Like all comic book shows, Arrow has a big and very opinionated fanbase. For example, people either love or hate Oliver and Felicity as a couple. Also, fans continue to fight about who's the best villain in the series to this day. Overall, the show is full of controversy due to the morally grey nature of the series and its characters.
Arrow is a heated topic for users on Reddit to discuss. Some posts about Arrow characters and plot lines are met with approval, but other Redditors have less popular opinions about the show.
Oliver Is Better In The Show Than He Is In The Comics
Usually, comic book fans are quick to criticize television adaptations of their favorite superheroes. For example, many viewers think that Stephen Amell's version of the Green Arrow is a significant departure from the comics. However, this Reddit fan praises Oliver's character growth in Arrow.
At first, Oliver doesn't mind killing after returning from the island. However, after Tommy dies, the Redditor says that "he changes and starts trying to not kill anyone else." So, Oliver's struggle to follow his conscience while being a vigilante adds an interesting element to the show.
The Crossover Episodes Are Annoying
Almost once every season, Arrow has a crossover episode with another CW show. These episodes involve The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Batwoman. While many viewers love seeing all the superheroes interact, this Reddit user hates it.
The Reddit user comments, "I just have to watch every episode of that particular other show to reach that certain point to understand the characters and stuff in Arrow? Not cool." Crossovers are confusing, especially when more and more shows get added into the mix.
"New Team Arrow" Are Unlikable
After learning that one of the team members will testify against Oliver, Felicity and Diggle help Oliver spy on the others. Dinah, Rene, and Curtis are outraged by this betrayal. So, they decide to leave and form the group "New Team Arrow."
This Reddit user thinks that New Team Arrow "act like spoiled brats, who only see the black and white of everything." In addition, they are hypocritical, engaging in the immoral behavior they criticize Oliver for, such as attempting to kill Laurel and harming Diggle.
Laurel Shouldn't Have Died
Multiple characters die throughout the series. One of the most heartbreaking deaths was Laurel Lance's. She is mortally wounded by the H.I.V.E. leader Damien Darhk while fighting as the Black Canary.
Laurel's role in Arrow was unrightfully minimized by the writers, according to this Reddit user. They argue that the show writer's reasoning for keeping other characters but killing the Black Canary "highlights how little they value Laurel." This Redditor and other fans find Laurel's treatment on the show to be unjust.
William Should've Stayed With His Grandparents
Samantha, the mother of Oliver's first child, was killed in the Lian Yu explosion. After her death, Oliver becomes Williams's main caregiver. But, this Redditor believes that "Oliver never should have taken custody of William."
They share many wholesome family moments in the series, but William gets repeatedly kidnapped and attacked by Oliver's enemies. Arguably, Oliver should've left William in the care of his grandparents. Perhaps Samantha was right when she hid William from Oliver, as his presence puts him in constant danger.
Malcolm Merlyn Isn't Treated As A Villain
Malcolm Merlyn is one of the first antagonists introduced on Arrow. Even though he commits many crimes, such as killing Oliver's father and destroying the Glades, one Reddit user thinks that Team Arrow goes too easy on him.
Because Merlyn is Thea's birth father, Oliver frequently lets his actions slide. The Redditor says, "Merlyn needs to be less of a buddy, and the team needs to treat him as the villain he is." He's one of Green Arrow's top comic villains, but the show treats him as less of a threat.
The Flash-Forwards Felt Depressing
In Arrow's seventh season, the audience sees flash-forwards, which reveal that Oliver is separated from his family and doesn't save the city. A Reddit user thinks these flash-forwards ruin the show. "It kind of just makes the show feel pointless," the Redditor states. "Why watch Oliver try to fight to save the city if we know he's going to fail?"
The flash-forwards were fun for some fans, as they got to see Mia (Oliver and Felicity's daughter), William, and Diggle's son as adults. But, all the character's lives in the future are pretty depressing to watch.
Season Four Was Good
It's a popular opinion on Reddit that season four of Arrow was the worst. Oliver is not a vigilante at the start of the season and is with Felicity, which disappointed some fans. But, this Reddit user defends season four.
In their opinion, Oliver and Felicity's relationship was enjoyable. Also, they like how the season explores Thea, Laurel, and Diggle working as a team, making the show feel like "a comic book in real life." Additionally, it introduces Damien Darhk, who brings a magical element to the series.
Prometheus Should Have Joined Team Arrow
Season five centers around Prometheus, who is one of the most powerful villains. It turns out that he's actually Adrian Chase, a friend of Oliver's. Chase is obsessed with seeking revenge on Oliver, but what if he had become an ally instead?
This Redditor thinks Chase would've made an excellent addition to Team Arrow. "He helped Dig get out of jail helped Oliver out of impeachment," the Redditor reasons. Perhaps, if Chase had undergone a similar character arc as Oliver, he could've become a hero.
Oliver Shouldn't Wear A Mask
In the season two episode "Three Ghosts," Oliver's costume gets an upgrade. He forgoes the eye makeup and wears a mask made by Barry Allen instead. Audiences were excited to see this development. However, one Reddit user misses his green makeup.
Oliver previously states that a mask would block his field of vision. But, he ends up wearing one despite his previously mentioned beliefs. Lastly, the Reddit post argues that Oliver's eye makeup is "so much more intimidating" to criminals than his mask.