A TVLine spoiler report revealed some interesting facets of Malcolm Merlyn's (John Barrowman) arc in season 4 of Arrow.

Executive producer Wendy Mericle revealed to the publication that Merlyn will have various shades to him, for instance while he will be the big baddie as Ra's al Ghul but will also be portraying the "good" father to Thea (Willa Holland).

"Around Thea and trying to be a good father while also being the very evil, badass Ra's al Ghul," Mericle said. Things will get even more interesting as the good old Malcolm as fans knew him in the beginning won't be lost, but he will be evry much around even as he takes on the new role as Ra's al Ghul. Mericle stated that "we want to restore him to more of the Season 1 Malcolm who was going around and messing up Oliver's plans and anyone else he can cross paths with."

Then there is also the matter of Nyssa (Katrina Law) who will still not be at peace about Merlyn claiming what was assumed to be her birth right, playing heiress to Ra's al Ghul. According to Mericle Nyssa is "definitely not going to be on board with Malcolm as Ra's." This animus will be lead to some fighting: "We're hoping to take that in a cool, very fighty-fight orientated direction."

The upcoming episode of Arrow, titled 'Restoration', will air on Oct. 21.

Here's the official synopsis:

"The growing tension between Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Diggle (David Ramsey) puts both their lives at risk when they go after Damien Darhk (guest star Neal McDonough) and a H.I.V.E. deployed meta-human. Meanwhile, Laurel (Katie Cassidy) talks Thea (Willa Holland) into returning to Nanda Parbat to ask her father (John Barrowman) to put Sara (guest star Caity Lotz) into the Lazarus Pit. However, Laurel is surprised when Nyssa (guest star Katrina Law) refuses to do it. Wendey Stanzler directed the episode written by Wendy Mericle & Speed Weed (#403)."

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