"Birds of Prey" is where Arrow leans into its comic book roots with confidence. This episode strikes a near-perfect balance between high-stakes action, complex female characters, and long-simmering tension-all while paying homage to one of DC's most iconic teams. It's a standout chapter that expands the show's world and sets the stage for future conflicts.
Plot Summary
When Frank Bertinelli (aka the father of Helena, aka The Huntress) is arrested, Oliver knows it's only a matter of time before Helena returns to Starling City-and she does, with blood on her mind. What follows is a tense, layered showdown involving vigilante justice, moral boundaries, and the tangled relationships between old allies and former enemies.
Meanwhile, Laurel Lance finds herself unexpectedly in the crosshairs, forcing her to confront a past she's been trying to outrun. The episode cleverly uses this as a chance to push Laurel's arc forward while also throwing her into the thick of the action.
Action & Direction
This episode is loaded with tight, visceral action sequences, especially the brutal brawls between the Huntress and the Arrow team. The fight choreography is crisp, the pacing is excellent, and the stakes feel personal.
The direction is focused and suspenseful, especially during the courthouse standoff. It's one of the few episodes where multiple action threads run simultaneously-and none of them feel like filler.
Character Highlights
Helena Bertinelli / The Huntress (Jessica De Gouw) returns in full form-vengeful, broken, and emotionally raw. She's not just a villain; she's a tragic mirror of what Oliver could become if he lost all moral restraint. Her pain is real, and it's written with nuance.
Laurel Lance shines in this episode. After being sidelined earlier in the season, she takes a significant step here-reclaiming her agency and showing resilience. It's a great precursor to the path she'll eventually walk in later seasons.
Oliver is caught between two worlds-his past with Helena and his commitment to doing better. His struggle with how to handle Helena is full of emotional tension and sets the tone for how he deals with other morally grey allies.
Even Sara Lance / Canary gets strong moments, further solidifying her as a capable, layered fighter with her own sense of justice.
