Months after she left many fans heartbroken, Emily Bett Rickards returns as Felicity Smoak-Queen for the series finale of Arrow.
Oliver Queen himself, Stephen Amell, confirmed Emily’s comeback via Twitter. “There’ll be a lot of news coming out about our final episode over the next few months. I prefer you hear it from us. [Welcome] back, Emily.”
The Vancouver-born Rickards first appeared as a guest star on the second episode of the show’s first season. She was later made a regular for season two when her character caught fire with fans. A series-created character, Felicity, with her MIT-level genius and wit, came into her own as “quarterback” in Team Arrow’s ear, as she and Oliver grew closer. In a series with dark themes, Felicity provided the light and levity that both Oliver and the show needed. In the comics, she was even worked into the New 52 reboot of Green Arrow. While this unexpected spark infuriated Green Arrow traditionalists who wanted to see Laurel and Oliver get together, Emily’s wit and performance won fans over. Their love story had numerous highs and lows, break-ups and make-ups. It ultimately culminated in tying the knot alongside Barry Allen and Iris West with teammate and friend John Diggle (David Ramsey) presiding. Last season’s finale saw Felicity and Ollie leave Team Arrow to focus on their daughter’s birth. Unfortunately, she had to let go of Oliver to meet his obligation to the Monitor. She would then raise Mia herself until 2040, when – after reuniting her estranged daughter and stepson – she left them to join the Monitor with the promise of reuniting with her husband.
Rickards had left the series to pursue Broadway, and her initial comments indicated she would not make an appearance in the finale. The limited ten-episode final season of Arrow is primarily focused on “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” but Stephen in earlier comments indicated there would be a happy ending for Oliver and Felicity.
