Oliver Queen’s romantic life on Arrow was rarely smooth sailing. The tumultuous relationship with reporter Susan Williams met its end definitively in Season 5, Episode 22: “Missing”. This episode showcases the culmination of suspicion, deception, and ultimately, Oliver’s need to protect those closest to him from the fallout of his actions as Green Arrow.
The Downfall of Oliver and Susan: A Relationship Riddled with Secrets
Their initial attraction was undeniable. Susan, a sharp and ambitious journalist, was drawn to Oliver’s public persona as the mayor of Star City, and Oliver, in turn, was intrigued by her intelligence and independence. However, their relationship was built on shaky ground from the start. Oliver’s secret identity as the Green Arrow created an insurmountable barrier of deception and mistrust.
Susan, being a reporter, naturally pursued leads and stories, often unknowingly getting dangerously close to the truth about Oliver’s past and present activities. Her investigations, while professionally driven, consistently threatened to expose Oliver and jeopardize his mission. This constant tension ultimately proved fatal to their romantic involvement.
The final nail in the coffin came when Susan uncovered evidence linking Oliver to the Bratva, a Russian criminal organization. While Oliver attempted to explain his past involvement and the circumstances surrounding it, the breach of trust was too significant for Susan to overcome. She couldn’t reconcile her feelings for him with the dangerous implications of his past actions.
The breakup scene in “Missing” is poignant. Oliver, knowing he can’t be truly honest with her and that her proximity to him puts her in constant danger, makes the difficult decision to end the relationship. He understands that protecting her means letting her go. Susan, though hurt and disappointed, ultimately respects his decision, recognizing the darkness that surrounds him and the sacrifices he’s willing to make.
Unpacking the Breakup: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the relationship between Oliver Queen and Susan Williams and their eventual split:
H3 What initially attracted Oliver to Susan?
Oliver was drawn to Susan’s intelligence, independence, and ambition. He found her to be a strong and capable woman who wasn’t easily intimidated. Her journalistic drive and sharp wit provided an intellectual challenge that he found appealing, a departure from some of his previous, more emotionally-driven relationships. He also admired her commitment to uncovering the truth, even though that truth often threatened his own secrets.
H3 What were the main problems in their relationship?
The primary issue was Oliver’s secret identity and the constant deception it necessitated. He couldn’t be honest with Susan about his activities as the Green Arrow, creating a fundamental lack of trust. Her profession as a reporter also created conflict, as her investigations often brought her dangerously close to uncovering his secrets. This constant tension and the potential for exposure weighed heavily on their relationship.
H3 How did Susan discover Oliver’s connection to the Bratva?
Susan pieced together clues and information from various sources. Her journalistic skills and network allowed her to uncover evidence linking Oliver to his past activities in Russia with the Bratva. It was a combination of investigative reporting and shrewd deduction that led her to the truth.
H3 Did Oliver ever consider telling Susan the truth about being the Green Arrow?
While the thought likely crossed his mind, Oliver ultimately decided against it. He knew that telling her the truth would put her in imminent danger. Knowing what he knew, and witnessing first hand the effects of that information on him, he couldn’t possibly make that choice. Protecting her remained his priority, even if it meant sacrificing their relationship. Sharing his secret would also compromise his entire operation and the safety of his team.
H3 Was Susan in love with Oliver?
It’s debatable how deep Susan’s feelings for Oliver truly ran. She was undoubtedly attracted to him and enjoyed their time together, but their relationship was relatively short and fraught with conflict. While she likely cared for him, it’s uncertain if she was deeply in love with him, given the cloud of suspicion and deception that hung over their romance.
H3 Did Oliver truly love Susan?
Similar to Susan’s feelings, Oliver’s feelings for Susan were complex. He was attracted to her strength and intelligence, and he likely appreciated the relatively normal life she offered, a stark contrast to the chaos of his vigilantism. However, his commitment to his mission and his ingrained distrust of others likely prevented him from fully opening himself up to her. He certainly cared for her and valued her safety, but whether that translated to true love is open to interpretation. Ultimately, he valued the truth far more than he valued her.
H3 How did the breakup affect Susan’s character arc?
The breakup with Oliver significantly impacted Susan’s character arc. It reinforced her dedication to her profession and her commitment to uncovering the truth, regardless of the personal cost. She learned a valuable lesson about the danger of secrets and the importance of honesty. While the experience was painful, it arguably made her a stronger and more resilient character.
H3 Was the Oliver/Susan relationship unpopular with fans?
The Oliver/Susan relationship was generally unpopular with fans. Many viewers felt that Susan was an uninteresting character who didn’t fit well within the established dynamics of the show. Her relationship with Oliver felt forced and lacked the chemistry of his other romantic pairings, particularly with Felicity Smoak.
H3 What was the main reason for the relationship ending?
The relationship ultimately ended due to the incompatibility between Oliver’s secret life and Susan’s pursuit of truth. He couldn’t be honest with her, and her investigations constantly threatened to expose him. The combination of deception, mistrust, and the inherent danger of his lifestyle made their relationship unsustainable.
H3 Did Susan ever find out Oliver was the Green Arrow?
While it is never explicitly shown on screen that Susan figures out Oliver’s secret, the implication is quite strong. In one of the later seasons of Arrow, it is clearly depicted that she is aware and does what she can to not expose him. By doing this, she would also protect herself and keep her away from any physical harm.
H3 Did Susan return to the show after the breakup?
Susan does return to the show after the breakup. In the final season, when Oliver is pulling together a team for a specific task, he enlists her help with a story. Although the two are not lovers again, it showcases how they have been able to be friends.
H3 Could Oliver and Susan have ever had a lasting relationship?
Given the circumstances and Oliver’s inherent need for secrecy, it’s highly unlikely that Oliver and Susan could have had a lasting relationship. The fundamental lack of trust and the constant danger surrounding Oliver would have always been significant obstacles. Even if they managed to overcome those challenges, Oliver’s dedication to his mission would likely have always taken precedence over his romantic life. Oliver Queen valued the city above everything else, including love.