NOTE: Season 3, episode 1 spoilers and speculation
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So Arrow fans in the UK have now finally learned the fate of one of the show's most popular characters after the first episode of season three aired on Sky 1 HD, and whilst Sara Lance's murder is one that's left many angered and confused, it's one that absolutely had to happen.
What comic book fans already know is that in many of those series, Black Canary's actual alter ego is Dinah Drake - mother in the Arrow series to both Laurel and Sara Lance. In some continuities, Laurel also exists as a second Black Canary alongside her mother, and in others the torch is passed on.
Though the writers have toyed a little with this, the point being made is, Laurel has to become Black Canary. Remember when Sara gave Laurel her BC jacket during the season two finale? It was always going to take a major event for the transition to actually occur - Laurel has never been a fighter like her sister. Cue Sara receiving three arrows to the gut and falling off the top of a building, dying in Laurel's arms.
And whilst Laurel is a lead character and has always meant to remain at the forefront of the action, Sara was supposed to have a huge impact but not retain as much relevance going forward. She was going to leave Starling City, but instead of leaving a window of opportunity for her return going forward, Arrow writers instead decided to throw viewers off entirely by forcing the elevation of Laurel right from the get-go by ending her sister's life. Brutal, but necessary.
Will we now see Laurel join Team Arrow immediately donning the new outfit? That's highly doubtful. Ollie isn't going to want to put her in danger following Sara's death and so she'll have to find another way to train herself up to Canary level. It's a good job Starling City is a place full of unique characters, and a little birdy tells me that the writers are really speeding along with getting Laurel involved in some big action scenes. Watch this space.
Arrow season three continues Thursdays, 8pm on Sky 1 HD.