Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
After Lian Yu’s destruction, Oliver finds Thea critically injured and promises Samantha he will care for William; Samantha dies from her wounds, while Thea falls into a coma. The survivors return to Star City with the team strained by the losses and by Oliver’s attempt to balance the mayor’s office, vigilantism and fatherhood. A leak identifies Oliver as the Green Arrow, prompting an FBI investigation and public denials that deepen the pressure on his family. Oliver hands the mantle to Diggle for a time, but Diggle’s injury makes field leadership difficult. Meanwhile, Cayden James assembles a criminal cabal that includes Black Siren, Anatoly and Ricardo Diaz, while fractures among Oliver’s former teammates grow into a rival team.
Diaz kills James and reveals that he manipulated him, then uses bribery, threats and the Quadrant to seize control of Star City’s officials and criminal network. Oliver must repair the split with Dinah, Rene and Curtis while trying to stop Diaz’s reach. When Diaz’s violence endangers the city, Oliver asks FBI agent Samanda Watson for help and admits he is the Green Arrow. The final assault breaks the corrupt network and exposes Diaz’s payroll, but Diaz escapes. Quentin is shot while protecting Laurel and later dies in hospital. Oliver secures immunity for his team by surrendering himself, publicly identifying himself as the Green Arrow and entering Slabside prison. His family and allies are left to face the consequences of a deal he made without telling Felicity.