Arrow: Five Predictions For Season Three's Finale

As Arrow comes to another climactic season finale, massive shake-ups are in store for Oliver Queen and the rest of Starling City. In fact, actor Stephen Amell even teased that after the episode's credits roll, fans will feel like they just watched an entire series finale. But what could lead to such drastic changes for Arrow and his band of heroes? Below, we predict the events with the best shots at redefining Arrow's world.

1. Thea Queen Becomes Speedy

During this season's penultimate episode, "This Is Your Sword," Roy Harper bestows his red "Arsenal" jacket to Oliver Queen's sister, Thea. By accepting the suit from Roy, Thea seems to have completed her long-awaited ascension to the world of superheroes. The series has lain several seeds for this transformation, beginning with the nickname "Speedy," progressing with Malcolm Merlyn's martial arts training, and capping with flirtation with the supernatural with Ra's Al Ghul's Lazarus Pit. With all the pieces in place, Thea seems poised to become Arrow's original sidekick, Speedy.

2. Captain Lance Reconciles With Laurel and Oliver

Captain Lance is hating pretty hard on Team Arrow these days,but don't expect it to last after the finale. While Lance is understandably upset with Laurel for keeping Sara's death a secret, and enraged with Oliver for his actions as the Arrow, it's likely that he'll come around once the team stops Ra's Al Ghul from unleashing the Omega Virus. Saving an entire city from biological destruction usually cleans the slate in most people's books, right? And since Amell said this episode will feel like a series finale, that means the story will have to resolve its major plot points before bowing out. Lance is a stubborn guy for sure, but it's hard to believe that he wouldn't make nice before the summer break kicks in.

3. Oliver and Felicity Truly Become Olicity

They had a one-night stand earlier this season, but Oliver and Felicity seem destined for more than just a hook-up. By killing Sara Lance and putting Ray Palmer in the "Friend Zone," it seems like Arrow has taken great pains to clear the board for an official relationship between Arrow's favorite hashtag. While Oliver told Felicity earlier this season that he couldn't be with her as long as he was the Arrow, preview footage hints that may no longer be an issue. As a trailer clip showed, Oliver boldly announced "My name is Oliver Queen." To us, that sounds like a proclamation that Oliver is ready find a greater balance in life by embracing his alter-ego as tightly as his superhero persona. And with a better balance on life, Oliver could easily fit Felicity within it. Of course, this comes with the assumption that Oliver can annul his marriage to Nyssa al Ghul. But since it was Al Sah-Him, and not Oliver Queen, who tied the knot, hopefully Oliver can get off the hook. 

4. Damien Darhk and H.I.V.E. Established As The Season Four's Villains

Arrow's hinted at the treacherous DC Comics organization all season, but bet on a formal tease for H.I.V.E. and its leader, Damien Darhk tonight. Ra's Al Ghul has already referenced former League of Assassins member Darhk not only as the leader of a "hive of followers," but also as the man who tried buying Malcolm Merlyn's earthquake machine. As for that "Hive" of followers, Ra's is most likely referencing H.I.V.E., a group with roots already planted deep within Arrow's universe. As most will remember, they're the ones who hired Deadshot to kill Diggle's brother. With all the foundations set, and no other major villain hinted at, Darhk and his minions will most likely take the baton from Ra's and the League.

5. Arrow Becomes Green Arrow

Arrow's gone down a pretty dark path this season. And while all the misdeeds seem to serve a greater purpose in Starling City's salvation, there's no denying that Oliver Queen has some serious damage control ahead of him. In order to earn the trust of his friends, family, and city back, Oliver will have to prove he's a superhero in a pretty dramatic fashion. We can't think of a quicker way for him to correct course than by assuming the friendlier, more heroic mantle of Green Arrow. As Green Arrow, Oliver would complete his transformation from vigilante to fully-fledged superhero. Plus, Arrow's sister series, the Flash, already confirmed that Oliver will evolve into Green Arrow, merely making it a matter of "when." Tonight's finale seems like perfect moment to make that step, especially as DC's TV universe expands with Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl. Now, would it be too much to ask for the goatee as well?

But what say you, readers? Do you think any of these predictions will come true? How do you think Arrow will end? Sound off in the comments.