy in May. I liked how the flashbacks investigated what was happening after team Arrow dissembled after season 4. While it feed into Oliver and Felicity having a bit of a romance, which personally I thought worked naturally considering their history and the closeness of their work, it was still cool to see that the writers had put some thought into filling that void that is left when the show isn't on.

There was of course another main plot point in this episode, which is Diggle and Lyla. I thought the scenes with them were interesting enough to keep me entertained. For me, Diggle and Joe are very similar characters where as long as the dialog is good and they aren't doing anything illogically stupid, then I am probably going to enjoy what they are doing on screen.

Overall, I really enjoyed this episode. The only negative I really had was the placement of it, and for me that is a pretty big thing. I would of liked this episode to be Chase heavy considering how close we are to the end. I did like the button on the end of the episode with Chase and William because it shows that next episode is going to be another personal episode.

9/10

Trust Issues

[ThomasDrufke · 7/10 · 3 May 2017]

Probably not intentional, but all 3 DC CW shows this week felt extremely manipulative. Not that it's all that unusual for the CW to mess with us, but none of the shows did what they should be doing at this stage of the year, which is focusing on the bigger picture with their respected "big bads".

Of course, spending the entire episode in a bunker with Oliver and Felicity isn't the worst thing in the world, right? Well, that would be the case if this was Arrow circa season 1-2. While I didn't dislike "Underneath", it's not an episode that I wanted or needed at this time of the year. No matter, it's the episode we received. Oliver and Felicity were forced to work their way out of the Arrow cave/bunker after Prometheus forced their hand by nearly suffocating them to death. Not dissimilar to the Alex plot in Supergirl this week, the major strength of the episode was the bond that Oliver and Felicity share. I joke about their 'Olicity' relationship now, but there was a point in the series where I quite enjoyed their company. However, I don't want the show to go down that path ever again.

I find that the times these two are at their best is when they aren't in a relationship, but rather discussing how much one cares for the other. I don't know exactly what it is about them, but I always want there to be a hint at a potential romance without ever diving deeper. Hence one of the big reasons why they are so good together in season 2.

Another couple played a pivotal role tonight as Lyla and Diggle worked their way out of a relationship funk. And you know how they did it? Compromise. Something I think Olicity can take a few notes from. Yeah, I'm looking at you 11 months ago Felicity who still blames Oliver for the William secret. Luckily, that was all figured out as she has apparently forgiven Oliver for the secret altogether. Perhaps just in time for the yearly kidnapping of William. Hey, I'm down for anything that brings Adrian Chase back into the fold.

On a lighter note, I quite enjoyed watching Team Arrow work their way into the Arrow cave Mission: Impossible style with Rene and Curtis leading the comedic way. I love it when this show decides to take a lighter approach to all the madness that happens from week to week. So that was definitely a positive. As was the end tag with Adrian Chase picking up William from the school bus. That was eerie.

+Humor

+End tag

+Bond between Felicity and Oliver

-But it wasn't a bond that needed to be addressed now

7.8/10

Interesting bottle episode

[solarpanelshydroelectric · 5 May 2017]

The main goal of this episode was to save money, obviously. It wasn't a bad episode, but definitely oddly placed in the season. It's obvious to me that Helix should have been wrapped up after a couple episodes, and this episode to be before the Prometheus conflict ramps up. Oliver and Felicity have to both work their way out of the bunker and work out their own issues. The idea that Oliver doesn't trust himself because of what Chase said is an interesting one, but it clearly doesn't tie back to Season 4 at all. This whole arc with Oliver's inner trust issues with relation to Chase, and how that relates to Felicity's Helix story-line, and their own trust issues with Oliver's son, could be truly fantastic with more nuanced writing, but with Arrow's bluntness and shallowness, it's muddled at best. The team trying to get them out was fantastic, as was Diggle admitting he was stupid to criticize Lyla. It doesn't make up for how asinine it was last episode, but I'll take what I can get. I do like how "Underneath" plays into Prometheus' main arc-he's trying to convince Oliver that he ruins everyone around him, but his team in this episode proves otherwise- Dinah and Rene were screw ups with no purpose, now they're Oliver's teammates.

+Team Arrow trying to rescue them

+Closure between Oliver and Felicity

-Shallowness of characterization blunts the impact

7.5/10

Doubling down on Arrow's strengths

[slackermama-65601 · 10/10 · 5 May 2017]

I'm giving this episode a full 10 out of 10 because it gave me exactly what I like to see in an episode of Arrow: high stakes, great effects, dramatic stunts, teamwork and character driven story progress.

Oliver doubting himself in the wake of the events of 5x17 is an issue that needed to be addressed before heading into the finale of the season. If Oliver is to fully embrace the Green Arrow mantle, he needs to understand that he is not a monster who enjoys killing. Felicity has always seen this about him but the communication between the formerly engaged couple has been spotty at best.

This episode solved that problem. Oliver and Felicity are trapped in the bunker together and they have a talk that has been long (maybe even too long) in the making. With her encouragement, I believe Oliver will finally be able to start seeing himself as a hero. And once he sees himself as a hero, he will be able to defeat Prometheus.

Arrow is always at it's best when Oliver and Felicity and Original Team Arrow are at the center of the action. That is because these relationships and the bond between these characters rings true. When relationships ring true, then the audience is able to connect with and engage in the action and care about what they see happening on screen. A show can have the most brilliant fight choreography or the most epic stunt sequence, but unless the character motivation behind it is something that audience's can root for, then it's meaningless.

5x20 "Underneath" captured that balance. It was a (much needed) pause for breath before the big action towards the finale begins and now we know exactly how to root for these characters going into that.

This episode was the best that Arrow has ever done!

[lynnsrus · 10/10 · 5 May 2017]

This episode was everything that is the heart and soul of the show that I love! This episode had action, comedy, tear jerking emotion, and love. This was TV at it's best! The episode displayed Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards at their best! The other characters were all very well written and played awesome supporting roles.

Brilliant!

[casydee-95970 · 10/10 · 6 May 2017]

This has got to be my favorite episode yet! I love that we're back to the main focus of Arrow, OTA! The bunker scenes were heartfelt, mature, and so well acted, and the action sequences were amazing! Love Stephen's comedic timing after the shot of adrenaline! Loved Dig's rescue, and him and Lyla figuring out how to work through a rough patch. Loved the deepening understanding between Felicity and Oliver. Now she has walked a little bit in his shoes, which will make the reunion that much sweeter. GREAT episode. I've watched it 5 times!!

Back to old form and Olicity was the cure.

[Leonie_1988 · 10/10 · 5 May 2017]

This is easily in the top 2 episodes of season 5. This and 5x19 finally went back to what many people tune in to watch. Ignoring Olicity's chemistry since their breakup has gotten the show only bad reviews and bad ratings. Comic fanboys will always say otherwise, but it's clear as day that Oliver Queen is happiest with Felicity Smoak (and Stephen Amell is at his best acting -wise with Emily Bett Rickards). Emily is the reason I watch this show and she will continue to be that reason. I hope she wins that Leo Award she was nominated for, she more than deserves it.

If it was the final nail in the coffin of Olicity, it was worth of it.

[josifbroz · 6/10 · 6 May 2017]

I'm done with thinking why I've been watching The Arrow for years even if the show has been going through a rough patch for a while. No, now I'm more like: "Why I liked The Arrow in the Season 1 so much?"

Then I remembered the scene when Oliver took his own luggage (the one with a bow in it) and didn't allow anyone else to touch it. Or that time he didn't help John to catch Deadshot because he was busy saving the woman he loved. Or that magnificent scene when Oliver faked his own arrest and when the psychiatrist was talking about his time in the isolation as a cause for his trauma. That was real Oliver - the one who connects his selfish past with his heroic presence bearing the burden of both in his own hands, just like he didn't allow anyone else to touch his luggage when he returned to his home.

Over the time, we have seen glimpses of that Oliver. So thanks God for giving the idea of Adrian Chase/Prometheus to the writers as Chase/Prometheus has managed to bring the best part of that Oliver back. He reminds him what he is and, in a way, what he should have been all the time. After all, he had forced him into disbanding The Team Arrow (not for long though).

The whole Olicity thing should have been put to bed (no pun intended) after their night in Nanda Parbat. "What happens in Nanda Parbat, stays in Nanda Parbat." Hopefully, what happened in the bunker, will stay in the bunker. I don't have anything against Felicity as a character. She is a beautiful, smart and funny woman. It's even OK that she occasionally reminds Oliver that he is a human being after all (except he had already had John Diggle to do so).

As for others, Mr Terrific is terrifyingly annoying with his humour. Wild Dog has all the good ones as well as Quentin Lance. And, even if a new Black Canary looks more suited for her role, she hasn't been given enough space to create the chemistry with the audience.

At this point, my biggest fear is that number of major characters in the last three episodes won't let them develop their part of the story arc in a right way.

And, excuse me for asking...BUT WHERE THE HELL IS THE VIGILANTE?!?!?! I still believe it's Billy Malone. It would make some sense (Malone and Chase faked Malone's death but didn't agree on who called dibs first on killing The Green Arrow) and it would mean Oliver didn't kill an innocent man (even by mistake).

Fantastic

[varunkumarkhannavkk · 10/10 · 3 February 2021]

I loved this episode - it was something different, something new and a nice refresh. I haven't been a fan of Felicity since S3 but this epsiode really helped her regain my appreciation. The comedy was fantastic and Olicity is back. The escape sequences were also very well done. John and Lyla beef was eh but still appreciated. I think this epsiode helped us put an end to non stop relationship drama and gave us a fresh breath of new air as we tried something new. 10/10.

The Couple with Zero Chemistry

[humairasj · 7/10 · 3 January 2019]

This Episode compelled me to write this review and leave the Arrow for good. This series is epic no doubt, every cheracter is a perfect fit for their roles. The thing which irritates me from the very begining is the zero level chemestry and 100% romance among Oliver and Felicity. I mean Com'on the oddness of this couple is visible to everyone. Felicity is perfect in her IT girl role but with due appologies she is not a Good match for the Oliver. She's manipulative and selfish and with zero compatibility for being the center of love of Oliver. Even he looks good with Susan William and most of all with Sara Lance but not with Ms. Smoak.

I had this hope that its over between them but this episode showed me that this was my misunderstanding. I just cannot bear this stress for the rest of my life therefore i am leaving this show.

What in the snooze-fest was that?

[AdamDroge · 4/10 · 4 May 2017]

We're sitting here in May with three episodes left following tonight's episode and for some reason we decide to throw in a boring as heck filler episode instead of doing something. Why? What was the purpose of this episode? How did it forward the plot?

It didn't. Instead we have Adrian Chase create an explosion where we have Oliver and Felicity stuck down in the bunker and we spend 40 minutes lecturing about trust. And when we're not having the trust arguments with Oliver and Felicity, we're above ground having the trust conversations with Diggle and Lila, because for some reason Diggle is acting like a big baby when he learns that his wife is doing some pretty sketchy things THAT HE HAS BEEN SPENDING THE LAST FIVE FRACKING YEARS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING AND NOW HE IS ALL BUTT-HURT ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

Holy facepalm. What a ridiculous episode. Of course Diggle's side of things ends with him admitting that he screwed up and has just been acting like a stupid hypocrite for the whole episode. Yeah, thanks for that CW. Can we get back to our regularly scheduled season of Arrow now that we've wasted our time here?

What really frustrated me about the Oliver and Felicity side of things is that it reminded me how much I hate Olicity with a fiery passion. It's one of the things that derailed the show for two seasons given how hard they pushed Olicity. I hated it. They have zero chemistry together and it managed to turn Felicity, who was one of my favorite characters in the first two seasons, into the character on the show that I absolutely hated the most. This hurt me and it hurt me bad.

I've been spending this whole season recovering from how badly seasons 3 and 4 hurt me and I thought those wounds had done a good job of healing. But spending this whole time with Olicity again was like pouring a bunch of salt on an old wound that I didn't realize was still tender. Making this worse were the flashbacks to Oliver and Felicity having bunker sex and contrasting their conversations that they had back then to the conversations they were having in the present. Horrible. Absolutely horrible.

The only good thing here was the Curtis/Rene banter. That made me happy. Oh, and the last shot with Adrian making contact with William was fantastic because it set up what I hope is a great final three episodes. But when the best part of the episode is the final 30 seconds that teases the next episode, you know you have problems.

I don't just drop 1/10's on IMDb when I get frustrated, so I'm not doing that now. But this episode was a waste of my time and I hope we can get back on track next week. I mean, I get it. Oliver and Felicity need to trust each other as do Diggle and Lila. Diggle and Felicity need to not act like idiots. And Oliver needs to learn that he is not a killer. But we could've established in 5-10 minutes during an episode instead of spending the whole episode fleshing that out in a boring as heck way.

Oh, and is it bad of me that when Diggle, Oliver and Felicity were hanging on for their lives to that ladder and Felicity told Oliver to drop her that I was vocally cheering for him to do so? "Drop her! Drop her! Drop her!" OK, I'm done now...

No More Olicity!!!!

[nickhotjohn · 3/10 · 4 May 2017]

Well during the first two-three seasons of Arrow not even the worst hater of this show could have predicted such a bad continuity....Apart from the fact that every person on this show can be a vigilante (even freaking Curtis!!!) the storyline between Oliver and Felicity has surpassed our worst nightmares!!!I bet that i wasn't the only one who wanted oliver to loose his grasp and let her fall.....Seriously now This is Arrow not a soap opera!!!We cant stand the small talks between them!!!!!!!I appreciate my free time so this is the final season of arrow that i am willing to watch...

Really boring

[rptileofficial · 5/10 · 4 May 2017]

Probably this episode is a waste of time and in my opinion, the worst episode this season. Adrian Chase's appearance at the end of episode is the only worthy thing at this episode. They focused too much on "Olicity" that was famous last season and that really made this episode boring.

The worst episode ever!!!!

[KingSlayer99 · 1/10 · 4 May 2017]

What the hell was that? are you freaking kidding me? I literally hate myself for wasting so much time on this show. I really thought that season 5 could be different. That maybe they could make this show great again but they just keep making it worse and worse. I wasn't quite sure before but this episode made me realize that there's no hope left for arrow. It was literally the most boring episode of any show that I have ever watched. The stupidest conversations and arguments between John and Lyla. The stupidest and most ridiculous conversations between Oliver and Felicity, Just saying a bunch of crap about trust. I am so done with arrow

The bottle episode: Olicity

[highmarksreviews · 5/10 · 2 February 2018]

"Underneath" is the bane of the momentum Arrow built up this season. While having a good concept and an interesting, purplish tint to it, this was a total bummer. Rather than focusing on a survival story deep underground, it chose the romance route, making callbacks to Season 4 and pushing the love story to its very limit. Uneventful, if not a little sweet at times, but Arrow should never really do one of these again.

Terrible

[tmntandsoccer · 1/10 · 2 April 2019]

First of all olicity terrible I hate that couple I hate them more than anything they're the worst couple except for I don't hate them more than WestAllen. They bring the stanky 4th season to the best the 5th season what's my second favorite season of The Arrow and they have the room that terrible episode I mean we're going to begin with the terribleness felicity's always right always always wrong it's Oliver show what is Felicity trying to take it over! Getting tired of f****** Felicity the 7th season it's literally just about her.

Holy John

[kjv-06229 · 1/10 · 22 August 2019]

Spartan is becoming too self righteous for my taste. Curtis and his "magic balls" are silly.