Arrow ( season 1 ) - wikipedia Arrow ( season 1 ) Arrow ( season 1 ) Region 1 DVD cover Country of origin United States No. of episodes 23 Release Original network The CW Original release October 10, 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 10 ) -- May 15, 2013 ( 2013 - 05 - 15 ) Season chronology Next → Season 2 List of Arrow episodes The first season of the American action television series Arrow premiered on October 10, 2012 at 8 : 00 pm ( ET ) on The CW, consisting of a total of 23 episodes after the network ordered a full season on October 22, 2012. The series is based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, a costumed crime - fighter created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp. The showrunners for this season were Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg. Season one follows Oliver Queen ( Stephen Amell ), billionaire playboy of Starling City, who spends five years shipwrecked on a mysterious island. Upon his return to Starling City, he is reunited with his mother, Moira Queen ( Susanna Thompson ), his sister, Thea Queen ( Willa Holland ), and his friend, Tommy Merlyn ( Colin Donnell ). Oliver rekindles his relationships, while spending his nights hunting down and sometimes killing criminals as a hooded vigilante. He uncovers a conspiracy to destroy `` The Glades '', a poorer section of the city that has become overridden with crime. John Diggle ( David Ramsey ) and Felicity Smoak ( Emily Bett Rickards ) assist Oliver in his crusade. Oliver also reconnects with ex-girlfriend, Laurel Lance ( Katie Cassidy ), who is still angry over his role in her sister 's presumed death. The first season also features flashbacks to Oliver 's time on the island, and how it changed him. The first season was generally well received by critics, and averaged 3.68 million viewers each week. Amell 's portrayal of Oliver Queen / Arrow drew comparison to Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, while the season itself was found to be still looking for its own identity. The season would go on to win multiple awards, including twenty - one nominations in various categories. The season was released on DVD and Blu - ray on September 17, 2013. Contents 1 Cast and characters 1.1 Main 1.2 Recurring 1.3 Guest 2 Episodes 3 Production 3.1 Casting 3.2 Filming 3.3 Costumes 3.4 Music 4 Reception 4.1 Critical response 4.2 Ratings 4.3 Accolades 5 Home media 6 Notes 7 References Cast and characters Main article : List of Arrow characters See also : List of Arrowverse actors Main Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen / The Hood Katie Cassidy as Laurel Lance Colin Donnell as Tommy Merlyn David Ramsey as John Diggle Willa Holland as Thea Queen Susanna Thompson as Moira Queen Paul Blackthorne as Quentin Lance Recurring Jamey Sheridan as Robert Queen Kelly Hu as Chien Na Wei / China White Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak John Barrowman as Malcolm Merlyn / Dark Archer Jessica De Gouw as Helena Bertinelli / Huntress Colin Salmon as Walter Steele Annie Ilonzeh as Joanna De La Vega Roger Cross as Lucas Hilton Byron Mann as Yao Fei Janina Gavankar as McKenna Hall Manu Bennett as Slade Wilson Christie Laing as Carly Diggle Colton Haynes as Roy Harper Alex Kingston as Dinah Lance Jeffrey Nordling as Frank Bertinelli Sebastian Dunn as Edward Fyers Celina Jade as Shado Chin Han as Frank Chen Adrian Holmes as Frank Pike Jarod Joseph as Alan Durand Guest Michael Rowe as Floyd Lawton / Deadshot Kyle Schmid as Kyle Reston / Ace Tahmoh Penikett as Nick Salvati Brian Markinson as Adam Hunt Jacqueline MacInnes Wood as Sara Lance Emma Bell as Emily Nocenti Andrew Dunbar as Garfield Lynns / Firefly Ben Browder as Ted Gaynor Seth Gabel as The Count Chelah Horsdal as Kate Spencer Currie Graham as Derek Reston / King Sarah - Jane Redmond as Mrs. Reston / Queen David Anders as Cyrus Vanch John Cassini as Russo James Callis as Winnick Norton / Dodger Danny Nucci as Raynes Ona Grauer as Vivian Audrey Marie Anderson as Lyla Michaels J. August Richards as Mr. Blank Episodes See also : List of Arrow episodes No. overall No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Prod. code U.S. viewers ( millions ) `` Pilot '' David Nutter Story by : Greg Berlanti & Marc Guggenheim Teleplay by : Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim October 10, 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 10 ) 296818 4.14 Billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, missing and presumed dead after a shipwreck that claimed the life of his father, Robert, is discovered alive after five years on a remote Pacific island. He is welcomed home to Starling City by his mother Moira, stepfather Walter Steele, younger sister Thea, and best friend Tommy Merlyn, but they sense he has changed. Moira assigns John Diggle as Oliver 's bodyguard. Oliver hides the truth about the man he has become, and tries to reconcile with his former girlfriend, Laurel, whom he cheated on with her sister Sara ( who died in the shipwreck ). While reconnecting with those closest to him, by night Oliver secretly masquerades as a hooded vigilante archer, attempting to fulfill his dying father 's entreaty : to right the wrongs of his family. Oliver 's first goal is to take down corrupt millionaire Adam Hunt, who has scammed millions from various people in the city. Laurel 's father, police detective Quentin Lance, becomes determined to arrest the vigilante. Meanwhile, it is revealed Oliver 's mother has an agenda at odds with her son, having orchestrated a kidnapping to determine what Robert told him after the shipwreck. `` Honor Thy Father '' David Barrett Story by : Greg Berlanti & Marc Guggenheim Teleplay by : Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim October 17, 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 17 ) 2J7302 3.55 Laurel brings a civil suit against millionaire Martin Somers, who is also one of Oliver 's targets, for taking part in drug trades with the Triad that ultimately led to the death of a young woman 's father. As the vigilante, Oliver threatens Somers to make him confess to the murder as penance for all of the wrongs he has done to the city. Instead, Somers contacts the Triad, who send the assassin Chien Na Wei to kill Laurel. Oliver saves Laurel from Chien ; he later obtains Somers ' confession and gives an audio recording of it to Quentin. Meanwhile, Moira and Walter push Oliver to take a position at the company. Oliver stymies their efforts by using the opening of the company 's new applied sciences division to publicly opt out of the position, knowing that he can not simultaneously honor Robert 's request to fight for the city and be the man Moira wants him to be. She is revealed to be conspiring with a man affiliated with a symbol that exists in Robert 's book possessed by Oliver. A flashback to Oliver 's time on the island shows him being attacked by an unknown hooded figure wielding a bow and arrow. `` Lone Gunmen '' Guy Bee Story by : Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg Teleplay by : Marc Guggenheim & Andrew Kreisberg October 24, 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 24 ) 2J7303 3.51 Oliver tracks down another millionaire from his list, before the latter is killed by an assassin known as Deadshot. Oliver decides to build a new dance club above his hideout as a cover for his nighttime disappearances. While comparing the competition, he finds Thea, who reveals that Laurel and Merlyn had been involved during Oliver 's absence. Laurel becomes suspicious when Oliver does not react to it, and concludes he already knew. She and Merlyn start dating again. Meanwhile, Oliver uses the assassin 's M.O. to learn his true identity, Floyd Lawton, and his assignment to kill businessmen including Walter at an auction. As the vigilante, he enlists the help of Quentin to prevent Lawton 's plan. Oliver succeeds, apparently killing Lawton in the process, but Diggle is shot during the fight. In order to save Diggle 's life, Oliver is forced to reveal his dual identity to him. Flashbacks reveal that the Asian archer who attacked Oliver was actually trying to help him ; Oliver misunderstands and escapes ; and is revealed to be pursued by an unknown group of armed men. `` An Innocent Man '' Vince Misiano Moira Kirland & Lana Cho October 31, 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 31 ) 2J7304 3.05 Oliver offers Diggle a chance to fight at his side and help the city, which the latter refuses. Later, Oliver discovers a connection between Peter Declan, a death row inmate, and Jason Brodeur, one of the men on his list. As the vigilante, he enlists the help of Laurel to prove Declan 's innocence. Working together, the pair uncovers the truth, but Brodeur has his mercenaries stage a prison riot so that they can have Laurel and Declan killed before the truth is revealed. Oliver sneaks into the prison dressed as a guard and saves the two, with her realizing that the vigilante is merciless. Declan is exonerated while Brodeur is arrested. Diggle meets with Oliver and agrees to work with him so that he can both protect the city and protect Oliver from losing his humanity. Quentin arrests Oliver on suspicion of being the vigilante. Meanwhile, Walter discovers that Moira has been keeping the salvaged and sabotaged family yacht hidden in a warehouse. Flashbacks show that the archer forced Oliver to kill a bird for food, making it the latter 's first kill. He was also taught to forget Laurel. 5 5 `` Damaged '' Michael Schultz Wendy Mericle & Ben Sokolowski November 7, 2012 ( 2012 - 11 - 07 ) 2J7305 3.75 Oliver hires Laurel as his attorney and his bail is accepted. Given Oliver 's time on the island, the District Attorney offers an insanity plea with indefinite treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in a psychiatric facility. Oliver declines, instead offering to take a polygraph test to prove his innocence, which he passes. While remanded under house arrest, Oliver throws a prison - themed party, maintaining his bachelor playboy facade. He has Diggle pose as the vigilante and stop a German arms dealer who is in the city to sell automatic weapons to the city 's gangs. The plan works and the charges are dropped after Quentin kills a man who was sent by Moira 's co-conspirator to kill Oliver. However, Laurel begins to suspect Oliver. Moira threatens her associate to stay away from her family. Walter leaves the house after confronting Moira on her lies. Flashbacks show Oliver caught and tortured by the armed men, led by Edward Fyers, for the location of the archer, who is revealed to be a former military officer, before being saved by the latter. 6 6 `` Legacies '' John Behring Moira Kirland & Marc Guggenheim November 14, 2012 ( 2012 - 11 - 14 ) 2J7306 3.83 Oliver begins preparing to attack another individual from the list, but Diggle argues that he should expand his work and help the police stop a group of bank robbers. Oliver initially refuses, believing that it detracts from his mission to right Robert 's wrongs, but agrees finally. The former deduces that the robbers are actually a family unit, and that the leader Derek Reston worked for Queen Industries before Robert outsourced 1500 jobs to China and the Reston family lost their home as a result. Feeling guilty, Oliver tries to persuade Derek to right his own wrongs, but learns that the family are going to rob another bank. During Oliver 's confrontation, Derek is fatally shot. Meanwhile, Merlyn throws Laurel a fundraiser to support her law firm, CNRI, hoping to prove his love for her that way. Oliver and Moira manage to regain their emotional connection. Flashbacks show Oliver having a dream of Robert blaming him for his idleness and reveal how Oliver first discovered the target names in his father 's notebook. 7 7 `` Muse of Fire '' David Grossman Story by : Andrew Kreisberg Teleplay by : Geoff Johns & Marc Guggenheim November 28, 2012 ( 2012 - 11 - 28 ) 2J7307 3.74 Moira is almost shot by a mysterious assailant who was attempting to assassinate an associate of mob boss Frank Bertinelli. Oliver attempts to infiltrate Frank 's business to discover the identity of the attacker. Frank blames Chien and the Triad gang for the murders of his people. Oliver learns that the attacker is Helena Bertinelli, Frank 's daughter, with whom the former had just been on a date. Helena reveals that she is looking for revenge against her father, who she blames for the murder of her fiancé, who according to Frank was gathering evidence against him to give FBI. Helena and Oliver are abducted by Frank 's right - hand man, Nick Salvati, in connection to the deaths ; she reveals that she was the one gathering evidence and kills Salvati after learning he was the one who killed her fiancé. She also deduces Oliver 's identity as the vigilante after witnessing him fight Frank 's henchmen. In the end, Helena and Oliver share a kiss. Meanwhile, Tommy is cut off financially by his father, Malcolm, who is revealed to be Moira 's co-conspirator. Laurel sticks with him, stating that she does not want him for money. Walter returns home. 8 8 `` Vendetta '' Ken Fink Beth Schwartz & Andrew Kreisberg December 5, 2012 ( 2012 - 12 - 05 ) 2J7308 3.35 Oliver decides to teach Helena that there is justice outside of revenge after witnessing her try to kill the head of the Triad. Diggle expresses his disapproval, but to no avail. She dresses as a purple vigilante and the duo has another man from the list arrested. Helena starts to buy into the idea, but leaves him after finding out that Laurel was his former girlfriend and believing that they are still together. Helena goes after the Triad, killing their leader. As a result, Chien and her men go after Frank, believing him to be responsible, but Oliver gets there in time to stop them. Oliver also stops Helena from killing Frank, who is arrested ; and she threatens to reveal his identity if he tries to come after her in the future. Meanwhile, Tommy finally tells Oliver about Malcolm 's action and asks for a job at the club that Oliver is attempting to build, which is accepted. Using Felicity 's help, Walter learns more about the secret organization that Moira is a part of, finding a notebook containing the list. 9 9 `` Year 's End '' John Dahl Story by : Greg Berlanti & Marc Guggenheim Teleplay by : Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim December 12, 2012 ( 2012 - 12 - 12 ) 2J7309 3.11 Hunt is killed by a mysterious archer. Quentin deduces that a copycat is at work, but his superior publicly blames the hooded vigilante. Oliver plans a Christmas party at the mansion to bring back the spirit of the holidays to his family. He saves some hostages from the archer, and the two archers are injured after fighting, with Oliver realizing that Robert was n't the author of the list. The archer escapes and is revealed to be Malcolm. Walter finds out about the vigilante 's objective and is kidnapped by one of Malcolm 's associates. The organization 's plan is revealed to be starting six months later, when thousands of people will die for what it believes to be for the greater good. Flashbacks show the Chinese archer, Yao Fei, capturing Fyers, who tells Oliver that the island was a prison for dangerous criminals and that his unit was tasked to exterminate the inmates, including Yao, after the program was shut down. Yao is captured by the unit while leading Oliver to a possible escape from the island ; and the latter escapes. 10 10 `` Burned '' Eagle Egilsson Moira Kirland & Ben Sokolowski January 16, 2013 ( 2013 - 01 - 16 ) 2J7310 3.06 Six weeks after his fight with Malcolm, Oliver avoids any activities as his vigilante, despite insistence from Diggle. When a firefighter is killed in the line of duty, Laurel suspects that he was murdered and steals the phone the vigilante gave Quentin in order to contact him for help. Tracking down the suspect, Oliver is overpowered during the confrontation, but discovers that the murderer is a former firefighter. Oliver learns that the murderer is Garfield Lynns, a firefighter thought to have died in a massive fire several years prior, but survived with severe burns. Lynns shows up at a fundraiser held for support of the victims in order to kill the fire chief. As the vigilante, Oliver saves the chief before Lynns commits suicide. The media calls the vigilante a hero while Oliver decides to continue his hunt of the list members. Moira decides to take over for Walter as C.E.O. Quentin plants a listening device on the phone to monitor Laurel 's communications with the vigilante. Flashbacks show Oliver killing a mercenary, wearing his uniform and recovering his tools, including a map. 11 11 `` Trust But Verify '' Nick Copus Gabrielle Stanton January 23, 2013 ( 2013 - 01 - 23 ) 2J7311 3.14 After an armored truck is robbed, Oliver believes that one of the thieves is former Marine Ted Gaynor, from his target list. Diggle dismisses Oliver 's assumption, as Gaynor was Diggle 's commanding officer during his time in Afghanistan. Oliver finds Gaynor and steals encrypted data, as Diggle prevents the former from getting any information directly from Gaynor. The data is revealed to be plans for robbing armored trucks, which Oliver uses to track the thieves. Diggle learns that Gaynor was the mastermind behind the robberies, and is forced to join Gaynor 's team, but backs out of helping them at last. Oliver arrives in time and kills Gaynor. Meanwhile, Thea tells Oliver her belief that Moira and Malcolm are involved as the former believes they were before Robert 's death. Oliver asks Moira, who states Robert was the unfaithful. Tommy refuses Malcolm 's request to sign the paper of selling the clinic established by the former 's mother, who died when he was 8 and Malcolm left him for years subsequently. Thea is arrested by the police after having a crash as a result of drug use. Flashbacks show Oliver being captured by the mercenaries as Yao was apparently working for them. 12 12 `` Vertigo '' Wendey Stanzler Wendy Mericle & Ben Sokolowski January 30, 2013 ( 2013 - 01 - 30 ) 2J7312 2.97 The judge dismisses the plea bargain of Thea and orders the charges brought to trial. Helping Thea, Oliver begins working on tracking down the supplier of the drug, which is known as Vertigo ; he discovers that the supplier is called `` The Count '', and arranges a meeting through his contacts with the Russian mob. The meeting is broken up by the police, and the Count injects Oliver with a dose of Vertigo. While showing the effects of overdose, the latter still continues his investigation. He uses the ingredients to track the location of the Count. As the vigilante, Oliver is able to confront the Count and inject him with Vertigo, causing irreparable damage. Laurel persuades Quentin to get Thea community service and two years of probation, which she begins serving at Laurel 's legal office. Felicity shows Oliver the list of names that Steele discovered, and informs him that they came from Moira. Flashbacks show Yao overpowering Oliver in a mandatory duel and making him appear dead. His body is thrown to a waterfall, where he wakes up and finds an upgraded map, planted by Yao. 13 13 `` Betrayal '' Guy Bee Lana Cho & Beth Schwartz February 6, 2013 ( 2013 - 02 - 06 ) 2J7313 2.96 Moira denies knowledge about the list. Diggle decides to investigate her daily activities. Laurel enlists the help of the vigilante when criminal Cyrus Vanch is released from prison. Using the microphone inside the phone, Quentin and his team intercept the vigilante, who manages to escape. Vanch kidnaps Laurel. Quentin and the vigilante team up to save Laurel, as the former realizes that Vanch has contacts on the police force and that was how he learned of her. The duo saves Laurel. She demands Quentin to stay away from her for betraying her trust. In order to protect her, Oliver decides to cut his contact with her as the vigilante. Diggle presents evidence to Oliver that his mother is connected to the group he is hunting, and that she also knew of Robert 's yacht. Oliver decides to interrogate his mother as the vigilante. In flashbacks, Oliver meets Slade Wilson, an Australian Intelligence operative who came to the island to free Yao Fei. It is revealed that the masked mercenary who tortured Oliver was Wilson 's partner ; and Wilson has the same mask. He starts training Oliver to get him ready to infiltrate the airfield, the only apparent way out. 14 14 `` The Odyssey '' John Behring Story by : Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg Teleplay by : Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim February 13, 2013 ( 2013 - 02 - 13 ) 2J7314 3.29 Oliver is critically shot by Moira and escapes. He exposes his secret to Felicity, and asks her to take him to his hideout. With Diggle 's help, the bullet is removed and Oliver is stabilized. Felicity refuses to join Oliver 's fight, but decides to help them find Steele. Oliver convinces Diggle to stop investigating Moira until they find out more about the organization. Flashbacks show Oliver being trained. Wilson reveals that his former partner is Billy Wintergreen, who was sent with Wilson to find out Fyers ' mission. Their plane was shot down and they were captured by Fyers ' men. Wintergreen accepted Fyers ' offer to change sides. After infiltrating the airstrip, Wilson reveals plans to send in an airstrike to wipe out all of Fyers ' operation. Oliver heads out to save Yao, but is recaptured by Fyers. Before he can be executed, Wilson arrives, rescuing Oliver and killing Wintergreen. Although they miss the supply aircraft, Wilson and Oliver decide to continue to work together to get off the island, with the former stating that Fyers is hired by another party for a purpose. Yao is revealed to have changed sides because his daughter, Shado, is held captive by Fyers. 15 15 `` Dodger '' Eagle Egilsson Beth Schwartz February 20, 2013 ( 2013 - 02 - 20 ) 2J7315 3.15 Oliver learns of a jewel thief named `` Dodger '', who uses hostages tagged with bomb collars. Felicity suggests that Oliver bug the phone of Detective McKenna Hall, an old friend of Oliver 's, to gain information on the Dodger. She also convinces Oliver to ask Hall out on a date so that he can have some down time. Through the wire tap, Oliver is able to determine the Dodger 's next location, but is stunned by a bomb thrown by the thief, who gets away. To draw out the Dodger, Oliver donates antique jewels to an auction. It works ; but when Felicity confronts the thief, he places a collar on her to ensure his getaway. Oliver manages to stop the Dodger and deactivate the collar. Diggle starts dating his former sister - in - law. Thea has a run - in with a thief named Roy Harper, and Moira attempts to make a deal with Chien to have Malcolm killed, so that she can leave the secret organization, whose plan is called the `` Undertaking ''. Flashbacks show Oliver trying to treat Wilson 's infected wound by finding the herbs Yao used ; and is intercepted by a wounded man who asks for help ; but Oliver leaves him as the former believes it to be a trap. 16 16 `` Dead to Rights '' Glen Winter Geoff Johns February 27, 2013 ( 2013 - 02 - 27 ) 2J7316 3.17 Oliver kills a hired gunman, and realizes that the latter 's target is not safe yet. Chien hires Lawton, who is revealed to have survived Oliver 's attack, to take out Malcolm after the previous gunman 's death. Malcolm asks Tommy to attend an award ceremony where Malcolm will be receiving a humanitarian award ; Tommy is persuaded by Oliver to attend. At the last moment, Oliver discovers that Malcolm is the target and races to the event to save him. Although he is almost caught by Hall, Oliver manages to get Malcolm away from Chien 's men. Malcolm is shot with one of Lawton 's poisonous bullets, and Oliver is forced to reveal his identity to Tommy so that he can save Malcolm 's life. Malcolm and Tommy reconcile. The former tells Moira about his belief that someone from the organization attempted to kill him. Laurel is confronted by her mother, Dinah, who states that Sara, the former 's sister, might be alive. During a flashback, Oliver is shown repairing a damaged radio, which Wilson uses to tune into the radio communications of Fyers. They find out that Fyers possesses an advanced anti-aircraft missile launcher. 17 17 `` The Huntress Returns '' Guy Bee Jake Coburn & Lana Cho March 20, 2013 ( 2013 - 03 - 20 ) 2J7317 3.02 Helena returns to Starling City to kill Frank after she learns that he plans to make a deal with the F.B.I. for witness protection. Oliver opens his nightclub and refuses her request for help ; and she attacks Tommy to force his assistance. Helena is captured by the police 's trap. Oliver breaks her out to protect his secret and demands that she leave Starling City. Instead, she forces Felicity to find Frank 's location. Oliver manages to stop Helena from killing Frank ;, but when Hall arrives, Helena shoots her and escapes. In the hospital, Hall breaks up with Oliver, heading to Helena 's tarnish on Oliver 's character. Meanwhile, Tommy 's knowledge of Oliver 's secret affects his relationship with Laurel ; but the former reconciles with Oliver. Dinah presents her evidence of Sara 's existence to Quentin and Laurel. Thea and Roy get closer. In a flashback to the island, Oliver and Wilson steal the circuit board of the anti-aircraft missile launcher, which the latter states can start a war, and offer Fyers a trade of the board with a way out of the island. 18 18 `` Salvation '' Nick Copus Drew Z. Greenberg & Wendy Mericle March 27, 2013 ( 2013 - 03 - 27 ) 2J7318 2.65 Another vigilante appears in Starling City and kidnaps one of Oliver 's targets, a slumlord who had charges dropped against him because he was able to pay off the District Attorney. The new vigilante, who is identified as Joseph Falk, kills the slumlord over a live broadcast. The former kills several prosecutors the same way before going after Harper. Diggle finds out that Falk is using an abandoned subway car, and Oliver is able to catch the car and kill Falk. Oliver realizes the secret organization 's plans involve The Glades, a neighborhood filled with crime. Laurel proves to Dinah and Quentin that Sara is not alive. It is revealed that Dinah knew of Sara 's plan to escape with Oliver. Malcolm contacts the Triad to find the traitors. Moira turns over her co-conspirator, Frank Chen, to Malcolm, who kills Chen, believing her to be innocent. Flashbacks to the island show Oliver and Wilson freeing Shado, but at the cost of Fyers reacquiring the board. She claims to know Fyers ' scheme. 19 19 `` Unfinished Business '' Michael Offer Bryan Q. Miller & Lindsey Allen April 3, 2013 ( 2013 - 04 - 03 ) 2J7319 2.92 When a girl dies after using a new form of Vertigo, Oliver sets out to interrogate the Count and determines the latter has lost his mind from the Vertigo overdose. When news reports state that the Count escaped the asylum, Oliver suspects that the Count was faking his mental illness. Meanwhile, Quentin finds loose connections between Tommy and Vertigo, and attempts to uncover the truth, which almost leads him to discovering Oliver 's hideout. Oliver realizes that the Count 's psychiatrist is behind the re-emergence of Vertigo. Oliver kills the doctor, and opts not to kill the Count, who has truly lost his mind and was the scapegoat of the doctor 's actions. Tommy quits the club after realizing that Oliver suspected him with the drug dealing. Malcolm gives him a job. Oliver decides to help Diggle find Lawton, who killed Diggle 's brother. In a flashback, Shado reveals that Yao Fei took the blame of a massacre committed by the Chinese government and was exiled to the island. Now Fyers is using him as a scapegoat for his schemes. She begins training Oliver to use a bow. 20 20 `` Home Invasion '' Ken Fink Ben Sokolowski & Beth Schwartz April 24, 2013 ( 2013 - 04 - 24 ) 2J7320 3.10 Laurel represents the Moore family who are suing a corrupt businessman, who puts a hit on the family, and the couple 's young child is the sole survivor. Laurel takes the boy into her custody and is saved by the vigilante from the hitman 's attempt. Tommy suggests that they go to Oliver 's for protection. An operation headed up by A.R.G.U.S, a government organization, is set to capture Lawton, but Oliver chooses the Moores case. As a result, Lawton escapes and Diggle decides to leave Oliver, who forces the businessman to confess his crimes, leading to the latter 's arrest. After killing the latter, the hitman comes to the Queen residence to kill all remaining witnesses, but Oliver manages to kill him. Tommy decides to leave Laurel, believing that he could never compete with Oliver should she discover that he is the vigilante. Elsewhere, Roy starts searching for the vigilante ; and Thea agrees to help. During a flashback to the island, Shado continues teaching Oliver to use a bow before Yao Fei brings Fyers ' men to their hideout. 21 21 `` The Undertaking '' Michael Shultz Jake Coburn & Lana Cho May 1, 2013 ( 2013 - 05 - 01 ) 2J7321 2.89 Oliver tracks down an accountant of the secret organization and steals his laptop. While decrypting it, Felicity uncovers a link to Walter -- a money transfer was made to Dominic Alonzo, an underground casino owner who was hired to kidnap Walter. The pair infiltrate the casino ; and Alonzo claims that Walter was killed. Oliver informs his family and Moira confronts Malcolm, who proves to her that Walter is still alive. Oliver, who was listening in, discovers that Malcolm is heading the secret organization, and uses Felicity to ascertain Walter 's location. As the vigilante, Oliver frees Walter. Meanwhile, Laurel asks Tommy for the truth about why he left, and Tommy states that Oliver still loves her, a claim he confirms. He asks Diggle to help him stop the `` Undertaking ''. In a flashback, Robert is shown disagreeing with Malcolm 's proposed `` Undertaking '', which would involve leveling the Glades with a machine, which will be built in five years, and killing thousands of people in order to rebuild the area. As a result, Malcolm has a bomb planted on the Queens ' yacht just before Robert boards it to head to China for his plan to stop the former. 22 22 `` Darkness on the Edge of Town '' John Behring Drew Z. Greenberg & Wendy Mericle May 8, 2013 ( 2013 - 05 - 08 ) 2J7322 2.62 Malcolm kills the scientists who worked on the device. Diggle dresses as the vigilante and kidnaps Oliver and Moira in an attempt to uncover the truth. The plan works and Oliver 's team breaks into Malcolm 's company for information. Quentin finally approves Laurel 's feelings for Oliver, who realizes that he could cease being the vigilante if he stops the Undertaking. Thus, Oliver gets involved with her again, which is seen by Tommy. Malcolm has the device moved. The vigilante attempts to kill him, who reveals that he is the other archer ; the two fight until Malcolm gets the upper hand, discovering Oliver 's secret. Meanwhile, Walter files for divorce, revealing to know Moira 's involvement in his kidnapping. Roy reveals to Thea that he wants to find the vigilante so that the latter can train the former, pushing her away from himself. In a flashback, the man Oliver chose not to help previously is revealed to be working for Fyers, who reveals that he plans to cripple the Chinese economy by blowing up commercial planes going into the country. His employer is revealed to be a woman. He murders Yao Fei after forcing him to take credit for the attacks via video recording. 23 23 `` Sacrifice '' David Barrett Story by : Greg Berlanti Teleplay by : Marc Guggenheim & Andrew Kreisberg May 15, 2013 ( 2013 - 05 - 15 ) 2J7323 2.77 Malcolm imprisons Oliver ; but the latter manages to escape. He confronts Moira about the Undertaking, which prompts her to hold a press conference and reveal to the city her involvement with Malcolm and the plan to destroy the Glades. She is arrested while Malcolm confirms her claims to Tommy and reveals that he is the other. Quentin, with help from Felicity, is able to dismantle the device. Diggle and Oliver go after and mortally wound Malcolm, who reveals that there is a second device shortly before he dies. The device activates and begins to level the east side of the Glades. Thea goes into the Glades to save Roy, who decides to stay and help others. Laurel is trapped in her office ; but Tommy arrives and helps her escape before being trapped himself. Oliver arrives too late, and Tommy dies. In a flashback, Fyers fires a missile at an approaching airliner, but Oliver and Shado manage to override the coordinates and destroy the missile. Afterward, Oliver kills Fyers, revealed to have gained relative skill with bow. Production On January 12, 2012, The CW was preparing a new series centered around the character Green Arrow, developed by Andrew Kreisberg, Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim. A week later, the series, now known as Arrow, was ordered to pilot, which was directed by David Nutter, who also directed the pilot for Smallville, a series following Clark Kent on his journey to become Superman. At the end of the month, Stephen Amell was cast in the titular role of Oliver Queen. When developing the series, producer Marc Guggenheim expressed that the creative team wanted to `` chart ( their ) own course, ( their ) own destiny '', and avoid any direct connections to Smallville, which featured its own Green Arrow / Oliver Queen ( Justin Hartley ), opting to cast a new actor in the role of Oliver Queen. Unlike with Smallville, the series does not initially feature super-powered heroes and villains. Instead, the creative still took inspiration from Smallville, as one of the main themes of Arrow was to `` look at the humanity '' of Oliver Queen, as Smallville had done with Clark Kent. The decision not to include superpowers was, in part, based on the executives ' desire to take a realistic look at the characters in this universe. The series was given a full season pick up on October 22, 2012. `` I think the idea is to -- not all the time, and not with a set regularity -- but I think it is critical to explore how he went from the person that he was when he left the island -- which is extremely different : he 's spoiled, he 's entitled, he 's a bit of a jerk -- and he comes off it something very, very different. So we 're going to explore how he gets there. '' -- Stephen Amell on the use of flashback storytelling. The series develops relationship triangles : some love triangles, others designed to catch characters in `` philosophical debates ''. Kreisberg provides one such example : `` Every week, Oliver will be facing a bad guy, but the truth is, his real nemesis is Detective Lance, who 's trying to bring him into justice. (... ) His daughter is going to be caught in the middle, because she loves and respects her father, and she 's always believed in what he believed, but at the same time, she 's going to see this dark urban legend out there that 's actually doing a lot of good ; the kind of good that she wants to be doing in her role as a legal aid attorney. '' Learning from previous experiences working in television, the producers worked early on identifying the major story arcs for the series, specifically the first season, including `` mapping out '' how to accomplish them. Taking inspiration from Christopher Nolan 's Batman film series, the creative team decided to `` put it all out there '' and `` not hold back '' from episode to episode. The team strives to include various DC Comics characters and aspects of the DC universe. Guggenheim cited Big Belly Burger, a restaurant franchise introduced in the Superman comics, which appears in Arrow 's third episode and onward. Kreisberg said, `` There are so many characters in the DC Universe who have n't gotten their due in TV and film. We 're so excited to reach into ( the DC comics ) roster and take some of these lesser - known characters that are beloved by fans, and do our spin on the characters. '' Casting On January 31, 2012 Stephen Amell became the first actor to be cast, having previously appeared on other CW dramas such as The Vampire Diaries and 90210. Fan reaction to Amell 's castin was mixed, with many fans wanting Justin Hartley to reprise his role from Smallville. Amell was one of the first actors to audition for the role of Oliver Queen, and Kreisberg felt that he `` hit the target from the outset '' and `` everyone else just paled in comparison ''. Arrow 's pilot script was the first Amell auditioned for during pilot season, having received multiple scripts at the start of the year. Producer Marc Guggenheim expressed that the creative team wanted to `` chart ( their ) own course, ( their ) own destiny '', and avoid any direct connections to Smallville, which featured its own Green Arrow / Oliver Queen who was portrayed by Hartley. Instead, they opted to cast a new actor in the titular role. Amell, who was already in shape from Rent - a-Goalie, did physical fitness training at Tempest Freerunning Academy out of Reseda, California. He received archery training as well, which included watching a video on how archery has been displayed inaccurately or poorly in television and film before learning the basics of shooting a bow. For Amell, the appeal of portraying Queen was that he saw multiple roles tied to the same character : `` There 's Queen the casual playboy ; Queen the wounded hero ; Queen the brooding Hamlet ; Queen the lover ; Queen the man of action, and so on. '' Developing chemistry Amy Brenneman made a point of really befriending me before we started shooting ( Private Practice ) (... ) I was really taken with how she connected with me, person to person, before we tried to connect, actor to actor. So, I made a real point to do that ( with the Arrow cast ) (... ) I think that you can see that ( we hit it off ) (... ) If you have to put your hand on somebody 's shoulder, if you 've done it before, it makes it easier to do. Sometimes it 's imperceptible, but I think it 's what takes things from good to great, or from 2D to 3D. Amell interview with Collider A week later, David Ramsey was cast as the original character John Diggle, named after the Green Arrow : Year One writer Andy Diggle. Ramsey enjoyed the fact that he did not have to worry about matching the comic books. It allowed him to `` just kind of take ( his character ), and run with it ''. On February 14, 2012 Susanna Thompson was cast as Moira Queen. The following day, Katie Cassidy and Willa Holland were announced to play Laurel Lance and Thea Queen, respectively. Laurel Lance is an attorney and Oliver 's ex-girlfriend, named after Dinah Laurel Lance, who `` may or may not end up being the Black Canary with time ''. Cassidy said she was drawn to the show by Berlanti, Nutter, Kreisberg, and Guggenheim, whom she called smart, creative, and edgy. Hollands ' character is described as `` Oliver 's celebutante younger sister who 's testing the boundaries of acceptable behavior ''. She is partially based on the character Mia Dearden, sharing her middle name, using Mia as an alias in Season 3 and taking the codename `` Speedy '' in the season 3 finale. Subsequently. Brian Markinson was cast as guest - star villain Adam Hunt, described as `` Hunt is a corrupt businessman who is ripping off some people -- behavior that has gotten the attention of Dinah Laurel Lance and her CNRI firm ''. On February 21, 2012 Colin Donnell was cast as Tommy Merlyn, named after Green Arrow 's archenemy Merlyn. He is described as `` Oliver 's best friend, a playboy `` trustafarian '' who assumes the good times will roll again now that Oliver has returned, only to learn Oliver is a changed man ``. On March 2, 2012, Paul Blackthorne and Jamey Sheridan were cast as Quentin Lance and Robert Queen, the fathers of Laurel and Oliver respectively, with Blackthorne being the last regular cast member to be cast. Jacqueline MacInnes Wood was cast as Sara Lance, Laurel 's sister, for the pilot. However, when the character returned in the second season, Wood was replaced by Caity Lotz. Filming Production on the pilot began in March 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The series features two distinct timelines, which requires more specific planning in the filming schedule. Filming for the island flashbacks takes place in Vancouver 's Whytecliff Park area, near beachfront homes. The production team is tasked with keeping the buildings out of camera frame. Additionally, producer Marc Guggenheim finds the process arduous : `` Stephen ( Amell ) has to wear a wig, and his look has to be changed... there 's a lot. It 's actually incredibly ambitious to do these flashbacks every week, every single episode. Because like Andrew ( Kreisberg ) said, it 's almost like it 's its own show. '' Hatley Castle, located in Royal Roads University was used for exterior shots for the Queen family mansion. Hatley Castle had previously been used as the Luthor ancestral home in Smallville. Vancouver 's Terminal City Ironworks Complex doubles as the exterior for Queen Industrial, Inc, in which Oliver sets up his hideout and later his club Verdant. It has also been used on several other occasions, such as the warehouse in which Oliver and Tommy are kidnapped in the pilot episode, or the base of operations for the Chinese Triad in episode 108 `` Vendetta ''. Filming for the rest of the season commenced on July 18, 2012 and finalized on April 18, 2013. Costumes `` Arrow, we really wanted him urban, and sexy, and you could almost wear the costume down the street and it would look cool in today 's world. That was a big goal with Arrow and the way the story was set up with his character. '' -- Costume Designer Colleen Atwood The realistic approach to the series included the costume design for Oliver 's vigilante persona, created by Colleen Atwood. According to Amell, it was important for the suit to be functional, and the best way that he knew for that was if he could put the costume on by himself : `` If I can put it on by myself, I think that people will buy it. And that was our idea. That 's our world. My boots are actually Nike Frees, which is kind of cool. It 's leather and it 's tight and it 's aggressive, but I can move in it. People will like it. '' David Nutter, the director of the pilot episode, said that `` We 're creating a real, believable world in which Oliver Queen can do incredible things. Colleen Atwood 's great work on the Arrow costume reflects that effort. '' Music Arrow - Original Television Soundtrack : Season 1 Soundtrack album by Blake Neely Released September 17, 2013 ( 2013 - 09 - 17 ) Length 1 : 17 : 35 Label WaterTower Music Blake Neely chronology Arrow - Original Television Soundtrack : Season 1 Arrow - Original Television Soundtrack : Season 2 To compose the score for Arrow, executive producer Greg Berlanti invited Blake Neely, with whom he had first worked with on Everwood, Neely created a score that combined electronic and orchestral cues, varying between action themes and romantic ones. Berlanti told Neely the series would be dark, and the music should be as well. After reading the pilot script, Neely went away to start composing on his own. According to Neely, `` Of course, Oliver has his main theme but also sub-themes for the many layers of his character. He and Laurel have a love theme. Mom had a theme for the Undertaking. The bad guys all have themes, which makes it sad for me when one of them dies. So I try not to become attached to bad guy themes. Diggle has a theme. Even the Island itself has a theme. '' The soundtrack was released on September 17, 2013. It was composed by Blake Neely. Track listing No. Title Length 1. `` Five Years '' 1 : 54 2. `` Returning Home / Scars '' 2 : 53 3. `` City in Ruin '' 1 : 20 4. `` Setting Up the Lair '' 2 : 27 5. `` Loss and Regrets '' 2 : 38 6. `` On the List '' 1 : 40 7. `` Vigilante Justice '' 2 : 10 8. `` Honor Thy Father '' 1 : 45 9. `` Inhospitable Island / Deathstroke '' 2 : 09 10. `` I Forgot Who I Was '' 4 : 00 11. `` Train and Hunt '' 2 : 38 12. `` Betrayed By Those You Love '' 1 : 51 13. `` Chasing the Hood '' 2 : 27 14. `` Damaged '' 1 : 39 15. `` The Dark Archer / It Is I Who Failed This City '' 3 : 31 16. `` Working Together But Alone '' 1 : 53 17. `` The Count '' 2 : 02 18. `` Friends in Arms '' 2 : 36 19. `` Trust But Verify '' 2 : 37 20. `` Join Us '' 1 : 55 21. `` Trusting a Friend, Saving an Enemy '' 1 : 57 22. `` Sins of the Father '' 1 : 27 23. `` I Ca n't Lose You Twice '' 3 : 17 24. `` Search for Salvation '' 3 : 29 25. `` Shado Sees an Emerging Hero '' 1 : 57 26. `` Unfinished Business / Saving Walter '' 2 : 29 27. `` A Way Off the Island '' 2 : 15 28. `` Sacrifice '' 4 : 52 29. `` Oliver Queen Suite '' 9 : 47 Total length : 1 : 17 : 35 Reception Critical response Season one received favorable reviews, with a Metacritic score of 73 out of 100, based on reviews from 25 critics, making it the highest rated CW show in five years. Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes calculated an approval rating of 86 %, based on 35 reviews, for the first season. The site 's consensus reads : `` The CW nails the target with Arrow, a comic book - inspired series that benefits from cinematic action sequences, strong plotting, and intriguing characters. '' Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times called the series an interesting setup with a quality look, describing Amell as `` a poster boy ( no doubt literally ) for the Katniss Everdeen set. '' Brian Lowry at Variety described the series as a `` handsome but stiff surrogate for Batman that could benefit from sharper execution. '' In reviewing the final episode of season one, Alasdair Wilkins of The A.V. Club gave the season as a whole a rating of B+, noting that the show `` has n't quite figured everything out yet, but it 's had some standout episodes. '' Ratings Arrow 's premiere episode drew 4.14 million viewers, making it The CW 's most - watched telecast of any show on any night in three years, and The CW 's most - watched series premiere since The Vampire Diaries in 2009. In its second episode, Arrow became the only new network drama in the 2012 -- 13 season to hold its ratings in both adults 18 -- 34 and adults 18 -- 49 from its premiere to its second week. The first season finished as the 130th ranked show, with an average viewership of 3.68 million. In Australia, the premiere received 1.32 million viewers, making it the third most - watched broadcast on the network that night. The UK broadcast was the highest - rated telecast of the week on Sky 1, with 1.85 million viewers. In Canada, the first episode got 1.32 million viewers, making it the fourth most - watched airing of the night and the twenty - third of the week. No. Title Air date Rating / share ( 18 -- 49 ) Viewers ( millions ) DVR ( 18 -- 49 ) Total ( 18 -- 49 ) `` Pilot '' October 10, 2012 1.3 4.14 0.4 1.7 `` Honor Thy Father '' October 17, 2012 1.3 3.55 N / A N / A `` Lone Gunmen '' October 24, 2012 1.1 3.51 N / A N / A `` An Innocent Man '' October 31, 2012 1.0 / 3 3.05 0.5 1.5 5 `` Damaged '' November 7, 2012 1.3 / 4 3.75 N / A N / A 6 `` Legacies '' November 14, 2012 1.2 / 3 3.83 N / A N / A 7 `` Muse of Fire '' November 28, 2012 1.3 / 4 3.74 N / A N / A 8 `` Vendetta '' December 5, 2012 1.1 / 3 3.35 N / A N / A 9 `` Year 's End '' December 12, 2012 1.0 / 3 3.11 0.5 1.5 10 `` Burned '' January 16, 2013 1.1 / 3 3.06 0.5 1.6 11 `` Trust But Verify '' January 23, 2013 1.1 / 3 3.14 N / A N / A 12 `` Vertigo '' January 30, 2013 0.9 / 3 2.97 0.5 1.4 13 `` Betrayal '' February 6, 2013 1.0 / 3 2.96 0.5 1.5 14 `` The Odyssey '' February 13, 2013 1.1 / 3 3.29 N / A N / A 15 `` Dodger '' February 20, 2013 0.9 / 3 3.15 0.5 1.4 16 `` Dead to Rights '' February 27, 2013 1.0 / 3 3.17 N / A N / A 17 `` The Huntress Returns '' March 20, 2013 1.0 / 3 3.02 N / A N / A 18 `` Salvation '' March 27, 2013 0.9 / 3 2.65 0.5 1.4 19 `` Unfinished Business '' April 3, 2013 0.9 / 3 2.92 0.4 1.3 20 `` Home Invasion '' April 24, 2013 1.0 / 3 3.10 0.5 1.5 21 `` The Undertaking '' May 1, 2013 0.9 / 3 2.89 N / A N / A 22 `` Darkness on the Edge of Town '' May 8, 2013 0.9 / 3 2.62 N / A N / A 23 `` Sacrifice '' May 15, 2013 0.9 / 3 2.77 0.4 1.3 Accolades Year Award Recipients Outcome 2012 Satellite Awards Satellite Award for Best Television Series -- Genre Arrow Nominated IGN Awards Best TV Hero Stephen Amell / Arrow Nominated 2013 People 's Choice Awards Favorite New TV Drama Arrow Nominated Leo Awards Best Dramatic Series Joseph Patrick Finn, Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Melissa Kellner Berman, Drew Greenberg, Jennifer Lence, Wendy Mericle, Carl Ogawa Nominated Cinematography Glen Winter ( `` Pilot '' ) Won Gordon Verheul ( `` Lone Gunman '' ) Nominated Best Visual Effects Jean - Luc Dinsdale, Pauline Burns, Andrew Orloff, Dave Gauthier ( `` Burned '' ) Won Best Production Design Richard Hudolin ( `` Pilot '' ) Won Best Casting Coreen Mayrs, Heike Brandstatter ( `` An Innocent Man '' ) Nominated Best Stunt Coordination J.J. Makaro ( `` Pilot '' ) Won J.J. Makaro ( `` Vertigo '' ) Nominated NewNowNext Awards Best New Indulgence Arrow Nominated Cause You 're Hot Stephen Amell Nominated Saturn Awards Best Youth - Oriented Series on Television Arrow Nominated Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Show : Fantasy / Sci - Fi Nominated Choice TV Breakout Show Nominated Choice TV Actor : Fantasy / Sci - Fi Stephen Amell Nominated Choice TV Breakout Star Nominated Choice TV Actress : Fantasy / Sci - Fi Katie Cassidy Nominated Canadian Society of Cinematography Awards Cinematographer Awards for TV Drama Cinematography Glen Winter csc, Arrow ( `` Pilot '' ) Won Broadcast Music, Inc. BMI Television Music Awards Blake Neely Won Home media Arrow : Season 1 was released as a 5 - disc DVD set and as a 9 - disc Blu - ray / DVD Combo Pack set on September 17, 2013 in the United States and September 23, 2013 in the United Kingdom. The DVD / Blu - ray box sets contain additional features, including making - of featurettes, deleted scenes, gag reel, and highlights from the Paley Fest 2012. Notes Jump up ^ In addition to an uncredited role in `` Year 's End '', Rickards also co-starred in two episodes. Jump up ^ Laing co-starred in two episodes before she was promoted to recurring in the ninth episode. Jump up ^ Also credited as a co-star in two episodes. References ^ Jump up to : Andreeva, Nellie ( October 22, 2012 ). `` The CW 's ' Arrow ' Gets Full - Season Pickup ''. Deadline. Retrieved April 17, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( October 11, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The X Factor ', ' Survivor ', ' The Neighbors ' & ' Modern Family ' Adjusted Up ; No Adjustments for ' Arrow ' ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 11, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( October 18, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Modern Family ', ' Survivor ', ' Animal Practice ' Adjusted Up ; ' CSI ' Adjusted Down Plus Unscrambled FOX Ratings ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 18, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( October 25, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The Middle ', ' Guys With Kids ', ' Criminal Minds ', & ' Law & Order : SVU ' Adjusted Up + World Series Game 1 Final Numbers ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 25, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( November 1, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Survivor ', ' The Neighbors ', ' Modern Family ', ' CSI ' & ' Chicago Fire ' Adjusted Up ; ' 30 Rock ', ' Guys With Kids ', & ' Supernatural ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 1, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( November 8, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The Voice ', ' Modern Family ', & ' Survivor ' Adjusted Up ; ' Chicago Fire ' & ' The Middle ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 8, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( November 15, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The Middle ', ' Law & Order : SVU ', & ' CSI ' Adjusted Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 15, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( November 29, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Arrow ' and ' The X Factor ' Adjusted Up ; ' Supernatural ' and ' Suburgatory ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 29, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( December 7, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Chicago Fire ' Rises to Tie Series Debut, ' The X Factor ' Dips + ' The Middle ' & ' Arrow ' Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 7, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( December 13, 2012 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The X Factor ' Adjusted Up ; ' The Middle ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 13, 2012. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( January 17, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Criminal Minds ' Adjusted Up ; ' Suburgatory ' & ' The Neighbors ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 17, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( January 24, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' American Idol ', ' The Neighbors ', ' Criminal Minds ' & ' Nashville ' Adjusted Up ; ' Suburgatory ' & ' CSI ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 24, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( January 31, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' American Idol ' & ' Chicago Fire ' Adjusted Up ; ' Super Bowl 's Greatest Commercials ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 31, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( February 7, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Supernatural ', ' Criminal Minds ' & ' Chicago Fire ' Adjusted Up ; ' Modern Family ', ' The Neighbors ' & ' Suburgatory ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 7, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( February 14, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' CSI ', ' Suburgatory ' & ' Law & Order : SVU ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 14, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( February 21, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' The Middle ' & ' Modern Family ' Adjusted Up ; ' Survivor ', ' Guys With Kids ', ' Criminal Minds ' & ' Law & Order : SVU ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 21, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( February 28, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Chicago Fire ', ' American Idol ', & ' CSI ' Adjusted Up ; ' Suburgatory ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 28, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( March 21, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Arrow ', ' Supernatural ', ' American Idol ', ' Survivor ' & ' Law & Order : SVU ' Adjusted Up ; ' Whitney ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 21, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( March 28, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' American Idol ', ' Survivor ' & ' Arrow ' Adjusted Up ; ' Whitney ' and ' Chicago Fire ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 28, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( April 4, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Modern Family ', ' American Idol ' & ' Survivor ' Adjusted Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 4, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( April 25, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Survivor ', ' American Idol ' & ' SVU ' Adjusted Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 25, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Bibel, Sara ( May 2, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' American Idol ', ' Survivor ', Modern Family ', ' Criminal Minds ', ' CSI ', ' The Voice ' Adjusted Up ; ' How To Live With Your Parents ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 2, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( May 9, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Modern Family ', ' American Idol ', ' The Voice ', ' Family Tools ', ' Survivor ' & ' Supernatural ' Adjusted Up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 9, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( May 16, 2013 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Chicago Fire ', ' Modern Family ', ' American Idol ', ' Criminal Minds ' & ' Supernatural ' Adjusted Up ; ' Nashville ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 16, 2013. Jump up ^ Hibberd, Justin ( January 12, 2012 ). `` ' Green Arrow ' TV series near pilot order at The CW ! ''. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 17, 2014. Jump up ^ Goldman, Eric ( January 18, 2012 ). `` Green Arrow TV Pilot Ordered by CW ''. IGN. Retrieved April 17, 2014. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Natalie ( January 31, 2012 ). `` Stephen Amell Is Green Arrow : Lands Title Role In CW Drama Pilot ' Arrow ' ''. Deadline. Retrieved April 17, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Strachan, Alex ( October 11, 2012 ). `` Stephen Amell brings Arrow to small screen ''. canada.com. Retrieved February 22, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Eric Goldman ( May 30, 2012 ). `` Arrow Star Stephen Amell Talks About Playing TV 's New Oliver Queen ''. IGN. Retrieved November 13, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Craig Byrne ( July 17, 2012 ). `` SDCC Interview : Andrew Kreisberg Talks Arrow ''. GreenArrowTV.com. Retrieved November 26, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Craig Byrne ( August 1, 2012 ). `` GreenArrowTV Interview : Talking With Arrow Executive Producers Kreisberg & Guggenheim ''. GreenArrowTV.com. Retrieved November 27, 2013. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Nellie ( January 31, 2012 ). `` Stephen Amell Is Green Arrow : Lands Title Role In CW Drama Pilot ' Arrow ' ''. Jump up ^ `` POLL : Stephen Amell In Arrow : What Do You Think ? ''. ^ Jump up to : Christina Radish ( October 8, 2012 ). `` Stephen Amell Talks ARROW, How He Won the Role, the Evolution of the Queen Family Dynamic, Appearances by Other DC Characters, and More ''. Collider. Retrieved February 20, 2015. Jump up ^ `` David Ramsey Cast As John Diggle In Arrow ''. Jump up ^ David Betancourt ( October 9, 2013 ). `` GREEN ARROW : Jeff Lemire, David Ramsey shed light on the new synergy between CW hit and the DC comic ''. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 14, 2015. Jump up ^ `` From Borg Queen To Moira Queen : Susanna Thompson Is Cast In Arrow ''. Jump up ^ `` Arrow Finds Its Canary -- And It 's Katie Cassidy ! ''. Jump up ^ Craig Bryne ( August 7, 2012 ). `` GreenArrowTV Interview With Katie Cassidy, `` Laurel Lance '' ``. GreenArrowTV.com. Retrieved November 27, 2013. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Nellie ( February 16, 2012 ). `` ' Arrow ' & Nick Stoller Comedy Add To Casts ''. Jump up ^ `` Brian Markinson Cast In The Arrow Pilot ''. Jump up ^ Andreeva, Nellie ( February 21, 2012 ). `` Titus Welliver To Star In NBC 's ' Midnight Sun ', CW 's ' Arrow ' Adds Colin Donnell ''. Jump up ^ `` Paul Blackthorne & Jamey Sheridan Join The Arrow Pilot ''. Jump up ^ Yeoman, Kevin ( 2014 ). `` ' Arrow ' : Black Canary Revealed -- What Did You Think ? ''. Retrieved February 17, 2015. Jump up ^ Vlessing, Etan ( March 13, 2012 ). `` The CW Back to Canada With a Slew of Drama Pilots ''. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 17, 2014. Jump up ^ Michael D. Reid. `` Castle home to the Arrow ''. Times Colonist. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Four Vancouver - Shot American TV Pilots to Series -- ARROW, CULT, EMILY OWENS M.D. & RED WIDOW -- Updated ''. YVRshoots. May 1, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Arrow filming locations -- Movie Maps ''. moviemaps.org. Retrieved September 22, 2015. Jump up ^ Prudom, Laura. `` Costume Designer Colleen Atwood on Making the Heroes of ' Flash ' & ' Arrow ' Look Super ''. Retrieved September 22, 2015. Jump up ^ Goldberg, Lesley ( March 19, 2012 ). `` CW Fires Off First ' Arrow ' With Pic From Comic - Inspired Pilot ( Photo ) ''. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 17, 2014. Jump up ^ `` ' Arrow ' Star Talks Costumes, Training And ' Smallville ' Comparisons ''. Splash Page. Retrieved September 22, 2015. Jump up ^ `` First Look : The CW 's new ' Arrow ' broods in a Colleen Atwood costume ''. Retrieved September 22, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Beedle, Tim ( September 18, 2013 ). `` Island Music : An Interview with Arrow Composer Blake Neely ''. DC Comics. Retrieved November 2, 2014. Jump up ^ Neely, Blake. `` CBR TV : Super Composer Finds `` Flash '' & `` Arrow '' Inspiration for `` Legends, '' Makes `` Supergirl '' Fun ``. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved September 4, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Arrow ''. Metacritic. Retrieved November 2, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Fall TV Results : The Season 's Best & Worst New Shows ''. Metacritic. November 6, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Arrow : Season 1 ( 2012 -- 2013 ) ''. Flixster Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 25, 2014. Jump up ^ McNamara, Mary ( October 10, 2012 ). `` Review : The CW 's ' Arrow ' right on target with a riveting superhero ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 11, 2012. Jump up ^ Lowry, Brian ( October 8, 2012 ). `` Arrow TV Reviews ''. Variety. Retrieved November 4, 2012. Jump up ^ Wilkins, Alasdair ( May 15, 2012 ). `` Sacrifice ''. The A.V. Club. Retrieved October 26, 2013. Jump up ^ Patten, Dominic ( May 23, 2013 ). `` Full 2012 -- 2013 TV Season Series Rankings ''. Deadline.com. Retrieved November 20, 2013. Jump up ^ Knox, David ( May 2, 2013 ). `` Wednesday 1 May 2013 ''. TV Tonight. Retrieved February 20, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 ''. BARB. Retrieved February 20, 2015. Note : The ratings must be searched for. Jump up ^ `` Top 30 Programs ( October 8 -- 14, 2012 ) '' ( PDF ). Numeris. October 15, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2015. Jump up ^ Bibel, Sara ( November 26, 2012 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' Modern Family ' Leads Adults 18 -- 49 Ratings, ' Revolution ' Tops Viewership Gains ; ' Gossip Girl ' Biggest Percentage Gains in Week 7 ''. Retrieved November 27, 2012. Jump up ^ `` '' Big Bang Theory, '' `` Person of Interest '' Deliver Series - High Ratings ; Best `` Elementary '' Since Premiere ``. January 4, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2013. Jump up ^ Bibel, Sara ( February 4, 2013 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' Modern Family ' Again Leads Adults 18 - 49 Ratings & Viewership Gains ; ' Private Practice ' Earns Biggest Percentage Increase in Week 17 ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 4, 2013. Jump up ^ Kondolojy, Amanda ( February 25, 2013 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' Modern Family ' Leads Adults 18 -- 49 Ratings & Total Viewership Gains ; ' Revenge ' Earns Biggest Percentage Increase in Week 20 ''. Retrieved February 25, 2013. Jump up ^ Kondolojy, Amanda ( March 11, 2013 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' Modern Family ' Leads Adults 18 - 49 Ratings & Total Viewership Gains ; ' 90210 ' Earns Biggest Percentage Increase in Week 22 ''. Retrieved March 11, 2013. Jump up ^ Knodolojy, Amanda ( April 15, 2013 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' Modern Family ' Leads Adults 18 - 49 Ratings Increase & Total Viewership Gains, ' Cult ' Earns Biggest Percentage Increase in Week 27 ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 26, 2013. Jump up ^ Kondolojy, Amanda ( April 22, 2013 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' Modern Family ' Leads Adults 18 - 49 Ratings Increase & Total Viewership Gains, ' Grimm ' Earns Biggest Percentage Increase in Week 28 ''. Retrieved April 22, 2013. Jump up ^ Kondolojy, Amanda ( May 13, 2013 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' The Big Bang Theory ' Leads Adults 18 - 49 Ratings Increase & Tops Total Viewership Gains ; ' Smash ' Earns Biggest Percentage Increase in Week 31 ''. Retrieved May 13, 2013. Jump up ^ Kondolojy, Amanda ( June 3, 2013 ). `` Live + 7 DVR Ratings : ' The Big Bang Theory ' Again Leads Adults 18 - 49 Ratings Increase & Tops Total Viewership Gains ; ' 90210 ' Earns Biggest Percentage Increase in Week 34 ''. Retrieved June 3, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 2012 Winners ''. International Press Academy. Retrieved May 25, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 2012 IGN Best TV Hero ''. IGN. Retrieved July 15, 2015. Jump up ^ `` 2013 People 's Choice Awards : Winners and Nominees ''. Peope 's Choice. Retrieved July 15, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Leo Awards Past Winners 2013 ''. LeoAwards.com. Retrieved February 15, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Leo Awards 2013 Nominees ''. LeoAwards.com. Retrieved February 15, 2015. Jump up ^ `` 2013 Logo NewNowNext Awards : And The Nominees Are... ''. Retrieved May 25, 2013. Jump up ^ `` The 39th Saturn Award Nominations ''. Archived from the original on August 24, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2013. Jump up ^ `` TC News ''. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Canadian Society of Cinematography Awards Nominees 2013 ''. Canadian Society of Cinematographers. Retrieved February 15, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Cliff Martinez and Top Composers Honored at the 2013 BMI Film & TV Awards ''. Broadcast Music, Inc. Retrieved June 21, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Arrow : The Complete First Season ( Blu - ray ) ( 2013 ) ''. Amazon.com. Retrieved July 10, 2013. Arrowverse Arrow Episodes Season 1 Season 2 `` Pilot '' `` Green Arrow '' `` Unchained '' `` Sins of the Father '' `` Legacy '' `` Kapiushon '' `` Lian Yu '' Characters Oliver Queen Thea Queen Sara Lance Adrian Chase The Flash Episodes Season 4 `` Pilot '' `` Fastest Man Alive '' `` Things You Ca n't Outrun '' `` Killer Frost '' `` Attack on Gorilla City '' `` Attack on Central City '' `` Duet '' Characters Legends of Tomorrow Episodes Characters Other Vixen Arrowverse cast members Crossovers `` Flash vs. Arrow '' `` Heroes Join Forces '' `` Invasion ! '' Constantine Supergirl `` Worlds Finest '' Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arrow_(season_1)&oldid=801482490 '' Categories : 2012 American television seasons 2013 American television seasons Arrow ( TV series ) Hidden categories : Use mdy dates from June 2016 Articles with hAudio microformats Album infoboxes lacking a cover Talk Contents About Wikipedia Español Français Հայերեն Italiano ქართული Português Русский Edit links This page was last edited on 19 September 2017, at 22 : 58. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: when did season 1 of arrow come out
Answer: October 10, 2012