Arrow season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Oliver Queen, presumed dead for 5 years, is found alive and returns to Starling City, stirring media frenzy and family emotions. Struggling to reconnect with his past life, including his ex-girlfriend Laurel Lance, Oliver reveals a stark change in his demeanor. Haunted by his experiences on the treacherous Lian Yu island, he adopts a vigilante persona, targeting the corrupt elite of Starling City. His first mission against businessman Adam Hunt showcases his new skills and determination to right the city's wrongs.

Full Episode S01E01 Recap

### Oliver's Return - **Location:** Starling City, North China Sea - Oliver Queen is found by fishermen, 5 years after being presumed dead. - Oliver's return to Starling City is covered by the media, highlighting his past as a billionaire's son and a socialite. - His mother, Moira, and her new husband, Walter Steele, welcome him back. - Oliver reunites with his sister, Thea, and old friend, Tommy Merlyn. - He shows proficiency in Russian, surprising everyone. ### Flashbacks to the Island - **Location:** Lian Yu (Purgatory Island) - Oliver reflects on his time on the island, where he had to become more than he was to survive. - Flashbacks reveal the harsh conditions and dangers he faced. ### Reconnecting with Laurel Lance - Laurel Lance, Oliver's ex-girlfriend, works at a legal aid office. - She is fighting a class-action lawsuit against Adam Hunt, a corrupt businessman. - Oliver attempts to reconcile with Laurel but is rebuffed due to past events involving her sister, Sarah. ### The Queen's Gambit Incident - Flashbacks show Oliver on the yacht, "The Queen's Gambit," with his father, Robert Queen, and Sarah Lance. - The yacht sinks, leading to Sarah's death and Oliver's eventual arrival on Lian Yu. ### Oliver's Night Out with Tommy - Oliver and Tommy catch up on what he missed, including pop culture and global events. - Tommy notices changes in Oliver's behavior and skills. ### Oliver's Mission Begins - Oliver reveals his intention to bring justice to those corrupting his city. - He targets Adam Hunt, planning to take down his criminal operations. ### Encounter with Adam Hunt - Oliver confronts Hunt as a hooded vigilante, demanding he transfers $40 million to a specified account. ### The Welcome Home Party - Tommy throws a welcome home party for Oliver. - Oliver's changed demeanor is evident to his friends and family. - Thea expresses her feelings of abandonment during Oliver's absence. ### Confrontation and Resolution - Oliver as the hooded vigilante successfully forces Hunt to transfer the funds. - The money is distributed to Hunt's victims, including Laurel's clients. ### Oliver's New Path - The episode concludes with Oliver reaffirming his commitment to fighting the corruption plaguing Starling City. - He acknowledges the deep changes he underwent on the island and his new role as a vigilante.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the island where Oliver Queen was stranded?

Lian Yu, which is Mandarin for "Purgatory."

How long was Oliver Queen presumed dead?

5 years.

What is the name of Oliver Queen's yacht that sank?

"The Queen's Gambit."

Who is Oliver Queen's mother?

Moira Queen.

Who is Moira Queen married to upon Oliver's return?

Walter Steele.

Who is Laurel Lance?

Oliver Queen's ex-girlfriend, a lawyer at a legal aid office.

What class-action lawsuit is Laurel Lance working on?

Against Adam Hunt for fraud and theft.

What happened to Sarah Lance?

She died during the sinking of "The Queen's Gambit."

What is Oliver Queen's mission upon returning to Starling City?

To bring justice to those corrupting his city.

Who is the first target of Oliver's vigilante actions?

Adam Hunt.

How does Oliver Queen confront Adam Hunt?

As a hooded vigilante, demanding Hunt transfer $40 million to a specific account.

What does Oliver do with the money obtained from Adam Hunt?

Distributes it to Hunt's victims.

What changes are noticed in Oliver Queen after his return?

He is more serious, skilled in combat, and determined to fight corruption.

How does Thea Queen feel about Oliver's return?

She feels abandoned and expresses her struggles during his absence.

What is the overarching theme of the episode?

Oliver Queen's transformation from a billionaire's son to a vigilante determined to fight corruption in Starling City.

Watch Arrow season 1 episode 1 Online

Pilot