Oliver Queen may have taken some time off from his Arrow persona over the holidays, but Starling City’s theatrical criminal community has been busy in his absence. First in line to heat things up for Ollie and his friends is the disfigured (and aptly-named) firebug Firefly.
The version of the criminal that fans will see in The CW’s budding new superhero drama may not have the look of the source material, but he’s sure to make an impression. The first images from Arrow‘s return on January 16 have been released, proving that Firefly will be a formidable opponent.
Fans may have been upset to see the inaugural run of Arrow take its break just as things were getting most interesting, but the second half of the first season is shaping up nicely. And it’s not as if Oliver hadn’t earned a break, after the thrashing doled out by the (no longer) mysterious Dark Archer.
Unfortunately that plot line will need to wait, as its already clear that with every substantial insight into the real villains of the series, a gallery of monsters-of-the-week are soon to follow – Firefly being the next in the spotlight.
Check out the first official images of Firefly in action, courtesy of CBR:
We’re not necessarily complaining, since the showrunners are turning to some reliable talent and classic comic book villains to swell the ranks. At any rate, SGU Stargate Universe alum Andrew Dunbar has undergone a substantial transformation for his role as disfigured and disgruntled fireman Garfield Lynns.
Again, his standard fireman uniform fits the show’s realistic tone better than steel wings or a bug-eyed helmet, but who knows what could lie in store? He is seen facing off against Ollie both in an out of costume. Either way, fans are in for some interesting practical effects, flamethrowers and firebombs the very least we can hope for.
The question has to be raised as to how much longer Arrow can continue to draw audiences without evolving beyond simple weekly villains (as fiery or deadly as they may be). We’re not totally convinced that won’t quickly become an issue (then again, it worked out fine for Smallville) but so far the writers have given a few reasons for optimism.
Casting a proven actor as Deathstroke means he’ll be playing a larger role going forward, possibly even without the mask. That casting was even before The CW announced that Roy Harper would be making an appearance in the near future. Exactly how Roy will be integrated into the current cast, and how strongly the writers will be keeping to his source material is still up in the air. Whatever the case, Arrow will have two comic mainstays introduced and established by the end of the season; if they play their cards right, a sophomore season could go just about anywhere.
Firefly may not offer the largest physical threat to Oliver, but that doesn’t mean the Queen heir’s fight to reclaim his city from the shadowy cult encircling it will be a short one. If Firefly is being given a shot, then just about every DC Comics villain is in play. Which ones would you like to see in live-action next?
Arrow returns Wednesday, January 16, with ‘Burned’ @8pm on The CW. Check out a preview of the episode below:
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Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce.
Source: ComicBookResources
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Awesome show & love how they are bringing in all the DC villains. For some reason I recall Firefly doing battle with Batman too. Either way – great show & look forward to more.
firefly is a batman villain
awesome!!
Looking forward to the return of this show!!
Why are villains of Batman’s appeared in Smallville series & now on this show? You’d think they go for a Batman television series. After seeing beginning credits of Birds Of Prey, imo i wouldn’t think it would be too bad of a idea. How many shows has Superman had or were based on the comic character? There’s only been the 60′s Batman live-action show. WHy not make a darker version live-action show?
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Doesn’t Green Arrow have his own rogue’s gallery?
I’m pretty Sure that Emma Brown is spamming, but I digress from Arrow, I really like the show, good action, decent acting (for the most part) though the Huntress storyline seemed kind of lame, But still I think the Rest of Season 1 will be Pretty Good.
This was a mislead from Trailer Addict clicked the leak excepting Captain Reynolds. I just saw the words ‘firefly.’ You can’t take the that awesome show from me.
Why are they using bat-villains?
They use bat villains so they can bring attention to the series and arrow’s villians on the other hand aren’t that popular or well known so what’s the point?
cos batmans rogues gallery was the most popular, also because batman is such hot property in movies its doubtful theyll bring it to tv as anything but an animation
Strictly speaking, they’re using DC Villains. Just because a particular villain is ‘associated’ with a particular hero/anti-hero does not make their relationship unique. In the comics, Superman has gone of against the Joker, Bruce and Lex have a business rivalry like no other.
I find the idea of including Bat-villains in the story to be a positive move (because hopefully, that indicates the existence of Batman.)
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Waiting for Joker. Penguin, Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Catwoman and Bane!
/kids
i kinda doubt theyll bring in batmans big guns, prolly save the big bads of the season for actual green arrow villains eg dark archer and that terminator guy, i never really followed green arrow much so i only know some from various other series like justice league etc
I came here for the word “Firefly”. I was very disappointed with what I found.
LOL! I know what you mean. I had too look at the article title circa minute.
Same here, I puckered for a second
Sounds AWSOME! I can’t wait for this show to be back next week! These show runners know what they are doing. Excellent show.