Katie Cassidy will appear as Black Siren in the final two episodes of Arrow Season 5. Cassidy, formerly Black Canary, is also set to be a series regular in Arrow Season 6. No, no, no, no, please no.
Oliver and Earth-2 Laurel Lance’s relationship was left open-ended the last time we saw Cassidy at midseason. She ended up in ARGUS custody so Oliver could keep her close in hopes she will come to realize her potential to be good. That’s why this new announcement came as such a surprise. Where can Black Siren fit in? Here’s a couple reasons why we are worried about Katie Cassidy’s return.
Her return at midseason was a ‘too soon’ moment and felt out of place. For months in the midseason previews, fans expected Laurel Lance to return as herself… a twist that would have still felt weird, but could have been cool if done right. Ended up she was just used as a puppet of Prometheus and whisked away before we could even enjoy her company.
Every time Laurel comes back, it’s in the form of some sappy story of Oliver (or Sara on Legends ) reliving her death. Black Siren’s appearance was pretty much useless in the grand scheme of things. The only arc she pushed forward was motivating Green Arrow to fulfill his final promise to Earth-1 Laurel: finding a new Black Canary, which he did in Dinah Drake.
With Arrow Season 5 heavily exploring the theme of legacy, you have to wonder if Black Siren is part of a predictable ‘redemption arc.’ Are we ready for another one of those? It’s too formulaic. Plus, who actually rehabilitates after time in jail?
There’s already a Black Canary with a real canary cry -- Dinah Drake. This is a great thing and one of the best moments so far of the season. She’s even got the proper comic book name to fulfill Laurel's legacy. Having Black Siren and Black Canary seems like a bit much.
Katie Cassidy actually plays an amazing villain and brings a lot of sass, energy and attitude to the character. Why waste that? This kind of personality would fit great on Legends and an (almost) sister duo leading the Waverider would be pretty awesome. The Arrow team chemistry is solid right now and might do better left alone.
We are still traumatized from Laurel’s death! It marked a horrible end to a terrible season for Oliver. It’s time to move on.
Nobody likes a debbie downer and Arrow Season 5 has been phenomenal, so ultimately we have to be optimistic and trust the writers on this one, even though Black Siren’s appearance during the midseason finale and midseason premiere was one of the low points of the season. Whatever they have planned, let’s just hope it includes a good twist and a concrete plan for Black Siren.
Arrow returns April 26.
