If you're on Twitter, I recommend you start following Stephen Amell (if you aren't already). The Toronto-born actor goes by the handle @amellywood and while he tends to prattle on about football (a lot), uses the word "neato" and references former shows "Private Practice" and "New Girl," most of his tweets have to do with his new series, "Arrow." Amell posts pictures from the Vancouver set, info on a newly wrapped episode, or trying to master the Tom Cruise run, and it's a great little way to follow what's happening on easily one of the best new shows of the season.
There are obvious reasons to give "Arrow" a try. Amell, for one. Not only is he easy on the eyes, but thankfully, the man can act. It would have been easy to cast Oliver Queen with some random hair model, but Amell commands our attention for all the right reasons (though it doesn't hurt if he just happens to be shirtless or pimped out in a well-cut suit).
Aside from Amell, the story is just fantastic. Sure, it's based on the DC comic book so it has to follow the rules, but a billionaire playboy returning to society after being shipwrecked on an island for a handful of years where he developed superior skills with a bow and arrow -- now that can go in several directions.
I am, by no means, a comic book junkie, so I don't know exactly where "Arrow" is going. Nor do I want to (I avoid what I perceive as spoilers, just so I can enjoy a series, like with "The Walking Dead"), but the possibilities seem endless. Shortly after his return to civilization, Oliver is equipped with a list of names of enemies he plans to bring down, and I love that concept. There are a couple of characters who I can do without, of course -- Oliver's sister, Thea (Willa Holland), and his best pal, Tommy (Colin Donnell) -- but I'm really hoping we see more of his bodyguard, John Diggle (David Ramsey). I can totally see Oliver and John's relationship evolving into something Bruce Wayne/Alfred-esque (but for those of you who know, don't tell me anything!).
Aside from the two aforementioned characters that I'm not a fan of (yet), I have a couple of quibbles. Oliver's "disguise" is ... not great. While I do dig the hoodie and raccoon makeup, Arrow is still very much Queen. And his newfound lair, the rundown warehouse which just happens to have electricity and wi-fi, can easily be stumbled upon by some homeless dude or, I don't know, his mom (Susanna Thompson).
But as long as you're down with edge-of-your-seat action, dark and gritty cinematography, and nail-biting suspense, "Arrow" is the show for you. The best part, surprisingly, isn't Amell's abs; rather, "Arrow" is so great because it's crafted around a mysterious leading man. The show could easily be centered around the action alone, but it's actually more character-driven than driven by plot. And while it's based on a comic book, it's refreshing that the twists and turns aren't the only things keeping the action going. Neato, indeed.
