Arrow: 5 Reasons Why Oliver Queen Is The Most Compelling Superhero On Television

As much fun as Arrow can be when done right, the show will never be winning any awards for writing. Characterization is often sacrificed for the sake of plot twists, and the narrative is too frequently so rushed that big moments are not given the the time to sink in. It’s an exciting show with great action sequences and some enjoyable characters, but Arrow might never have been much more were it not for lead Stephen Amell.

Between the athleticism that has allowed Amell to visibly perform many of his own stunts and his talent as an actor, he's been the lynchpin holding the series together through some of its more dubious moments. He pulls chemistry out of most of his costars, and investing in Oliver's story is almost unavoidable.

Most importantly of all, Amell has achieved an intangible yet invaluable presence on screen that transforms Oliver from a guy in green leather into a superhero. The mask does not make the man for Oliver Queen, and the credit absolutely goes to Stephen Amell.

With skills learned through hard physical training and a presence that cannot be taught, the star of Arrow is far more than just his pretty face and remarkable physique. Neither the show nor the character would be nearly as compelling without Stephen Amell, and he deserves far more credit that he receives.