With the entirety of the DC Comics catalogue at their disposal, the showrunners of Arrow and The Flash are wasting no time in bringing them to their shared universe. And to do it, they’re calling on Vinnie Jones (X-Men: The Last Stand) – specifically, playing the invulnerable crime kingpin of Starling City, and foe of Oliver Queen’s vigilante persona.

It’s safe to assume that some aspects of Danny ‘Brick’ Brickwell’s character will be removed, as the show’s writers have made their position on superpowers in Arrow Season 3 fairly clear. Although blessed with invulnerable brick-like skin in the comics, Variety reports Vinnie Jones’ version will be “a ruthless gang leader who brings Star City’s government to its knees,” with his nickname not referencing his flesh, but the fact that he’s “been shot dozens of times but never put down.”

With the crime boss’ name appearing on Oliver Queen’s famous ‘list’ of Starling’s enemies in Arrow‘s first season, fans will be pleased to see him finally arrive in the flesh. With a three-episode arc confirmed, it seems Brickwell will provide just one of the several confrontations Oliver (Stephen Amell) will have to endure – including The Flash. And having made his name by portraying intimidating, physically-imposing figures, Jones will certainly give the vigilante an entertaining fight.

On The Flash side of The CW’s DC universe, the show’s writers have crafted a genuinely new character to add some drama – and guidance. With Episode 2 hinting at Iris’ future career (introduced as a reporter in the original comics), the show has added Roger Howarth (General Hospital, One Life To Live) in the role of ‘Mason Bridge,’ described by Deadline as “an award-winning reporter from the Central City Picture News.”

With Iris West (Candice Patton) poised to turn her interest in Central City’s mysterious ‘red streak’ into a career in investigative journalism (or blogging), it’s Mason Bridge who will be overseeing her entry into CCPN. While the role might seem a necessary one (along with an easter egg for fans, as Mason Trollbridge was a supporting character in Wally West’s comic run) it also implies a few upcoming subplots.

As an investigative reporter himself, Bridge apparently has suspicions about S.T.A.R. Labs’ Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh). It’s fair to say that any viewers have their own suspicions about the mysterious genius, but it’s unclear what story Bridge will be pursuing. It was only a matter of time before Dr. Wells’ motivations were explored, since even his actions following the particle accelerator incident have yet to be detailed.

It seems odd that more people haven’t already been investigating the disaster, given the sudden emergence of metahumans in its wake. If Bridge is the first, then his listing as a ‘recurring’ character may be in jeopardy; so far, those who stand against Dr. Wells’ pursuits tend to wind up on the losing side – and fast.

But an award-winning reporter might be the kind of weight needed to find out what’s really behind ‘the red streak.’

The Flash airs Tuesdays @8pm on The CW., with Arrow airing Wednesdays @8pm.

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