Even though we gave you all a heads up regarding Arrow likely coming to an end with its eighth season a few weeks ago, the confirmation given earlier this evening came as no less of a shock to me. Those of you who follow this site on a regular basis have probably come to notice that I, too, am a massive fan of the series, having been on board with the show since its pilot episode aired.
Believe it or not, the way I first learned of the sad news was by opening the Facebook app on my phone just as lead actor Stephen Amell was in the midst of giving quite the heartfelt speech in a live-streaming video (seen below). During that, the Emerald Archer himself fought back tears while reflecting on the series that made him a household name.
Of course, it’s highly recommended that you watch the video for yourself, but I’ll tell you that Amell took time to thank his fellow cast and crew, not to mention the higher-ups at the network who’ve treated him nicely and made all this possible. Not only that, but he also touched on how far his personal life has come in the past seven years.
Additionally, he spoke of how season 8 will consist of ten episodes, which, if you do the math, would allow it to end right around the time of “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” If it’s anything like the recent “Elseworlds” crossover, then Arrow‘s segment will be that of its ninth episode. And if indeed Oliver Queen dies a hero during that, then the tenth installment – and subsequently the series finale – could serve as a memoriam or epilogue of sorts.
But before we part ways for today, I advise you to watch Stephen’s video until the end because he hints that his time in the Arrowverse may not be over – and us fans may figure out how that’s possible. Immediately, my mind conjures up images of doppelgangers in future crossover events, though that may not be a possibility if everything is streamlined into a single universe. Still, the writers could think of crafty ways to bring him back every once in a while.
For now, though, savor every remaining episode of Arrow whenever it airs on Monday nights on The CW.