LOS ANGELES TIMES' HERO COMPLEX: ‘Arrow’: John Barrowman talks archery, ‘Doctor Who’ anniversary
Dec. 12, 2012
by Patrick Kevin Day
Fans of “Doctor Who” and “Torchwood” know actor John Barrowman as the ever-cheery Capt. Jack Harkness. But for his latest role, as Malcolm Merlyn on the hit CW series “Arrow,” Barrowman is putting his famous smile to more sinister use, playing the wealthy head of the mysterious Tempest group. Of course, in “Green Arrow” comic book mythology, Malcolm Merlyn becomes archvillain Merlyn, a whiz with the bow and arrow himself. Barrowman unequivocally declined to reveal whether his character will one day evolve into that famous foe, but in an interview with Hero Complex, he did discuss what’s in store for Wednesday night’s midseason finale of the show, his own archery skills and how he might commemorate the upcoming 50th anniversary of “Doctor Who...”
... Hero Complex: “Arrow” has done surprisingly well for the CW. What was your reaction when you got word that the show had been picked up for a full season?
John Barrowman: "What I can say that’s different in American television … in Britain, they wouldn’t cancel something after a couple of episodes. In the States they would. They would just decide it’s not working, take it off and put something else in on the fall schedule. It’s about turnaround and getting those audience figures. In the UK, they’ll let a show build. One thing I think is great about the CW is that we came in gangbusters for them and as per normal, the ratings taper off a little bit, but still doing well and all of a sudden there’s another gangbuster moment and the ratings go up again. The CW has stuck by it. Once I found out the numbers were good, I immediately texted Stephen [Amell] to say congratulations and job well done. Stephen was so excited, that he tweeted it before it was even announced. That gives you an idea of the feeling we have as the actors when it happens, we are happy about it and ecstatic that our story gets to be told..."
Arrow airs Wednesday at 8/7C on The CW.
John Barrowman as another Archer raises even more questions. Hope to see him again on Dr Who. This show is big on slow back-story reveals. Hoo-rah. But what happens if network does cancel, like Alphas, still with more to tell us? At least with your blog warning I can start mourning now, or add my voice to pleas for renewal - know any sites?
ReplyDeleteArrow cast synergy so evident with each other, potential for humorous interactions, not exploited by writers. I'm addicted to the series, but so dark, how about some FUN surprises?