Did Oliver Queen Sleep with Shado? Exploring Their Complicated Relationship
Yes, Oliver Queen did sleep with Shado. Their relationship on the island was an intense and intimate one, despite the circumstances and the knowledge that it might not survive their potential rescue. This pivotal romance significantly shaped Oliver’s character and his journey throughout the Arrow series.
The Island Romance: A Deep Dive into Oliver and Shado’s Relationship
The Genesis of Their Bond
Oliver and Shado’s connection began shortly after they met on Lian Yu. Shado, daughter of Yao Fei Gulong, was initially Oliver’s mentor in combat and survival. However, their interactions quickly evolved beyond training, sparking a romantic interest that was undeniable. Despite Oliver’s feelings for Laurel back home and Shado’s complex past, their isolation on the island fostered an intense bond. They found solace and connection in each other amidst the chaos of their surroundings.
Intimacy and the Shadow of Uncertainty
The article excerpt clearly states that Shado developed an attraction to Oliver almost immediately. Despite knowing that Oliver was in love with another woman (Laurel Lance), she and Oliver had an intimate relationship. This relationship was marked by a palpable understanding that it might be fleeting, dependent on whether they escaped the island. The inherent danger of their situation only served to intensify their connection.
Complications and the Love Triangle
Their romance was never simple. The presence of Sara Lance, also on the island with Oliver, further complicated matters. Oliver had already been involved with Sara before the shipwreck, betraying Laurel in the process. This pre-existing entanglement underscored the emotional turmoil that Oliver navigated throughout his island experience. And as if that were not enough, Slade Wilson also harbored deep feelings for Shado, adding to the complex dynamic. This created a highly emotionally charged love triangle on the island.
Shado’s Tragic Fate and its Impact
Ultimately, Shado’s relationship with Oliver is tragically cut short. Shado is killed by Anthony Ivo, a pivotal event that haunts Oliver for years. This devastating loss profoundly impacts Oliver, shaping his worldview, his sense of responsibility, and his motivation to become the Green Arrow. Her death becomes a defining element of his trauma and the driving force behind his quest for redemption.
The Enduring Legacy of Their Romance
Although their relationship was short-lived, the romance between Oliver and Shado is arguably one of the most impactful in the Arrow series. It was the catalyst for much of Oliver’s personal growth and played a crucial role in the series’ overall narrative. Her influence can be seen in Oliver’s actions and decisions long after her death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many women did Oliver Queen sleep with throughout the series?
Oliver had relationships with at least nine women on-screen, including Laurel, Sara, Samantha, Isabel, Felicity, Susan, McKenna, Helena, and Shado. He was also portrayed as a playboy prior to the Gambit sinking, implying numerous off-screen encounters.
2. Did Oliver ever choose between Shado and Sara?
The series makes it clear that Oliver never actually chose between Shado and Sara. The tragic circumstances of Shado’s death were forced upon Oliver by Ivo, who made him believe he had to pick between the two. Oliver’s attempt to protect Sara resulted in Shado’s death.
3. Does Shado have a child in the Arrowverse?
Yes, in a later development of the show, Shado is revealed to be a former lover of Oliver’s father, not Oliver himself. This reimagining introduces us to Shado’s daughter, Emiko, who is also Oliver’s half-sister.
4. Did Oliver sleep with Nyssa al Ghul?
There is no indication that Oliver ever had a romantic or sexual relationship with Nyssa al Ghul. Their connection is primarily based on their alliance, and Nyssa was forced into marriage by her father, Ra’s al Ghul, but she does not see their forced marriage as a true bond.
5. Who did Oliver Queen get pregnant in the Arrowverse?
Oliver got Samantha Clayton pregnant. They had a son, William Clayton. Moira Queen paid Samantha to pretend she had a miscarriage and relocate, which she did not.
6. Did Oliver cheat on Laurel with her sister Sara?
Yes, Oliver did cheat on Laurel with her sister Sara, before the Gambit sank. This infidelity is a major plot point and contributes to the complex relationships and emotional baggage throughout the series.
7. What is Shado’s relationship with Slade Wilson?
Shado was a close friend of Slade Wilson’s on the island, however, Slade was secretly in love with her. Shado’s affections, however, were directed towards Oliver. This unrequited love fuelled much of Slade’s resentment.
8. Why does Oliver have the same tattoo as Shado?
The tattoo that Oliver has is put there by Slade as a constant reminder of his role in Shado’s death. While Oliver could have removed it, he chose to keep it, shouldering the guilt and responsibility for her tragic fate.
9. Why did they change Baby Sara in Arrow?
The change in Diggle’s family history, specifically the erasure of his daughter Sara from existence and her replacement by John “J.J.” Diggle, Jr., resulted from the events in The Flash episode “Flashpoint”. This timeline alteration was caused by Eobard Thawne, correcting the Flashpoint reality created by Barry Allen.
10. Who testifies against Oliver in Arrow?
Rene, also known as Wild Dog, testifies against Oliver in court. He was forced to by Agent Watson, who threatened that he would never see his daughter again if he did not cooperate.
11. Was Slade jealous of Oliver and Shado’s relationship?
Yes, Slade was extremely jealous of Oliver’s relationship with Shado. His love for Shado and her rejection of his affection contributed greatly to his mental decline and eventual descent into villainy.
12. What mental health issues does Oliver Queen deal with?
Oliver likely suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), stemming from his experiences on the island and the many deaths he witnessed, as well as from the immense burden of guilt he carries from his actions and failures.
13. Who does Laurel Lance end up with in the new Earth-Prime?
In the altered timeline following the “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Laurel is said to have married Tommy Merlyn, who survived the events of the first season. However, Laurel herself later died.
14. Why didn’t Oliver bring back Shado?
The show posits that Shado’s death was a pivotal moment that shaped Oliver’s journey, and tampering with that event would have potentially altered his path to becoming the hero he needed to be. The writers wanted to keep her death a key part of Oliver’s character.
15. What did Laurel whisper to Oliver before she died?
Laurel’s final words to Oliver were a request to ensure that she wasn’t the last Black Canary. She wanted her legacy to continue through someone else who could continue to carry the mantle.