On this episode of Arrow the team’s worst fears are realized when Meryln informs them of Oliver’s death. Meanwhile Ray Palmer tests part of his ATOM suit out and Laurel Lance decides to pursue justice outside of the law by taking up the mantle of the Black Canary.

Oliver is missing, and his team is melting down, not knowing what to do without him. That’s the point of this episode, what is Green Arrow’s team without Green Arrow?

The first episode back after the winter break is a bit of a mixed bag jumbling a lot of story-lines attempting to set up the remainder of the season. Some of it is good, some of it is meh.

The worst part is watching Felicity, Diggle and Roy attempting to deal with a rise of some villains. That, mixed with some past segments featuring Oliver is just too jumpy and disjointed.

What’s great though is everyone having issues with Oliver’s absence, especially after they learn he might have died. There’s some real pathos there and they really do feel like they’re not quite sure what to do now. Felicity’s breakdown is especially ice.

The episode is all about the set up, which is needed, but it’s almost too much packed into one episode, especially when we know Oliver will be back eventually. Not the best of the season.

Overall rating: 7