‘Arrow’ season 5: Examining the Tommy Merlyn – Prometheus theory

Ever since the character of Prometheus was first introduced on “Arrow” season 5, his identity was a hot-button subject. There have been theories and ideas aplenty, and we’d say that the vast majority of them have been really fun.

Still, one remains more intriguing than all of the rest: That Tommy Merlyn, who was killed off all the way back at the end of season 1, is somehow the man behind the mask. Logically, we understand this move makes little sense, especially when you remember that Colin Donnell is a series regular over on “Chicago Med.” If you were going to bring him back, odds are you’d only be able to get him for an episode or two, and we cannot imagine that the writers would want to keep this character in the mask for this particular period of time.

Also, it doesn’t make sense for it to be Tommy just because there’s no reason for Tommy to go after Oliver unless he’s been somewhat corrupted over the years by whatever mechanism brought him back to life, or a feeling of rage when he learned that Laurel Lance, who he also loved, seemingly was also killed. Tommy was the bright light in a Merlyn family otherwise surrounded in darkness. Just look at Malcolm, and how he was even when his son was alive.

So why is this theory popular?

The biggest reason is more than likely the compelling nature of it. Donnell’s a magnetic performer, and there’s something innately fascinating that would come from watching him play the villain. Also, having him be under this mask would potentially be the biggest way to devastate Oliver beyond maybe it being Laurel. He wouldn’t understand, and while he’s shown a willingness to kill again, we’re not sure he would have that same willingness for someone he cared about so deeply.

Also, having it be Tommy justifies this whole story of legacy and looking back to the past. If Prometheus is merely a descendant of someone Oliver killed back during the early days, is the reveal really that dramatic? We all know Tommy and care about him, and it would justify all of the hype.

Have there been any major clues?

What we know about Prometheus is that he does know a tremendous amount about Oliver Queen, he’s got tremendous skills as a marksman, and that he doesn’t actually want to kill Oliver. Honestly, we don’t actually know for sure that he’s a man, hence the Laurel comment earlier. Given that Tommy is Malcolm’s son, it’s possible that there has been some training going on there in secret — after all, Malcolm is great at keeping those. Also, Tommy’s name has been brought up on more than one occasion — the one in the 100th episode made sense given that he had to be acknowledged, but beyond that, it was somewhat of a surprise to be reminded of someone from the first season.

In the end, we do think that the odds of Tommy-as-Prometheus are extremely slim, maybe around 1% or so. Still, “Arrow” has pulled off some ridiculous twists in the past, so we’d be insane to think that the writers wouldn’t think about this at the very least.

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For more news on “Arrow,” including our take on the polarizing nature of Felicity Smoak, be sure to head over to the link here. (Photo: The CW.)