Last nights episode of Arrow was like a roller coaster ride from hell! This episode was titled Eleven-Fifty-Nine and that will become apparent as to why very shortly. Can I just say that I called this ending a few weeks back, and the Arrow writers have done a fantastic job with foreshadowing in prior episodes. If you have not watched this episode yet, and you do not want spoilers, turn back now. If you’re a glutton for the spoilers like I am, then continue on my voracious readers.

*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*

This whole episode was just in your face with the emotions from the very start. We had to watch a very cynical, but rational Oliver trying to convince Diggle that his brother Andy was double crossing team Arrow. I was yelling at my television several times during these scenes between David Ramsey (Diggle) and Stephen Amell (Oliver). John said some harsh words to Oliver such as “this is exactly why Felicity left you.” Ouch bro, I mean way to kick a brother when he’s down. Diggle was not on the right side of this argument, as Andy was indeed working for Darhk and Merlyn all along. He was only after information and the idol that Darhk needed to get his powers back. This left John having to deal with his treacherous brother, and regret for all the nasty things he said to his brother from another mother. I hate to say I told you so, but damn it Dig, I believe I told you so!

The Arrow writers also delighted us with some daddy-daughter bonding fight scenes between Speedy and Malcolm. First off how the heck does this man keep sneaking past the security in the bunker? Poor Thea and Laurel were caught off guard in the bunker by Merlyn and a few of his loyalists from the League. Thea just can’t quite manage to best dear old dad no matter how hard she tries. The girls got beat up, and Malcolm absconded with Damien’s magic idol. Then again back at Iron Heights during Darhk’s big escape Thea once again comes face to face with daddy dearest. He challenges her and bests her yet again, claiming that with the loss of her killer instincts she can never defeat him. It’s interesting that in the end Merlyn can not kill Thea either. She will forever be his weakness.

All these emotional strings that the writers were pulling were just to prepare us for the coming pit of despair. There were subtle hints and innuendos all through out the episode; that if picked up on you were at least a little more prepared for what was to inevitably come to pass. There was this great scene between Quentin Lance (Paul Blackthorn) and his daughter Laurel (Katie Cassidy); “this city has enough heroes with masks on, it needs a hero without a mask, it needs Laurel Lance.” Then there was this single line from Laurel herself that sent shivers down my spine, and still gives me goosebumps as I write this. She was ready to hang up her Canary gear to be Star City D.A. but realizing that team Arrow needed her she says “One Last Time”.

Ms. Lance, nine months ago, I made your daddy a promise. I told him what I would do if he betrayed me….Oh, yea. I want you to give your father a message from me. I want you to tell him that I am a man of my word

-Damien

This was the nail in the coffin for Black Canary, after this bold statement Damian Darhk stabs her and team Arrow will never be the same. Oliver rushes Laurel to the hospital still dressed as Green Arrow, and demands that they “HELP HER NOW”! This is the only scene in which we see interaction with Felicity and the gang. They are brought together by their shared grief. I’m hoping this is the catalyst that brings Ms Smoak back to into the folds. Laurel comes back from surgery only to pass along a dying message to Oliver. That he was her true love, but that she was also so glad he had found happiness with Felicity. She seizes and passes away before her father can even make it there. The doctors call the time of death at 11:59, and the Canary cries no more! There is this final heart wrenching scene in which Captain Lance walks down the hospital corridor and sees the look on Oliver’s face. It’s instantaneous water works as these big strong men just fall apart over their tremendous loss.

Next episode is going to be another emotionally challenging episode for the actors and fans alike. We are going to see exactly how John Diggle is dealing with his guilt over being duped by his brother Andy. Also, how that might have indirectly led to Laurels untimely demise. He’s going to be angry and pretty off the rails. I don’t think Oliver is going to be in any position to rein him in, so it will be interesting to see who steps up. How will Quentin cope with the loss of yet another daughter? Will this bring Felicity back home to team Arrow? Will Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) stick around Star City and help them put and end to Damien Darhk once and for all?