Arrow had with its first two seasons redefined what it means to be a superhero television series, bringing to life a character which many people in the mainstream would really never have thought twice about, unless a diehard DC comic books fan.
Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) is a man whose life has been anything but boring for the seven or eight years. Turning from a billionaire playboy with an attitude problem into a man who wants to do what's best for his city, and those around him, we head into season two with a little more information than we'd ever expected - Oliver didn't spend five whole years on an island, but instead escaped to Hong Kong where many twists and turns lay out a tricky path.
In the present day however, he's still bringing justice to criminals in Starling City, with the official authorities a little more leniant following his takedown of Slade Wilson AKA Deathstroke (Manu Bennett), who planned on bringing the city to its knees and causing ultimate chaos and destruction. It's not all smiles for our hero and his team however, with a huge blow occurring at the end of the first episode which sets necessary transformations into action.
The League of Assassins play a huge part throughout this third season, headed up by Ra's al Ghul (Matt Nable) who doesn't take kindly to those who disobey his orders. Taking a shine to Oliver, the vigilante is given a series of lifechanging choices which lead to the series being turned completely on its head. This is at its core the same Arrow, but with a very different tone and pace to the 40+ episodes we've seen before it.
Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh) is also introduced this series, with his quirky charm and sense of humour becoming a perfect match for the already brilliant Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards). Their moments are much-needed in a season that is heavily dark from the outset, with the pair bringing light relief whilst the viewer goes on a compelling psychological journey with a group of characters they're grown to love.
Character development for Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy) and Thea Queen (Willa Holland) is instantly apparent, with the former becoming more likeable with each episode and the latter given an integral storyline which embeds itself around the threads of everything else we see. This third season at its heart is about the struggles that come with working in such a close-knit and loving team, and the results are not always what anybody would hope for.
Not much more can be said about the season without giving too much away. There's a lot to love and some moments you wish wouldn't have made the cut. The mysticism levels are increased tenfold and happiness is fleeting - it's a change that had to be made to take The Arrow to the next level in his own personal evolution, but one that not everybody will be happy with. Still, it's essential viewing, and the perfect set-up for season four.
Arrow: The Complete Third Season is available on Blu-ray and DVD from today (September 28).