'Arrow' Season 8 could set up Mia Smoak as new Emerald Archer but she shouldn't have to follow in her father's footsteps
With the CW's 'Arrow' ending after its upcoming eighth season, the network is looking at possible spin-off shows that could take its place and certain reports suggest a series based on the descendants of Team Arrow in the year 2040 could be in the works. If the series does move into production, we could see the legacy of Oliver Queen/Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) taken forward by a new hero.
According to rumors that have been doing the rounds on the internet, Mia Smoak (Katherine McNamara), the daughter of Oliver and Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards), is going to be the one to become the new Green Arrow. While it does make sense for Oliver's own child to take up his mantle, it might not be the best move for the character.
Sure, McNamara's performance as Mia has made her an endearing figure to the fans but becoming the new Green Arrow would place a lot of undue pressure on the young hero. Considering just how much Oliver has contributed to Star City, both in his civilian role and his vigilante life, Mia will already have to deal with the pressure of being Oliver Queen's daughter and becoming the new Emerald Archer would make things even harder for her.
And the thing is, she shouldn't have to face such high expectations. Mia deserves a chance to build her own identity as a hero instead of having to prove herself worthy of her father's mantle. The whole trend of heroes passing on their titles to their children has gotten a bit cliche and letting the Green Arrow die with Oliver wouldn't be the worst idea. As much as his children would want to honor Oliver's life and legacy, they ought to be able to do that on their own terms, not by sacrificing their own lives to further his identity and his war.
'Arrow' Season 8 will premiere on The CW October 15.