‘Arrow’ Showrunner On How Recent Tragedy Pushes Felicity ‘To A Darker Place’

Before the fifth season of Arrow began, fans were promised “big things’ for Felicity Smoak, played by Emily Bett Rickards, in the second half of the season. Following the shows mid-season finale last week, the nature of those “big things” became clear after Oliver Queen/Green Arrow was manipulated into killing a costumed individual he believed was the villain Prometheus, but who was revealed to be Felicity’s new love interest, Billy Malone. Executive producer and co-writer of the mid-season finale Wendy Mericle spoke with TVLine about the tragic death and how it will push Felicity down a darker path in the second half of season five.

Fans worried that the rest of the season will consist of Felicity blaming Oliver for the death of Billy need not be concerned, according to Mericle.

“One thing Felicity is not going to do, I can tell you for sure, is blame Oliver. She recognizes the manipulations that have led to this situation. Her heart is broken in that last moment for Oliver and for Malone and for herself.”

Mericle clarified that Felicity will direct her anger specifically towards one character.

“Felicity has set her sights on Prometheus. This season we have said we’re going to take her to a darker place, and you’re seeing the genesis of the reason why, right here.”

Mericle explained how Felicity’s dark path will begin to unfold when Arrow returns.

“[Felicity] is going to meet some people who are both a bit tied to her past but also very much tied to this new future she’s contemplating and that’s going to draw her away from the team and lead her to do some things that are pretty morally questionable.”

Mericle revealed that this darker storyline for Felicity had always been in the writers’ minds.

“It’s a color for Felicity that we’ve always known she had the potential for, but we never had the right story to play. We’re excited about it.”

How do you feel about a darker and morally questionable take on the usually cheerful and comedic Felicity? Share your thoughts below!

Arrow returns with new episodes on January 25, 2017 on The CW.

Source: TVLine