'Arrow' Season 4 Spoilers: Episode 9 Synopsis Released; Will Someone Die In The Midseason Finale?

Brace yourselves, “Arrow” fans, because the Season 4 midseason finale looks like it’s aiming to rip hearts clean out of their chests. Following the incredible two-part crossover event with “The Flash” last week, the Star City vigilantes will finally go head-to-head with their newest nemesis, Damien Darhk (Neal McDonough).

While the magical villain took a backseat to the upcoming “Legends of Tomorrow” bad guy Vandal Savage (Casper Crump), it appears he’s simply been lying in wait for his greatest attack on the city yet. However this time, prudent planning, skill and friends might not be enough for Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) to save every member of Team Arrow. This is especially true with Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman) back in town for his daughter Thea (Willa Holland). According to episode 9's official plot synopsis on TV Guide, everything culminates in a massive public showdown.

“Oliver makes a bold move against HIVE when the city is attacked. Meanwhile, Malcolm checks in on Thea and leaves her with a warning; and things take a horrible turn when Damien Darhk retaliates in a brutal manner at Oliver’s mayoral holiday party.”

As previously reported, this season of “Arrow” opened with a flash forward that indicates someone very close to Oliver will die in the near future. Given that Darhk is about to make some kind of “horrible” and “brutal” play against the secret hero’s very public mayoral campaign, this may be the big moment when the team loses someone vital. As for who might get killed in the episode, if the teaser trailer (below) is any indication, it looks as though Queen’s girlfriend Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) might be in some serious danger.

“The best way to teach someone a lesson isn’t to punish them,” the villain says. “As long as they’re alive, you have something to fight for. I’m taking that away from you.”

From there, his men restrain Oliver and stick a terrified Felicity into some kind of holding chamber. There’s no telling what sick plan the principal Season 4 baddie has for Team Arrow, but it looks like the gang might not be heading into the midseason break on a high note. Then again, while Oliver may not be able to kill Darhk, Thea’s recent bloodlust side effects from her time in the Lazarus Pit have been encouraged by her father. Perhaps with Malcolm, the League of Shadows and a very angry Thea around, they could tip the odds in Oliver’s favor.

Fans will just have to tune in to “Arrow” on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. EST on the CW to see how it all shakes out.