[SPOILERS for those not caught up on Arrow season 4 ahead.]
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Now that Arrow and The Flash have set up the newest addition to their DC Comics universe on The CW, Legends of Tomorrow, both shows have returned to their respective story lines. In the case of Arrow, that meant the show’s midseason premiere dealt with the fallout from the winter finale, which ended on season 4 antagonist Damien Darhk’s (Neal McDonough) attack on Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) and Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards).
The fate of Felicity, who was shot during the attack, was a major cliffhanger of midseason finale and, thanks to an Australian promo for the winter premiere, reinvigorated theories that Arrow’s resident tech wiz would become DC Comics character Oracle. Executive producer Wendy Mericle recently shot down that theory, and now she’s commented on another fan theory.
EW asked Mericle about the speculation that upcoming Arrow villain Noah Kuttler a.k.a. The Calculator (Tom Amandes) is Felicity’s father. She didn’t completely shoot down the theory – unlike in the case of Felicity becoming Oracle – but she only confirmed that Calculator will have a connection to Felicity.
“Definitely tune in. We are very excited about this character. He does have a connection to Felicity. We’re just really thrilled. Tom Amandes has been amazing in the role and is bringing a lot of kindness and a lot of malice to this character.”
According to descriptions of the character released when Amandes was cast, The Calculator “uses his advanced skills in computer science and internet manipulation to blackmail Roy [Harper (Colton Haynes)] out of retirement to do his bidding.” The Calculator will first appear in episode 12, ‘Unchained’ as part of a two-part arc we now know will have an emotional component for Felicity if she has a connection to the character.
Considering Mericle’s comments about the Oracle fan theory versus the theory about The Calculator being Felicity’s father, it seems more likely that could be the connection to which she refers. Additionally, from what we know about Felicity’s father – she inherited her intelligence from him and he was a criminal who abandoned Felicity and her mother when she was young – The Calculator could certainly fit the bill.
That being said, we don’t know for sure whether The Calculator is Felicity’s father, and we likely won’t until episode 12 airs since it’s the type of twist the showrunners will keep secret. But, considering everyone we know about Felicity’s father and The Calculator, it would make sense that they’re the same person. Plus, it would give Felicity a different kind of emotional arc to explore during that episode of Arrow.
Next: What Should Come Next for Felicity Smoak?
Arrow continues Wednesday with ‘A.W.O.L.’ at 8pm on The CW.
