‘Arrow’ spoilers: ‘Fringe’ alum scores Vertigo-inspired role

Last week, we told you about “Arrow” casting a new villain for the season who was actually going to be more than just a guy who shows up for an episode and then leaves; instead, this will be a “big bad” character similar in ways to Trinity on “Dexter,” Gus on “Breaking Bad,” or any other baddie that you can expect to see around for a while.

Now, we know who the role belongs to, and it’s an inspired choice in particular for fans of other science fiction programs on TV. According to TVLine, “Fringe” alum Seth Gabel will take the role of a dark, Christopher Nolan sort of villain on the show this year loosely based on the character Vertigo from the Green Arrow comics. He will be a smart, cunning character known for passing along a drug known by the name vertigo that throws most of Starling City into a trance.

There are really two more things that we can tell you about the part that are a bit more general than just who this man is:

1. His first appearance will not come until early next year, pending some surprise or last-minute shocker.

2. The indication easily is that this will be Oliver Queen’s most dangerous enemy yet, as he is capable of fighting with far more than just violence. He can also get inside of your head.

“Arrow” has been a commercial revelation for The CW this year, as it debuted to some of the strongest viewership numbers in years. Next to “The Vampire Diaries,” it is also the most-watched show on the network in adults aged 18-49, and already has a pickup for a full season.