The Arrow itself, which ran for 8 successful seasons. The cast of characters continued to evolve and grow, with each one contributing a unique voice to the ensemble. The number of iconic scenes continued to expand, each of which informed the audience about the changing DC Multiverse and the characters themselves.
However, there were certainly some moments that stood out a lot more than others - especially since they contributed to the arcs of the heroes, contain a consequence that comes to affect the entirety of the Arrowverse, or perhaps serves as a vital piece of the Arrow timeline which is now baked into the DNA of the show. Regardless of its impact, the moments feature both beautiful performances and excellent writing.
Oliver Queen: The Duel
Considering Queen is the titular character, there's an almost endless supply of incredible moments to choose from. An iconic but underrated scene involving the world's best archer took place during season 3 of the show, as he fought with honor and dignity against the leader of The League Of Assassins, Ra's Al Ghul.
The duel was perhaps one of the most intense and well shot in the show's history, with Oliver coming to represent heroism in a new light, preparing to sacrifice himself for the good of his family, friends, and city. It's an emotional moment that is beautifully acted, with Oliver's fall over the cliff edge still boasting its shock factor today. It was really a turning point for the show, demonstrating no punches would be pulled.
Thea Queen: Creating A League
Thea Queen continued to struggle with finding her place amongst Team Arrow. Her journey was a complex one, from partying hard to suiting up as a vigilante, before dying and struggling with the effects of the Lazarus Pit. Her quest to destroy them all lead her on a new path.
Her return in season 8 allowed fans to see how much she had evolved. In one of her greatest moments on Arrow, she wins the leadership of The League Of Assassins thanks to her father's legacy and, in a powerful scene, forms a new organization. Her arc had led to this moment as she proclaims, along with the Ghuls, that she will build a new League Of Heroes, finally fulfilling her potential and setting up a bright future.
Felicity Smoak: Entering Team Arrow
Felicity Smoak was largely created for the purposes of the show, despite a character with the same name appearing in the comic books. This iteration of the character needed to be entrenched into Team Arrow early and season 1 saw the tech-expert thrown straight into the fire.
In a pivotal scene that would shape the whole of Arrow, Felicity would find The Hood bleeding out in her car. The reveal that it was Oliver Queen beneath the facepaint didn't phase Felicity as she leaped into action, accepting the businessman's alter ego and proving herself to be a hero. She was willing to do anything needed, showing her great intelligence and capacity for kindness. It's the scene that ultimately led to the creation of Overwatch.
John Diggle: Receiving The Ring
John Diggle is another character that has been fleshed out fully in the show, before making a larger impact in the comics. Since his debut, fans have made connections to John Stewart, the iconic Green Lantern wielder.
Throughout Arrow, Diggle struggled with his role on the team, from suiting up as Spartan in a brilliant moment in Arrow to trying to take the Green Arrow mantle. The finale of season 8 finally fulfilled the promise fans had hoped for all along. Marking the next chapter of the character's arc, an object falls from the sky, blasting Diggle back against his car. He opens the mysterious box to reveal a glowing green light, allowing Diggle to take on the abilities of a Lantern. It's iconic for so many reasons but feels like the perfect conclusion for Oliver's right-hand man.
Roy Harper: Faking His Death
Oliver Queen has been the suspected Green Arrow on several occasions, with the public almost finding out the truth. In season 3, this became too much, but Team Arrow came up with a solution. Roy Harper took the fall for The Hood and then had his death faked in prison.
The scene in which he 'dies,' returns, and announces that he will be leaving the city is a moment that fans will forever . Roy finally changed by stepping up on Arrow, emerging from Oliver's shadow, and moving on to brighter things, all while making a noble sacrifice. The scene was also incredibly well structured, laced with flashbacks to the unfolding events.
Laurel Lance: A Siren Becomes A Canary
The Laurel Lance of Earth-2 was vastly different from the one that Team Arrow had known. Starting as the villain, Black Siren, her transition to Black Canary was a long and complex one. However, a single pivotal scene changed the trajectory of the character in season 7.
After teaming up with an early version of The Birds Of Prey, alongside Overwatch and Dinah's Black Canary, Laurel is finally cleared of a crime she didn't commit. Noting that she will return to her home planet, she's stopped with Felicity honoring her heroism with the costume of the previous Laurel Lance. In a scene bursting with emotion, Laurel gets accepted officially onto Team Arrow and her redemption is complete.
Sara Lance: Back From The Dead
An underrated season 2 moment from Arrow that's rarely talked about, Sara Lance's reintroduction into the show would reshape the future of the Arrowverse; after all, without this scene, Captain Lance wouldn't be piloting The Waverider. For years Oliver had thought that Sara had died out at sea, as did the audience.
However, in a single scene, Oliver's world was flipped upside down. With both of them tracking Laurel, one of the show's biggest reveals took place, with Sara actually suited up as The Canary. With an aloof performance that only added to the mystery, Sara's new skills clearly changed the playing field as she disappears into a cloud of smoke. It's really an iconic official debut.
Dinah Drake: A Bird Is Born
While origin stories haven't really led to the most iconic scenes on the show, Dinah Drake's emotional season 5 moment is such a crucial sequence for the character. Trapped with her loving partner Vincent, Dinah is forced to watch part of her world die in front of her, as she gets hit with the Particle Accelerator explosion.
As she screams into the night, she is given her trademark powers. Unbeknownst to her at the time, Vincent is also giving his regenerative abilities, eventually turning himself into Vigilante. For story purposes alone it goosebump-inducing, but it also informs the tragic backstory of Dinah that leads to her own crime-fighting.
Curtis Holt: Helping Felicity Walk Again
Curtis Holt is a genius and has served Team Arrow both in the field and as the other tech-expert of the group. While his vigilante days saved a lot of lives, it was his brain that helped to change the lives of many individuals - especially Felicity.
In season 4 of the show, Curtis provided the key for Felicity to be able to walk again after she was paralyzed in a violent attack. It's an emotional scene and one that really shows that, while he might be skilled with his fists, Curtis's greatest gift is his mind as he helps to create a microchip that helps Felicity to walk again. While the focus of the scene might be on Felicity, this is the moment that Curtis' intellect genuinely earns the respect of Oliver while also demonstrating his deep desire to help people.
Rene Ramirez: Calling His Daughter
Rene's whole world is based around his daughter. He loves Zoe with all his heart and his mission to protect the city is ultimately so she can have a better life - so it isn't surprising that his most memorable moments revolve around her. However, if fans had to choose one moment that stood out, it would have to be the storyline in season 6, where he thinks his life is about to come crashing down after The Dragon has planted explosives that he can trigger at any time.
The vigilante, Wild Dog, uses the opportunity to call his daughter, to hear her voice one last time. It goes to show just how special she is to him and it's a powerful scene. As the explosives launch, Rene risks his life one last time to save an FBI agent, knowing that it could take him away from Zoe, showing the hero that he is.
