Ron wrote:An alcohol and pills addiction-storyline is basically the writers saying 'we have no idea what to do with this character
Not really, but I know what you mean...not the most interesting Lauren episodes indeed and your impression is definitely well-rooted. Was mine impression too at the time.
But as they said - everyone has to pass his "Island" to get somewhere...hard times. This is what show creators believe in... Laurel, Roy...She does have a new path even later on in that very season. So this won't last forever. Every character has evolving arc.
Season 2 is definitely an improvement over season 1 so far, but Laurel remains the worst element so far.
Well, I loved the plot of season 1 better, but the rest is definitely improved...action, scale etc...Laurel is indeed character that just everyone hates...she is a good dramatic actor (tears and such...soapy too much though), and she is not even too ugly (not my taste though)...but she is sooo annoying... To everyone...but she stays nomatter what...as series regular. And later you'll see why. She won't get any less annoying though.
Felicity seems to be the only "bright" female character on the show...the rest have much darkness inside. From Hauntress to Laurel to Sarah to Tea ...and to other females you'll meet later.
So far season 3 though is the most epic. And its finale episodes will be even more epic.
Plotwise I think season 1 was better, because all that is great in season 3 is because of great Batman comics its loosely based upon. Season 1 was more Arrowish, and it's hard to find compelling Arrow plot that is not from Batman.