The inexplicable decision to kill Katie Cassidy's Black Canary on Arrow is a move that still doesn't sit well with fans of the character. Given the immense history shared between Green Arrow and Black Canary in the comic books, the potential to explore the dynamic between the two was cut off rather abruptly in the most recent season. According to Willa Holland, who plays Thea Queen/Speedy on the CW show, it was the hardest thing the cast ever had to film. "For the whole Katie Cassidy situation, that was one of the most difficult things that any of us have ever had to film. Not that any of the deaths have ever been easy. We lost Tommy after Season 1; we lost Moira after Season 2. This was four years in. So we were all so close at this point. To the point that more than ever this time it felt like losing a limb." Given that Holland shared a lot of screentime with Cassidy during the fourth season, it makes sense it would be harder for the actress to see the character killed.
While Laurel didn't start off as a very likeable character in the slightest, her journey towards becoming Black Canary had started to change the minds of many fans. The showrunners may have intended the death to be a shocking and sad one, but it's safe to say it's left a foul taste in the mouth of many fans, especially considering that the only remaining love interest for Oliver is Felicity Smoak, who was invented for the show and reviled by fans of the comic and show alike.
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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.