Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet.”
Wait, don’t fall asleep. This isn’t English class.
But names may (or may not) give a glimmer into what the plans are for the rest of this season on ARROW. The clues may be in the codenames.
With everyone still reeling from Laurel’s death, Team Arrow and associates seem to be stumbling around, trying to make sense of their loss.
Diggle (David Ramsey) blames himself for not listening to Oliver (Stephen Amell) about Andy’s continued connection to Damien Dahrk.
As a way to atone for his error in judgment, John goes after his brother, Ruvé (guest star Janet Kidder) and Dahrk with a vengeance. Unfortunately for him, Andy (guest star Eugene Byrd) gets the drop on John and tortures him.
Instead of using his usual codename, “Spartan,” the credits have opted for “Guardian” for Diggle. Does this mark a change in John’s belief system and will he become a darker character?
Assumedly, the “Guardian” in DC Comics (James Harper) is not the same one as Diggle, since the comic book version is Roy Harper’s uncle. In a town the size of Star City, they probably would have known each other.
It does not seem that Evelyn Sharp (or Crawford in the comics) will be returning tonight, at least, as portrayer Madison McLaughlin is not listed in the credits.
Whether the teenager, mourning the death of her idol, will don the Black Canary costume again in Season 4 remains to be seen. Perhaps she will keep her comic book codename, “Starling,” and stick around long enough to spin off that BIRDS OF PREY series that I continue to push.
Another codename adjustment…Thea (Willa Holland) now is listed as Thea/Speedy/Red Arrow. Perhaps Laurel’s death has pushed her into a mindset that tries to manage the pain with a new persona, “Red Arrow.” Or, maybe she misjudged Alex (guest star Parker Young) who takes her on a vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare.
Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) finally gets the “Overwatch” codename listed on the credits. She should “over-watch-her-back” because Dahrk (guest star Neal McDonough) is mad with power and seems to be unstoppable. And he loves hurting Oliver by hurting the ones that Oliver loves.
So, how do you fight a mystical madman, especially if you hate magic as much as Ollie? Try going a little mad yourself and adding a bit of mysticism to your repertoire.
Hunt down Esrin Fortuna (guest star Gabriella Wright), a woman who looks like a priestess, hangs out at an INDIANA JONES-type locale and seems to have the goods on adding a little magic to your life. Time to fight “Dahrk magic” with “dark magic?”
ARROW also stars Katie Cassidy (still in the credits as “Laurel Lance” but not “Black Canary”), John Barrowman and Paul Blackthorne. Michael Bardach guest stars.
Tonight’s episode, “Genesis,” was written by Oscar Balderrama & Emilio Ortega Aldrich and directed by Gregory Smith.
ARROW airs tonight at 8:00 p.m. on The CW (U.S.) and CTV in Canada.
