‘Arrow’ season 3 debate: Plotting out Oliver Queen’s potential love interests
Now that we are sit around and waiting for more “Arrow” on TV, this is the time for speculation, no? The interesting thing is that when you really sit back and think about the amount of time that Oliver Queen has actually been in a relationship on the show, it is a very small percentage compared to the time when he was single. Yet, we still find ourselves talking about it all of the time!
This article is mostly a State of the Various Relationships for the show, at least in terms of where they are and where they could be in season 3 depending on what happens from here on out.
Laurel Lance – At the start of the show, it felt obvious that this could be the endgame; however, are these writers evolving the show beyond the predictable? Spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen “How I Met Your Mother,” but the series finale there proved that if you stick with the original plan years in without recognition for how things change, you may be left with a jarring result.
Felicity Smoak – Chemistry onscreen for these characters made them popular, and the “I love you” moment broke Twitter during the finale. Oliver never denied that he has feelings for her despite the trick that was played on the viewers with this moment, and there is no reason to believe that it will not be explored further. The question here is when, and if it will come organically. There’s no need to hurry if it gives you the payoff in the end.
Sara Lance – Technically, she is still out there, but we don’t quite see it happening anytime soon. They had their chance in season 2, and we don’t even know if Caity Lotz will appear next season now that she is with the League of Assassins. All this story did was leave the door open for a possible return.
Someone new – Remember, Oliver slept with Isabel Rochev this past season and nobody saw that coming. It’s certainly possible that the mother of his child also resurfaces.
No one – If there isn’t the right buildup, this should be what happens. Don’t force a relationship, especially one that will just anger fans shipping one of the popular characters.
To have your voice heard, make your pick in the poll below! Also, click here to read more “Arrow” news, or here to get some further TV updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: The CW
Ariane
June 18, 2014 @ 2:25 pm
I remember a time where I was a huge shipper of Heliver, but now I prefer Olicity. She is the only one who can make me really appreciate Oliver because between there is not drama like between the others sihps where he is involve.
Anon
June 1, 2014 @ 9:59 pm
I vote felicity, but to be honest i rather they keep the slow burn than just rush it and end it up like nothing!
Cassidy
May 29, 2014 @ 8:01 am
For season 3 I voted single. But here are the reasons why.
I think they really found so special in the relationship between Oliver and Felicity that it does no need to rushed in any way. The shoulder touches, the communication with their eyes, it’s very Pride and Prejudice, it’s beautifully written and totally worth the wait. But as so many people have said it’s time for some characterization, especially for Felicity. I love what I know already but we NEED to know her. Her life? Her M.I.T past? Who is this beautiful babbling blonde? I have to know! Who is she outside of Team Arrow? SO for Season 3 focus on that. Individual growth. I want Felicity to focus on saving the city (Team Arrow is so amazing, it’s one of the best parts of the show I can hardly contain my OT3 feels) but be FOCUSED on her own personal life. Arrow isn’t particularly good as portraying female agency but they seem to going down the right path with Thea finally, and now Felicity. I understand they weren’t expecting everyone to fan in love with her and for her to become fan favorite so I’ve been patient. But Season 3 is the time.
I personally think Oliver should be single for season 3. I would enjoy watching him go on “dates” while having Felicity in his ear, and Dig in the car because it’s always mid mission or something. That would be hilarious. I don’t really mind his serially dating and dining because comic Oliver is a bit of a playboy (important notice: they don’t need to follow the comics to a tee, i repeat don’t do it! Just take aspects). But not a relationship.
Once we’ve established Felicity as an individual character, with people outside of Team Arrow and Oliver’s direct life she talks to, and her own interests/past/biography. I agree with comments below. Oliver needs to struggle and wrestle with his feelings for her. We need to see it a lot more internally but externally from his POV before it becomes a reality. And it needs to be his personal struggle. THEN end of season 3 let’s gear up to addressing those feelings, and season 4 it be the start of their relationship.
I love how patient everyone is, when you’ve got gold you have to be careful with it.
Ana
May 28, 2014 @ 10:47 pm
Yeah, what she said (Shannon). Would really love to know Felicity outside Arrow business, as an individual. Would love to know what makes her, her. I think she has a great relationship with her big brother Dig which has not been explored. I’d like to think they got really close during the 5 months that our ‘hero’ ran away after the undertaking, that was never explored. I’d imagine she’ll have a little brother/big sister relationship with Roy which can also be explored since Roy also doesn’t seem to have family. I’d like to see her relationship with Quinton (the only Lance I like) grow, he’s a good father figure despite having raised two dysfunctional daughters with questionable moral compasses which brings me to the biggest reason why Oliver/Sara or Oliver/Laurel must NEVER happen again. They are sisters! It is morally wrong and disgusting that CW and the writers keep pushing this thing of them ‘sharing’ a man (Laurel, then Laurel & Sara at the same time then Sara on Gambit, Sara for a bit on island, Laurel again then Oliver betrays his best friend with Laurel – again then Sara, now Sara has ‘passed’ Ollie back to Laurel and if the writers go there romantically – I have no words left.). Do they really think women will not be offended? If Sara and Laurel had any self respect or respect for each other they would have kicked ‘Ollie’ to the curb ages ago. Oliver needs to be alone, not in a relationship at all and to sort himself out emotionally and morally. He doesn’t know what love is and has never really wanted, fought or pinned for any female in his life. What happened with the Lance family is mainly his fault (not entirely) but he doesn’t seem to acknowledge that, if he did he’d leave them ALL in peace. If they want him with someone it has to be a new face completely of my girl Felicity. I think she is what Oliver needs BUT he isn’t what she needs – yet. He needs to evolve to be worthy and she needs someone who’s at par with Oliver who loves her and treats her right and to be in a meaningful and fun relationship – until Oliver gets his act together & mans up..
Laurel and Tommy worked because Laurel is moody, unfriendly and a bit of a B while Tommy was the equivalent of Felicity, lovable, funny & friendly, her light.
Jack the Fan Boy
May 28, 2014 @ 8:04 pm
I voted single.
But I agree that Oliver/Felicity should end up together. I’m not really a shipper person but Oliver, Diggle and Felicity are the best part of the show and Oliver and Felicity’s relationship is a huge part of that. They just work. Like Tony and Pepper. She brings out the best in our hero and that’s what we want…and kick ass fight sequences. Never stop the kick ass fight sequences!
Carlybabes
May 29, 2014 @ 2:47 am
I cry each and every time I see the Tony and Pepper references. This is why Oliver & Felicity are so dear to me. Such similarities. And yes, we could NEVER stop the fight sequences.
Andie
May 28, 2014 @ 7:54 pm
I would love to see Felicity as end game, which means that next season would feel too soon for them to become a couple. I love the way the writers have been slowly building their relationship, and for too much to happen too soon would ruin that. In Season 3, I would love to see Felicity find a new love interest, giving Oliver time to grow and realize his own feelings. He still has a ways to go before he is adjusted enough to handle a relationship with someone who only has an average amount of emotional baggage. At this point, I fully expect the writers to finally get Oliver to the point where he is willing to admit – at least to himself – his feelings for Felicity…and then — BAM — baby mama shows up. And I would be perfectly fine with that delay as long as Felicity still gets her guy in the end.
Tasha
May 28, 2014 @ 7:43 pm
I like Laurel but Stephen Amell and Katie Cassidy don’t have any chemistry which is odd because they are both beautiful. I think Oliver should be single!
He treated Laurel like crap, I couldn’t believe he slept with Sara AGAIN, it just proved what I already knew – their relationship is a steaming pile of crap. And Laurel deserves 10000% better. She was so great with Tommy! #forever crying for my otp
That being said Oliver doesn’t deserve Felicity, but he does treat her so differently from Laurel, he treats her like a partner, a friend, she’s truly valued and appreciated by him. The way he apologized to Felicity for yelling at her was a great scene! Stephen Amell was so amazing in that scene. It’s all the little things – what he does with his hands, the tips of his fingers. I just love it!
But…it made me bitter a couple of episodes later when he was so rude to Laurel. *sigh*
Anyway Oliver should be single. He’s always getting some even of the Island.
But at the end of the day he should end up with Felicity.
msfms_rox
May 28, 2014 @ 2:35 pm
I voted Felicity because I honestly think that this would be the key relationship that Oliver would have in Season 3. Perhaps not so much romantic relationship, but the set-up in Season 2, the vagueness of Oliver’s ‘I love you’ that was kept in the end, means to me that they will be upping the romantic tension between Oliver and Felicity in Season 3.
I want more shoulder touching, hugs, sharing longingly into each others’ eyes, arm holding, sexual innuendo, swinging from lines, and real feelings articulated vaguely between Oliver and Felicity in Season 3.
I also want more back story and life outside of Oliver for Felicity. More character development for her, whether or not it includes a new romantic interest for her.
Hattie
May 28, 2014 @ 1:30 pm
Oliver and Felicity but slowly because they are progressing so beautifully. No need to rush perfection!
More character development. I agree with everything @disqus_0Z9r0hgAeA:disqus said below! 100%
Lucy
May 28, 2014 @ 12:57 pm
I think it’s obvious that when the show began Laurel was supposed to be Oliver’s true love, but I think a few things happened along the way that may change that.
1. Stephen Amell and Katie Cassidy have no chemistry – actually they have almost have negative chemistry. I have to believe if there had been a screen test between those two, one of them would have not been cast in his/her role. They just don’t click.
2. Oliver and Laurel have a pretty toxic history. If the actors had amazing chemistry, we might be able to get past the history. The classic example of amazing chemistry overcoming toxic history is Luke & Laura on General Hospital. He rapes her, but then they become one of the all time power couples in soap history because Tony Geary & Genie Francis had such amazing chemistry that the writers wrote to their chemistry. Without that chemistry, it’s next to impossible to overcome a toxic history.
3. Laurel’s addiction story line took the show to a grinding halt. Her arc didn’t do anything to advance the season – and her story combined with Sara’s lost the show viewers. I know several people who quit watching because they were not watching to see the Lance Sisters Melodrama Hour. I know that I went from trying to like Laurel to just not caring.
4. Laurel makes Oliver less likable. A couple should be better together. When Laurel and Oliver are together I like him less — and the show suffers because he’s the hero. Oliver doesn’t do any favors for Laurel either. I think less of her for wanting to be with a man who cheated on her with her sister. (Not to mention all the other women Oliver cheated on her with.) Why would Laurel ever trust him? And if you can’t trust, can you have a good relationship.
5. I do think Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards create magic together. I love seeing them on screen any time and doing anything. That said, I’m not sure I want Felicity with Oliver. I like her too much, and he hasn’t convinced me that he’s good enough for her. Nevertheless their story feels organic and not forced unlike Oliver & Laurel’s story.
Ashley R
May 28, 2014 @ 1:17 pm
I agree with everything you said, but this is what I don’t understand about Laurliver shippers:
“Laurel makes Oliver less likable. A couple should be better together. When Laurel and Oliver are together I like him less — and the show suffers because he’s the hero. Oliver doesn’t do any favors for Laurel either. I think less of her for wanting to be with a man who cheated on her with her sister.”
Why would you ever want characters you love to be with people that make them look like pretty terrible people. I know Oliver is supposd to have changed after the island, but so far he’s been pretty horrible when he’s around Laurel and the flashbacks don’t show any love at all either. In the flashbacks, he got a girl pregnant and was sad when they lost the baby, yet he didn’t want to move into an apartment with Laurel. Then when he gets back, he cheats on his best friend with Laurel (still not over this) and starts dating her sister again. When it comes to relationships, these two never had an epic love and it’s just makes them both look desperate for affection. :(
Lucy
May 28, 2014 @ 1:22 pm
This exactly! I don’t know why anyone who likes Laurel would want her to be with Oliver. He’s treated her horribly time and time again. I’ll never get over Oliver cheating on Tommy with Laurel. And then I’ll never get over Oliver going with Sara to dinner at Laurel’s. That was AWFUL. He has treated her so badly that I would think her fans would want a man who would treat her well and respect her. Oliver has proven time and again that he’s not that man.
And that’s why I’m leery of putting him with Felicity. I love Felicity. She’s one of my all time favorite characters, so I want her with a man who treats her well – and I’m not convinced that Oliver is that man.
Ashley R
May 28, 2014 @ 3:18 pm
Oliver not being good enough for Felicity is a totally understandable argument. Around her though we have seen him become a better man in two seasons and I just hope that this next season we see him grow even more. He already treats Felicity like a true partner and that’s great. I would just love to see them as friends a little too. Like he never asks about her past or talks to her about normal stuff. I guess we can assume that in the 18 hours a day they spend together they are friends; I just hope we see it. Does that make sense? Also with him not dating anyone for a while we can see him not mess up any more relationships. I just worry he will get into a relationship with Laurel and mess it up AGAIN…making him even less worthy of Felicity.
befastordontbe
May 28, 2014 @ 10:16 am
Way to miss the whole frigging point of the outrage over the HIMYM finale to try to appeal to the “Olicity is end-game” fan base.
The reason ppl were angry about HIMYM is literally everything the writers put on the screen, including the damn title of the show, went against what they put in the finale.
If you want to play that comparison to Arrow, how about making the correct comparison of how they are constantly writing to show Laurel and Oliver as the most important relationship but still continue to drop in the Olicity ship baiting to sastisfy the vocal minority. Kinda like how you make sure to build Olicity up so the shippers will keep voting in your polls and driving your hit count up.
msfms_rox
May 28, 2014 @ 2:27 pm
How exactly is Laurel and Oliver’s relationship the most important in the show? What exactly happened in the Season 2 that showed that Laurel and Oliver’s relationship is the most important in the show? Did Oliver having a relationship with Sara soon after she came back to Starling City show that? Or was it the reveal that Oliver cheated on her in the past not only with her own sister but an unnamed woman that he got pregnant? Was it Laurel and Oliver’s relationship that beat Slade Wilson and saved
Starling City from being turned into a crater by Waller’s drone? Which relationship was highlighted in the final scene in the Season 2 finale?
anna
May 31, 2014 @ 4:20 am
THIS! I wasn’t shipping Olicity in S1. I didn’t like L/O, but I didn’t hate them and I wasn’t sure I could buy Felicity as a love interest. Then S2 came, and it was like they consciously wrote the end of the L/O relationship with him kissing Sara, pursuing an actual relationship with her, getting someone else pregnant (in the past), asking Sara to move in with him. If I wasn’t a L/O shipper before, I becomes staunchly against the relationship after everything that was put on screen. On the flip side, they write his friendship with Felicity as steady, respectful, and honest–emphasizing all the values that makes a romantic relationship sizzle. They show that she makes him better, she challenges him, she pushes him to move forward instead of resorting to his old, murderous ways. She is the impetus to his hero journey. HIMYM was panned because they stuck with the Robin/Ted love story that the pilot introduced, rather than allowing the characters to evolve and grow. To stick with L/O is to do exactly the same thing–it’s ignoring everything that’s been put on the screen and going with the original plan, rather than looking at who Oliver should be with based on everything he’s been through. To me, that isn’t Laurel. It’s Felicity.
SP
May 28, 2014 @ 3:23 am
As Marc (EP of Arrow) said,” SLOW BURN.” So enjoy Arrow and the core team.I enjoy the action and story line of each episode (well to be honest the Lance drama was a little much for a short stretch there). But Oliver and Felicity just add so much to the show. Not just talking about their chemistry (BOY DO THEY HAVE CHEMISTRY) but they’re friendship is about as beautiful as they come. It’s really nice to watch and see such dedication, loyalty and deep respect that they exhibit to/for one another.
For season 3 I would like to see more of Felicity’s story and maybe a friend or a few dates for her too. Find out more about her family too.
Oliver, well I think he will be busy trying to get Queen Consolidated back. And he’ll probably find out about his child too. I would like to see him realize more and more of his feelings (Love?) for Felicity. A jealous Oliver as he sees Felicity on some date/dates. And Oliver not involved with anyone in season 3. But I do think he and Laurel need closer (I think more Laurel, Oliver I believe is done).
More Diggle please!!! I so enjoy his character and Layla as his love interest too.
Well I could go on and on. But my family really enjoys Arrow. And this 45 year old Mom, her 16 year old daughter and 18 year old son all are for Oliver and Felicity end game!!!
Pat
May 28, 2014 @ 1:57 am
I think Oliver needs to be alone next season and close whatever chapter he/they think he may have with “romantic” feelings left over with Laurel. No sleeping together just become friends. I would rather he is “with” Felicity from now on BUT Felicity needs to have a love interest who is on par with the hotness of Oliver and who likes her a lot. I need her to have other possible options and for it to be known and shown to her, Oliver and whomever that she can get a mature, hot, great guy to be interested in her.
Oliver had his love interests now it is Felicity time to stretch her wings a little but still keeping the trust, friendship,closeness and chemistry with Oliver.
Olicity can get together the end of S3.
Heidy
May 28, 2014 @ 1:20 am
Oliver & Felicity all the way :)
Nolicity
May 27, 2014 @ 10:13 pm
Wow. This article isn’t appealing to the nastiest side of the fandom at all. Thank you Oliciters for continuing to prove how nasty and vicious you are.
Daniel
May 27, 2014 @ 11:44 pm
Grow Up. focus on your fave instead of immature shipper war. No wonder nobody talk about your fave with you guys obsession with the other fandom favorite.
Andrea
May 28, 2014 @ 12:52 am
Hah! Let them talk about us/olicity, even negative attention is attention.
Robson
May 28, 2014 @ 9:43 am
Im all for Laurel and Oliver (they are my favorite).. but really this wasnt nice.. I thought it was all olicity shippers that were usually mean, but you prove a point one made to me… that there are some bad seeds on both sides….
msfms_rox
May 28, 2014 @ 2:18 pm
Wow. Sour-graping much? Instead of attacking Oliciters, why don’t you rally your ship-mates to go vote for whomever you want Oliver to have a relationship with in Season 3. As it is, it looks like this is hardly a poll.
anna
May 31, 2014 @ 4:25 am
The funny thing is, I know a whole bunch of Tumblr Olicity shippers who voted no one…because it says “who do you want Oliver with in S3” and they think it’s too soon for Olicity to be together in the next season. I suspect if the poll was “Who do you think should be Oliver’s endgame?” the numbers for Felicity would be even higher.
Jane
May 27, 2014 @ 9:41 pm
If they still want to make laurel to become black canary, than I hope she wont go back with oliver, black canary is supposed to be a superhero women can look up to, a great example.
what kind of example she will be if she go back with oliver after what he did to her, no self respect women come back to a guy who cheated on her with her sister not mention date her for a while, I’m not going to buy “because it’s true love” arc, that just some excuse people keep saying to other people when they’re in unhealthy relationship
let oliver be alone for a while, he’s not ready for a relationship
nin
May 27, 2014 @ 6:33 pm
I voted no one, but only because I don’t want to see Oliver and Felicity’s relationship rushed, I want a slow burn and an endgame with these two. I think more of Felicity needs to be established first, we don’t actually know a lot about her apart from the occasional snippet from one of her babbles.
Lexie
May 27, 2014 @ 6:28 pm
Felicity of course! But it’s just a question of when really.
Laurel – that really should stay dead. Something just didn’t click with their relationship. Not that much chemistry plus it wasn’t a good relationship. I know majority of the fandom hates Laurel but I like her, I think it’s just when she’s with Oliver that they bring out the worst in eachother. I didn’t like them together i found it boring. It’s like watching your parents fight. You just want it to stop. But when Laurel was with Tommy, that was so sweet.
Sara – they tried to rewrite history for some reason and make them meaningful, but the are both the A type personality with everything they went through. They weren’t bad in all honesty but it’s just not the best side of Oliver. Second half of the season Oliver was a bit inconsiderate. Although i still love him. But he was so rude to Laurel in her apartment complex.
Felicity – how do you begin to describe their relationship? It was spontaneous, Amell and Rickards have so much chemistry. The way Oliver is open with her, relies on and trusts her, the way they interact it’s like nothing Oliver has with the other ladies. It’s so organic and exciting. And Felicity Smoak is just one hell of an amazing woman. So I love the build up of Oliver and Felicity. So season 4 I totally see them on the horizon because through season 3 I think they’ll keep us holding our breath building up more and more until we all pass out.
Season 3 they will focus on them being individuals. And close through Team Arrow. Probably some secret pining (better be clear from Oliver’s side). But mid season building up to the finale is when it will get real! Or a least when Oliver will make the decision to act on it. He’s so emotionally damaged poor boy!
Lucy
May 28, 2014 @ 1:17 pm
I totally agree with you. Oliver needs to find himself, and he’s proven that he can’t do that while in a relationship. This season needs to be about Oliver finding himself and Felicity being loved by a hot guy. She needs some romance and a life away from Oliver. And I’d love to see some pining on Oliver’s part.
Laurel and Tommy were a good couple. I liked them together. Together they were better – and that’s the point of a good, healthy relationship. Better together. Oliver and Felicity have that. Oliver and Laurel do not; in fact, they make each other worse. As for Sara, I loved her in the beginning when she was tough, but I hated it when she became Oliver’s whiny girlfriend. I hope she and Oliver are never together again because they also make each other worse.
Frankly, I’d rather see Oliver with someone new than Laurel or Sara because I’ve seen enough of those relationships to last a lifetime already. I only want to see Oliver with Felicity when he’s matured enough to treat her well.
may
May 27, 2014 @ 5:46 pm
LoL no one is better than Laurel :P
OLICITY!!!!!
dacaxd
May 27, 2014 @ 5:46 pm
Felicity is his light, she makes him smile and she knows the real him. Olicity FTW!
Ashley R
May 27, 2014 @ 5:27 pm
Of course I would love Olicity to be cannon next year, but I think we are going to have to wait at least another year for that. It’s okay though because I’m okay with Oliver being single and getting his life back in order and Felicity dating someone who treats her really well. Of course this would lead to some awesome Olicity moments and them finally getting both their heads out of the asses and getting together. :) I just hope once they are together the writers can keep their banter and flirtation looks lasting until the end of the show, but also give us the relationship interaction we crave. It would be awesome if they were dating but not wanting to tell Diggle and Roy. Felicity would totally care about what Diggle would think…he’s basically her big brother.
As for Laurel and Sara…they are both great girls on their own, but need to know that romantic relationships with Oliver are toxic and not worth the family toll it creates. I personally don’t understand those ships at all! I want these ladies in health relationships that highlights their strengths and not their past mistakes. Laurel needs someone light and happy like Tommy and Nyssa shows Sara the unconditional love she needs. As a fan of these ladies, I really hopy they don’t have any more romantic tangles with Oliver. Friendships I’d understand, but don’t try to make the views think this is a good idea…it’s not.
Minuit Soleil
May 27, 2014 @ 4:27 pm
Not a huge shipper of any of the couples, but let’s face it, narratively speaking I believe either Felicity or Laurel would be the obvious choices (that is, if we’re talking about serious, long-term relationships because as I recall Oliver has had flings with almost every single recurring female character except his family and Felicity).
It’s unlikely to be someone new, because we’re already going into the third season, and given that there are likely to be 5 seasons in total (1 season for 1 year, and he spent 5 years on the island) that honestly gives us very little time to introduce yet another female character who can actually be a viable female lead for Oliver (keep in mind the fact that the female recurring/main cast already outnumber the males). I genuinely doubt the Arrow writers will be able or willing to take up the challenge of introducing a new character with the depth and chemistry to make things work with Oliver.
I personally believe that Sarah is, likewise, out of the question. Their relationship is one of quick comfort – they’ve gotten together twice in the show, and the first time was largely out of lust (on both of their parts) and a desire to escape the truth (Oliver being all in denial about him and Laurel) while the second time was largely due to the fact that they were both alone, suffering and afraid (remember they actually got together again while angsting over their respective families). So yes, while it’s clear they care deeply about each other, it’s not really romantic love in that sense, and as Sarah herself acknowledged, they simply aren’t good for each other. If anything, they live as a reminder to each other of the time they spent on the island and everything they went through – and frankly there is simply no way they can get over everything that happened on the island if they get together again.
It can also be argued that Laurel, like Sarah, is history – she was with Oliver before, and she should move on because that’s the best thing for both of them. Narratively-speaking however, this pairing could make sense – it was pretty clear from the last few eps of Season 2 that Laurel is probably being set up to be the next Black Canary (her acceptance of vigilantism, her “joining” the Arrow Club, Sarah giving her her black jacket). Given the hell Laurel has already been through (losing Tommy, being used by Sebastian, etc) this would essentially be a new start for her, and can also be used to give her and Oliver another chance (especially since Oliver seems deeply convinced that Laurel is the one woman he’s always loved more than anything else). For Oliver to not end up with Laurel, the writers would have to convince the audience that Oliver has, genuinely, gotten over Laurel and sees her as a friend – as it is, that line is still a little unclear even though Season 2 has already ended. One thing to note: I’m not trying to bash this ship but I honestly think Katie Cassidy and Stephen Amell have very little chemistry (as compared to Stephen Amell with the majority of the other female characters – I personally thought he even had more chemistry with the actress who played Isabel). Furthermore, given everything that happened with Tommy in Season 1, I’m not sure it would do wonders for Laurel’s character development to be thrown back with Oliver. After all, she moved on – she wanted to give Tommy a chance, she wanted to start over, so why would she return to Oliver now? Honestly I think a lot of viewers would feel pretty mad for Tommy if she just suddenly flipped a switch and went running for Oliver – seriously, she was perfect with Tommy. So if Laurel/Oliver were to work, I’d want the writers to give us a great reason for Laurel getting over Tommy and deciding that his best friend is the right choice for her.
Finally, Felicity. She’s the fan-favourite to be Oliver’s new love interest and this is likely largely due to the insane amount of chemistry Emily Bett Rickards has with Stephen Amell. Narratively-speaking this would also work, under certain conditions: Felicity would be a real new start for Oliver, as she’s not someone he was involved with before and she never knew him before the island. Not only that, this couple works due to a variety of reasons: the chemistry (it burns), the fact that they are genuinely good people who can actually make each other become better people and because she’s the only person who knew Oliver post-island and still dares to stand up to him. Felicity is the only female lead who comes without all the emotional baggage – with Sarah and Laurel, the two other most likely love interests, he spends more than half his time angsting and reminiscing about how he hurt them and everything he’s been through with them, hence with Felicity Oliver would truly be starting over anew. That, alone, ties in with the very introduction of Season 1 , where Oliver tells us that to save his city, he needs to be “someone else” – this can also be read as to be a hero, he needs to be that “someone else”, which suggests change and a new start, all things that a relationship with Felicity would grant him. Not only that, recall the fact that Felicity is the one woman he has never made a move on in the show (besides his family, and Digg’s love interests). That has to mean something. Besides, viewer-opinion does count for something, and Felicity is so greatly favoured that it’s not even funny.
And as for those who say Oliver will end up with no one – not bloody likely. He’s slept with almost every single recurring female lead, bar his family and Felicity, and honestly the only way Oliver will ever end up alone is if he actually goes out in a blaze of glory and dies.
So, the most logical answer? Felicity.
Carlybabes
May 27, 2014 @ 4:38 pm
You know, we do a lot of these polls. And I’m a Felicity fan who loves the long term potential of the Oliver & Felicity pairing, as long as the show continues to take their time with it, and allow the story to naturally unfold. But I’ve got say that I love the perspective you’ve given. You gave points on all sides of the spectrum and gave a rational argument for your conclusion. And I think that because we’ve done this so many times, as fans of a pairing, we often forget to rationally explain our views. So thank you. This was refreshing.
Lacey
May 27, 2014 @ 4:24 pm
I adore Oliver/Felicity. It’s impossible not to. Damn you Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards for being so deliciously perfect! But, I think end of s3 they should officially begin! There is so much more they have to work on during this season, they need to grow individually and together. So I say they have their first kiss end of s3. Oliver needs to initiate. (Be a man Oliver!!) Season 4 their relationship begins!! Oliver’s feelings for Felicity are just too beautiful, they are treading carefully and it’s working so well!
Robson
May 27, 2014 @ 10:17 am
I want to see a relationship with Laurel and Oliver this season, but I as much as I want them together, I want to see the characters friendship to grow more, since she has found out who he is. I think that them just bam together, isn’t good, but letting it grow over the season, and seeing really if Laurel is the woman he loves still… I like felicity, I think that was one of the best decisions this show has mad is having her in it, her one liners are the best and shes so quirky :-).. as much as I love her character, but IMO, and i really mean my opinion, no hate towards olicty.. but I like the relationship how it is, I think oliver loves her, but more like family.. maybe not… but, I don’t see that working out so well, I think it the broke up, than felicity probably would leave, and I dont want that… But anyways we will see :-)
mpretty
May 27, 2014 @ 5:43 pm
Am with you Robson that for watch a really bealiveable “the most he loves ” in the case of lauriver they need to be friends first..cos the audience cant see this right now.
The problem is that i couldnt see Laurel in the past as the most he loves nor even in the present time, yes they were hints and a rush hook up between them (Really dont.know why the writers did that),.and i cant tell u why, the reaons Minuait expose above are nailed in that point.
So I think Felicity is better for Oliver:)
Robson
May 28, 2014 @ 9:53 am
I concur, that Laurel and Oliver were rushed, I think you just see glimpses of Oliver and laurels relationship in flashback… the only time it looked really like he loved her was in the island and picture… and I didnt like the quick pretty much one night stand hook up… I want to see a relationship grow…. and Honestly this season I would Like to see Oliver relationship grow with Laurel and with Felicity not romantically this season for neither… because he has to get his company back first :-)… and I’d like to see a friendship form between Laurel and Felicity I think these two can be interesting together and friends… Lastly, as a “Lauliver” fan… I may be hated for this.. but the more I think about it… I’d rather two things 1. felicity and oliver go ahead and have their moment in season 4, and 2.) Someone to come in a sweep Felicity off her feet.. she deserves it…. but I think my dear “Lauliver” will be the end game.. but until they have a real “growing period” together, their releationship as endgame doesnt have a chance, so I cant wait to see what the writers do :-)
msfsm_rox
May 28, 2014 @ 2:16 pm
I don’t agree that Laurel / Oliver is end game.
Everything about Laurel and Oliver is told not shown (which kind of really bad storytelling). If they were really end game, wouldn’t the show’s writers take their time rebuilding their relationship?
It’s been kind of rammed down our throats as viewers that Oliver really, really, really loves Laurel. But what was shown to us? That he cheated on her WITH HER SISTER (that’s kind of a deal breaker for me)! And then he cheated on her with the mother of his child. The flashbacks could have shown us that Oliver really loved her but it didn’t. Why would an intelligent, strong, capable woman choose to be with a guy who got into a relationship with her sister and as soon as that sister is back in Starling City and then flaunts in Laurel’s face (right at around the time when she was really having a really tough time with the pills and alchohol and grieving for Tommy)? How is that respectful to Laurel as a character and as a woman? How is that end-game love?
Robson
May 28, 2014 @ 2:21 pm
hmm… I get your point.. and question.. should felicity be with oliver knowing, how he can say he loves someone and than cheat on them?
Carlybabes
May 29, 2014 @ 2:44 am
But that’s just it, not someone, just Laurel. It’s weird, but I feel like he did it/does it because she’ll accept it. And that makes them both look horrible.
Cassidy
May 29, 2014 @ 8:31 am
I understand where you’re coming from. I do want to discuss Oliver’s cheating. Firstly, sleeping with his girlfriend’s sister – so wrong, on too many levels, I did initially find it hard to ship them because of that. But Oliver was apologetic, a changed man and all that redemption stuff. But end of season 1 their hook up under unfortunate circumstances it felt like a betrayal against Tommy on both their parts which isn’t good. As two scenes before Oliver tells Tommy to fight for Laurel, and Laurel actually tells Tommy she loves him in his office. So again sketchy circumstances. But fast forward and it that’s when it became SOOO much worse. Then in 2×14 when Oliver slept with Sara again. I know it wasn’t cheating but it’s salt in the wounds. I didn’t even see it coming, I was like what a nice moment these two platonic friends are sha–*they kiss*– this got bad very fast! I thought he was apologetic for his past, and I was sorry but his actions betray him. Laurel’s sister just got back, Laurel was just in the hospital her life is turned upset down and Oliver KNOWS this yet he still sleeps with Sara. Another reason I can’t ever like Oliver/Laurel. Then we find out again through flashback he shared more moments with Sara on the island, they even kissed and discussed Laurel but not how sorry they were but Sara mentioned how Laurel knew she liked Oliver. Hmmm… odd. Then it keeps getting worse as we find out Oliver was cheating on Laurel with random people as well, then moping on her lap about it when he got someone pregnant. He is totally disrespectful of Laurel and their relationship is a disaster, it’s just not loving. He shouted at her when he was totally in the wrong. He actually didn’t see how wrong it was to get back with Sara, then come to Laurel’s house for dinner. I sometimes ask myself why the writers botched things up so bad with their relationship. And I personally did not like Oliver in the second half of the season. That’s why I really want to wait for Olicity to happen. It cannot be rushed. He needs to work for a woman like Felicity.
SO why should Felicity be with him knowing this you ask? Because with her he’s Oliver not Ollie. He’s the man, the hero he’s working at becoming with her. They are friends, partners they have started on totally different footing. She calls him out on his total bull and he knows she will not stand for it. In 2×06 when Felicity catches Oliver in a very Ollie moment, she is shocked and disappointed, and Oliver himself feels the weight of that. Then their conversation at the end, yet another weighty difference of how differently the Olicity/Olaurel relationships have been handled. And when he got open with her and said sorry after she returned from Central City, for getting angry at her it showed the difference. So Oliver needs to grow so much (that’s why I said he should be single). But he treats Felicity in a general sense with respect and a reverence. I just personally feel it would be entirely different.
But thanks for being totally civil about it. I love Arrow fans like that even if we ship different things we can just discuss it :)
Robson
May 29, 2014 @ 9:48 am
I like this answer :-)…. I like discussing why we like who with who, with out arguing and respecting each other opinion.. shoot, discussing it makes me see why people like version “shipping” so much…
I dont want to see him with anyone this season, I want to see him get his company back and grow more in who he is… I also want to see Laurel and Felicity become friends… I think that if written right that there could be a awesome dynamic there, because felicty hasnt had that female friend really on the show.. so I hope thats what happens this season.. and than season four let the shipping to oliver begin :-)….
anna
May 31, 2014 @ 4:23 am
You’re like the sweetest Lauriver shipper out there. So refreshing.
Robson
May 31, 2014 @ 10:51 am
thanks :-).. I just know everyone has a favorite..and fighting about it is ridiculous.. I like learning well why do you like these two together.. why you like/dislike this character… friendly discussions.. build friendships out here :-), and… kinda helps up see shows in diffrent lights some times.. gives it more depth
Ana
May 29, 2014 @ 10:30 pm
Just to pick up on one point. You just said you wish Laurel & Felicity could be friends & you think they could be. How? Why do you think that? I disagree because Laurel has always been condescending bordering on rude towards Felicity, she’s only just barely managed to remember her name in the finale (instead of calling her ‘your assistant’) whereas Felicity has always been polite to Laurel despite this. That is not the ground basis for a good friendship (any friendship in fact) BUT if they were both to evolve and somehow Laurel becomes friendly and likable (don’t strain your brain there) and Felicity was to learn to take less of Laurels nonsense then they would be in a better place to actually have a conversation.
Robson
May 30, 2014 @ 11:17 am
There really hasnt been ,any scenes with the two… and I really don’t have to strain my brain, its quite a simple answer… Felicity needs a loyal female friend and I think Laurel is loyal to those around her, they both will be working with each other, if laurel becomes the canary.. so I see this as a time for them to get to know each other, and bond and become friends. They both need a “female” friend in their lives just in my opinion… So yah I see where your coming from.. but I look at it as Oliver has talked about Laurel to Felicity so she knows who Laurel is, and Laurel honestly doesnt know who felicity is yet.. because felicity is team arrow, she doesnt really hang out with people besides diggle and oliver… So, I say lets see how the writers write this season and see if they become friends…
just saying
May 27, 2014 @ 10:11 am
i would definitely would love to see Felicity interact more with Barry Allen and how Oliver would react to it. Let’s see how the writers play that.
Shannon
May 27, 2014 @ 8:43 am
I would love for Oliver to be with Felicity next season. But i want it to be natural. They don’t have to rush anything at all. i’d like to see him kinda struggle more with what he said to her in the finale. Ya know kind of act weird around her. But before any of that. i would REALLY love it, if he got to know her OUTSIDE THE OFFICE!! I mean seriously, I want to know MORE about Felicity, what is she in to? What are her hobbies? What does the inside of her house look like? (so glad they showed she had a home finally) Why is she single? Did she have many dates before this? Why does she have bad luck with men? Who was her last ex? What are her parents names? ALL these questions need to be explored, before Oliver can even ask her out on a simple date. I mean i like that it took a ruse to get him to notice something inside him romantically for her, but i don’t want it to be all it is. I want to know Felicity individually, WITHOUT Oliver. We know so much about Diggle. i’m kinda wondering if Diggle hangs out with her on their nights off, that would be fun to see. A poker game, the gym, a movie, something! Bottom line..i want Oliver to talk to her more on a personal level..but about HER, and god i can’t wait til they interact more b/c i want to see Oliver smile more..a big Kool-Aid smile! And I want Felicity to open up more about her likes/dislikes, what makes her her, w/o it being only when she’s expressing herself to Oliver or Diggle in a doom and gloom situation….I’m talking to you..TPTB!!!
Ok rant over. But yeah Olicity FTW! lmao
Carlybabes
May 27, 2014 @ 4:03 pm
All of THIS! I just need the show to continue telling a refreshing story that I can believe in and invest in. And the love story of Oliver & Felicity has been one of the most beautifully written aspects of the show. The only other relationship that may have been written better, is the Team Arrow dynamic. I look forward to seeing their story unfold in Season 3.
Shannon
May 28, 2014 @ 1:21 am
Thank you. And i agree Wholeheartedly!! Their story is written out beautifully, and i think Team Arrow is THE best written out of the whole series.
Ashley R
May 27, 2014 @ 5:29 pm
More Felicity is always a good idea!! And even though I love the girl we see every week, a deeper look into her past would be great! I want to see why she doesn’t like mysteries and why she got into computers and what she’s like away from ‘work’.
Shannon
May 28, 2014 @ 1:18 am
Exactly!