Legacy (Arrow)

Lore & Background

The episode opens with Oliver Queen in Russia searching for Kovar, crossing the Bratva until Anatoly saves him. Years later, a dying Laurel Lance asks Oliver not to let her be the last Canary. Five years after Oliver's exploits in Russia, Thea covers for Oliver's lateness while he battles Lonnie Machin; a new vigilante, Wild Dog, tries to assist but is shot in the leg by Oliver. Oliver later refuses Felicity's idea of assembling a new team. Bent police officers kill drug dealers and are confronted by Tobias Church, who kills one of them. Oliver visits Captain Lance, who has split from Felicity's mother and returned to drinking. While honoring Laurel Lance, Oliver surrenders to masked gunmen to protect his secret identity. Lance and Thea seek Felicity's help. Tobias Church introduces himself to the kidnapped politicians and Oliver. Thea, as Speedy, watches Oliver kill a bent cop. Thea retires permanently after seeing Oliver become a murderer again. Oliver rescues the hostages. Curtis demands to be a new recruit; Oliver webcams Diggle, who approves of a new team. Felicity returns to her apartment to find her new boyfriend Detective Malone. An ACU officer is ambushed and killed by a mysterious archer using a chokuto.

Reader's Guide

"Legacy" serves as a reset for Arrow after the fourth season, introducing new antagonists and allies. The episode was watched by 1.87 million viewers, a drop from the previous season's premiere. Critical reception was mixed: Caroline Preece of Den of Geek praised the action and villain Tobias Church, comparing him favorably to Slade Wilson. Alasdair Wilkins of The A.V. Club gave a mixed review, noting the show's familiar problems. Ed Gross of Empire awarded 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the visceral fight sequences and the tribute to Laurel Lance. Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave a 7.4 out of 10, calling the episode not as exciting as needed. The episode's production included a police sketch drawn by comic book artist Neal Adams. Shooting ran from July 5 to July 15, 2016, with preparation from June 23 to July 4. Casting additions included Rick Gonzalez as Wild Dog, Chad L. Coleman as Tobias Church, and Tyler Ritter as Detective Billy Malone.

Did You Know?

• A police sketch featured in the episode was drawn by comic book artist Neal Adams.
• According to Collider, fans were to expect 'the most violent, vicious' fight scene in this episode.
• The episode was watched by 1.87 million viewers with a 0.7/3 share among adults 18–49.
• The mysterious archer who kills an ACU officer uses a chokuto, not a bow.