Another of the original cast of Arrow has announced they will not be returning for Season 7. Just a month after Willa Holland, who plays Thea Queen on the show, revealed she is done with the show, Detective Quentin Lance actor Paul Blackthorne stated he would be exiting the show.
The father of Laurel and Sara Lance, Blackthorne’s character has played a pivotal role throughout the series, both as an antagonist and teammate of the Green Arrow. In recent seasons, the show seems to struggle to find a reason for Blackthorne to be around.
Instead of new storylines, Lance has been the victim of having to experience the same trials and tribulations from earlier seasons. The majority of his stories revolve around either alcoholism or his daughters dying and coming back to life. None of it has been original or fair to his character. Â
It has been no secret that The CW’s version of the DC television universe has been struggling as of late. Fan favorites like Arrow and The Flash have come under fire for questionable character development (or lack thereof) and storylines.
A multitude of changes have occurred as of late though. Alongside firing executive producer Andrew Kreisberg in November amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment, Arrow recently Beth Schwartz to showrunner. She will replace Marc Guggenheim and Wendy Mericle. Â Guggenheim will still be around though, as an executive consultant on both Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow.
Blackthorne’s departure means that only two of the original cast members from the pilot remain, the shows lead Stephen Amell (Oliver/Arrow) and David Ramsey (Diggle/Spartan). On the other side of the spectrum, Colton Haynes, who reprised his role this season as Roy Harper (Arsenal), has been confirmed to return as a series regular.
Arrow’s Season 6 finale will air May 17, 2018,  Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.