One of the things that I really admire about Arrow as a series is that on the team, there are no true sidekicks. Oh, sure, some characters occasionally have less to do than others. Not everyone engages in complex and visually stunning fight scenes each episode. But the show doesn't diminish the impact of characters who aren't Oliver Queen. That's what is so amazing. We talked last week about why Felicity Smoak is an amazing character -- a breath of fresh, bubbly air on a show that is often darker and dingier than the basement beneath Verdant.
But this week, we're going to set aside time to focus on John Diggle, a character who is often overlooked but who has been the person to stand beside Oliver Queen the longest. Diggle protected not just Oliver's secret but Oliver himself in so many ways than just emotionally. This is a man whose training taught him to defend his fellow soldiers like they were his own family. And that's truly a way of life for Diggle -- he always protects the people he cares most about, often from themselves. He physically defends Felicity, he has Oliver's back but also is the one to drag him out of darkness and back into the light. (Hello, remember: "So don't," was Diggle's response to Oliver saying he didn't want to die in the foundry?) Diggle was supportive of Roy and Laurel, too, as they trained to be heroes and vigilantes, encouraging them and supporting them when necessary and also issuing harsh truths to them as well.
If Felicity is the light of Arrow, then Diggle is its rock and foundation. So let's talk about five times where Diggle was the wisest person in the entire room. The writers did an awesome job with this piece and -- unintentionally -- without my contributions! Read what Lizzie, Lynnie, Maddie, and Jen had to say about our wonderful Team Arrow member. :)
