Arrow has seen some pretty massive changes in its past season, and with Season 7 on the way, Stephen Amell wants the writers to give it everything they've got. The Oliver Queen actor recently stated he hopes the writers leave nothing on the table in terms of ideas for Season 7 because there's always the chance the show may not be back for Season 8:
We have a new showrunner this year, Beth Schwartz, who's been with the show since season one. [The writers] have a very clear vision of what they want Season 7 to be, and what I asked them to do -- and it's not up to me -- but what I asked of them is to not just assume that we have an eighth season. I wanted them to write like, 'If you have a good idea, and you have something you've always wanted to do or see on the show, then just do it! Do it right now!' I think that's one of the things I'm getting out of what they've planned for Season 7 -- we're not writing like we're guaranteed something beyond this, because we're not; nobody is. I want them to really push forward and take the fact we have a certain license and a certain respect from the fans to take some chances.
Stephen Amell seemed to indicate the writers are rolling with his encouragement and mindset for Season 7 of Arrow, and have kept any thoughts of Season 8 out of sight and out of mind. Amell's encouragement, at first, may sound alarming to Arrow fans, who think the actor may be hinting at something he knows that everyone else does not. Amell doesn't appear to have any inside information, beyond the fact that struggling shows lose viewers and Arrow losing a large chunk of its audience in Season 7 could very well ensure The CW doesn't renew the series for Season 8.
Stephen Amell also told TheMusic that his mindset is inspired by making sure Arrow is moving the needle and keeping its loyal fans engaged. Writers who are working with the thought that Season 8 is happening regardless are at risk of becoming complacent, which can result is a boring show. Amell said keeping the fans entertained and rewarding them with the things they want are obvious ways to keep them engaged, although he's just as fine with pissing them off. Amell said either route the writers go make no difference to him, provided fans aren't becoming indifferent with the show's direction.
Arrow Season 7 certainly doesn't appear as though it will bore fans, as the show has already teased some pretty big things happening in its upcoming season. In addition to fan-favorite Colton Haynes returning to the show as a series regular, the Arrow-verse will finally introduce Gotham and Batwoman into the mix. Stephen Amell added that Kate Kane isn't the only iconic character the show has up its sleeve, either, and hinted Season 7 could reveal even more characters that have been iconic to DC lore for a long time. Does this mean Arrow Season 7 will finally introduce Ted Kord after years of similar teases? Who knows, but Amell is doing his part in keeping fans hype for the series with his vague hints.
Arrow returns to The CW for Season 7 Mondays at 9:00 p.m. this fall. For a look at some other upcoming superhero shows set to premiere, visit our superhero premiere guide. Those just wanting to check out some great television premiering this summer will find what they need with our summer premiere guide.
