Why Not Let John Diggle BeCOME Green Lantern After Seven Years of Arrow?

Over the seven years of Arrow, fans have eagerly followed the adventures of John Diggle and the other superheroes in the show's Arrowverse. One question that has intrigued many viewers is whether Diggle could be given the Green Lantern ring. This idea offers a unique twist on the existing storyline, but several considerations must be taken into account to ensure its feasibility.

Financial and Logical Considerations

Introducing a new superhero to a series requires careful planning to maintain the show's financial and logistical stability. The Special Effects (SFX) budget is a significant concern. Green Lantern's powers and appearances require a high level of production investment. Ensuring that this is maintained without affecting the show's overall financial health is crucial.

Before assigning the Green Lantern ring to Diggle, the showrunners need to establish a backstory for Hal Jordan, the original Green Lantern. This would involve integrating Diggle into a new setting, potentially involving the Guardians of the Universe and the Central City Police Department. A logical explanation for how this transition can occur without unsettling Arrow's existing plotlines needs to be crafted.

Powers and Arc Development

Green Lantern's powers are among the most powerful in the universe, and acquiring them would significantly alter Diggle's character. The show would need to carefully limit his powers to create a believable and engaging storyline. The idea of a simple ring manifestation catching Diaz could be overly powerful and might disrupt the series' dynamic. The challenge would be to provide Diggle with a continuous arc that maintains the series' integrity without overwhelming the plot.

Impact on the Arrow Dynamic

Introducing a Green Lantern without redirecting attention from the main Arrow characters could be tricky. A spin-off show focusing solely on Diggle would likely disrupt the dynamic set by Arrow, possibly diluting the impact of the central plotlines. While a plausible storyline could be developed for Diggle's involvement in the Green Lantern mythos, it might not fit seamlessly into the existing narrative framework. Therefore, integrating Green Lantern into the main series rather than a spin-off may be more effective in maintaining the show's cohesion.

Character Consistency and Universe Balance

Almost every character with a superhero or supervillain background in the Arrowverse is tied to the comic books. This consistency ensures that the show remains faithful to the source material. If John Diggle, a well-developed supporting character, were to don the Green Lantern ring, it might break this consistency and confound fans who expect a clear connection to the comics. Furthermore, with Arrow and The Flash becoming increasingly superhero-focused, introducing another strong superhero into the universe could dilute the show's impact by overwhelming the core narratives.

Conclusion and Potential for the Future

While the idea of John Diggle becoming Green Lantern is enticing, it comes with numerous challenges. The SFX budget, logical transitions, and powers management are critical factors that need addressing. Additionally, maintaining the existing dynamics and character consistency is vital. The showrunners could possibly set up the groundwork for Diggle's involvement in a future season, but this would require careful planning and execution to ensure a seamless integration into the main series. Until then, fans will continue to wonder whether this fantastic idea can be realized within the confines of Arrow's established universe.