Arrow came to an end after 8 successful seasons on the CW. It launched the shared universe that has now become known as the Arrowverse and cemented the legacy of the emerald archer on the small screen. Through brilliant performances and stunning action sequences, Arrow captured the imagination of a new generation of DC fans.
Of course, when a show runs for this long, with so many interconnected narratives, it’s easy for some plot holes to arise. No series is without its flaws, however, some of these supposed plot holes can be solved extremely easily with small details from throughout Arrow filling in the gaps.
Acknowledging Amanda Waller
Arrow has occasionally dipped further into DC lore and tried to use villains from other comic book titles. They are often poached from Batman’s rogues’ gallery, with one notable example being when Amanda Waller and her Suicide Squad were brought into the series.
As was often the case, the flashback sequences seemed to have created a plot hole. Oliver had met Waller in the past but had failed to mention her since, even when Diggle may have been in danger. While this may seem like an issue, it’s clear that Queen is often protective about his past. By keeping the details close to his chest, it stops him from having to reveal further information about his murky history.
The Arrow Bunker
The Arrow Bunker moved locations a few times and even had some sci-fi updates. However, one of the most famous iterations is the version that could be found inside the Queen warehouse, which was also the same place that would become Thea’s nightclub.
It may seem like a plot hole that no one ever discovered the Bunker, since it was hidden in plain site. However, the warehouse was so old and there were so many protections on the Bunker that it is actually quite believable that no one discovered it. Thea, in particular, was so caught up in her new lifestyle that a random door certainly wouldn’t have bothered her.
Protecting Nora Darhk
Nora Darhk has since become a much larger part of the Arrowverse thanks to her time on the Waverider. During the fantastic storytelling of the Damian Darhk era, the character’s regard for his daughter became quite inconsistent.
He was absolutely terrified of losing her when she was captured and threatened, but his plan also involved a city crumbling onto her potentially killing Nora. Fans now know that Nora has magical abilities of her own, which Darhk must have had faith in to protect her during his master plan.
The Disappearing Wildcat
Wildcat was a well-established vigilante on the streets of Star City, who eventually came to train the new Black Canary. He was seen numerous times, with his methods becoming increasingly violent so that he could get the job done.
After he was brutally attacked by Danny Brickwell, Wildcat completely disappeared from the show. While this could be considered a loose and forgotten plot thread, it’s likely that the vigilante realized he could no longer keep up with the increased threats on the street, perhaps even moving away.
Calling In Constantine
Whenever magic is involved in Arrow it’s hardly going to be the most realistic storyline. Nonetheless, fans were thrilled to see John Constantine make his first appearance in the show. Oliver brought him in so that he could potentially aid Sara in her revival.
Oliver had failed to mention magic before this, nor bring up his relationship with the master of the dark arts. It may be a plot hole that Constantine could have helped at any time, but Oliver knows trouble follows John everywhere. The fact is, Constantine is really a last resort considering the darkness that follows him and especially as Queen hates magic.
Felicity’s Implant
Felicity has certainly done some questionable things during her time on Team Arrow, yet it was hard not to feel sorry for her after her near-death experience. As many fans remember, Felicity had been temporarily paralyzed after she was seen to be shot by Damien Darhk’s men. However, Felicity regained the ability to walk after she was implanted with a bio-chip that Curtis designed.
It should be a major plot hole that this significant piece of neuro-technology is not really used again. However, the device is incredibly experimental. While Felicity and Curtis play with the idea for their new business, clearly they just can’t replicate it on a large enough scale without it being dangerous.
Forgetting Sin
It’s easy to forget about characters from the past considering how long Arrow was, and while she was briefly brought up in the fake Green Arrow documentary, it’s fair to say that Sin definitely did not get a satisfying ending to her arc.
Sin was the best friend to Sara and also had a close bond with Thea and Roy. She disappeared from the show when both Sara and Roy went, but considering they were often responsible for her protection, its not surprising she tried to get out of the city as the streets became slowly dangerous.
Vandal Savage’s Ashes
It’s always fun to see the scarlet speedster and the emerald archer crossover in each other’s shows and one notable occasion saw the immortal Vandal Savage attack. The backdoor pilot episode for Legends Of Tomorrow had quite a confusing conclusion.
In the finale, the Dark Archer Malcolm Merlyn took the ashes of the deceased Vandal Savage and kept them for himself. They were never mentioned again. The most likely answer is that they were actually used as part of some kind of magical ritual, perhaps even in conjunction with the Lazarus Pit. This potential plot hole actually has a number of reasonable answers.
The Fury Of The League
Speaking of the Dark Archer, Malcolm claims he went in hiding from the League of Assassins and Ra’s Al Ghul after he left them to try and complete the undertaking. He noted they wouldn’t appreciate a huge gesture like destroying a whole city.
This seems like a major plot hole considering a city has to be razed for a new Ra’s to take to the throne, however, there is an honor amongst the League. Destruction like that is necessary as part of their traditions, whereas there were other more subtle ways for Merlyn to complete his goals in Starling City.
Talia’s Change Of Heart
In regards to the League, plenty of people have been named the potential leader of the group including The Green Arrow, The Dark Archer, Speedy, Nyssa Al Ghul, and The Demon (Talia Al Ghul). In fact, Talia even fought Athena, the leader of the Thanatos Guild, for the chance to take over the League.
Ultimately, the role would pass to Speedy, with Thea Queen changing the Assassins into a League of Heroes. For some reason, Talia decided to join her, despite years of bad blood. This seems like a plot hole and character inconsistency. However, Talia may actually want to be as close to the organization as possible and already be playing the long game again to become The Demon head of the League, perhaps even on a different Arrowverse show.
