Arrow

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Season 1
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 968 out of 1184
  2. Mixed: 102 out of 1184
  3. Negative: 114 out of 1184
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  1. pur__0_0__
    Aug 22, 2021
    9
    The first season of Arrow made us feel many things. This was so good, and we weren't really used to seeing a superhero show on TV. Sure there was Smallville, but that was based on an already established superhero. Here we had Green Arrow, a character from the Justice League we looked over and his only time to shine was in Injustice where Superman beat him to death. So we do know what wasThe first season of Arrow made us feel many things. This was so good, and we weren't really used to seeing a superhero show on TV. Sure there was Smallville, but that was based on an already established superhero. Here we had Green Arrow, a character from the Justice League we looked over and his only time to shine was in Injustice where Superman beat him to death. So we do know what was at stake here. If this season had been bad the entire Arrowverse would have no longer existed. But the makers did a good job. Stephen Amell is now the first thing anyone thinks of when they think of Green Arrow. Another thing this show did so well was the fight scenes. This is probably the first ever superhero show to spend a full season without a single CGI character. All the action was just raw martial arts. And that's what made it so different from the otherwise CGI fests that we are used to seeing in superhero movies and serials.… Expand
  2. celsojack
    May 15, 2021
    9
    Serie without frills, when needed the main character kills. The guy is there to end the crime not to be a hero. A different and bold approach to TV today. Congratulations to the writers
  3. brockcheese
    Feb 22, 2021
    7
    This show is a great introduction to the character and superhero shows as a whole. By pairing the flashbacks on the island with Arrow's current day problems the show feels exciting and propulsive with its narrative structure.
  4. Snowden111
    Jan 3, 2019
    10
    Very good highly recommend it watch this show !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  5. Termin8ter
    Nov 23, 2018
    8
    This is a great season. Great acting, music, writing, and interesting, quality characters. The action is very well choreographed too. The tone is consistent, which is good. Great stuff, guys.
  6. GarethB
    Oct 23, 2018
    8
    When arrow used to be good, green arrow is turned into a batman lite. But for cw the action is good but let down by lots of discussions in hallways. The dark archer is a good villain and the list is a mysterious hook.
  7. CoreGamer1408
    Oct 4, 2018
    9
    Oh wow this is great depiction of a gritty anti-hero character who history is told in very interesting mysterious flash blacks. The Arrow makes Batman look like a girls guide scout for sure and could give the Punisher a run for his money. Awseome out of 10 for a TV production.
  8. Jtrapdoor1
    Jul 6, 2018
    7
    A very inconsistent series. The first two seasons were incredibly well written and acted. It is not to say that the rest of the series is not well acted but the writing takes a suicide dive. Seasons 3 and 4 are really aggravating at times with the decisions made. The show at times makes it impossible to distinguish Arrow's hero from Batman. It uses a little too much from the Dark KnightA very inconsistent series. The first two seasons were incredibly well written and acted. It is not to say that the rest of the series is not well acted but the writing takes a suicide dive. Seasons 3 and 4 are really aggravating at times with the decisions made. The show at times makes it impossible to distinguish Arrow's hero from Batman. It uses a little too much from the Dark Knight repertoire in terms of villains, character motivations and at times character inputs. The end of each of these seasons is very similar, feeling very rushed and usually defeating the point of previously established lore within the series. Season 5 attempted to make a big change to how things worked which was a little sloppy in execution but very much appreciated from an avid viewer. This is all turned around in season 6 where they give up on that entirely. The show is worth a go but dips in quality every now and then. Patience may be the best remedy for that… Expand
  9. Krimson24
    Jun 9, 2018
    7
    The season was great but William is literally the worst part of the season. I want him to be killed off. His dialogue is terrible, his acting is horrendous, his timing atrocious. There is no substance of benefit in him being in the show in any way shape of form.
  10. Mistahj666
    Dec 29, 2017
    8
    Arrow season 1 had it's ups and downs, but overall they managed to make a cool story and an amazing season finale.
  11. Trenos
    Dec 16, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First Season of Arrow is really good show, but i see why people can hate it too. I really love main villain of this season, Josh Barrowman did a really great job.… Expand
  12. spacebear1
    Dec 8, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Season 1 of Arrow was a fantastic first season of a fantastic show. Stephen Amell is a perfect casting choice for the vigilante known as "The Hood." The villain of the season, John Barrowman's Dark Archer, was also really great. The action scenes were directed really well and the season is filled with feel of suspense and a very climactic and emotional season finale.… Expand
  13. dcutler
    Apr 12, 2017
    9
    When you look at all the superhero shows that are out today they all had to come from some foundation and that was Arrow Season 1. The season showed all the tragedy that one man went through on an Island for 5 years in the North China Sea called Lian Yu. He eventually gets home with one goal to save his city.
  14. nubbinater
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    This show is fantastic. Great character development, stunning action, just overall great. Even season 3 (potentially its worst season) was great, just very dark and one-dimensional. Every season has added characters, and kept me caring about their relationships with one another as they grow.
  15. travellyn
    Jan 9, 2017
    8
    Arrow bides it's time and it's worth it with a great cast brilliant development and heavy drama all while using awesome action arrow hits the bullseye in its first season
  16. Joshuan
    Oct 18, 2016
    7
    The Arrow

    The Arrow focuses on a billionaire who was shipwrecked on an island. His boat is destroyed by a storm and a saboteur. While floating in a lifeboat hundreds of miles from civilization his father gives him a list of people that have destroyed Oliver’s home town. When he reaches the island he is the only still alive as his father killed everyone else including himself so he would    The Arrow

    The Arrow focuses on a billionaire who was shipwrecked on an island. His boat is destroyed by a storm and a saboteur. While floating in a lifeboat hundreds of miles from civilization his father gives him a list of people that have destroyed Oliver’s home town. When he reaches the island he is the only still alive as his father killed everyone else including himself so he would have enough food. The Island holds many dangers and enemies, but it also contains a few friends that make this man into a survivor with many traits of a very highly trained soldier. His name was Oliver Queen, but now he best known as “The Vigilante.” When he gets rescued he takes the list his father gave him and he deals with those people through whatever means necessary. At first he easily kills or discourages these people but he eventually runs into complications that make the show more exciting. The Arrow is a very interesting and exciting show that uses unrealistic and impossible scenarios to envelope the viewer.
    This show is very similar to other superhero shows and movies where the hero is able to dodge bullets and catch arrows. Like in many other superhero movies, the Arrow in this case is unable to shoot straight when facing a super villain but is able to do fantastic things and never miss while facing against regular people. This show is very cheesy so you need to turn your brain off while watching it if you want to enjoy it. There are many plot holes and impossible scenarios in this show that you must ignore. In season three a main character who trained with Oliver reveals her identity but no one even glances at Oliver which is unbelievable because some main characters were already suspecting that he was the arrow. Many people would say that it is too unrealistic to enjoy but the action scenes make up for the unrealistic situation they are in.
    While it is as believable as a pig flying a plane, the show can be very exciting. Every episode has many action scenes and they constantly flash back to Oliver’s death defying time on the island. The flashbacks show him getting tortured, killing terrorists, becoming an assassin, and making some very dangerous enemies. I found myself enjoying the flashbacks much more thane events because the flashback is possible and believable, however unlikely, at least for the first two seasons. Many of the episodes are repetitive but the there are still many fantastic surprises.
    While the show still goes on, the writers seem to be struggling with more ideas to add. The show is becoming sporadic and using things that contradict information they give the viewer in a previous season as if they have simply forgot. In one season they have a criminal fight off hundreds of soldiers with only a sword and bow but later have the same criminal get knocked unconscious in a prison brawl. The viewers are left to wonder, will the writers find more inspiration or will the show fall apart?    … Expand
  17. timjunior5
    May 18, 2016
    9
    With movie-like action sequences, amazing character development, and top-notch dialogue, Arrow succeeds as a great comic-book TV Show! The complex and interwoven motives and backstories of the characters make this show a must-watch for anyone interested in comic book action/adventure TV Shows.
  18. ihatefilm
    Mar 29, 2016
    10
    Rich white guy with daddy issues tries to save his city by fighting crime in a costume. No this isn't Batman. Based on DC's Green Arrow, CW has created a superhero show for a slightly more mature audience. If you don't like superheroes who kill, this season is not for you. Season one has a fantastic story arc and Stephen Amell, David Ramsey and Paul Blackthorne really standout among anRich white guy with daddy issues tries to save his city by fighting crime in a costume. No this isn't Batman. Based on DC's Green Arrow, CW has created a superhero show for a slightly more mature audience. If you don't like superheroes who kill, this season is not for you. Season one has a fantastic story arc and Stephen Amell, David Ramsey and Paul Blackthorne really standout among an overall solid cast.… Expand
  19. Britar1720
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    The flash backs are wonderful, all the hints and easter eggs are so much fun, the cast is great, real life hero would make the comic arrow proud! I love all the spin offs, but this is my favorite of the shows. I love felicity, the constant introduction to loved comic characters, and the tone of the show. Added bonus of mocking "arrow cave" and "arrow mobile" when the comic got started, andThe flash backs are wonderful, all the hints and easter eggs are so much fun, the cast is great, real life hero would make the comic arrow proud! I love all the spin offs, but this is my favorite of the shows. I love felicity, the constant introduction to loved comic characters, and the tone of the show. Added bonus of mocking "arrow cave" and "arrow mobile" when the comic got started, and the shows roots similar to batmans. (:… Expand
  20. charmanestarr
    Jan 29, 2016
    8
    I believe this show accomplishes what it was intended to do, appeal to a wide audience and have a balance of action, adventure, explosions, love stories, sex, drama, etc. This series is every bit as a soap opera as it is a super hero show. It executes it all in a satisfactory balance.
    For some it will be too dramatic and corny with all the emotions and soap operas. That person will have    I believe this show accomplishes what it was intended to do, appeal to a wide audience and have a balance of action, adventure, explosions, love stories, sex, drama, etc. This series is every bit as a soap opera as it is a super hero show. It executes it all in a satisfactory balance.
    For some it will be too dramatic and corny with all the emotions and soap operas. That person will have to watch another show if emotion and human conflict bother them.
    An excellent show that has moments of being lame. As with life, this show becomes extremely better once you accept the BS and focus on what makes it worth it.    … Expand
  21. byambaa2010
    Jan 22, 2016
    7
    This show has good villains and actions. But I am really tired of their bullsh*t relationship problems. Characters are just so weak always complaining, whining about their life. Specially Laurel Lance.
  22. sehecman
    Dec 6, 2015
    9
    Easily the show's best season, even if its finale does fall flat. Watching Oliver Queen dole out vigilante justice in a morally gray manner makes for great television. It has its weaknesses no doubt, but as a fun, if at times repetitive, action series, Arrow does a good job. Unlike the later seasons, this one gets the formula just about right, properly balancing the action and primaryEasily the show's best season, even if its finale does fall flat. Watching Oliver Queen dole out vigilante justice in a morally gray manner makes for great television. It has its weaknesses no doubt, but as a fun, if at times repetitive, action series, Arrow does a good job. Unlike the later seasons, this one gets the formula just about right, properly balancing the action and primary conflict with just the right measures of human subplot and moral debate.… Expand
  23. GermaNister
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    I love superheroes and Arrow is one of the best superheroes ever !!! The Story is exciting. There are cool characters and cool Villains and Stephen Ammel fits well to Arrow. Thanks WB for this awsome TV show.
  24. SquintyReviews
    Sep 18, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the better shows at character building, the flashback sequences are the gold here, showing the main character Oliver's progression into becoming what he is. This is proper character progression and development at its finest and worth the watch for that alone.… Expand
  25. BatmanDude
    Jul 27, 2015
    9
    All Arrow seasons are at least great, this is a very good TV show and I recommend to every one who likes TV series and Heroes.
    This is the rating for each seasons to this point:
    season 1: 8
    season 2: 10
    season 3: 9
  26. jacob4
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    An epic and gritty take on The Green Arrow, this show draws a lot of inspiration from The Dark Knight trilogy. Brining to life many of your iconic and favorite heroes and villains such as Deathstroke, Malcolm Merlyn, Count Vertigo, The Huntress, The Atom, Speedy, Deadshot, The Suicide Squad, and so many more. Filled with gripping action, suspense, mystery, some comedy, and plenty of DCAn epic and gritty take on The Green Arrow, this show draws a lot of inspiration from The Dark Knight trilogy. Brining to life many of your iconic and favorite heroes and villains such as Deathstroke, Malcolm Merlyn, Count Vertigo, The Huntress, The Atom, Speedy, Deadshot, The Suicide Squad, and so many more. Filled with gripping action, suspense, mystery, some comedy, and plenty of DC lore, this is a show recommended for DC fan boys! And don't forget to check out its little sister spin-off, The Flash!… Expand
  27. Brainstorm123
    May 28, 2015
    8
    The first season of Arrow was great. it offered interesting characters, with a very powerful story of a man who's experiences on an island change his life. The writing is really good, but it is re-hashed for most of the series. But the formula is good, so it works for the most part. Other than the killing, the character of the Green Arrow is very faithful. And he is very well acted. TheyThe first season of Arrow was great. it offered interesting characters, with a very powerful story of a man who's experiences on an island change his life. The writing is really good, but it is re-hashed for most of the series. But the formula is good, so it works for the most part. Other than the killing, the character of the Green Arrow is very faithful. And he is very well acted. They try to turn him into Batman, but there are enough new ideas here to keep it fresh. A very good start to the series.… Expand
  28. Insondable
    May 24, 2015
    10
    After searching for an action packed TV series for a while, I cam across Arrow. I had my reservations to begin with as it did not sound like something I would normally watch. I'll tell you now, it's no Game of Thrones but it stands alone with its own entirety. Everyone says it, but there is never a dull moment. Berlanti, the writer of the series, combines violence and action neatly with aAfter searching for an action packed TV series for a while, I cam across Arrow. I had my reservations to begin with as it did not sound like something I would normally watch. I'll tell you now, it's no Game of Thrones but it stands alone with its own entirety. Everyone says it, but there is never a dull moment. Berlanti, the writer of the series, combines violence and action neatly with a unique story which intertwines with other series. The sign of a good action series is when it inspires you to tone your body to resemble to protagonist and since starting this series I have been intent on becoming like Oliver Queen!… Expand
  29. Shigton
    May 15, 2015
    10
    Good show Good fight scenes and getting better each season.Can't wait for Season 4 as it should be a good one going by the why there getting better, each season brings its own bad guy.
  30. thefinn
    May 14, 2015
    9
    So, I thought I would laugh and point at the latest comic book TV series (not even a movie haha!) and I was totally rebuffed by the performance of Stephen Amell. He has completely made his careerr in this series. An amazing performance and cast.

    Felicity Smoak is a great character also, played by Emily Rickards and she does a great job with it. I'm giving it a 9/10 for the    So, I thought I would laugh and point at the latest comic book TV series (not even a movie haha!) and I was totally rebuffed by the performance of Stephen Amell. He has completely made his careerr in this series. An amazing performance and cast.

    Felicity Smoak is a great character also, played by Emily Rickards and she does a great job with it.

    I'm giving it a 9/10 for the performances alone.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best TV Season of 2012
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
2
#2 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Nov 12, 2012
    88
    The CW's best show since Gossip Girl.... it has a forthright narrative seriousness, a respect for the gobbledy-gook that makes up any superhero's backstory--and a game cast performing with the correct degree of seriousness. [19 Nov 2012, p.35]
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Oct 23, 2012
    83
    Your interest in Arrow depends on how much you miss the troubled-in-love, conflicted-by-family heroics of Smallville--it mirrors that series' setup.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Lori Rackl
    Oct 10, 2012
    75
    This slick action-drama is based on the comic book superhero Green Arrow. Prepare to quiver.
    Read full review
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