It is true, some of the worst television shows or movies over the years have included a superhero, but the CW Network is trying to change all that. Many of their DC Comics-based TV shows have changed television completely over the more recent years. These shows include The Flash, Supergirl, DCs Legends of Tomorrow, and obviously Arrow! So, what makes these shows so popular? Why should you be watching them? To start this off, let’s talk about Arrow. Many people know who The Green Arrow from DC Comics is, but trust me, you have never seen him like this! If you haven’t been watching Arrow, here is my countdown of…10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Arrow!
Be warned, I tried to avoid massive spoilers that would ruin the experience of watching the show. Although, a lot of this information is public knowledge to DC Comics fans.
10) The Green Arrow Origins aka Plot
I feel this show does an excellent job of taking us from [Oliver Queen, the rich playboy billionaire] to [Oliver Queen, stranded and fighting to survive] to [Oliver Queen, secret identity as The Green Arrow] without seeming gimmicky. Overall, we get to see the full story of what makes The Green Arrow tick and why he is the way he is with people, love, life, and his city. We get to see all his circumstances and that is the mark of a true story.
9) The Flash Origins/ Other Crossovers
Ironically enough, The Green Arrow introduces us to The Flash and we get to see the start of Barry Allen’s story as well. While I commend the writers for doing this, it also gave them the jumping off point to give The Flash his own show. This led to a four-night, four-show crossover episode with all The CW, DC Comics shows. Now if you haven’t watched the other shows, they give you enough information to continue with just Arrow if you chose. On the other hand, all the shows are available on Netflix, up to the current seasons. Binge watching here we come!
8) Appearance of the Suicide Squad
Amanda Waller is the leader of the Suicide Squad here and although I think she is great at what she does, I personally wouldn’t want to be anywhere near her. She has no superpowers, but devious is the best word to describe her. In the Arrowverse, the Suicide Squad consists of Bronze Tiger, Shrapnel, Deadshot, and temporarily both John DIggle and Lyla Michaels, but gets a few new members and turnover.
7) Epic (and Recognizable) Villains
Most DC Comics fans will recognize these names. The villain supply for this show is endless. Although many people wouldn’t realize the villains come from the comics, they do in fact.
These are the craziest, meanest, and most wicked villains are seen on the show:
- Billy Wintergreen
- Count Vertigo
- Isabel Rochev
- Al-Owal
- Nyssa Al-Ghul
- Ra’s Al-Ghul
- Brother Blood
- Dark Archer
- Deadshot
- Deathstroke
6) Crazy Stunts, Action Scenes, and Fights
The truth is even the training sequences are epic and worth every minute. The stunts this show have pulled off are amazing. They constantly amp up the action. What I love though, is The Green Arrow’s fights without the bow. When he gets up close and personal, you can see how much went into making the show seem the most real and best it can be.
If you don’t mind spoilers for Season 4, check out this behind the scenes footage from The CW:
5) Brilliant Writing
The Arrow Room Writers are some serious people. I can only ever dream of writing as well as they do. Some of the scenes and lines they have come up with over the years of doing this show are amazing.
Take this one for example:
Diggle: Sounds like you have a narrow definition of being a hero.
Oliver: I'm not a hero…
Or this:
Oliver: They're calling you Deathstroke?
Slade: That's a bit flamboyant. I like it!
And finally, this:
4) Bad-ass Women
The women on this show are either beautiful, brainy, or seriously lethal. Some of them kick ass by fighting crime alongside The Green Arrow. Some of them kick ass in a courtroom putting away the criminals The Green Arrow catches. Some of them kick ass by making sure The Green Arrow doesn’t die every night. Some of them just plain kick ass.
Here are some of the best female characters representing the girl power on this show.
- Laurel Lance
- Thea Queen (Speedy)
- Felicity Smoak
- The Huntress
- Nyssa Al-Ghul
- The Original Black Canary
3) John Barrowman as Malcolm Merlyn
If you know who John Barrowman is, love. If not, go look him up. From being Captain Jack Harkness in Dr. Who/ Torchwood to Malcolm Merlyn in Arrow is a big jump. One was a lot nicer than the other, but Barrowman pulls it off. Merlyn eventually plays a huge part in this show and I think his balance with Oliver/ The Green Arrow is interesting. He learns who The Green Arrow is, but still chooses not to kill him. Think about that for a minute… Is he really a villain with a heart? Watch the show and tell me what you think.
2) Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak
Some people don’t like Felicity as a character. That is fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I personally love what she brings to this show. Felicity wasn’t originally supposed to remain on Arrow. She was to come in for one episode, but her freshness, geekiness, and overall attitude have made her essential. She can talk to Oliver like no one else and occasionally she gets through to him. Her opinions matter and that is awesome. Plus, who doesn’t love the IT girl as a beautiful, smart, powerful woman represented on television? Actress Emily Bett Rickards pulls off Felicity’s fast talking, quick witted personality perfectly.
1) Stephen Amell as Green Arrow
So, many of you might say I only made him #1 because I’m a woman and he has amazing abs, and arms, and well, just see for yourself...
True, that’s one reason, but not the only one. Stephen Amell has embodied the character of Oliver Queen/ The Green Arrow in a way I don’t think anyone else could have. For some reason, he just fits. Character wise, the journey we see him go through as both Oliver (the prodigal son) and The Green Arrow (the crime fighter) go through is personal, relatable, and epic.
Many critics might view the show as cheesy. It’s about a superhero with a secret identity, trying to pretend to be a normal guy half the time. He fights crime on a nightly basis, while still managing a family life and a love life! How can it not be just a little cheesy? Whatever you do, don’t miss out on an awesome television experience… go watch Arrow!
