Though we fully expect for Oliver Queen to get out of the clink in time for the big fall crossover set to introduce Batwoman, we imagine that the seven or eight episodes preceding it will prove to be a tough time for Team Arrow. They may be capable of handling themselves, sure, but there’s a sense of reassurance knowing the Emerald Archer has their backs.
Knowing that Ricardo Diaz is currently in the wind – and with the fabled Longbow Hunters in tow – there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that he’ll be out for blood when the saga resumes come October. But what may send a chill down the spines of viewers are these portentous words offered by actress Emily Bett Rickards in a recent discussion she had with Entertainment Weekly:
“The idea now is: If Oliver’s in prison, is he actually more protected than the team? The rest of the team is all going to be in danger as well. Where that puts Felicity and William, I mean, we can only do so much to protect them. We’ve seen how strong and intelligent and ferocious [Diaz] can be; I don’t think he stops. In terms of keeping her safe, we can do our best, but I don’t think she’s going to have much luck.”
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure if Oliver is safer behind bars because, while Diaz’s grip on Star City may have loosened, there’s a very good chance he has a man or two on the inside who can get within reaching distance of our hero. Yes, Queen may be in Supermax, but noting is impossible for the Dragon.
As for Rickard’s character of Felicity Smoak being in the clear, I’ve gotten the impression she’s untouchable thanks to her rabid and outspoken fanbase, but if Kirk Acevedo has anything to say about it, the bell will soon toll for the quirky computer genius.
Arrow returns for its seventh season on Monday nights this fall on The CW.
