Arrow: This is Your Sword is Most Ambitious Episode Yet

Click here for the complete, spoiler-filled review of Arrow "This is Your Sword."

As we approach the end of Arrow's third season, you almost know how those final few episodes are going to go. Not in terms of story, in terms of quality. The show just knows how to bring it for a grand finale. 

Now, I've just seen "This is Your Sword," and I'm sworn to secrecy when it comes to spoilers. But I'll tell you this much: Arrowusually ends things in a very particular way. If this episode is anything to go by, that isn't the way things are going this year. 

Here's what I'll do. I'll present you the "official" information that's out there about the episode, and if you don't want to know any more than this, then click away after you watch the trailer (although, beware, because the trailer reveals a cool character). If you want to know a little more than that, then keep reading. I'm saving all the spoilers for 9 pm, though!

First, here's the official plot synopsis:

AL SAH-HIM TAKES HIS FINAL STEPS TO ASCENSION; ROY AND THEA REUNITE — Oliver/Al Sah-him (Stephen Amell) finishes his training and is left with two final tasks to become the next Ra’s al Ghul. Ra’s (guest star Matt Nable) threatens Nyssa (guest star Katrina Law) and delivers some shocking news. Meanwhile, Malcolm (John Barrowman) makes a surprising offer to Team Arrow and Thea (Willa Holland) goes to see Roy (Colton Haynes). Wendey Stanzler directed the episode with story by Erik Oleson and teleplay by Ben Sokolowski & Brian Ford Sullivan (#322). 

And now here's that trailer...

Okay. Still here?

"This is Your Sword" might just be the most ambitious episode in Arrow's history. Without question, this is the largest supporting cast they've ever attempted to put out in the field. What's more, "the field" isn't the streets of Starling City, and you can probably guess where they are. Considering how many characters this show is juggling at the moment, and where everybody is emotionally, it's remarkable just how much got accomplished in this episode, without a ton of talky exposition. Just be ready for a few swerves.

Historically, when you look at how season one and season two wrapped up, we're usually neck deep in invading armies, juiced-up zombies, natural disasters, or some combination of the three. Arrowseason three has done all of its best work with quieter character moments rather than all out action and fan-service, and "This is Your Sword" follows that model, much to its credit.

Don't worry, though. There's plenty of action (and some impressive special effects) to go along with all that, too. Oh yeah, and there's a cliffhanger that is probably going to drive fans absolutely bonkers for the next seven days. All this and a wedding!

So here's my one and only spoiler for "This is Your Sword." It's one of the season's best episodes. Tune in at 8.