In the harrowing season 4 premiere of Arrow, titled “Green Arrow,” Laurel Lance’s father, Quentin Lance, was seemingly killed after being struck by a projectile during an attack on Star City. However, this was a clever misdirection. The actual victim of the devastating attack was Sara Lance, Laurel’s sister and former Canary, who had been resurrected in the previous season and was seeking redemption.
Unraveling the Mystery: Why Sara Lance?
The death of Sara Lance in the season 4 premiere served as a significant catalyst for the season’s overarching narrative, setting in motion a chain of events that deeply impacted the entire team. While Quentin Lance appeared to be gravely injured, it was later revealed that he survived the attack, leaving the true weight of the loss to fall on the resurrected Sara. Her brief return to the world of the living was ultimately cut short, leaving a void that resonated throughout the season and beyond. This death forced Laurel to confront her own guilt, and ultimately, helped Sara gain closure even after her death.
The choice to kill off Sara again, especially so soon after her resurrection, was a controversial decision. It fueled the storyline involving Damien Darhk and his quest for power, demonstrating the ruthlessness of the villain and the stakes the team was facing. It also provided a powerful emotional arc for Laurel, forcing her to grapple with the complexities of life, death, and the desire to honor her sister’s memory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sara Lance’s Death in Arrow Season 4 Premiere
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Sara Lance’s demise in the season 4 premiere:
Q1: Was Sara Lance Really Dead This Time?
Yes. While Sara had previously been resurrected in the Lazarus Pit, her death at the beginning of Season 4 was seemingly permanent, at least within the context of the Arrow series itself. Her eventual fate, joining the Legends of Tomorrow team, involved a more complex temporal manipulation.
Q2: Why Was Sara Lance Back in Star City in the First Place?
After being resurrected in the Lazarus Pit, Sara returned to Star City seeking redemption and a fresh start. She was grappling with the psychological effects of her experience and was trying to reconnect with her family and find her place in the world again.
Q3: Did Quentin Lance Survive the Attack?
Yes, Quentin Lance survived the initial attack in the premiere episode. He was seriously injured, creating the initial misdirection that he was the one who had died, but he ultimately recovered.
Q4: How Did Sara’s Death Impact Laurel Lance?
Sara’s death had a profound impact on Laurel. It reignited her grief and sense of loss, further fueling her determination to continue fighting for justice as the Black Canary. It also motivated her to learn more about her sister’s past and legacy.
Q5: What Role Did Sara’s Death Play in the Season’s Overall Storyline?
Sara’s death was a pivotal event that set the stage for the season’s main conflict with Damien Darhk. It underscored the stakes involved in the fight for Star City and motivated the team to take Darhk down. It also gave Darhk a demonstration of his own power.
Q6: Why Was Sara’s Death Considered Controversial by Some Fans?
Some fans felt that killing off Sara again so soon after her resurrection was unnecessary and disrespectful to the character. They believed it undermined her journey of healing and redemption and that she deserved a more satisfying resolution.
Q7: Did Sara’s Death Affect Her Relationship With Oliver Queen?
While Oliver and Sara’s relationship was complex and had ended some time before her death, her loss still affected him deeply. He felt responsible for her safety and was burdened by the guilt of not being able to protect her. The impact on the Arrow team, as a whole, was a factor.
Q8: How Did Sara’s Death Lead to Her Joining Legends of Tomorrow?
Sara’s death was not the direct cause of her joining Legends of Tomorrow. After a period of being dead, John Constantine and Oliver Queen resurrected Sara again using the magical Loom of Fate. This allowed her to truly come back to life, and eventually join Rip Hunter’s team of time travelers.
Q9: Did Sara’s Death Have Any Connection to the Lazarus Pit’s Influence on Her?
While Sara’s death was not directly caused by the Lazarus Pit, the experience of being resurrected in it definitely played a role in her overall story arc. The psychological effects of the Lazarus Pit contributed to her internal struggles and made her vulnerable.
Q10: How Did Damien Darhk Factor Into Sara’s Death?
Damien Darhk was directly responsible for the attack in which Sara was killed. This demonstrated his power and influence and foreshadowed the challenges the team would face in trying to stop him. Darhk’s magic was the main threat that season, and the attack demonstrated his powers.
Q11: Did Laurel Ever Get Closure Regarding Sara’s Death?
Yes, Laurel eventually found closure regarding Sara’s death. She honored her sister’s memory by continuing to fight for justice as the Black Canary and by seeking to understand her journey. The death of both sisters caused her to struggle with what justice meant.
Q12: Was Sara’s Resurrection in Legends of Tomorrow a Retcon of Her Death in Arrow?
While Sara’s resurrection in Legends of Tomorrow changed the circumstances of her death, it didn’t necessarily retcon it. Her death in Arrow still occurred and had a significant impact on the characters and storylines. The Loom of Fate just allowed for her to be brought back, adding another layer of complexity to her character arc.
The Legacy of Sara Lance’s Death
The death of Sara Lance in the season 4 premiere of Arrow served as a pivotal moment, shaping the narrative trajectory and leaving a lasting impact on the characters and their motivations. While controversial to some, it provided a compelling narrative arc for Laurel, highlighted the villainous nature of Damien Darhk, and ultimately paved the way for Sara’s eventual journey on Legends of Tomorrow. It reinforced the idea that even in a world of superheroes, death is a constant threat and can have profound consequences. The loss of Sara served as a stark reminder of the sacrifices required in the fight for justice and the enduring bonds of family.