Arrow's upcoming 100th episode, which also marks the beginning of the CW's mega-crossover, will feature the return appearances of a few familiar faces introduced in the past seasons.
In a report from Entertainment Weekly, "Arrow" executive producer Marc Guggenheim has revealed that Neal McDonough and John Barrowman will reprise their roles as Damien Darhk and Malcolm Merlyn, respectively on the milestone hour. Oliver's new recruits which includes Curtis, Wild Dog, Ragman and Evelyn Sharp will also be making appearances, according to the showrunner.
"It is a love letter to the show, it draws on all previous 99 episodes pretty much," Guggenheim said on the landmark episode's long list of guest stars.
"Everyone who we could have in the episode, from a scheduling point of view, is in the episode. Even the people who we couldn't have, because of conflicting schedules, are represented."
As to how Oliver will behave in the crossover, executive producer Andrew Kreisberg previously revealed that Oli will be keeping his distance from Barry and the rest of the superheroes.
"Part of Oliver's journey in those [crossover] episodes is he's kind of hit his breaking point [in terms of] things he's willing to accept," Kreisberg told TV Line.
"He's keeping his distance, which is a very Oliver thing to do. Kara sort of comments, 'Does he not like me?' and Barry's like, 'No, that's kind of how he treats everybody.'"
Meanwhile, next week's episode of "Arrow" titled "Penance," will find Oliver stepping in for Diggle. As revealed in the official plot synopsis, viewers will find Oli and Lyla (guest star Audrey Marie Anderson) teaming up on a secret mission for Diggle. However, Felicity will get in the way. Elsewhere, Tobias Church (Chad L. Coleman) will wreak havoc in Central City following a deadly assault.
"Arrow" also stars Stephen Amell, Emily Bett Rickards, David Ramsey, Echo Kellum, Paul Blackthorne and Willa Holland. Season 5 airs every Wednesday at 8PM on the CW.
