Arrow Series Finale Review: 12 Ups & 4 Downs From 'Fadeout'

8. Felicity's Return

Felicity Smoak has been something of a divisive character during Arrow's time on the air, but it really does go without saying that the finale wouldn't have been the same without her. Yes, it was nothing short of wonderful to see those elevator doors slide open to reveal Emily Bett Rickards' quirky character standing right behind them.

The writers had done a fantastic job writing around the character's absence all throughout Season 8, but it would have been impossible to logistically justify her absence from the finale - given that the city was honouring her husband's sacrifice - so on that front, it was great that they managed to bring her back.

Much like she had over the years, Felicity provided the finale with some of its most endearing moments. From little things like the way in which she held Laurel's hand - a nod to their unexpected friendship in Season 7 - to meeting her adult daughter in the present, she served as one of the episode's strongest emotional cores and Emily Bett Rickards knocked it out of the park.