Arrow Finale
My 8 Year Journey with Oliver Queen
by Phil Perich for the Capes and Lunatics Blog
On Tuesday, January 28 2020 the TV show Arrow will have it’s season 8 and series finale. While many fans have strong feelings about the show, it has extra special meaning to mean aside from being a great superhero show. During the show’s second season, I would discover the world of podcasts thanks to my now friend Lilith Hellfire. After appearing on Lilith’s then Arrow podcast to discuss to different season 2 episodes, I developed the “podcasting bug” and was even invited to do shows for the Southgate Media Group. I’ve been watching Arrow since day one and have fond memories of each season.
Season 1
I remember being VERY excited for this show, a DC hero in the vein of Batman. And how close would the show be to it’s comic book roots? I honestly remember wondering during the first two episodes what would this show look like going forward, especially at the end.
Season 1
Season 2
Season 2 really sparked my imagination, with the introduction of Deathstroke as a figure from Oliver’s past, the true father of Thea, meta humans, and Central City CSI Barry Allen. I was so intrigued by it all I found a way to start podcasting my thoughts to the world occasionally.
Season 3
This Season was the big one for me personally. This is the year I started podcasting on a weekly basis, talking both Arrow and The Flash. Probably the biggest thing to hit the Arrowverse this season and every season thereafter would be the crossovers. The Flash vs Arrow? What an epic event!
Season 4
I remember being SUPER hyped this season. Not only were we getting an even bigger crossover with all of Teams Arrow and Flash, but also Hawkman and Hawkgirl which was setting up a new show, Legends of Tomorrow. Add to that Matt Ryan’s portrayal of John Constantine after the character lost his own show and the introduction of Ray Palmer as the Atom and this was a spectacular year. Plus Oliver vs a magical foe? Keep upping that game Arrow!
Season 5
Season 5 saw new additions to Team Arrow after last season’s death of Laurel Lance. Wild Dog, Mister Terrific, Ragman and a new Black Canary in the form of Dinah Drake would cast Oliver in more in the role of mentor. And the mystery of Prometheus definitely had my attention, especially with the voice of Star Trek’s Michael Dorn. And this year’s crossover, Invasion, featured the largest assembled group of heroes so far including Teams Arrow, Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and even Supergirl versus and invading alien army. The sky was literally the limit this season
Season 6
My original dream of the Arrow TV show getting closer to the comics took one step closer this season with Oliver Queen becoming the mayor of Star City. And as a father I felt for Oliver trying to connect with his son after so many years. And this crossover? Crisis on Earth X? Another dimension filled with doubles of familiar Arrowverse faces? The greatest team-up (at that point) so far!
Season 7
After last season’s cliffhanger of revealing his identity to the world, Oliver is sent to prison. I remember feeling impatient and anxious waiting for Oliver to be set free to see what the status quo would look like now, a world that knows Oliver Queen is the Green Arrow. Plus Oliver would get an upgrade of super speed during the crossover “Elseworlds”, which also set up the next crossover and hinted at the final fate of Oliver…
Season 8
It’s almost over already? Didn’t we just start this journey? This season was definitely my favorite, with Oliver traveling the multiverse on a mission for the Monitor with his best friend, his “brother” John Diggle. Crisis On Infinite Earths was definitely the biggest event ever done on TV creatively and I give huge props and thanks to everyone who made it possible. Oliver making the ultimate sacrifice to save everyone and to create a more unified and stronger Arrowverse. I look forward to see what the new series Green Arrow and the Canaries brings us, and the final episode of Arrow. As of this blog, we are about a week away from the finale. I can’t wait to see what the team gives us for a final outing. I believe the Spectre will let Oliver return for one last goodbye with his family. However it ends i’m sure it will be great! Thank you to everyone involved in every season of Arrow on every level but especially you Stephen Amell! You have honored the character and the fans this entire journey or in other words “You have NOT failed this Arrowverse!
What are your favorite memories and moments of Arrow? Let me know, I LOVE feedback!
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