Facts From a TV Junkie: 'Arrow'

Hello all! Chances are if you're reading this it means you, much like myself, are addicted to TV. You just can't ever get enough of that small screen action! Well, I'm here to tell you that I feel your pain and would like to help you in your noble quest for TV knowledge, which is why I've taken it upon myself to create this fun, weekly feature. Every week, I will dig up new and interesting facts about a show and share them with you right here. So sit back, relax, and let the trivia madness commence!

Due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday this week (yay!), many of our beloved shows are on a temporary hiatus (boo!) — one of which includes The CW hit 'Arrow.' So what does this mean exactly? Not only will we not get to see our favorite arrow-wielding vigilante fight crime in Starling City, but we'll also miss out on his shirtless workout regime. I know…I'm super bummed too. (I guess this means I'll be forced to spend quality time with my family instead. Thanks a lot, TV programming!) But fear not, fellow TV Junkies, because I've managed to spearhead (get it?) this feature to contain a bunch of 'Arrow'-related facts to help get you through this Oliver Queen-less week. Such as…

Did You Know:

1. The title of the episode is almost always said by a character at some point.

Several shows have a tendency to do this, which I don't really care for. I like to think the writers trust fans enough to be able to connect the dots themselves without a character having to blantantly point it out. However, the series provides a TON of shirtless hot guy scenes, so all is forgiven.

2. In the comics, The Black Canary's real name is Dinah "Laurel" Lance.

This knowledge caused many diehard comic fans to believe Oliver's No. 1 leading lady would eventually become this badass little birdie. However, the writers decided to pull a fast one on us by making the DC heroine Laurel's sister instead. Ugh, this show and its never-ending twists. I hate it. (Just kidding, I totally love it!)

3. John Diggle's name is more than just fun to say.

Come on, you know the word "Diggle" is a super funny name to have. Poor toddler Diggle probably experienced the wrath of a thousand playground tauntings and wedgies back in the day. In all seriousness though, it turns out David Ramsey's hunky character was given this name for a very specific reason. It's actually a shout out to the 'Green Arrow - Year One' writer, Andy Diggle, whose comic series is the actual basis for the show.

4. The Queens, Luthors, and Xaviers have all lived under the same roof.

Okay, that's not EXACTLY how it sounds, but the idea alone sounds pretty amazing, doesn't it? What I mean is — the Queen Mansion exterior shots were taken at this place called Hatley Castle, which just so happens to be the same building that was used to shoot outside shots of the Luthor Mansion in 'Smallville,' as well as Professor Charles Xavier's mutant school in 'X-Men' and 'X-Men United.' Man, if those walls could talk…amirite?

5. The name of Oliver's club Verdant is a nod to his vigilante counterpart.

The word Verdant means "of bright green color," which can also be defined as "green with vegetation." And you've probably noticed that the large V above is very reminiscent of a certain shaped arrow head. Green…arrow…you'll get there.

6. Malcolm and Tommy Merlyn are only 14 years apart.

Though they've played father and son on the show, the actors themselves are only a little over a decade apart in age. At least now I feel a little less weird about being equally attracted to both of them.

7. Stephen Amell is the older cousin of Robbie Amell.

Robbie also happens to have his own CW show called 'The Tomorror People.' Okay, guys, I have a confession to make...I figured most of you already knew this particular fact. The truth is, I really just wanted an excuse to stare at a photo of these guys side by side. I mean, come on, this family has fantastic genes. (If only those darn clothes weren't in the way. Ugh, so annoying.) Those abs…those biceps….umm…what was I talking about?

8. Stephen Amell is a father in real life.

His wife, Cassandra Jean, gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Mavi, back in October. I'd go into more detail about this, but I think the photo pretty much says it all. Looks like Chris Hemsworth's got some competition for the Hottest Celebrity Dad awards. (That's a pretend award show I've made up in honor of Hollywood's sexiest looking dads. I know, I'm super cool.)

9. Katie Cassidy, who plays Laurel on the show, is a highly-skilled guitarist and pianist.

This probably has something to do with the fact that her father was rather musically inclined. You may have heard of him…David Cassidy!

10. Colton Haynes, who plays Roy Harper on the show, was considered for the role of Edward Cullen.

I kid you not, everyone — this face was almost the lead face of the epic 'Twilight' saga. I gotta admit, I don't exactly hate the idea, though I'm a huge Robert Pattinson fan, so it's hard for me to favor anyone over him in any capacity. But still, so crazy right? Maybe he would've even ended up dating Kristen Stewart since her and RPatz fell in love on set. Who knows? Stranger things have happened, especially in Hollywood.

I hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Facts From a TV Junkie. Check back next week for another fix and, to all those who celebrate, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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