Why the Arrowverse crossovers still need the Green Arrow

Despite ending in January 2020, Green Arrow is still necessary in the Arrowverse

Arrow, the CW‘s flagship DC show, debuted in 2012, and its popularity resulted in spin-offs galore, including The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. Each Arrowverse show got its start on Arrow and over the years, the characters interacted often. But that ended when Arrow ended in January 2020.

With Stephen Amell, who portrayed Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, deciding to move on, the show came to a conclusion with the death of the green-hooded vigilante. But the absence of the Green Arrow leaves a gaping hole that will be difficult to fill, especially when the crossovers that are so popular air.

Though Amell told Entertainment Weekly in March that he was “done” with the character and wouldn’t be appearing on any DC show, Marc Guggenheim, the executive producer of Arrow, has left the door open for a future reappearance. Perhaps he knows as much as fans do that the Arrowverse needs the Green Arrow.

Green Arrow has always been the leader

In every crossover, the heroes looked to the Green Arrow for instructions and guidance. He’s been the leader of most of the heroes for eight years. Not only has he been there with a helping hand, but he’s offered solid advice when needed. No one, not even the super-powered heroes have his knowledge and hard-earned wisdom.

In each crossover, Oliver gave the orders, and the heroes followed his lead. Though others had ideas, for the most part, Oliver controlled the steps they would take. No one else showed promise as a leader.

Green Arrow’s experience is needed

Though there are superheroes in the Arrowverse, none have the level of experience Oliver Queen has when dealing with criminals or hardcore evil. He withstood torture, survived five years in what was essentially a purgatory, and came back stronger. Nine times out of 10, he out-thought his enemies. The times when he couldn’t, he had enviable skills that enabled him to get the best of them.

He can win without superpowers

It wasn’t until Season 5 that anyone on Arrow’s team had superpowers. Yet, they battled enemies like Damien Darhk and Ra’s al Ghul. Oliver himself has always been just a man who, through training, had become a weapon.  He’s been shot, stabbed, poisoned, drugged, served time in the hardest prison in the Arrowverse, and survived it all.

Most of the heroes in the crossovers have powers they can use to their advantage, but they are restricted when those powers are. Oliver could come out on top without the need for powers. Which is precisely why the teams need him, especially in times of crises which is what the crossovers are all about.

How do you feel about the crossovers without the Green Arrow? Do you think he’s been necessary to the successes of each? Share your thoughts in the comments below.