One of the most fascinating parts of "Present Tense" was the fact that it didn't fully deliver on the homages it planned on. It totally bummed the Deahtstroke tribute act in my opinion. Alas, Manu Bennett is an irreplaceable part of Arrow. On the other hand, the flash-forwards are finally, FINALLY fixed.
With the game-changing twist of Team Arrow 2.0 being transported to Star City 2019, the show really made the most of its extended cast and their complicated family dramas this week. This was some of the best dialogue written to date. Whether it was Oliver-William, Diggle-Connor, Curtis-William, Mia-Laurel, the dialogue landed and meant something. The acting was also spot-on, with the displaced 2040 characters strengthening their game significantly. No more annoying flashes forward to a bleak Star City for meaningless, dull side-missions. Bringing all the major players together in one room and one mission really worked.
Now, in terms of the Deathstroke treatment. Wasn't great, but serviceable enough I guess. The conflict felt rushed and minor in comparison to the far-superior dramatic material going on elsewhere. The action scenes weren't particularly memorable either. They were quick and admittedly, a tad choppy at times.
There was also an annoying final scene that just felt worthless. I won't spoil who is involved, but the twist comes with a head-scratch. It would be familiar ground for the show and the character in question. Their arc is near-complete. I would prefer it kept that way.
"Present Tense" ultimately squanders the Deathstrokes and their new leader with limited action scenes and zero care devoted to its true threat. On the other hand, it absolutely nailed the merging of 2019 and 2040. The family drama propelled the episode forward with shocking and touching revelations. It just felt right and made sense considering the weight of the twist at hand. Yes, this episode is imperfect in a lot of ways, but come on. The flash-forwards are finally fixed and over for the foreseeable time the show has left.