Since this is my first column covering Arrow for #DCTV Couch Club, I want to start things out on the right foot and that means being honest. Truth is, I was never really an Arrow guy. Let me clarify. I’m a huge fan of DC Comics (obviously). I’ve always liked Green Arrow the character, but it wasn’t until recently that I got into Arrow the TV show.

Why?

I don’t know exactly. Maybe I had a touch of the “I was reading this before it was cool” syndrome—Yuck! But in my defense, the Oliver Queen I like (and was used to) has always played more of a supportive role in comics and other media. In those roles, he’s provided a light-hearted viewpoint and a quick wit. He could obviously take care of business when need be, but he always kept things loose. So when Arrow debuted back in 2012, I didn’t see the Emerald Archer I was accustomed to. I saw an angry, brooding guy that reminded me more of Bruce Wayne than Oliver Queen. So what did I do? I tuned out.

As time went on, I realized I was doing that annoying thing that a lot of people do: judging a book by its cover. I mean, how could I say I didn’t like something if I never actually gave it a shot and tried it?

Time passed and then one day my editor reached out to me about the #DCTV Couch Club opportunity. To be honest with you, I kind of froze. I had to think about it. A part of me was excited, but a bigger part was saying: “You don’t read the Green Arrow comic all that regularly and you’re not well-versed in the show. You’re not even sure how you feel about this version of Oliver. How can you expect to do this?”

Right there is when it hit me.

I had been looking at things all wrong. Instead of being cynical about Arrow, why not see it as a positive? I had to remember that the “core” of the characters stays the same, but the stories, creators and mediums may change. I had to get myself out of the Garth Algar “We fear change” (Wayne’s World) mindset and understand that change can be a good thing. It keeps things fresh and gives a different perspective. It can even help to inspire you and others. Arrow has done just that. It’s provided new stories and fresh ideas to timeless characters, while entertaining old and new fans alike. It’s a gateway into this awesome world we love so much. I’d be an idiot to not want to be a part of that!

So, with a fresh outlook, I jumped in with both feet.

I have to admit…I’ve been enjoying it. It’s fun being a newer fan to the show because I’m learning there is such an extensive fan base. Seeing so many people digging Arrow is exciting and gets me jazzed on it even more!

I’m really pumped to be a Couch Clubber and covering Arrow for you guys. I’ve heard this season has some big plans, but they’re keeping a tight lid on things—certainly not giving us lowly little couch potatoes insider info. So, I’ll be right there with you as the episodes air!

Speaking of which… If tonight’s episode is any indication of where the show is going, I think we’ll have plenty to talk about. Did I just see Wild Dog (whhhaaa)?? Who else is going to be on this team that Oliver is assembling? And what’s up with this Tobias Church guy? Dude is ruthless.

I don’t know, seems like Arrow has a lot in its quiver and it’ll be interesting to see how it all comes together. Sorry, but come on, I had to get at least one pun in there!

All for now,
Matt
 

Matt Ross covers Arrow as a part of the #DCTV Couch Club. Catch new episodes of Arrow Tuesdays at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. CST) on The CW.