Arrow

[kalorama]

Oh, definitely. Since the very first episode, this show has been a retelling of Nolan's Batman trilogy.

And that's not a complaint.

It's not really true either. There are certainly some general parallels between Batman and Green Arrow (not surprising, since G.A. was basically created as a way to further capitalize off Batman's success), but other than the fact that it features a vigilante on an obsessive mission to save his city (something that was part of G.A.s makeup long before Nolan made his first Bat movie) there's really not much of a significant direct parallel between the show and Nolan's Batman movies.

[aNamored]

It's not really true either. There are certainly some general parallels between Batman and Green Arrow (not surprising, since G.A. was basically created as a way to further capitalize off Batman's success), but other than the fact that it features a vigilante on an obsessive mission to save his city (something that was part of G.A.s makeup long before Nolan made his first Bat movie) there's really not much of a significant direct parallel between the show and Nolan's Batman movies.

I agree with this. While the show might feel like Nolan, it owes a bit to Longbow Hunters as far as the grit and killing.

Amused that I spotted the actor who played Tommy Merlyn in a contact lens commercial last night.

[RockyBanks]

It's not really true either. There are certainly some general parallels between Batman and Green Arrow (not surprising, since G.A. was basically created as a way to further capitalize off Batman's success), but other than the fact that it features a vigilante on an obsessive mission to save his city (something that was part of G.A.s makeup long before Nolan made his first Bat movie) there's really not much of a significant direct parallel between the show and Nolan's Batman movies.

It's more than just general parallels.

- Spoiled rich white kid lives in city full of corruption.
- Kid sees parent(s) die, feels responsible, is exiled far from home for many years (including various forms of imprisonment).
- Kid develops intense sense of justice and guilt over his past, devotes his life to fighting crime/corruption/injustice in his home city.
- Returns home, publicly resumes playboy lifestyle, begins redirecting company funds to fuel his late-night vigilantism.
- Alters his voice, hides his face, uses theatricality to become an urban legend.
- Reconnects with old attorney girlfriend but keeps her at arms' length to avoid endangering her; as the vigilante, often recruits her for legal help.
- Recruits an African-American comrade with significant tactical/intel resources.
- Maintains contact with a high-ranking police officer who really shouldn't be helping him.
- Uses a vigilante-cop-attorney structure in fighting crime.
- Frequently has to deal with incompetent copycats.
- Recurring run-ins with a drug dealer peddling an especially deadly toxin.
- Girlfriend starts dating vigilante's friend; vigilante broods and anguishes over this, but knows he can't/shoudn't act on his feelings. Friendship is eventually destroyed, friend dies in a climactic scene, is remembered as a hero.
- Encounters a sexy, morally-ambiguous, female vigilante in a black leather costume and domino mask. Mutual attraction/flirting ensues, along with the occasional team-up, but their opposing vendettas and moral codes keep them in conflict.
- In the final act, the "big bad" is revealed to be a wealthy international businessman who intends to destroy the city to "wash away" its criminal element. Plan involves the use of a hidden device on a timer. Final, climactic conflict involves buildings/bridges/etc collapsing, rioting and chaos in the streets, while the vigilante races to disable the device.
- During the chaos of the final act, a poor, troubled youth with some useful skillz is inspired by a previous encounter with the vigilante and sets out to join the vigilante's crusade. This young upstart is obviously modeled on the hero's comic-book sidekick.
- Vigilante turns the kid away (for several good reasons), but we all know that won't last long.

[maczero]

It's more than just general parallels.

- Spoiled rich white kid lives in city full of corruption.
- Kid sees parent(s) die, feels responsible, is exiled far from home for many years (including various forms of imprisonment).
- Kid develops intense sense of justice and guilt over his past, devotes his life to fighting crime/corruption/injustice in his home city.
- Returns home, publicly resumes playboy lifestyle, begins redirecting company funds to fuel his late-night vigilantism.
- Alters his voice, hides his face, uses theatricality to become an urban legend.
- Reconnects with old attorney girlfriend but keeps her at arms' length to avoid endangering her; as the vigilante, often recruits her for legal help.
- Recruits an African-American comrade with significant tactical/intel resources.
- Maintains contact with a high-ranking police officer who really shouldn't be helping him.
- Uses a vigilante-cop-attorney structure in fighting crime.
- Frequently has to deal with incompetent copycats.
- Recurring run-ins with a drug dealer peddling an especially deadly toxin.
- Encounters a sexy, morally-ambiguous, female vigilante in a black leather costume and domino mask. Mutual attraction/flirting ensues, along with the occasional team-up, but their opposing vendettas and moral codes keep them in conflict.
- In the final act, the "big bad" is revealed to be a wealthy international businessman who intends to destroy the city to "wash away" its criminal element. Plan involves the use of a hidden device on a timer. Final, climactic conflict involves buildings/bridges/etc collapsing, rioting and chaos in the streets.
- During the chaos of the final act, a young, troubled youth with some useful skillz is inspired by a previous encounter with the vigilante and sets out to join the vigilante's crusade. This young upstart is obviously modeled on the hero's comic-book sidekick.
- Vigilante turns the kid away (for several good reasons), but we all know that won't last long.

A lot of this is already built into the mythos for both Batman and Green Arrow. Meaning these parallels existed before the Nolan films and the Arrow series.

[RockyBanks]

A lot of this is already built into the mythos for both Batman and Green Arrow. Meaning these parallels existed before the Nolan films and the Arrow series.

True, but the writers of the series are going out of their way to mimic the look, feel, and general story arc of the Nolan films. They share a lot of the same character beats and plot points.

[Vibranium]

True, but the writers of the series are going out of their way to mimic the look, feel, and general story arc of the Nolan films. They share a lot of the same character beats and plot points.

and? if it works and keeps people watching and the show maintains its quality, Im fine with it

why do you think police procedurals do so well on TV...people like formula

[edge007]

There were obviously a lot of similarities before Nolan's movies. To me, it seems like the only real thing they're borrowing is the tone.

[RockyBanks]

and? if it works and keeps people watching and the show maintains its quality, Im fine with it

why do you think police procedurals do so well on TV...people like formula

Like I said, it wasn't a complaint. It works.

That said, the first season has already used up most of the major plot points from Nolan's trilogy, so next season will have to be somewhat different. (Either that, or it will need to dig deeper.)

[JSA]

Malcon is alive, he´s by far the best villain. Golden Rule: never kill your best bad guy

i feel sorry for Tommy. ( i hope this will not be the Jump the shark moment for this good show)