Why Does the Arrowverse Often Ignore Logic?

The Arrowverse, centered around the character of Oliver Queen (known as Green Arrow), is a marvel of serialized storytelling but often faces criticism for ignoring logic. This raises the question: why does a show about a man running around with a bow and arrow fighting against super villains fail to maintain a logical narrative?

The Problem of Viable Superheroes

The primary issue with maintaining a logic-true premise is ensuring that the character is a viable superhero. If his opponents never defeat him, it leads to the question of whether they are actually strong opponents. Conversely, if they do defeat him, the logical inconsistency arises: why don’t they just kill him? This dilemma is a common thread in many superhero narratives.

Furthermore, the escalating threat and violence have to continue to keep the audience engaged. Each new threat must be slightly more powerful than the last, leading to an unsustainable escalation. A good example can be seen in the Arrowverse, which has reached a point where it can no longer maintain this narrative, leading to a planned ending for the show.

Plot Resolution and Character Development

Ignoring logic often results in rushed plot resolutions. If everything was logical, one episode or one season could resolve the entire plot. Instead, crucial moments might leave the characters idle, which is often unengaging for the audience. This is why the Arrowverse often opts for dramatic, high-stakes situations that disregard certain logical consistency.

Logical Consistency in Superhero Shows

Heroic narratives frequently eschew logic to a certain extent. However, The Arrowverse stands out for its extreme disregard for it. This issue extends beyond individual shows to the broader superhero genre. Here are a few examples from mainstream superhero series:

Captain Marvel: While the character in comics is Mizz Marvel, the film version introduces significant changes, including gender, race, and appearance. These alterations often disregard the original source material's continuity. Carnage: Sandman (Carnage) possesses massive power levels but only occasionally uses this power, leading to questions of inconsistency in his portrayal. Tech Glitches and Mysteries: In the MCU, a character like Bruce Banner (Hulk) surviving a gamma explosion and creating a mini-nuclear plant without proper safeguards is frowned upon by logical standards. Similarly, Captain America’s ability to survive and recover from numerous injuries without any scientific explanation is another example.

These inconsistencies highlight the broader challenge of balancing character development with logical narrative flow. While logic is important, the entertainment value and dramatic impact of a narrative often take precedence.

Concluding Thoughts

The Arrowverse’s disregard for logic reflects the broader challenges in maintaining a logically coherent superhero narrative. As viewers, we often grapple with the balance between a compelling story and strict adherence to logical consistency. Despite these issues, the Arrowverse remains a beloved and impactful part of the superhero genre, contributing to its rich tapestry of characters and stories.