Arrow season 5 finale: Is John Barrowman leaving CW show?
After traveling halfway around the world to Liam Yu in order to help rescue his daughter Thea from Adrian Chase and his assorted motley crew, Merlyn decided to sacrifice himself as a means of saving her from a landmine explosion. This was a crazy move for him to make, and a tragic end to one of the show’s best characters.
Does this move mean that John Barrowman is leaving the show? As of right now, signs point to yes. Barrowman recently said at a convention that he would not be a part of the universe next year; therefore, his apparent death does seem to be sticking for the time being. This is a hard thing to accept, given that he’s so fantastic and charismatic. Yet, at the same time it is hard sometimes to find the right place for him in this world now. Nobody really trusts him — and they have no reason to. He was also so conflicted when it comes to his feelings for Thea that it seemed unlikely that he would ever be a full villain in the present, even if he did occupy that role recently on Legends of Tomorrow season 2.
The good thing about Barrowman is that if you do love his work, there are going to be a wide array of different ways to check him out. He’s prolific as a performer, and also makes frequent stops on the convention circuit (hence why this news is known in the first place). Down the road, the door does remain open for him to make another return down the road. Remember that with this world and everything from time-travel to alternate earths, no actor is ever really gone.
For now, let’s tribute Barrowman’s work as Malcolm, and remember that in the Arrow-verse, anything is truly possible.
What do you think: Is John Barrowman leaving the entire franchise for good? Share in the comments below!
Meanwhile, head over here to get some further news right now when it comes to the show and the big finale! (Photo: The CW.)