In the opening episode of Arrow Season 7, titled “Inmate 4587,” the Green Arrow, once a symbol of justice in Star City, is Oliver Queen, now stripped of his identity and incarcerated in Slabside Maximum Security Prison. However, the narrative deliberately plants seeds of doubt and introduces a calculated smokescreen, showcasing a new, unnamed Green Arrow actively fighting crime in the streets, leading to mass speculation and driving the core plot forward.
The Truth Behind the Emerald Archer’s Absence
Oliver’s imprisonment is a direct consequence of his deal with the FBI at the end of Season 6. In exchange for their help in defeating Ricardo Diaz, Oliver publicly revealed his identity as the Green Arrow. This act, while heroic, left Star City vulnerable and paved the way for a new vigilante to emerge, mimicking Oliver’s methods and costume. This “new” Green Arrow’s actions are initially perceived as a beacon of hope, but soon become a source of controversy and suspicion, particularly within Team Arrow.
Slabside: A Prison of Body and Mind
Slabside isn’t just a physical prison; it’s a psychological torment designed to break Oliver. He faces relentless attacks from inmates he put away, constant surveillance, and manipulation from the prison staff, all contributing to a sense of isolation and despair. This environment highlights the immense sacrifice Oliver made, simultaneously showcasing the stakes involved in being Star City’s protector. It’s important to understand that Oliver’s imprisonment significantly impacts his ability to protect the city, creating the necessary void for the emergence of the new Green Arrow.
A Copycat or Something More Sinister?
The question isn’t just who is the new Green Arrow, but why. Are they a genuine hero trying to fill the void left by Oliver, or is there a more malicious motive behind their actions? The uncertainty surrounding the identity and intentions of the new vigilante fuels much of the early season’s narrative, creating tension and forcing Team Arrow to investigate. It soon becomes apparent that the new Green Arrow is not simply a copycat, but possesses skills and knowledge that suggest a deeper connection to Oliver’s past or the events unfolding within Slabside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Was Oliver Queen physically present as the Green Arrow in Season 7, Episode 1?
No. Oliver Queen was actively serving his sentence inside Slabside Maximum Security Prison throughout the episode. The Green Arrow seen operating outside was someone else, posing as the original vigilante.
FAQ 2: How did the new Green Arrow manage to acquire Oliver Queen’s skills and equipment?
The show implies several possibilities. The new Green Arrow could be a former member of the League of Assassins, a trained operative with similar skills to Oliver, or someone who studied Oliver’s methods extensively. The acquisition of equipment also remains a mystery, suggesting either access to Oliver’s old resources or the capability to create similar gear. The reveal of the true identity later in the season sheds more light on this aspect.
FAQ 3: Why didn’t Team Arrow immediately identify the imposter?
Team Arrow was initially focused on maintaining order in Star City following Oliver’s surrender and adjusting to life without him. The initial sightings of the new Green Arrow provided a temporary sense of relief, distracting them from a thorough investigation. Furthermore, the distance and lack of direct interaction hindered their ability to discern the truth immediately. Their grief, guilt and confusion played a part.
FAQ 4: Could the new Green Arrow have been Roy Harper (Arsenal)?
While Roy Harper was a former Green Arrow protégé, the circumstances surrounding his departure from Star City and his skillset at that point made him an unlikely candidate in Season 7, Episode 1. He was off the grid, and his style of fighting, while effective, was distinct from the meticulous precision of the new vigilante seen. Roy’s return is a major event later in the series.
FAQ 5: What was Oliver’s reaction to learning about the new Green Arrow?
Oliver was initially incredulous and concerned. He worried about the potential damage this imposter could cause to his legacy and the safety of Star City. He focused on escaping Slabside to stop this individual. His internal struggles revolved around the idea that his sacrifice had been for nothing.
FAQ 6: Did the new Green Arrow’s presence affect Oliver’s chances of getting released from prison?
The new Green Arrow’s actions complicated Oliver’s situation immensely. They undermined the perception that Star City was safer with Oliver incarcerated, potentially jeopardizing any future parole hearings or appeals. It gave ammunition to those who believed the Green Arrow was a necessity, regardless of who wore the hood.
FAQ 7: Was Felicity Smoak involved in the emergence of the new Green Arrow?
There is no evidence to suggest that Felicity was directly involved. She was deeply affected by Oliver’s imprisonment and focused on protecting their family and maintaining a semblance of normalcy. However, her technical skills and resourcefulness made her a potential asset to anyone attempting to replicate Oliver’s vigilante persona, indirectly involving her in the story.
FAQ 8: How did the writers of Arrow use the new Green Arrow to advance the overall plot of Season 7?
The new Green Arrow served as a catalyst for multiple storylines. It forced Oliver to confront his past and the consequences of his actions, challenged Team Arrow’s loyalty and capabilities, and introduced new threats and mysteries that kept viewers engaged. He essentially forced character growth through conflict.
FAQ 9: Did the new Green Arrow commit any acts that directly contradicted Oliver’s moral code?
Yes. The new Green Arrow was portrayed as more ruthless and willing to cross lines that Oliver had typically avoided. This highlighted the contrast between the two characters and raised questions about the true meaning of justice. This willingness to use lethal force set him apart from the original.
FAQ 10: What impact did the reveal of the new Green Arrow’s identity have on the remaining seasons of Arrow?
The reveal of the new Green Arrow’s identity had a massive impact. It opened doors for new storylines, explored themes of legacy and redemption, and provided a satisfying resolution to a major plot point that had been building throughout the season. It served as a linchpin to much of the later plot development.
FAQ 11: How did the citizens of Star City react to the presence of two Green Arrows?
The citizens were initially confused and divided. Some were grateful for the continued protection, while others were wary of the new vigilante’s methods and questioned his motives. This divided sentiment mirrored the internal conflicts within Team Arrow, creating a complex and nuanced portrayal of public opinion. The situation highlighted the dependency many felt on the vigilante.
FAQ 12: Was the introduction of the new Green Arrow a successful narrative choice for the series?
The introduction of the new Green Arrow was widely regarded as a successful narrative choice. It injected fresh energy into the series, created a compelling mystery, and allowed for exploration of new themes and character dynamics. The concept provided a platform to reassess Oliver’s methods and highlight the lasting legacy of the Green Arrow mantle.