17 Times Slade Wilson from Arrow proved himself as the best villain of the series

Slade Wilson is Arrow's most perilous opponent because he destroyed Oliver Queen's existence beyond measure than any other adversary ever managed to do. Through his astonishing forceful battles and tactical manipulative tactics, Slade consistently showed Oliver why he stood as his ultimate rival. Whether through betrayal, manipulation, or destruction, his vendetta left a lasting impact. Here are 17 moments that paved Slade as Arrow’s best villain.

Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

17. Slade's First Flashback Appearance

Slade Wilson appears for the first time in Arrow (S1E13) to introduce himself as both the brutal and highly proficient instructor of Oliver Queen. Oliver meets Slade, a seasoned soldier who teaches him survival and combat skills, while stranded on Lian Yu. Oliver learned all necessary warrior skills from Slade's training before his Season 2 turn into the series' most dangerous antagonist. Slade ensures Oliver that he fulfills every vow he makes through his words: "I keep my promises, kid."

16. Training Oliver on Lian Yu

Slade Wilson pushes Oliver past his breaking point when he trains him on Lian Yu in Arrow (S1E14). By teaching him self-control, fighting techniques, and survival skills, he turns Oliver from a wealthy castaway into a fighter. However, later on, this mentoring heightens the tragedy and effect of Slade's treachery. "You're not a hero yet, kid," he says, hinting at his potential to become Oliver's most formidable foe. Slade establishes their unavoidable conflict by molding Oliver's skills, establishing himself as the most ruthless and intimate antagonist in the series.

15. Surviving the Island and Mirakuru Injection

The Mirakuru serum turns Slade Wilson into Oliver Queen's most dangerous enemy after he survives the horrors of Lian Yu in Arrow (S2E14). Slade Wilson showed loyalty to Oliver until the day his partner Shado died because Oliver chose to let her pass away. From that point forward, Slade began seeking revenge against Oliver. His survival drives his rage towards becoming more powerful and vicious. Slade demonstrates his position as Oliver Queen's greatest adversary through the island's survivor tests and eventually becomes a malevolent force driven by the pain he endured.

14. Slade's Return to Starling City

Slade Wilson's terrifying return to Starling City in Arrow (S2E15) signals the start of his brilliant retaliation. Slade, who is no longer the mentor Oliver knew, shows how far he can infiltrate Oliver's life when he shows up at his house and politely introduces himself to Moira and Thea. He is terrifying because of his psychological warfare and controlled menace. Later, he declares to Oliver, "I'm going to take away everything you love," establishing himself as the most ruthless and intimate antagonist in the series.

13. Manipulating Isabel Rochev

Slade Wilson reveals through the episode Arrow (S2E18) that Isabel Rochev works with him to achieve control of Queen Consolidated. Slade plans Oliver's personal and professional demise by turning her aspirations against her. His skill as a strategist is demonstrated by his capacity to transform allies into adversaries. He establishes his unrelenting quest for vengeance when he icily threatens Oliver, "You are going to know what it's like to lose everything."

12. Slade Killing Moira Queen

During Arrow (S2E20), Slade conducted a surreal performance which forced Oliver to pick between saving Moira and saving his sister Thea. Slade reveals his savage nature when he wounds Moira with his sword after she sacrifices herself for his capture. His dreadful sense of honor is demonstrated by his chilling statement, "Your mother was a warrior," before dealing the fatal blow. Oliver is devastated by this vicious deed, which establishes Slade as Arrow's most ruthless antagonist and demonstrates his skill in psychological warfare.

11. Slade Kidnaps Thea Queen

In Arrow S2E21, Slade kidnaps Thea specifically because this action strikes at the core vulnerabilities of Oliver Queen. Slade damages Thea's trust in Oliver after revealing that Malcolm Merlyn represents her biological father. His ability to use genuine information as a weapon and his emotional manipulation skill make him deadlier than any enemy in all corners. The malicious activities differ from other villains because he avoids physical confrontation while simultaneously breaking down relationships. Through his long-standing attacks against Oliver's family, Slade stands as Arrow's most dangerous foe because he proves he possesses both fighting expertise and psychological control abilities.

10. Leading the Mirakuru Army

When Slade unleashes his Mirakuru-enhanced army on Starling City in Arrow (S2E22), the streets become a battlefield. He rises above all existing villains because instead of merely endangering the city, he establishes total control over it. At the end of his scheme, Slade reveals his superhuman army that wreaks destruction across the city to establish his command of military tactics. Slade fights his rival to break him down instead of relying on brute strength. Through this extensive mayhem, Slade has proven himself as Arrow's most dangerous rival in planning and deception.

9. Slade vs. Oliver in the Final Battle

During Arrow (S2E23), Oliver fights a bittersweet duel with Slade that mirrors their former standoff on Lian Yu. Slade possesses a greater fighting strength after treatment, yet Oliver defeats him through the Mirakuru cure injection. Instead of killing his old rival, Oliver shows compassion instead of vengeance, showcasing how he has evolved. Through his foreboding words, "You think this ends here?" Slade reveals his survival while becoming Arrow's most dangerous villain, who leaves behind a permanent threat.

8. Imprisoned in A.R.G.U.S. but Not Defeated

Slade persistently watches over Oliver from his A.R.G.U.S. prison cell at Lian Yu, although he is confined there. From his prison cell, Slade sends a clear message to Oliver through his taunts about how he remains free from strings, which shows his menacing character even in confinement. Through his insightful mind and controlled composure, Slade functions as a malicious force who doesn't need to escape prison to torment Oliver. Through his prison break, Slade establishes his status as Arrow's most powerful villain, making him the deadliest enemy to date.

7. Slade’s Psychological Warfare against Oliver

Slade escalates his emotional torment against Oliver throughout Arrow (S2E19) so that Oliver becomes helpless in every interaction. Slade endures his psychological warfare sequence that leads Oliver to emotional distress before attacking him physically. His systematic abuse proves his intelligence lies beyond fighting capabilities because he is a strategic genius. Slade insists to Oliver - "I am fulfilling my promise," revealing his vengeance operates through a well-planned strategy. The torment he inflicts on the mind elevates Slade to become Arrow's worst and most persistent antagonist.

6. Revealing Himself as the Mastermind

In Arrow (S2E15), Slade shocks Oliver when presenting himself alive in Starling City to reveal himself as Oliver's source of distress. When Slade emerges from supposed death, the entire plot shifts, taking the audience through the plan he has executed at a distance. Slade's calm behavior during his handshake with Moira makes him deadlier than all physical attacks because he remains composed in Oliver's house. He is unquestionably Arrow's best and most individualized enemy because of his cunning, endurance, and sheer boldness.

5. Slade tells Laurel who Oliver Queen is

Slade Wilson heightens his psychological attack in Arrow (S2E18) when he unmasked Oliver Queen as the vigilante known as the Arrow to Laurel Lance. This move is not just about exposing Oliver—it is about destabilizing his relationships and eroding trust. By using knowledge as a weapon, Slade proves he can destroy Oliver without lifting a finger. His manipulation of Laurel shows his ability to attack from multiple angles, reinforcing why he remains Arrow’s most calculated and personal villain.

4. Slade’s Mirakuru-Induced Betrayal

Once Oliver's devoted mentor, Slade, gives in to the Mirakuru's insanity in Arrow (S2E23), thinking Oliver picked Sara over Shado. His revenge is extremely personal because of his tragic transition from ally to enemy. His reputation as the show's ultimate villain is cemented the instant he betrays Oliver by promising to take everything from him. He starts his unrelenting campaign against his old friend with the terrifying question, "You think I won't hurt you?"

3. Forcing Oliver to Choose Between Moira and Thea

Slade demands the ultimate retribution on Lian Yu in Arrow (S2E20) by re-enacting Oliver's anguish. It is the height of psychological cruelty to force him to choose between his mother and sister, just as Oliver had to choose between Shado and Sara. The tragedy is further made worse by Moira's self-sacrifice, and Slade icily voices Oliver, "Now you know how I felt." This deliberate brutality demonstrates that Slade is more than just a bad person and an embodiment of Oliver's darkest nightmare.

2. Slade's Unexpected Return in Season 5

Slade makes a surprising reappearance in Arrow (S5), but this time he is not an enemy. Oliver, in need of allies, turns to his old adversary. Slade's continued unpredictability despite their past demonstrates that his intentions go beyond simple retaliation. He serves as a reminder to Oliver and the audience that real villains never truly go away. He is the most interesting and durable nemesis in the series because of his complex personality and capacity to switch between ally and enemy.

1. Slade’s Iconic "One-Eyed Assassin" Persona

Wearing his trademark eyepatch and armor, Slade truly embraces his persona as Deathstroke in Arrow (S2E12). He transforms from a mentor or soldier into an assassin who will always haunt Oliver. His transition from sorrowful friend to ruthless monster is a terrifying one. His statement, “I will make you suffer,” strengthens his legend. Slade Wilson is among the greatest villains in television history, not just the best in Arrow.