Paul Blackthorne Is Leaving Arrow After This Season

When any TV show lasts as long as Arrow has, it’s only expected that certain members of the principal cast leave at some point. For instance, even Michael Rosenbaum ducked out of Smallville after seven seasons, though he did reprise his role as Lex Luthor in the series finale.

Getting back to Arrow, it appears as though this particular show is going through a time of change. Already, we know to expect a new showrunner next season in the form of Beth Schwartz, with Willa Holland conversely making her exit from the series as Thea Queen.

Well, unfortunately, someone else who’s been around since the very beginning will also be headed for the door at the end of the current season, that being Paul Blackthorne. Having played Quentin Lance for six years, Blackthorne has been a constant, with his character enjoying his share of ups and downs with Oliver Queen.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the specifics as to how Lance will be written out “are being kept under wraps,” but I can’t help turning my head toward one Ricardo Diaz. In recent weeks, the big bad has tightened his grip around Star City, which has obviously placed the new mayor within his sights. Who knows, maybe his death (assuming it happens) will assist Black Siren on her path to redemption?

On the plus side, though, we have a slot being filled in season 7 thanks to Colton Haynes returning as a series regular, so we’ll be seeing much more of Roy Harper going forward. Personally, I wouldn’t doubt it if at least one member of New Team Arrow doesn’t make it through to the next chapter in the saga, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Arrow airs on Thursday nights on The CW.