When Season 4 opens, "The city has declined drastically despite the best efforts of Dig, Speedy and Black Canary," executive producer Wendy Mericle previews. "And with the arrival of Damien Darhk (Justified's Neal McDonough) on the scene, it's obviously big stakes." Hence, Oliver and Felicity's return though not everyone is welcoming back the archer with open arms. Dig is still "frosty" toward his "brother," Mericle says, while Quentin still is not thrilled with the masked vigilantes yet has come to see them "as a necessary evil." Speaking of the Lance clan, Constantine (guest star Matt Ryan) will be "key" in resurrecting Sara, whose presence will be met by "very different reactions" from her family. As for Thea, her secret identity and new love interest (Suburgatory's Parker Young) will force her to tackle a challenge Oliver is all too familiar with: "She's now a superhero, and she wants to have a normal life," Mericle notes. "How does she balance both of those things?"
BONUS SPOILER!: Mericle shared this cryptic tease after we mentioned a popular fan theory about Oliver running for Mayor: "He will definitely be coming more to the fore as Oliver Queen and balancing that with his new role as the Green Arrow. He'll be bringing some light to the city. I can't say exactly how, but that's his goal."
