Starling City won’t ever be the same after Malcolm Merlyn’s bomb exploded in the Glades. That event caused everlasting changes for the city’s residents. When Arrow returns for season 2, there will be a time jump from that tragic night and Oliver will have a new mission.

‘Arrow’ Interview: Stephen Amell on Oliver’s Journey in Season 2>>>

The Arrow season 2 key art reflects the new series regulars for the upcoming season. Oliver will continue to have both Diggle (David Ramsey) and Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) to watch his back and support him in his new mission.

Both Roy Harper (Colton Haynes) and Thea (Willa Holland) made it out of the Glades alive. The destruction certainly will heighten Roy’s resolve. Will Roy continue in his quest to uncover the Hood’s true identity or take matters into his own hands?

Manu Bennett was also made a series regular. In season 1, Slade interacted with Oliver during his days on the island. With his new upped role, does that mean that Slade Wilson could have made it off the island and will show up in Starling City? We can only hope! 

And, Katie Cassidy will be back as Laurel Lance. With Tommy’s dying proclamation of love, her heart broke. Will Oliver be able to heal it? It seems more likely that Laurel would push him away. She will also have a brand new job to keep her busy.

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For more on Arrow season 2, check out the new preview video released by the CW.

Highlights from the preview:

  • “I came back to save the city. I failed. We all lost something in this fight.” – Oliver
  • Diggle, “My brother.” Felicity, “My innocence.” Roy, ” My home.” Laurel, “My heart.” Oliver, “My best friend.”
  • “We lost the battle, but we will win the war. What doesn’t kill me only makes me sharper.” – Oliver
  • Starling City has an epidemic of copycat “Hoods” running around and they don’t have Oliver’s restraint.
  • Fights! Explosions! Even Laurel gets a punch in!
  • Love on the island for Oliver?
  • “You’ve changed.” – China White
    “I’m trying another way.” – Oliver

‘Arrow’ Season 2: A New Name, A New Hood and the Black Canary>>>

Arrow season 2 premieres on Wednesday, October 9 at 8 pm ET on the CW.

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(Image and video courtesy of The CW.)

Carla Day

Contributing Writer, BuddyTV

Contributing Editor and Writer for Collider, BuddyTV, TV Fanatic, CliqueClack, and other publications. TV criticism, reviews, interviews with actors and producers, and other related content. Founder of TV Diehard.