Most fans will agree, “Arrow” is back on track with season 5. So far season 5 of “Arrow” has been a very enjoyable thrill ride, full of action, suspense, and twists and turns at every corner. “Arrow” season 5 has been great so far because it’s taken the show back to its roots, while simultaneously moving things forward.
Related: Green Arrow Kills (SPOILER), Major Character Returns In The Arrow Midseason Finale
The show recently brought back a major character from its past, and there’s another character from the past that “Arrow” fans would like to see return. Today we’re going to look at 5 reasons why right now is the right time for Roy Harper to return to “Arrow.”
Prior to the premiere of “Arrow” season 5 it was believed that Roy would be returning due to some photos of Colton Haynes on the “Arrow” set that made their way online. However, “Arrow” producer Wendy Mericle later debunked the rumors by saying that there are no plans in place to bring Roy back.
With the current state of Team Arrow, the second half of “Arrow” season 5 on the way, right now seems like the right time to bring Roy back, and here’s why.
#5 – There Are A Few Open Spots On Team Arrow
The winter finale of “Arrow” changed the landscape of Team Arrow big time. Artemis betrayed the team, Mister Terrific ended up in the hospital, and Diggle is back in prison. Team Arrow isn’t really in the best shape right now, but Green Arrow needs back up now more than ever.
Prometheus always seems to be one step ahead of Oliver, and with the dwindling number of teammates, he might want to start thinking about recruiting all over again.
We’ve seen what Oliver has gone through trying to train the new team, and as fun as it would be to see Oliver beat the s**t out of some new recruits all over again, he would probably be better off recruiting an established vigilante.
#4 – The Team Needs More Veterans
With Diggle gone, Speedy in retirement and Laurel dead, Oliver and Felicity were forced to rebuild Team Arrow at the beginning of season 5.
They recruited four new members, but after the betrayal of Artemis, only three of the new recruits remain. Wild Dog, Mister Terrific and Ragman are still developing, but there’s no denying that they’re a little rough around the edges.
Mister Terrific and Wild Dog seem to be constantly in danger, and Oliver can’t always be looking out for them. On top of that, Wild Dog is really awful at taking orders.
With Prometheus ramping up the mind games, Green Arrow needs to focus on the task at hand while utilizing his team the right way, and Roy would be the perfect person to keep the new recruits in check.
#3 – The Fans Want Him To Return
It took a while for Roy Harper to come into his own on “Arrow.” His story arc started in season 1, and in season 2 he became somewhat of an amateur vigilante as he tried to join the ranks of Team Arrow.
By the time the show reached season 3, Roy had been fully integrated into the team, but just as he was really starting to come into his own, Colton Haynes was written off the show as he took some time away to deal with personal issues.
However, fans just didn’t seem to be done with Roy. He was really starting to grow on “Arrow” viewers and his departure left people wanting more. Perhaps it’s time to give the fans what they want.
#2 – It Would Open The Door For More Mystery
“Arrow” works best when there’s a slow burning mystery that’s threaded throughout the season. Now that Artemis has turned on Team Arrow, Oliver has a right to be suspicious of anyone that gets close to him, and that’s a plot thread that could easily be weaved into the return of Roy Harper.
Roy Harper has been away for a long time, and we really don’t know exactly what he’s been up to, where he’s been, or who he’s been associating with.
There’s always the possibility that Roy himself has teamed up with Prometheus, and he could be used to infiltrate the ranks of Team Arrow. On the flip side, even if Roy is still 100% loyal to Oliver, and he hasn’t joined up with Prometheus, it would still be fun to see the writers tease a turn to the dark side for Roy, and it could make for some interesting television.
#1 – It Would Tie Into The Theme Of Season 5
“Arrow” season 5 has focused on Oliver Queen’s past in a big way, and his sins from season 1 have come back to haunt him. Prometheus is a villain that is directly tied to Oliver’s past, and so far all of the references to season 1 have been pulled off beautifully.
Oliver is currently dealing with a lot, as he reflects on how many times he crossed the line as the Hood, but we can’t forget that the Hood is also the man who saved Roy Harper.
For the most part, Oliver’s personal journey is usually a balancing act between his dark and light side, and so far “Arrow” season 5 has highlighted his dark side. Bringing Roy back would serve as a nice reminder of all the good things he did accomplish during his early beginnings as the Hood.
