The Ultimate Arrow Episode Guide: One Must-Watch Episode from Each Season

Summary

Arrow initially established itself as a down-to-earth series, demonstrating that superheroes from comic books could thrive on television without the need for flashy tricks or contrivances. It skillfully crafted a sprawling universe and acted as the very foundation for the entire Arrowverse.

The best episodes of Arrow were those that centered around captivating characters and their dynamic relationships. Instead of merely being physically formidable and intimidating, the villains in these episodes posed personal challenges to Oliver.

Although Arrow had its ups and downs during its duration, certain episodes like the pilot, "Unthinkable," "The Climb," and "Checkmate" truly exemplified the show's finest qualities. These standout episodes successfully blended action-packed sequences with poignant emotional moments and captivating storylines.

The best episode from each season of Arrow showcases the evolving nature of the show and its impact on the superhero genre. Unlike its predecessor, Smallville, Arrow demonstrated that comic book characters could thrive on television without relying on gimmicks. Although it deviated from the original portrayal of Oliver Queen, Arrow established a captivating world with complex characters that would become the foundation of the Arrowverse.

Like any long-running series, Arrow experienced both highs and lows throughout its multiple seasons. Initially drawing inspiration from Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, the first two seasons successfully incorporated a sense of superhero realism into the story of Green Arrow. However, as the show expanded its reach into the DC Universe, it sometimes struggled to find a consistent tone. Ultimately, Arrow excelled when it focused on character development and the intricate relationships between them. The most memorable villains were not necessarily the most powerful, but rather those who presented personal challenges for Oliver. Here is the standout episode from each season of Arrow.

8 Arrow Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot”

With a simple yet captivating concept, Arrow season 1 marked an impressive beginning to what would eventually become the focal point of a shared universe of superheroes on television. Despite the presence of great episodes throughout the season, none could surpass the brilliance of the show's inaugural episode. In light of the recent conclusion of Smallville, Arrow needed to deliver something distinct in order to stand out from the crowd, and its pilot succeeded in setting the stage for the series by demonstrating its resemblance to Batman Begins rather than Smallville. Boasting breathtaking action sequences and intriguing character dynamics, Arrow's pilot episode undoubtedly claimed the title of the best installment of season 1.

7 Arrow Season 2, Episode 23, “Unthinkable”

Arrow season 2 is widely regarded as the show's finest installment. It showcased some of the most memorable moments in the entire Arrowverse, making it a daunting task to select just one episode. "The Scientist" introduced Barry Allen, while "Blind Spot" unveiled the true menace of Slade Wilson. However, the ultimate highlight of Arrow season 2 was undoubtedly its finale. Episode 23, titled "Unthinkable," brilliantly united all the characters and storylines for an epic conclusion, as Arrow and his allies came together to defend Starling City against Deathstroke's formidable army. This extraordinary feat seamlessly blended heart-pounding action with deeply moving scenes, solidifying "Unthinkable" as a beloved classic in the Arrow series.

6 Arrow Season 3, Episode 9, “The Climb”

After a successful second season, Arrow season 3 initially struggled to establish its tone. The focus shifted from Slade Wilson's personal history to a grand narrative involving Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins, which was triggered by Sarah Lance's demise. Drawing parallels to Bruce Wayne's journey, Ra's Al Ghul selected Oliver Queen as his potential successor. This captivating storyline climaxed in episode 9 of Arrow season 3, titled "The Climb." Drawing inspiration from the iconic shirtless showdown between Batman and Ra's Al Ghul in the comics, this episode showcased Oliver Queen's epic battle against the formidable Head of the Demon, making it the highlight of the season.

5 Arrow Season 4, Episode 5, “Haunted”

Arrow season 4 took the show in a different direction. While the previous season had already introduced some fantastical elements like Ra’s Al Ghul’s Lazarus Pit and a crossover with The Flash, season 4 embraced the supernatural even more. The Green Arrow now had to contend with magical artifacts, spells, spirits, and other elements that significantly changed the show's tone. Although this departure from Arrow’s earlier emphasis on realism didn't work as well, it did result in one of the best Arrowverse crossovers. Matt Ryan, known for his role in the short-lived Constantine show, reprised his character John Constantine in a captivating episode that tied in with Sarah's return.

4 Arrow Season 5, Episode 16, “Checkmate”

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Arrow Season 5 took the show on a complete journey by wrapping up the series of flashbacks that focused on Oliver Queen's time "in hell." With the introduction of Prometheus as the main villain in Arrow Season 5, it made viewers question Oliver Queen's legacy. In Episode 16 titled "Checkmate," the revelation that Adrian Chase was the son of one of Oliver's victims in Season 1 set the stage for a gripping confrontation. Green Arrow finally discovers Prometheus' true identity, leading to some truly extraordinary scenes between Oliver Queen and Adrian Chase. Prometheus' intricate reasoning and his relentless plan to destroy Oliver made him stand out as one of Arrow's most memorable villains, especially in episodes like "Checkmate."

3 Arrow Season 6, Episode 8, “Crisis on Earth-X, Part 2”

Arrow season 6 grappled with the challenge of juggling numerous plotlines, villains, and heroes. The show had grown too expansive, resulting in conflicts that felt less personal and worked against the development of Oliver Queen's character. Despite this, Arrow season 6 had its fair share of extraordinary episodes, particularly the crossover event "Crisis on Earth-X." In episode 8 of Arrow season 6, the crossover storyline continued, bringing together The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow, as they confronted their alternate counterparts from Earth-X. "Crisis on Earth X-Part 2" marked the beginning of Oliver Queen's multiversal adventures, wherein he would go on to play a significant role in "Elseworlds" and "Crisis on Infinite Earths."

2 Arrow Season 7, Episode 7, “The Slabside Redemption”

Before Arrow delved into the multiverse concept in its final season, the show took a more down-to-earth approach in the first half of Arrow season 7. Following the events of the previous season's finale, Oliver found himself incarcerated alongside several of the villains he had apprehended as Green Arrow. While prison break storylines were not uncommon on television, merging this trope with a superhero narrative led to the creation of some truly compelling episodes. The Prison Arc in Arrow season 7 reached its climax with "The Slabside Redemption," an outstanding installment that stands as one of the series' finest. Brimming with high-stakes and relentless action, "The Slabside Redemption" showcases Arrow at its pinnacle.

1 Arrow Season 8, Episode 8, “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four”

The final season of Arrow was an integral part of the multi-show arc that revolved around the crossover event known as "Crisis on Infinite Earths." The anticipation surrounding the convergence of numerous superheroes within the Arrowverse was incredibly thrilling. Yet, it was somewhat disappointing that the conclusion of Oliver Queen's journey was not solely confined to Arrow, but instead depicted across multiple shows. Following Oliver Queen's demise in "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One," the Arrowverse delved into examining the significance of Arrow's sacrifice to the multiverse. In "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four," Oliver's iconic line from season one, "something else," underwent reimagining, ultimately transforming Green Arrow into a legendary figure who had a profound impact on the entire multiverse.