10 Best Slade Wilson Moments from Arrow

Deathstroke is by far the most memorable of Arrow's antagonists, having altered Oliver Queen's life trajectory irrevocably. Some of the most dramatic moments in the show are created by Slade's transformation from a dependable friend to a ruthless foe who is filled with betrayal and retaliation. The stakes were always higher when Deathstroke appeared because he was either planning an attack on Thea Queen, leading the Mirakuru army, or emotionally attacking his enemies while controlling Oliver Queen.

Slade presented more than the physical danger to Oliver because he inflicted psychological torment that surpassed what any other villain had done. Slade proved his place as one of the most influential characters in the Arrowverse by showing his brutal tactical abilities and multi-dimensional tragic weaknesses over an extended multiple-season period. Slade Wilson delivered so many intense dramatic moments to the show through his revealing secret about Brother Blood and his climactic battle with Oliver that made the Arrow legacy unforgettable.

Here is the list of the 10 best Slade Wilson moments from Arrow.

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

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10. Influencing Thea Queen (Season 2, Episode 19)

In The Man Under the Hood episode, when Diggle, Canary, Felicity, and Oliver return to the lair after Slade strikes them at home, they discover that Slade is waiting for them. Oliver is about to reach Thea when she reaches her breaking point, but Slade steps in and gives Oliver a decision to make.

Slade performs an act of manipulation to control Thea Queen through his vendetta against Oliver Queen. He uses her emotional vulnerabilities to his advantage because she decoded her father Malcolm Merlyn's parentage not long ago. Slade aims to push Oliver to anguish by damaging the people close to him.

9. Fighting besides Mirakuru Soldiers (Season 2, Episode 21)

In the City of Blood episode, Starling City comes under drastic threat when Slade Wilson guides his troops of Mirakuru-enhanced soldiers through the city. Warfare consumes the city's center, making formerly active zones into dangerous combat areas void of organization. As the leader of an army, Slade brings precise and fierce direction to his fighting forces. The leader says,

"We'll leave this city on the dark."

The Mirakuru soldiers advance through the streets due to their superhuman power while destroying everything around them, thus spreading panic across the city. The leader reveals his strategic leadership abilities by staging the attack through lethal connections between strength and intellectual ability. Slade shows off his fighting skills during the confusion by eliminating everyone who gets in his way.

8. Deathstroke Returns (Season 6, Episode 5)

In a scene from "Deathstroke Returns," Slade Wilson calls Oliver to ask for assistance in finding his kidnapped son Joe. According to the storyline, Joe was taken prisoner by mercenaries. This scene is important to fans of the Arrow television series because it demonstrates the complex relationship between Oliver and Slade through their hostile but unwelcome collaboration.

In contrast to his harsh demeanor, Slade's desperate attempt to save his son reveals a rare human side. The arrival of Vigilante in Star City introduces new complications that create more suspense throughout the storyline. The episode blends superhero elements with character interests to produce a touching and memorable experience that is unique in the series.

7. Island Escape (Season 5, Episode 23)

In Lian Yu's episode, Arrow fans watched a memorable scene when Oliver departed from A.R.G.U.S. Island Supermax with Slade Wilson. Slade returns in this scene after breaking free from Mirakuru, yet Oliver demonstrates confidence in him even though their history has been troubled. A reaction from Slade shows his emotional side as he utters,

"You and me, kid. Like old times"

upon receiving the jump drive from Oliver. Their joint words create an emotional aspect to their meeting after a long absence. The connection between Oliver Queen and Slade Wilson extends deep due to their shared past and mutual admiration. Together, Nyssa al Ghul, Malcolm Merlyn, and Digger Harkness create a unique but tense alliance. The RPG military bombardment, which suddenly stops their quarrel, makes this instance one of the highlights throughout the entire series.

6. The Return of Slade Wilson (Season 3, Episode 14)

The arrival of Slade Wilson during "The Return" episode created a major highlight for viewers who watched the show because it reflected the fiery hatred between him and Oliver Queen. In addition to reintroducing the perilous adversary, this episode examined the evolving relationship between Oliver Queen and his sister Thea. Emotional flashbacks that provided crucial details about the characters' growth since their backstory were a useful way to connect the show's current plot.

Although the entire episode had all the necessary components to make a series engaging, such as Slade's return home, the developing sibling relationships, and the intricate backstory, its distribution was subpar, making for a disappointing viewing experience. According to Entertainment Weekly, the story should have delivered better results, but everything stayed simple because too many distracting flashbacks dominated the main storyline. Slade's unexpected return dominates this scene because it reveals the complex characters and extensive history of the show.

5. Slade’s Reckoning Moment (Season 8, Episode 10)

A flashback to Season 2 revisits Slade Wilson's crucial moment in the Fadeout episode, when he first murdered Moira Queen, Oliver's mother. After altering the past, Oliver sets himself free and prevents Slade from committing the crime in this scene that has been recreated. Apart from saving Moira, this momentous change shows Oliver's growth and determination to atone for past tragedies.

This scene's inclusion highlights the major influence Oliver and Slade's rivalry had on Oliver's path and acts as a moving reminder of their fierce competition. Fans find closure in this altered incident, which also emphasizes Slade Wilson's continued significance in the Arrow narrative.

4. The Ultimate Fight: Oliver vs Slade (Season 2, Episode 23)

In the Unthinkable episode, Slade fights an enthusiastic battle against his opponent. The altercation symbolizes the height of their long-standing rivalry, which began when they were betrayed and suffered a loss. Oliver defeats Slade with the injection after the cure for Mirakuru causes him to lose his superhuman strength. During the fight, Slade says,

"The end is near, but maybe I'll be merciful enough to let you live and see your city burn!"

The scene stands out because it reveals Slade's intricate character roots in revenge and his pain. During their intense confrontation, both heroes must face past experiences and understand the tragic ramifications of their previous deeds. Slade's terrible past and profound inner traits elevate this battle scene to a crucial point in the entire series.

3. Confrontation with Oliver (Season 2, Episode 15)

In the Promise episode, Slade Wilson undergoes his most significant transformation into a villain. The episode skillfully connects present-day events with Slade's historical development and depicts his profound hatred toward Oliver Queen. Slade takes over the Amazo freighter during the island flashbacks because he was influenced by the Mirakuru serum and thought Oliver preferred Sara over Shado. During the scene, Slade says to Sara,

"You are the girl who came back from the dead."

Slade demonstrates his ruthlessness in three acts: he destroys the captain's skull with a blow to the head, then Dr. Ivo loses his hand, and he ends by promising to make Oliver suffer genuinely before killing him. The Queen family becomes more tense when Slade arrives at the Queen's mansion because he uses delicate threats against Oliver's relatives alongside a polite demeanor. Slade becomes the show's main threat by establishing his dual character traits of reassuring charm and undeniable threat in this episode.

2. Slade's Reveal (Season 2, Episode 9)

In the Three Ghosts episode, the discovery that Slade Wilson functions as the true culprit responsible for the Brother Blood role marks a crucial turning point in the plot. During their intense meeting, Slade shows Oliver Queen his deep hatred resulting from their shared history on the island.

Through his deliberate manipulation and deep hatred of Oliver, the audience finally understands the full extent of his evil capabilities. In addition to revealing a vital secret, this dramatic revelation forges enduring memories by igniting a dramatic conflict between Oliver Queen's former ally and his greatest mortal enemy.

1. Slade Killing Moira (Season 2, Episode 20)

In the Seeing Red episode, Slade Wilson's killing of Moira Queen is a harrowing and unforgettable moment. In this scene, Slade kidnaps Moira, Oliver, and Thea, forcing Oliver to choose between saving his mother or his sister. When Oliver refuses to make a choice, Slade coldly stabs Moira in front of her children, showcasing his ruthlessness and twisted sense of justice. Slade says to injured Oliver during the scene,

"I was dead the last time; you have this choice... I have to wonder how you look"

This moment is memorable because it highlights the tragic consequences of Oliver's past decisions and the extent of Slade's vendetta. Moira's death is a pivotal event that deeply impacts the Queen family and drives Oliver further into his role as the Arrow, intensifying the conflict between him and Slade.

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Slade Wilson's story in Arrow served as both a villainous storyline and an intense life ordeal that created the destiny that Oliver Queen would follow. His wicked act of killing Moira Queen established beyond doubt his position as both a warrior and a genius in emotional destruction. His destructive path was finally offset by his redemption in later parts of the show. It revealed the true depth of his character.

Slade stole the show in every scene because he fought with Oliver Queen and against him, and he never failed to captivate viewers during his appearances in the series. Arrow demonstrates an unshakable influence from Slade Wilson because many fans consider his conflict with Oliver to be among the most dramatic in the Arrowverse. Throughout the series, marathon fans have learned Slade Wilson remains a fearsome, complex antagonist for Oliver, who created a lasting legend that continues beyond the show finale.