Arrow: 8 Ways Season 5 Has Saved The Show

1. Back To Basics In The Action Scenes

One of the phrases that was often repeated ahead of Season 5 was 'back to basics'. Almost everyone involved with the show, and in particular Stephen Amell, acknowledged that they'd strayed too far from their roots, and had to find a way of getting back there.

With the added emphasis on Star City and grounded villains that move away from magic and mysticism, they've managed it, but the biggie they had to get right was the action. While it's had its moments over the last couple of years (the mountaintop swordfight with Ra's, Thea's elevator fight with Andy), they've been too few and far between, and Green Arrow actually using his iconic weaponry felt like a rarity.

Season 5 changed this right from the off, giving us an absolutely blistering, knockout one-take fight sequence in the season premiere, which set the tone for the action sequences to come. Since then we've had plenty of great, grounded scraps, and you can tell they've made a renewed effort on the choreography and editing of these scenes, led by James Bamford. The Arrow/Legends against past foes in the 100th episode was stellar, as were Oliver's brutal fights in Russia, and his recent clashes with Prometheus. They're fast, furious, and violent, which is everything the action on this show should be.

What do you think of Arrow Season 5? Share your thoughts down in the comments.