'Arrow's EP Calls 100th Episode Will Hurt

Christmas is coming early for devoted Arrow fans. Upon the The CW hit's 100th episode, co-creator Marc Guggenheim promises fans it will be nothing short of iconic. "It is a love letter to the show. It draws on all previous 99 episodes, pretty much," he says. Not only does Guggenheim give fans high hopes for Stephen Amell's (Green Arrow) "finest performance to date," but for all the familiar faces they can expect in addition to the return of Jamey Sheridan (Robert Queen) and Laurel Lance (Black Canary). Sounds like everyone who's everyone will be back for the big anniversary, and even if they can't make it, they're "represented." Guggenheim spills just enough to get fans ready for an episode that will surely be one for the books. Comic books, that is.

When gushing about Amell's performance in the upcoming episode, Guggenheim brings up one moving scene in particular. "It'll break your heart. It'll totally take your heart, pull it out and stomp it on the floor. It's very, very affecting," he says. As expected, the show's lead and his co-stars bring it all to the table. "It's all on Stephen's back and it's incredible. Willa [Holland]'s amazing in the episode. Everyone obviously brought their A-game," says the executive producer.

And by everyone, he means some oldies but goodies...

As previously reported, the 100th episode will take place the same week as the Arrow/Supergirl/The Flash/Legends of Tomorrow three-part crossover. "You've got Flash and Supergirl and that's an enormous amount of fun. I think certainly the recruits also play a very large role, an important role in the episode," he explains. But wait, there's more. According to Guggenheim, Arrow's John Barrowman (Malcolm Merlyn) and Neal McDonough (Damien Darhk) will also be back. (And for the road, Wentworth Miller will return in Legends's midseason finale.)

If you're wondering how stressful balancing this milestone episode with the big crossover is for Guggenheim and his colleagues, you're not alone. "That was the challenge. We've only got 42 minutes," he says. "When the news broke that the 100th episode was also going to be the crossover episode, oh my god, people were up and down my Twitter. I think, in this case, a very positive way," says Guggenheim. Fans want the anniversary episode they deserve. "People didn't want to feel like the crossover was hijacking what should be a really seminal episode and moment for Arrow, which I think is wonderful."

However, he's confident they'll be honoring the show in the perfect way. "Greg [Berlanti] came up with an idea that—I don't want to spoil it—really does allow us to have our cake and eat it too." The crossover is its own beast, one that Guggenheim actually compares to the Marvel universe. "My personal philosophy is that you don't need to watch Legends to understand what's going on in Arrow and Flash, etc. The fact that something's referenced, doesn't require you to watch," he explains. "It's very similar to Marvel movies. You could've totally enjoyed Captain America: Civil War without seeing Avengers."

That said, DC references and Easter eggs in the 100th and other episodes will be treats for fans who are familiar with one or more of the comics. Guggenheim explains the upcoming crossover as a "story that’s being told [with] a beginning, middle, and end: a beginning in Flash, a middle in Arrow, and an end in Legends."

The more the merrier, and DC Comics fans are about to have the merriest holiday season to date.

Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

Images: The CW (3)