'Arrow' Season 8 Episode 5 'Prochnost' brings the story of Anatoly and Oliver's friendship to a truly satisfying end
Over the years, Oliver Queen / Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) has had many teachers and partners across the world but none who left more of a mark on both Oliver and the fans like Anatoly Knyazev (David Nykl). Since their fateful meeting on Lian Yu, Anatoly and Oliver have had a very eventful journey. In many ways, Anatoly represents Oliver's entire history with Russia and all the things that happened to him there, both the good and the bad.
In the beginning, Anatoly was a mentor to Oliver, training him in the ways of the Bratva and preparing him to become the formidable fighter he is today. Without Anatoly's advice and assistance, Oliver would never have found the strength to become who he is now and Oliver clearly still looks to Anatoly as an important part of his life.
Their relationship has had its rocky moments, especially because at the end of the day, Anatoly is a gangster and Oliver is a hero. They've hated each other the way only two old friends can hate but one thing neither Anatoly nor Oliver have ever been able to deny is that they share an unbreakable brotherly bond.
Now in 'Arrow' Season 8 Episode 5 'Prochnost', their relationship has finally come full circle. Anatoly's role in the episode is once again to guide Oliver, giving him pointers on how to reach his children, and David Nykl still plays the character as a lovable badass, which we found very enjoyable.
Anatoly has always been a beloved character but 'Prochnost' serves as both a reminder of his stoic awesomeness and a tribute to his beautiful friendship with Oliver. After everything they've been through together, Anatoly is more than just an old Bratva contact to Oliver, he's family and it's quite sad to think that this might very well be the last time Oliver and Anatoly get to share a drink together.
'Arrow' Season 8 Episode 6 'Reset' will air on The CW on November 26.