Arrow Season 5, Episode 1 Season Premiere Synopsis: “Legacy”
By Steve Lam
The Season 5 premiere of Arrow sees Oliver Queen going down a dark path.
If Arrow consulted Robert Downey Jr.’s character Kirk Lazarus on how dark they should go for Season 5, he would probably say,
"Check it out: Christian Bale in The Dark Knight—looked dark, acted dark. Not dark. He was a symbol of hope and believed in the good in Gotham City. Serious, but not dark. Anyways, Chris Evans—Captain America: Civil War. Hurt a few people, yes. Lied about who killed Tony’s parents. But he held out hope and didn’t want to murder everybody. That ain’t dark! You know any murdering superheroes!? … Never go full dark.You don’t buy that? Ask Ben Affleck, 2016, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Remember? Went full dark. Got massacred by Rotten Tomatoes and every DC fan."
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It seems that Arrow will be going quite dark in Season 5. Although we know that pure gloom and doom characters never really serve a narrative well, Arrow has its roots in the realm of more serious storytelling. That’s why the biggest complaint from last season was the show’s incessant focus on the relationship between Oliver and Felicity, and a more lighthearted narrative along with a weak villain.
As a response, Arrow promised to return to the original formula of Seasons 1 through 3—concentrating on more grounded villains and a darker story. With only one more day before the season premiere, we won’t have to wait long to see if that vow is fulfilled. Here’s the exciting trailer for Season 5’s story arc:
And, here’s the official synopsis for Season 5’s premiere episode:
“Legacy”
"NEW BEGINNINGS — After Laurel’s (Katie Cassidy) death and the departures of both Diggle (David Ramsey) and Thea (Willa Holland) from Team Arrow, Oliver (Stephen Amell) takes to the streets solo to protect Star City’s citizens as the Green Arrow. With Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) guiding him from the bunker, Oliver is forced to deal with a city that has become overrun with both criminals and a slew of new (and painfully inexperienced) vigilantes. Watching Oliver try to balance his jobs as both the mayor and also the protector of Star City, Felicity suggests he form a new team, but Oliver resists. However, when a deadly new criminal, Tobias Church (guest star Chad L. Coleman), enters the picture, Oliver realizes the best thing for the city might be a new team of superheroes. Meanwhile, the flashbacks take us to Russia where Oliver faces off against the Bratva."
Arrow airs on The CW on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. EST.