Celebrating 100 Episodes: Top 10 'Arrow' Characters So Far

Nora Dominick ‘17/ Emertainment Monthly Executive Stage Editor
Arrow is hitting a major milestone this week! During the Arrow portion of the epic 4-part crossover The CW show will celebrate its 100th episode. The show has paved the way for the other DCTV shows currently dominating The CW Network and without it the “superhero revolution” wouldn’t exist.
Starring Stephen Amell, Arrow follows the life of spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen. He’s missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns to Starling City after five years a changed man determined to clean up the streets of his beloved city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow. Since debuting in 2012, Arrow has evolved and created some of the most beloved characters in the “Flarrow” universe.
Arrow’s 100th episode airing on November 30th will follow Oliver, who wakes up to a life where he never got on “The Queen’s Gambit.” Robert and Moira Queen are alive and well, while Oliver’s wedding to Laurel is imminent. Everything is seemingly perfect, but Oliver starts to notice small imperfections that make him question this new reality.
To celebrate the 100th episode, Emertainment Monthly has decided to round up the top 10 Arrow characters so far. Check out the full list below!

10. Malcolm Merlyn

The first villain on Arrow and the definition of a character you hate to love. Malcolm Merlyn has been a staple on the show long after The Dark Archer ended his reign of terror. John Barrowman has taken this character to new heights during five seasons and we are so happy he’s stuck around. Between taking down The Glades to being Thea’s father, Malcolm Merlyn is the villain we hope sticks around forever.

9. Roy Harper

One of the original Team Arrow members, Roy Harper brought a little extra heart to the show. Colton Haynes created such a great character during the first three seasons and his presence is still missed today. Roy’s relationship with Thea is one for the ages and his role as Arsenal helped pave the way for Thea’s amazing character arc. Haynes is always welcomed to return whenever he wants. We miss him!

8. Donna Smoak

The most beloved mother on TV right now, Donna Smoak charmed her way into the hearts of fans and Oliver Queen back in season 3. Charlotte Ross has created a character that is genuine, tough and the best mother around. Her work with Emily Bett Rickards exceeds expectations every episode she’s in. Donna takes the Arrowverse by storm when she puts her daughter before herself. Donna’s moments are heartbreaking, she’s the literal embodiment of the fandom and we love her so much!

7. Thea Queen

She started off as Oliver’s partying younger sister and has transformed into so much more. Thea Queen is one of the strongest female characters on Arrow and we couldn’t imagine a world without her. Willa Holland has effortlessly transformed Thea season after season. From a reckless teenager to Speedy to Chief of Staff for the Mayor, Thea undergoes one of the biggest character arcs.

6. Laurel Lance

Gone but never forgotten! Laurel Lance will always be a pillar on Arrow. Katie Cassidy transcended expectation with her portrayal of Laurel. Starting from the love-scorned, ex-girlfriend of Oliver, to a drug addict, to the Black Canary is a beautiful arc for Cassidy to play and for Laurel to be on. The character of Laurel has touched each and every character and she will continue to be missed.

5. Tommy Merlyn

Arguably one of the most beloved characters on Arrow, Tommy Merlyn’s presence is still missed. From Oliver’s best friend to his undying love for Laurel, Tommy was a great character during season one. Colin Donnell brought heart, humor, and heartache to the character flawlessly. His death at the end of season one still looms large and is still felt by Oliver to this day.

4. Oliver Queen

Stephen Amell’s Oliver Queen has grown exponentially over the last five years. He began his journey as a billionaire playboy that wanted to clean up Starling City alone. Since then, he has learned to work with a team, he’s fallen in love and is even the Mayor now. While Oliver’s character arc hasn’t been smooth sailing, Amell brings the character to life effortlessly. It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing Oliver Queen/Green Arrow and we are so happy to have 100 episodes of Amell giving it his all.

3. Sara Lance

The biggest badass in the entire “Flarrow” universe, Sara Lance is still one of the best characters to come out of the show. Since Caity Lotz assumed the role in season 2, Sara Lance has exceeded expectations and become one of the best characters around. Lotz creates a strong female character that isn’t afraid to be both tough and vulnerable. Her work on Arrow began an incredible journey and it’s a joy to watch her lead Legends of Tomorrow now. Sara Lance will forever be one of the greatest characters!

2. John Diggle

Since season one, John Diggle has been the heart behind The Green Arrow. He has always been the voice of reason on Team Arrow and continues to be to this day. David Ramsey creates such a complex and genuine character and it’s a joy to watch him week after week. Diggle brings out the best in each and every character he interacts with and this world wouldn’t be the same without him. Even five seasons in, Ramsey manages to tug at our heartstrings and continue to grow Diggle into a complex character.

1. Felicity Smoak

A character completely seperate from the comic book universe, Felicity Smoak came in during seaosn one and made a massive impact. She began as a recurring tech nerd working at Queen Consolodated and quickly evovled into a intrigal part of Team Arrow. Emily Bett Rickards has grown right before our eyes and it’s a pleasure to watch her build this character season after season. Her work alongside Amell, Ramsey, Ross and the rest of the cast is expceptional and we couldn’t imagine Arrow without her. Felicity Smoak has transformed into a strong, independent female character and is one of the greatest assets. We can’t wait to see where Rickards and Felicity go next.

Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW