The “Arrow” season 5 finale finally aired this week, and it was arguably one of the greatest “Arrow” episodes in the history of the show. The finale pulled out all the stops, and it was full of surprises.
The episode ended with a huge cliffhanger that made fans wonder who had survived the finale, but one “Arrow” star has confirmed that their character did indeed die.
During the episode, Malcolm Merlyn was walking with Thea when she stepped on a landmine. Merlyn shoved her out of the way and placed his foot on the landmine instead so he could take her place. Thea argued with him, but he told her that although she may not think of him as her father, she’ll always be his daughter, and he told her to leave.
As Thea and company left, Captain Boomerang and a group of Nyssa’s soldiers approached Merlyn, and he sacrificed himself by stepping off the landmine. The show then switched to Thea’s perspective and we saw a big explosion come from the area where Malcolm was.
It was implied that Malcolm died, but since the death took place off screen, and dead people always return on “Arrow” it wasn’t confirmed that he had met his end.
Well, now John Barrowman has confirmed that Malcolm is gone, and he posted a special message thanking fans for 5 amazing years.
“By now you know that Malcolm Merlyn is no more. I know they’ve done it off camera, but I’m here to tell you I won’t be back next season. I want to let you know how wonderful it has been for the last 5 years to be part of the ‘Arrow’ universe and all the other shows connected to it. I am very sad to be leaving the ‘Arrowverse.’ I loved playing Malcolm Merlyn. As sad as it may be, I understand that shows must change, and characters must change and develop, but that doesn’t mean I’m not very upset about it. I appreciate your support and love you all.”
RIP Malcolm Merlyn. You will be missed.
