With each new episode, Arrow season 5 continues to win over more and more fans and critics who were left disappointed by both the third and fourth seasons. Featuring interesting new villains in both Tobias Church and the mysterious Prometheus, the CW superhero series has been brought back down to the street-level scale and tone that made it such a hit in the first place, and is helping to give Arrow the resurgence it's been waiting for. The quick introduction of multiple new threats and allies has only helped to diversify and change up the number of perspectives and key dynamics in the series as well, after the past several Oliver- and Felicity-centric outings.

Next week, as we learn more about Oliver's time with the Bratva via the show's flashbacks, the series is going to introduce us to a brand new villain. Even more notably, the character will be played by none other than Dolph Lundgren, the latest action star to make an appearance in the DC TV universe.

Today, the CW has released some brand new photos from the upcoming episode, which in addition to teasing the continued adventures of our lead characters also offers us our first look at Lundgren's well-dressed Konstantin Kovar. Take a look at the photos below:

[vn_gallery name="Arrow Season 5 Episode 6 So It Begins Images" id="834495"]

In addition, the CW released the official synopsis for the episode, titled 'So It Begins,' which teases a new secret from Oliver's past coming back to haunt him, and an increase in Prometheus' mysterious killing spree. Check it out for yourself:

“When Prometheus ups his killing spree, Oliver (Stephen Amell) searches for connections between the victims. Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) and Curtis (Echo Kellum) discover the victims have a mysterious link to Oliver’s past and this new secret could upend his new team. Meanwhile, Thea (Willa Holland) has a heart-to-heart with Lance (Paul Blackthorne), and Felicity considers telling Malone (guest star Tyler Ritter) the truth about her work.”

So far, the flashbacks involving Oliver's time with the Bratva have proven to be far more entertaining and interesting than both season 4's depiction of his return to Lian Yu and season 3's story in Hong Kong, and not only because it's featured a heavy return from Anatoly (David Nykl). Tying back in well to what Oliver is doing in the present day, it seems very possible that this season of Arrow could end up using its flashbacks just as well as, if not better, than its second season did.

Judging by these photos, it doesn't look like Oliver's meeting with Lundgren's Kovar will go very well for him at first. Whether or not he returns during the present day storyline like some of the show's other flashback villains, will have to wait to be seen. But either way, with the combination of the old fashioned suit and his signature tough guy look, Lundgren already promises to be yet another considerable adversary for Oliver Queen this season.

Arrow continues with ‘So It Begins’ next Wednesday @8pm on The CW.

Source: The CW