"Arrow" season 4 ended with Felicity Smoak (Emily Brett Rickards) and Oliver Queen aka Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) no longer a romantic couple, but still partners as friends and vigilantes. In an interview with TVLine, it has been revealed that season 5 will expound on this by giving Felicity a new love interest.
"She steps on it pretty hot off the bat. You'll meet him quite quickly," Rickards stated regarding how she'll deal with the breakup and her Felicity's new boyfriend. She also explained that despite not being romantically paired with Oliver in season 5, he will still be the "muscular shoulder" for Felicity to cry on when her new relationship stumbles.
During the interview with the cast it has also been revealed that the events of "Flashpoint" that started with "The Flash" season 2 finale will also affect "Arrow" season 5 in some manner. However, the show is not likely going to see a major change in general but some of its characters will be affected.
Screen Rant reports that this may lead to the explanation regarding whatever changes the shows are doing to John Barrowman's character, Malcolm Merlyn, who is set to appear in all of the DC superhero shows on the CW network. The "Flashpoint" event may explain why a new version of Malcolm Merlyn appears in some shows.
The report continues to explain that the relationship between Oliver and Felicity has been seen with mixed reviews from the audiences, with many claiming that the melodramatic story arc was a betrayal of Felicity's character. It is stated that season 5 needs to change this by stepping away from the melodramatic in order for it to succeed.
"Arrow" season 5 will premiere on the CW on Oct. 5 and the season will be a part of a large four-way crossover with "The Flash," "Legends of Tomorrow" and "Supergirl."
