Arrow Season 6: 7 Reasons Why It's Better Than You Think
5. It Had Real Stakes
One of the biggest recurring problems in all of The CW's Arrowverse shows is the lack of real stakes. There are times when it feels like the catastrophic events that are taking place at any point in time just don't really register with any of the characters on the scale that they should. Of course, being superheroes, they're going to get used to these bad things happening, but that doesn't explain why there are times that they just go through the motions. It's like they know they're happening, but they don't feel it. As a result, it doesn't feel like there are stakes.
Thankfully, that was not the case throughout Arrow's sixth season. With the introduction of William as well as Oliver's revived relationship with Felicity (which was developed properly this time), the writers really drove home the importance of family. Due to this, there was a real emotional connection between characters which, in a place like Star City, brought with it the fear of losing them.
With Oliver's family at risk (not to mention his secret identity), Black Siren's connection to Quentin and a complete city-wide takeover by two contrasting types of villains, it felt like Arrow once again had stakes - and not just passable stakes, but real game-changing stakes. The characters understood just how major these events were and, in doing so, they were willing to do anything they could to protect their loved ones and fight for their city.
When they care, we care.