An Innocent Man

"An Innocent Man" is the fourth episode of the first season of Arrow. It aired on October 31, 2012.

Synopsis
Oliver still hasn't figured out how to get back in Laurel's good graces, but a late night bonding session with Thea gives him the inspiration he needs. Looking into a suspicious murder case, Oliver realizes an innocent man, Peter Declan, was framed by one of the targets on his list. As Arrow, he asks Laurel to help prove Peter's innocence. Meanwhile, Walter asks one of his employees, Felicity Smoak, to look into a $2.6 million withdrawal that Moira made without his knowledge.

Plot
John awakens in Oliver's hideout, where Oliver offers John a chance to fight at his side and help the city. John turns him down, calling him a murderer. Later, while watching the news, Oliver discovers a connection between Peter Declan, a deathrow inmate, and Jason Brodeur, one of the men on his list. In his Arrow persona, he enlists the help of Laurel to prove Peter innocent before he is executed. Working together, the pair uncover the truth, but Jason Brodeur has his bodyguard stage a prison break so that he can have Laurel and Peter killed before the truth is revealed. Oliver sneaks into the prison dressed as a guard, with a ski mask to hide his face, and saves Laurel and Peter. Jason's bodyguard ultimately confesses to Peter's innocence. John meets with Oliver and agrees to work with him so that he can both protect the city and protect Oliver from losing his humanity. Sergeant Quentin arrests Oliver on suspicion of being Arrow after seeing footage of him recovering his disguise from a garbage bin before the last Deadshot confrontation. Meanwhile, Walter discovers that Moira has been keeping the salvaged and sabotaged family yacht hidden in a warehouse.

Production
Preparation went from July 31 to August 9, 2012. Shooting lasted from August 10 to 21, 2012.

Trivia

 * Oliver mentioned Blüdhaven, referencing a city in the comics. It temporarily served as the home and base of operations to Nightwing.
 * Peter Declan was held in Iron Heights Penitentiary, a prison located near Keystone City, the Flash's base of operations.

Behind the scenes

 * Originally the episode was titled "Salvage".