Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak’s romantic journey captivated audiences from their initial awkward encounters. Their first kiss, a pivotal moment, occurs in Season 2, Episode 5, “League of Assassins.” This seemingly impulsive act, born from a calculated deception, ignited a fandom that has continued to debate and dissect the significance of that single, electrifying moment.
The Kiss That Launched a Thousand Ships: Context and Controversy
The “League of Assassins” episode finds Oliver facing a dire threat from Sara Lance’s past. To protect her and Starling City, Oliver pretends to betray Sara and the Arrow team, needing to convincingly portray a villainous facade. The kiss with Felicity is a crucial part of this charade, meant to solidify his supposed shift in allegiance and, more importantly, manipulate Sara’s emotions.
While the kiss served a specific narrative purpose, its impact resonated far beyond the immediate plot. Fans immediately recognized the undeniable chemistry between Oliver and Felicity, sparking a fervent desire for their relationship to evolve beyond friendship. The intensity of the moment, despite its deceptive origin, highlighted a vulnerability and potential connection that would define the show’s romantic arc for seasons to come.
The Immediate Aftermath and Ripple Effects
The fallout from the kiss was complex and multifaceted. Felicity, understandably confused and hurt, struggled to reconcile her feelings with the knowledge that the kiss was a calculated act. Oliver, burdened by his mission and his own emotional inhibitions, offered a cold explanation, furthering the emotional distance between them. This period of uncertainty and unspoken longing served as a crucial foundation for their future development, forcing both characters to confront their true feelings. The scene also served as a powerful catalyst for Sara Lance, underscoring the sacrifices Oliver was willing to make to protect those he cared about, even at the expense of his own happiness and relationships.
Deconstructing the Moment: Why It Matters
The kiss wasn’t just a fleeting moment; it was a seismic event in the Arrowverse. It introduced the possibility of a deeper connection between Oliver and Felicity, paving the way for their eventual romance. It also established a recurring theme within the series: the tension between Oliver’s duty and his personal desires.
Exploring the Chemistry: More Than Just a Kiss
Even though the kiss was staged, the palpable chemistry between Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards was undeniable. Their performances conveyed a depth of emotion that transcended the narrative context. The way Felicity reacted, her initial surprise followed by a flicker of hope, and Oliver’s conflicted expression, hinted at underlying feelings that were already bubbling beneath the surface. This on-screen chemistry is a primary reason why the “Olicity” pairing became so popular and integral to the show’s overall success.
Olicity: A Love Story For the Ages (Almost)
Oliver and Felicity’s relationship became a central driving force of Arrow, shaping storylines and influencing character arcs. Their journey was far from smooth, marked by external threats, personal demons, and the constant struggle to balance their responsibilities as heroes with their individual needs. However, their unwavering love and support for each other, stemming from the seeds planted in that first, deceptive kiss, ultimately defined their characters and their place within the Arrowverse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Oliver and Felicity’s relationship and the significance of their first kiss:
FAQ 1: Was the “League of Assassins” kiss planned from the beginning?
No. While the writers knew Oliver and Felicity had undeniable chemistry, the specific plot point of the kiss in “League of Assassins” arose organically from the episode’s storyline and the need for Oliver to convincingly portray a betrayal.
FAQ 2: How did fans react to the kiss?
The fan reaction was overwhelmingly positive, albeit with a degree of initial confusion and concern due to its deceptive nature. The kiss fueled the “Olicity” fandom and solidified their desire to see Oliver and Felicity become a romantic couple.
FAQ 3: What did Felicity think of the kiss at the time?
Felicity was initially shocked and confused. She allowed herself to momentarily believe the kiss was genuine, only to be crushed when Oliver coldly dismissed it as a necessary act. This left her feeling hurt and betrayed, forcing her to confront her own burgeoning feelings for Oliver.
FAQ 4: Did Oliver have feelings for Felicity before the kiss?
While never explicitly stated, there were strong hints that Oliver was developing feelings for Felicity before the “League of Assassins” episode. His protectiveness towards her, his reliance on her intelligence and support, and subtle moments of vulnerability suggested a deeper connection beyond friendship.
FAQ 5: How did the kiss affect Oliver and Sara’s relationship?
The kiss significantly strained Oliver and Sara’s relationship. While Sara understood the strategic reasoning behind it, it still created a rift and highlighted the complex dynamics within their triangle with Oliver and Felicity.
FAQ 6: What was the next major “Olicity” moment after the first kiss?
A key turning point was arguably in Season 3, Episode 1 “The Calm,” where Oliver, believing he’s about to die, confesses his love to Felicity. Though he later retracts the statement, it solidifies the presence of deeper feelings.
FAQ 7: When do Oliver and Felicity officially become a couple?
Oliver and Felicity officially become a couple in Season 3, Episode 15, “Nanda Parbat,” after Oliver tells Felicity he loves her and they share a heartfelt kiss.
FAQ 8: How long did Oliver and Felicity stay together?
Oliver and Felicity were in a committed relationship, with ups and downs, from Season 3 until Oliver’s death in the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event. They married in Season 6.
FAQ 9: What were some of the challenges in their relationship?
Their relationship faced numerous challenges, including Oliver’s past, his secret identity as the Green Arrow, external threats from villains, and the emotional toll of their vigilante lifestyle. Miscommunication and conflicting priorities also created tension at times.
FAQ 10: Did Oliver and Felicity have any children?
Yes, Oliver and Felicity had a daughter named Mia Smoak-Queen, who was introduced in the flash-forwards and later traveled back in time to meet her parents.
FAQ 11: How did Oliver’s death affect Felicity?
Oliver’s death was devastating for Felicity. She grieved deeply but ultimately honored his sacrifice by raising their daughter Mia and continuing to fight for justice in his memory.
FAQ 12: How did Felicity leave Arrow?
Felicity left Arrow at the end of Season 7 to be with Oliver in the afterlife, as revealed in the series finale. She was reunited with him in a pocket dimension created by the Monitor, ensuring their eternal happiness together. This provided a poignant and satisfying conclusion to their epic love story, stemming from that initial, deceptively charged kiss in “League of Assassins.”