The CW’s Arrow started this incredible run of DC TV shows that have become interconnected, creating the Arrowverse. However, when it first launched in 2012, it was just a very well-made superhero TV show. As the series has gone on, more and more characters have been introduced.
Arrow has one of the best cast of supporting characters of any TV show, but many of them didn’t get nearly as much screen time as they should have. Here are 10 characters who definitely deserved to be featured more heavily across Arrow.
BEN TURNER
Ben Turner, who also goes by the name of Bronze Tiger, started life off as one of the show’s best villains. In fact, he eventually joined the Suicide Squad, although he was clearly a character that held some internal discomfort over where he has ended up in life.
As the show has gone on, we’ve seen the redemption of this criminal. We know that his son eventually becomes adopted by John Diggle, setting up the future of the Arrowverse. We wish Turner could have had more screen time to really cement this friendship.
CURTIS HOLT
One of the most intelligent characters in all of the Arrowverse, Curtis Holt became the right-hand man to Felicity Smoak, and eventually suited up for Team Arrow as the costumed vigilante known as Mr Terrific.
The character was funny, full of heart, and had a series of nifty gadgets that helped in a variety of situations. Unfortunately, Curtis Holt was slowly written out of the show, which was a shame since he could have done so much more with added screen time.
TALIA AL GHUL
Talia al Ghul is a confusing character as we saw her go from a hero to villain in the space of a few episodes. Her character arc was completely rushed, and even our introduction to this iconic warrior was less than impressive. We just wish we got more from her.
The fact is, Talia was probably added to the show far too late in the game. During the R’as Al Ghul story line, Talia should have been front and center for the conflict. It’s too bad we didn’t get to see this impressive character go on a proper journey of redemption.
WILLIAM CLAYTON
The older version of William has become a very important part of the Arrowverse, and yet we barely got to know the younger version. Sure, he was introduced quite late and was too young for some of the show, but he could have been a bigger aspect of Oliver’s life.
Instead, this became a little bit of a story of neglect with William eventually moving out. If we had gotten to know a younger William better, perhaps it would have been much easier to understand the older version we are faced with.
ZOE RAMIREZ
The daughter of Rene Ramirez was featured intermittently throughout the show before reappearing as a much older version of the character and as part of the Canaries. We were always aware of the bond between her and her dad, but didn’t see too much of her.
We would have loved to see more of her training and decision-making in regards to becoming a vigilante herself. While her death was still heartbreaking, it could have had a much larger impact if we’d gotten to known her properly.
ANATOLY KNYAZEV
Anatoly is a character that we have actually gotten to know well and was heavily featured for a few seasons of the show. Then just like that, he was ripped away once more, moving back to Russia and far less involved with Team Arrow.
Yet the character was the most entertaining when he was part of the group, and could have made a real difference becoming part of this vigilante team. We wish Anatoly had carried on in America, making amends for his previous betrayal, perhaps as KGBeast.
HELENA BERTINELLI
The Huntress could be a vital member of the Arrowverse if she was to ever return — which we thought would happen in the Crisis event. However, despite the strong performance and great costume, Huntress has been almost never featured on Arrow. We’re not entirely sure why this is.
Now that the Canaries are getting their own show, it makes sense for Helena to return. However, this probably won’t be happening any time soon, which is a shame as the character had a lot more to give. She essentially represents exactly what Oliver used to be.
WALTER STEELE
Walter Steele may seem like an odd choice for a character to include on this list, however, we feel like Walter was never given enough credit. He turned out to be one of the few positive people in Oliver’s life, and was well respected by Queen.
There have been numerous chances for Walter to return, including during Oliver’s visit to a different Earth. However, Walter is often written out of the show in a single line, which is a real shame since he contributed a lot to the opening seasons.
DINAH LANCE
The mother of Sara and Laurel and the divorced wife of Quentin seemed to be living quite an interesting life. She has been around for a few pivotal moments of the family, but she has not been featured past that.
We can’t help but think that there’s more to Dinah that we never really got to explore. For instance, did she have a little bit of a vigilante past herself, and it actually runs in the family? Plus, how has she reacted to all the trauma that has gone on in her life?
EMIKO QUEEN
Oliver Queen’s secret sister was a major turning point for the show. Sadly, she was only heavily featured over one season before being killed off. The character had so much potential that it was a waste for this to be her ending.
We wanted to see her join Team Arrow, fight alongside her brother, and possibly redeem some of her terrible actions. We needed to see the family reunited fully but we never got that chance. We understand that this did have a powerful narrative impact on Oliver, though.
