Paul Blackthorne is leaving Arrow after six seasons as Quentin Lance. The life of Oliver Queen has greatly influenced those around him. His superhero life of fighting crime has brought several of his closest friends into the crossfire unintentionally, but even more have joined him on this quest. Season 6 has proven that it comes at a cost, with Oliver now all alone fighting crime. His methods have pushed away former allies, but also led to a few leaving this life altogether.
This season already dealt with longtime cast member Willa Holland leaving the show for good. But, with a renewal for Arrow season 7 already confirmed, it wasn’t clear who would be returning for the next season. It’s now being reported that another original cast member is leaving.
EW reports Paul Blackthorne is exiting Arrow ahead of season 7. This is the result of his contract running up, and it appears he is ready to continue his career elsewhere. Blackthorne has been a major part of the show since the beginning, and currently serves as the mayor of Star City. With only three episodes left to air before the season comes to a close, it would appear that Quentin’s time is running out.
Quentin initially was an important cog to Arrow thanks to both of his daughters. Laurel (Katie Cassidy) and Sara (Caity Lotz) were both former romantic interests of Oliver’s and fought by his side. With the real Laurel dead and Sara off fighting across time in Legends of Tomorrow, Quentin’s story has largely been focused on trying to make the Earth-2 version of Laurel fight for good. That has so far proven to be an unsuccessful endeavor, but some type of conclusion is sure to come prior to his exit.
If Blackthorne has no interest in returning to the show in season 7 or potentially beyond, the most likely way he will leave is through death. Quentin could be a casualty of what Diaz is planning or if he tries to stop him from taking full control of the city. There’s also the possibility that he could go trying to protect his daughter’s doppelgänger. If he does sacrifice himself, then that could be the moment where he is able to get her to become a hero like his actual daughter. It’s also worth noting that Lotz is set to appear in the season finale, so will she be there to say goodbye to her TV dad? Whatever fate these final episodes bestow upon Quentin Lance, this is certainly the end of a great run for Blackthorne.
MORE: Black Siren’s Redemption Arc on Arrow Has Failed
Arrow season 6 continues Thursday, May 3 with “Docket No. 11-19-41-73" on The CW.
Source: EW
