While Arrow's fourth season started strong in comparison to a lacklustre third season, it unfortunately took a sharp dip as the episodes progressed. From an overbearing Felicity, to uninteresting flashbacks, to the decision to kill off Black Canary, to a finale riddled with problems, fans of the show have been left wanting for the days of the second season of the show. There's been a lot of talk lately about the future direction of the show, with Stephen Amell himself saying he'd like it to go "back to basics" for its fifth season. The show is also casting its new villain, described as an “irrepressibly charming” adversary who will “just as easily shake your hand as your best friend or break your neck as your worst enemy — and you never know which one is coming. Either way, he’s more than capable of having a good time as he does it.” This is an interesting description, though it doesn't bring to mind any comic-related adversaries.
However, according to a new report from TV Line, this won't be the only problem Oliver will have to contend with. The show is looking to throw a new vigilante into the mix, described as a "cocksure, reckless ex-Marine". Sound familiar? It seems as if Arrow is taking a page out of Daredevil's book by introducing a vigilante for Oliver to contend with while sparring with his newest villain. The character being an ex-Marine certainly won't do much to throw off comparisons either. The show also plans to explore Oliver's time with the Russians in season 5's flashbacks. "It's a very good possibility that we'll finally find out how he got that Bratva tattoo and how he learned to speak Russian," said showrunner Wendy Mericle. "When Oliver says, 'No one can know my secret' and he kills that guy in the pilot, we're going to get some insight into that."
What are your thoughts? Is Arrow making the right move by mining elements from Daredevil, or should the show be exploring more comic-oriented territory? Sound off below!
About The Author:
Matt is a graduate of the Ryerson University School of Journalism, and has been a fan of superheroes since he picked up his first comic book issue as a child. While he works as a professional musician, Matt has a massive passion for comic books, films and heroes, along with participating in discussion and debate with the CBM community.