As a longtime fan of DC Comics in general and with more than a passing interest in Green Arrow, I was intrigued as to how Arrow producers and writers would introduce the character of Vertigo into the series.
The comic book version of Count Vertigo had the ability (via an electronic implant in his head) to distort the senses of his nemeses, thus causing confusion and distortion of reality.
Obviously, as Arrow is set in a more realistic universe, an over the top version of the villain wouldn't mesh well with the storyline.
In many cases, making the main villain a drug dealer would be hokey, lazy writing, but the show was able to pull it off by turning Count Vertigo into a crazed, slightly outlandish (but not completely unbelievable) kingpin in the vein of Once Upon A Time's Mad Hatter.
Known only as "the Count" (Seth Gable, Nip/Tuck, Fringe), the villainous dealer is responsible for creating a new recreational drug called (you guessed it) Vertigo onto the streets of Starling City. Oliver's sister Thea (who had taken it in the previous episode and wrecked her car) is being made an example of by the judicial system and Oliver decides that it's time for his alter ego ("the Hood") to take matters into his own hands.
While not a great episode save for the flashbacks, "Vertigo" does an admirable job of introducing another of the DC villains into this particular universe. Though I prefer how Deathstroke and Merlyn have been utilized in previous episodes, "Vertigo" didn't completely disappoint but is one of the weaker entries this season.
Arrow is still one of the better shows out there right now but hopefully "Vertigo" doesn't warp its future.
What did you think?
Comments