In last week’s episode of CW’s The Flash, which featured a crossover with Arrow in the form of Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) visiting Central City, Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and his team endured some growing pains. In a key moment for Barry, Felicity pointed out the different ways in which the two superhero teams came together: Barry was thrown into a previously-established group, while Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) slowly built his team.

On Arrow, viewers have watched as the team has grown over the course of the series and learned about each of the characters’ back-stories as well as why they would get involved with a vigilante’s mission – except for Felicity. Little is known about the fan-favorite character’s life prior to her introduction in season 1, but that will change in this week’s episode of Arrow.


TV Line released a batch of promotional images for Wednesday’s episode of Arrow titled “The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak.” In the episode, Oliver and Felicity will work to contain the destruction caused by a cyber attack. Meanwhile, Felicity’s mother, played by Charlotte Ross (NYPD Blue), arrives in Starling City, bringing up old memories – including Felicity’s college boyfriend, played by Nolan Funk (Glee).

Elsewhere, Oliver disapproves of Thea (Willa Holland) buying her own apartment, which she buys with money from Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman), and Ted Grant (J.R. Ramirez) questions Laurel’s (Katie Cassidy) motives for learning to fight.


At the heart of the episode seems to be the familial drama – a recurring theme this season on Arrow – between Felicity and her mother, Donna, who we previously learned is a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas. Additionally, viewers will learn more about Felicity’s time at college, which she previously alluded to as a time that put her on the path to working at Queen Consolidated – and, perhaps, teaming up with the Arrow.

Felicity’s flashback outfit and styling may remind DC fans of Neil Gaiman’s Death character from “Sandman” and “Death: The High Cost of Living,” which is presumably a nod to the character. Felicity’s goth outfit indicates fans will be seeing a different side to her character in “The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak.”

Arrow continues Wednesday with “The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak” @8pm on The CW.