| "Green Arrow" | |
|---|---|
| Arrow episode | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Green_Arrow_(Arrow_episode).jpg){kind=icon} Promotional image of the season four Green Arrow costume, introduced in this episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Thor Freudenthal |
| Story by | |
| Teleplay by | |
| Cinematography by | Gordon Verheul |
| Editing by | Thomas Wallerstein |
| Production code | 3J5801[1] |
| Original air date | October 7, 2015 |
| Running time | 41 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Green Arrow" is the premiere of the fourth season and seventieth overall episode, of the American television series Arrow, originally broadcast on The CW. Based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, the series follows the story of billionaire vigilante Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) who returns home after five years supposedly stranded on a Pacific island, featuring flashback sequences to his time away. The series is part of the Arrowverse franchise, alongside spin-off shows The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, Batwoman and other associated media. At the start of the fourth season, the character is attempting to start a new life away from vigilantism in Ivy Town, alongside girlfriend Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards). The episode marks the first time that the vigilante persona of Oliver Queen is referred to by his comic book alias of "Green Arrow". It is also the first episode in the series to feature a flash forward sequence as well as the established flashback sequences. The episode was written by season four showrunners Marc Guggenheim and Wendy Mericle, developed from a story written by Greg Berlanti and Beth Schwartz and directed by Thor Freudenthal. It was first broadcast in the United States on October 7, 2015, on The CW.
The episode takes place several months after the finale of season three. When a new threat is revealed in the newly renamed Star City, in the form of season antagonist Damien Darhk (Neal McDonough) Oliver returns to aid the team, taking up the mantle of "Green Arrow". In flashback sequences he is recruited, against his will, by A.R.G.U.S. and forced to return to the island of Lian Yu. The episode ends with a flash forward six months into the future, with Oliver grieving at a newly laid grave. The episode marks the first appearance by McDonough as Darhk and stars Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen alongside Katie Cassidy as Laurel Lance, David Ramsey as John Diggle, Willa Holland as Thea Queen, Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak and Paul Blackthorne as Quentin Lance, with Grant Gustin guest starring as Barry Allen.
The episode was watched live by 2.67 million viewers, a slight fall from the previous season premiere. Critics had a generally positive response to the episode, with many considering it a potential 'return to form' for the series. McDonough's introduction in particular met with a favorable reception, as did the perceived change of tone. However, many critics expressed caution with regard to the series' ability to maintain that tone throughout the season, particularly in light of the graveside flash forward. The episode holds a critics' approval rating of 94% on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.