Arrow Finally Unmasks The New Emerald Archer

As I’d previously suspected, tonight’s episode of Arrow, “Unmasked,” had dual meaning to its title. Not only did it see Oliver Queen now operating out in the open and officially sanctioned by the SCPD, but it also wasted little time in revealing the face of the new vigilante in town – albeit in private. That’s right, only we the viewers are in on the secret.

For a moment, I thought Katherine McNamara’s new character to be under the hood, but we instead learned she’s contained to the flash forward segments and goes by the name of “Blackstar.” Regardless, suspicions of the new Green Arrow being a woman were validated when actress Sea Shimooka was introduced to DC fans.

If you boast a keen eye, then you may have noticed how Shimooka is now listed among series regulars in the opening credits, so expect to see a lot more of her going forward. And though her character’s name is yet to be spoken, we did see her talking to the gravestone of Robert Queen at the end of the episode, thus revealing herself to be his daughter.

Of course, her first name could end up being anything from Sharon to Svetlana for all any of us know, but my gut tells me she is, in fact, Emiko Queen. Funny enough, this was a theory we discussed just last month.

Should she indeed be Emiko, one would imagine the distinction be made between her and Oliver before long. If you were to ask me, he’ll be continue being the Green Arrow and she could very well be “the Emerald Archer,” thereby separating the two monikers. Don’t forget, the 150th episode bears the name of the latter, so don’t be surprised if I end up being right.

Still, we’re left with the problem of the estranged Queen siblings wearing the exact same costume. Given that, Ollie could receive a long overdue change in attire, or Emiko (let’s just call her that for the sake of conversation) could take cues from her comic book counterpart and evolve into Red Arrow. Hey, I’m just saying.

For more on what’s to come, check out the official synopsis for this show’s portion of the “Elseworlds” crossover:

THE ELSEWORLDS CROSSOVER CONTINUES IN GOTHAM CITY WITH BATWOMAN (RUBY ROSE) — With Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Barry (guest star Grant Gustin) still stuck in the other’s bodies, the two get a lead on John Deegan (guest star Jeremy Davies) and head to Gotham City with Supergirl (guest star Melissa Benoist) to figure out why their reality has changed. While there, they meet the mysterious Kate Kane (guest star Ruby Rose) who provides them with information that leads the group to Arkham Asylum. James Bamford directed the episode with teleplay by Marc Guggenheim and story by Caroline Dries.

Arrow airs on Monday nights on The CW.