"Kapiushon" proves to be on of Arrow's most brutal episodes. Captured by Prometheus (Josh Segarra), Oliver (Stephen Amell) spends nearly the entire episode being physically and psychologically tortured by a psychopath with an axe to grind. Spending equal times in flashbacks, the episode also show us some of Oliver's darkest days in Russia with the Bratva and their war against Konstantin Kovar (Dolph Lundgren). While the logic of Chase's plan is circumspect (does he really want to bring out Oliver's murderous side, piss him off, and allow a more murderous Green Arrow come after him?), he does eventually score a win over Oliver by forcing him to admit a hard truth about himself.
The episode does make a couple of missteps. For all purposes "Kapiuschon" should wrap up all but the epilogue of Oliver's stay in Russia. The tease at the end concerning the less-than-final fate of Kovar feels wrong. Malcolm Merlyn's (John Barrowman) sudden appearance in Russia also seems completely unnecessary. Prometheus' removal of Oliver's tattoo as some sort of victory also doesn't make any sense. To keep his past hidden it's something he should have done himself years ago. Released at the end of the episode, Oliver returns to his friends (who only make cameo appearances). Apparently not overly angry with Prometheus' actions, Oliver seems broken and ready for this entire stretch of his life to come to an end. Since the show isn't going off the air, I'm guessing his pals will help change his mind.
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