‘Arrow’ star is fine with show’s criticism

PAUL Blackthorne

“Arrow,” the action series based on DC Comics’ costumed vigilante Green Arrow, recently concluded its fourth season.

But its finale drew mixed reactions from viewers, some of whom were unhappy with the “disappointing” episode and the direction of the show.

“Well, that’s fine—everybody has different opinions and can express them freely,” said English actor Paul Blackthorne, who plays Captain Quentin Lance, in an e-mail interview. “But if people are still watching, then that’s the main thing. And onwards, we shall go,” he said. Reruns of the series, starring Stephen Amell as the titular archer hero, will air weekday mornings this month on Warner TV.

Blackthorne, 47, previously appeared as a modern-day wizard in the short-lived “The Dresden Files,” and as a bio-terrorist in “24.” The actor also had roles in films such as “Lagaan” and “Dumb and Dumber To.” His directorial debut, “This American Journey,” is a documentary about the 2008 economic crash.

The actor-director was in Vietnam recently to speak about rhino poaching.

Excerpts from the interview:

Describe your recent activities in Vietnam.

Amazingly, 90 percent of rhino horns poached in Africa end up in Vietnam. It’s become a status symbol here, and we’re trying to raise awareness about [it] … and that poaching funds terrorism. A rhino horn has no medicinal qualities whatsoever, and… is a symbol of ignorance and greed. Rhinos will be extinct in 10 years [if killings continue].

How would you describe television’s growth?

There’s certainly a lot more of it now. I first started acting—about 112 years ago!—when I was 11. The proliferation of networks in America has contributed to the quantity, and there’s also a lot of TV genres, for example the [thriving] superhero programming.

There are more opportunities for people to explore. It’s good days for TV; in the past 10 to 15 years, we’ve seen plenty of quality storytelling.

How have fans been reacting to your portrayal of Quentin Lance?

I’ve been fortunate to receive a positive reaction to my portrayal. I think that’s been helped enormously by the fact that it has such great writing… We’ve been passed a very good ball that’s been a lot of fun to play with.

What is the set like behind the scenes?

The “Arrow” set has got that perfect blend of professionalism and utter respect, but a sense of playfulness, as well—which is important to the creative process … So, it’s a lot of hard work, but lots of fun, too.

How do you feel about the success of the growing “Arrowverse”?

The crossover aspect [of] “Arrow,” “The Flash” and “Legends of Tomorrow”—it’s exciting times, both for this genre and for these other productions to to mix them up together like that. It’s challenging from the points of view of production and storytelling. At the end of the day, the results are there—and people enjoy watching.

What other roles do you wish to portray?

Personally, I don’t [think] of specific characters I’d like to play. I just find myself responding to a good script or story. That can be the case whether it’s a Bollywood film like “Lagaan,” or an indie film, such as the one I just shot called “Daisy Winters,” or doing a series like “Arrow.”