Over the course of its impressive run, Arrow sure has delivered its share of memorable overarching villains. To say that the likes of Malcolm Merlyn, Deathstroke, Ra’s al Ghul, Damien Darhk and Prometheus left a lasting impression on Oliver Queen is a massive understatement. In fact, some of them even returned in various capacities after their initial defeat.
Following the first five seasons, things became a little more complicated. If you’ll recall, season 6 threw us for a loop by forcing us to believe Cayden James was the main threat, only to reveal Ricardo Diaz as evil incarnate. Then, in season 7, Diaz remained a nuisance to our heroes for a time, but was then succeeded by Emiko Queen and the Ninth Circle.
As we head into the eighth and final season, we’re all left scratching our heads as to whom the big bad may be. And while speaking with TV Guide, executive producer and showrunner Beth Schwartz revealed that this go-round won’t be as straightforward, responding to the outlet’s question as to whether a traditional antagonist will be present with the following:
“Yeah, a little. It’s kind of a combination because obviously he’s going to be fighting someone in each episode, but there’s not just one villain. The villain really is Crisis in this season.”
Based on that statement, I think our takeaway should be to expect somewhat of a villain of the week formula, all the while “Crisis on Infinite Earths” is being set up. Seeing as how Ollie will indeed be working with the Monitor, then perhaps various teasers regarding the Anti-Monitor will be dropped before the crossover itself.
Arrow returns with new episodes on Tuesday, October 15th on The CW. Will you be tuning in? Let us know in the usual place below!