While The CW was busy handing out its second round of renewals today, 'Arrow's future has long been secured as three episodes remain in the first season. Next Wednesday's "The Undertaking" will send us into the past to uncover Malcolm Merlyn's plot, but the season's penultimate episode "Darkness on the Edge of Town" will see the villain finally facing off with Oliver Queen once more! Get a sneak peek of 'Arrow's penultimate season 1 episode with new photos inside!

All season long 'Arrow' has built toward an earth-shattering finale, which may prove shockingly literal when The CW rolls out May 8 episode "Darkness on the Edge of Town." The CW has released the full set of photos from Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell)'s penultimate episode of the season, which sees the hooded vigilante facing off against dark archer Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman) once more, and possibly even his own mother Moira Queen!

From The CW's press description:

CAN OLIVER OUTWIT OR OUTFIGHT THE DARK ARCHER TO SAVE THE CITY? — With the Undertaking days away, Malcolm (guest star John Barrowman) dons his black hood to conclude business with seismologist Dr. Brion Markov (guest star Eric Floyd) and his team. Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Moira (Susanna Thompson) entertain a number of surprise – and mostly unwelcome – visitors.  Hooded confrontations at home and the Meryln Global Group reveal dark secrets.

Meanwhile, Roy (guest star Colton Haynes) and Thea (Willa Holland) are still looking out for a hero.  Laurel (Katie Cassidy) makes a decision after Tommy’s (Colin Donnell) revelation.  In a flashback to the island, Oliver, Slade (guest star Manu Bennett) and Shado (guest star Celina Jade) struggle to prevent Fyers (guest star Sebastian Dunn) from shooting a Ferris Air jet out of the sky.

We've had our suspicions that "The Undertaking" would involve some kind of seismic event, but what say you? Do you think 'Arrow' will close out the season as strongly as it started? What might "Darkness on the Edge of Town" set up for the season finale "Sacrifice," and who might not make it through?

Check out the full set of photos from 'Arrow's penultimate season 1 episode "Darkness on the Edge of Town" below, and give us your predictions in the comments!

Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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Arrow Darkness on the Edge of Town Preview Photos
The CW
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