Don’t Expect To See Ra’s Al Ghul On Arrow Right Away

It’s pretty common knowledge by now that Ra’s al Ghul, played by Matt Nable, is going to be the “Big Bad” menacing Starling City on Season 3 of Arrow. But does that mean Oliver Queen and company are going to be face-to-face with the Demon’s Head right away?

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It doesn’t sound that way. TVLine insider Michael Ausiello says we’ll first see the leader of the League of Assassins in the fourth episode, but it’s going to be a little longer until there’s an actual showdown between him and Team Arrow in person. He got this quote from executive producer Greg Berlanti:

"Before the winter break, which would be Episode 9, you’ll see some big stuff with him and Oliver."

That might not be a huge deal, since aside from a memorable sword fight or two, Ra’s al Ghul’s confrontations with Batman in comics over the years were never really about physical prowess. With him, it’s always about dueling philosophies and how he’s usually thinking several steps ahead like a chess player.

Another Ausiello tidbit: don’t expect to see Slade, at least in the early part of Season 3. It seems the security in the A.R.G.U.S. prison on the island is decent enough to hold even Deathstroke for a while.

Arrow takes aim for Season 3 on Wednesday, October 8.