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30 greatest Arrowverse episodes, ranked

By Michael Patterson

Supergirl -- ÒCrisis On Infinite Earths: Part OneÒ -- Image Number: SPG509b_BTS_0440r.jpg -- Pictured (L-R): Melissa Benoist as Kara/Supergirl, Brandon Routh as Ray Palmer/Atom, Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Ruby Rose as Kate Kane/Batwoman, Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers, Grant Gustin as The Flash, David Harewood as Hank Henshaw/JÕonn JÕonzz, Jesse Rath as Brainiac-5, (Bottom Row: Audrey Marie Anderson as Harbinger, Katherine McNamara as Mia, Caity Lotz as Sara Lance/White Canary, Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent/Superman and Bitsie Tulloch as Lois Lane -- Photo: Katie Yu/The CW -- © 2019 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Supergirl -- ÒCrisis On Infinite Earths: Part OneÒ -- Image Number: SPG509b_BTS_0440r.jpg -- Pictured (L-R): Melissa Benoist as Kara/Supergirl, Brandon Routh as Ray Palmer/Atom, Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Ruby Rose as Kate Kane/Batwoman, Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers, Grant Gustin as The Flash, David Harewood as Hank Henshaw/JÕonn JÕonzz, Jesse Rath as Brainiac-5, (Bottom Row: Audrey Marie Anderson as Harbinger, Katherine McNamara as Mia, Caity Lotz as Sara Lance/White Canary, Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent/Superman and Bitsie Tulloch as Lois Lane -- Photo: Katie Yu/The CW -- © 2019 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved. /
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Arrowverse episodes
Arrow — Photo: Cate Cameron/The CW /

Best Arrowverse episodes – No. 18

Salvation (Arrow season 1 episode 18)

From about Season 3 onwards, Arrow has fully embraced the fact that it is a superhero show, consistently highlighting its large ensemble of heroes and the ridiculous world they live in – even if it’s to the detriment of the storyline. But if you look back at some of the show’s earlier episodes, you’ll find that plots were a little more subtle and stripped back, focusing more on a character depth over metahuman madness.

“Salvation” was a shining example of this, focusing on a series of kidnappings and murders that were broadcast live – all of which were perpetrated by an entity calling himself “The Savior.” However, the reveal that this murderer was just a normal guy who turned to vigilantism after his wife was murdered really hit home with Oliver and us as viewers. And although The Arrow empathized with him, he was forced to kill him in order to save Roy Harper’s life.

From the disturbing broadcasts to the graphic violence, the episode wasn’t afraid to hold back and it was a glimpse into what made the earlier seasons of Arrow so great. There weren’t any colorful villains here or quick-witted one-liners, there was a lesson about the value of life and what losing life can do to someone. It was full of gritty realism, and the whole ordeal impacted Roy in such a way that it taught him to make a better life, not just for himself, but for everyone else. In many ways, this was the moment that Arsenal was truly born.

“Salvation” was a grim reminder that all it takes is one bad day to turn good people into monsters and it was executed to perfection with unnervingly good storytelling, invasive camera-work, strong performances and a haunting score that still sends chills up our spines.

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