Lone Gunmen

"Lone Gunmen" is the third episode of the first season of Arrow, and the third episode overall. It aired on October 24, 2012.

Synopsis
Oliver is surprised when someone shoots and kills one of his targets. As his plan is to bring people to justice vs. outright killing them, Oliver doesn't appreciate the help and searches for the gunman. He soon learns that the man, Deadshot, is taking out businessmen who are scheduled to bid at an auction on an energy company and Walter is one of the bidders. Realizing he can't protect his family and stop Deadshot at the same time, Oliver enlists Sergeant Quentin's help, but his plan has dire consequences. Meanwhile, Laurel and Tommy get caught in an awkward situation with Oliver.

Plot
Oliver tracks down another millionaire from his list, but before he can get the answers he wants, James Holder is killed by an assassin known as Deadshot. Initially, the police suspect that The Hood is responsible for the murder, but the evidence begins to prove that he did not kill anyone. Oliver decides to build a new night club above his hideout to explain where he goes at night. While comparing the competition, Oliver finds Thea, who reveals that Laurel and Tommy had been sleeping together during Oliver's absence. Laurel becomes suspicious when Oliver does not react to the news.

Meanwhile, Oliver uses his contacts in the Solntsevskaya Bratva to learn the assassin's true identity, and enlists the help of Sergeant Quentin to stop Deadshot from assassinating more wealthy people. Oliver manages to stop Deadshot by knocking him unconscious by shooting an arrow through his eyepiece (though it appeared that he killed him), but his bodyguard John Diggle is shot during Floyd Lawton's attempt. Oliver is forced to reveal his true identity as the vigilante to John in order to save his life. In another flashback, it is revealed that the archer who attacked Oliver was actually trying to help him. Oliver understands and escapes, but is pursued by an unknown group of armed men.

Trivia

 * The address of the hotel that Deadshot hides in between contracts is 1700 Broadway. The offices of DC Comics are located at 1700 Broadway in New York City.
 * This episode marks the first appearance of Felicity Smoak as it was originally meant to be her only appearance. However, positive fan reaction to the chemistry between Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards resulted in her being given a recurring role and eventually joining the main cast in season 2.
 * This episode could be considered the episode when Team Arrow was founded, as John Diggle discovers Oliver's identity and it introduced future member Felicity Smoak.
 * Some of the names on Deadshot's chest are crew members of Arrow: Gordon Verheul, Todd Pittson, & Ken Shane. Others are from the comics and are linked to the kidnapping of Deadshot's son: Wes Anselm and Andy Haskell. You can also clearly see the name Andrew Diggle, referring to John Diggle's brother.

Production
Preparation ran from July 19 until July 27, 2012. Shooting ran from July 30 until August 9, 2012.