One Gay Astronaut

Arrow Season 3 stands as one of the most divisive seasons of the beloved CW superhero series. Following the critically acclaimed second season, which pitted Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) against the menacing Slade Wilson/Deathstroke (Manu Bennett), expectations were sky-high. However, Season 3 took a different approach, shifting its focus from a revenge-driven narrative to a broader exploration of legacy, identity, and sacrifice. While it delivered plenty of intense action and emotional stakes, the season ultimately struggled with pacing, character arcs, and some questionable narrative choices. In this review, we will break down the key elements of the season, its successes, and where it faltered.

Plot Overview

Season 3 begins with Oliver Queen feeling relatively optimistic, having established himself as Starling City’s protector. He believes he can finally balance his life as the Arrow and Oliver Queen, even attempting to rekindle his romance with Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards). However, his world is turned upside down when Sara Lance (Caity Lotz) is murdered, setting off a chain of events that will push Oliver to his limits.

As the season progresses, Oliver faces one of his most formidable foes yet—Ra’s al Ghul (Matt Nable), the leader of the League of Assassins. After being bested in combat and presumed dead, Oliver is forced into a difficult decision: to become Ra’s al Ghul’s heir in order to save those he loves. Meanwhile, Team Arrow struggles with internal tensions, Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy) steps into her role as the Black Canary, and Thea Queen (Willa Holland) undergoes her own transformation, thanks to her father, Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman).

The season ultimately builds toward Oliver’s supposed betrayal of his team, his fake allegiance to the League, and his final battle against Ra’s al Ghul. The climax sees Oliver defeating Ra’s and faking his death, choosing to leave Starling City with Felicity to find a new life.

Strengths of Season 3

1. Strong Emotional Core

One of the season’s highlights is its focus on Oliver’s internal struggles. Unlike previous seasons, which centered on external threats, Season 3 dives into Oliver’s psyche, questioning whether he can ever be both Oliver Queen and the Arrow. This internal conflict adds depth to his character, making his journey more compelling.

Additionally, the season does a commendable job portraying the fallout of Sara Lance’s death. Laurel’s transformation into the Black Canary is driven by her grief and desire for justice, creating one of the more emotionally charged arcs of the season. Watching her overcome her self-doubt and train to honor her sister’s legacy makes for some of the season’s most powerful moments. Her interactions with Nyssa al Ghul (Katrina Law) also add another layer of emotional weight, as they both share their pain over losing Sara.

Another strong emotional aspect of the season is the bond between Oliver and Felicity. Despite some criticisms regarding how their romance was handled, there are moments of genuine emotional depth between the two. Felicity’s unwavering belief in Oliver, even when he is at his lowest, provides a heartfelt counterbalance to the darkness of the League of Assassins storyline. Her scene with Oliver in episode 9, “The Climb,” before his duel with Ra’s al Ghul, is particularly moving.

John Diggle (David Ramsey) also experiences an emotional journey, particularly as he steps further into his role as a father. His relationship with Lyla Michaels (Audrey Marie Anderson) adds a grounding force to the season, reminding Oliver of the potential for a life beyond vigilantism. The discussions between Diggle and Oliver about the sacrifices they make add to the season’s thematic depth.

2. Malcolm Merlyn and Thea Queen’s Dynamic

John Barrowman as Malcolm Merlyn continues to be one of the show’s strongest elements. His manipulative, cunning nature is in full force as he trains Thea and orchestrates a series of events that lead Oliver into the League’s grasp. His morally ambiguous character makes him a fascinating presence, as he is both an enemy and an uneasy ally.

Thea Queen undergoes significant development this season. Having been manipulated into killing Sara without her knowledge, she struggles with guilt and anger, leading to one of Willa Holland’s best performances in the series. Her training under Malcolm is brutal but necessary, and by the end of the season, she emerges as a capable fighter, eventually taking up the mantle of Speedy. The sibling bond between Oliver and Thea is explored in greater depth, providing some of the season’s most heartfelt interactions.

3. Flashbacks and the Introduction of Tatsu Yamashiro

While Arrow’s flashback sequences have often been hit or miss, Season 3 introduces one of the more compelling side characters in Tatsu Yamashiro (Rila Fukushima), also known as Katana. Her relationship with Oliver in Hong Kong, along with her tragic backstory involving her husband Maseo, adds an emotional layer to the season. The Hong Kong storyline, while not as engaging as the island flashbacks of previous seasons, still provides valuable context for Oliver’s present struggles.

4. The Fight Choreography and Action Sequences

Despite some narrative missteps, Arrow Season 3 does not disappoint when it comes to action. The fight choreography, especially the battles involving Ra’s al Ghul, maintains the series’ reputation for high-quality stunt work. Oliver’s duel with Ra’s on the mountaintop is one of the most visually striking and intense fights in the entire show.

5. Expansion of the Arrow Universe

Season 3 also expands the Arrow universe in meaningful ways. The introduction of Ra’s al Ghul and the League of Assassins adds a mystical and global element to the series, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Weaknesses of Season 3

1. Pacing Issues and Uneven Storytelling

One of the most glaring weaknesses of Season 3 is its inconsistent pacing. The first half of the season is filled with intrigue and momentum, particularly with the mystery surrounding Sara Lance’s murder. However, after Oliver’s duel with Ra’s al Ghul in episode 9, the pacing slows dramatically. The middle portion of the season feels stretched out, with several filler episodes that fail to advance the main storyline in a meaningful way.

2. Underwhelming Villain Execution

Ra’s al Ghul, a legendary villain in the Batman mythos, had the potential to be one of the greatest threats Oliver ever faced. Unfortunately, his character felt underdeveloped, and Matt Nable’s portrayal, while competent, lacked the presence and menace needed to make him a truly terrifying adversary. Compared to Slade Wilson’s deeply personal and emotionally charged vendetta against Oliver in Season 2, Ra’s felt distant and lacked a strong emotional connection to the protagonist.

3. The League of Assassins Plotline Falls Flat

While the League of Assassins is an interesting addition to the Arrow universe, its execution in Season 3 leaves much to be desired. The idea of Oliver being forced to become the next Ra’s al Ghul is intriguing, but the execution of this arc felt contrived. His supposed “turning evil” never fully convinces the audience, and his eventual plan to outmaneuver Ra’s feels rushed in the final episodes.

4. Forced Romance and Unnecessary Drama

The romantic drama in Season 3, particularly between Oliver and Felicity, often detracts from the main narrative rather than enhancing it. The on-again, off-again nature of their relationship, along with unnecessary love triangles, slows the story’s momentum.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, Season 3 of Arrow remains a pivotal chapter in Oliver Queen’s journey. However, the season’s weaker elements prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor.