So, I think it is common knowledge that I’m a nerd. In fact, I think I mention it at least once in every other Clacking in Color post. With that being said, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I’m head over Timberland boots for Arrow on The CW. It’s such a great superhero show, a true valentine for comic book lovers. However, it isn’t the program’s title character that I’m intrigued by. No, on the contrary, I’m a little more captivated by his sidekick — the elusive John Diggle.

As Diggle, actor David Ramsey (known to some for his role in season three of Dexter) is given a part that can be both funny and serious. He gets some of the best one liners and he also receives a chance to show off his fighting moves. There was a recent episode of Arrow that had Diggle doubling as the hero in order to throw the cops off his trail. My buddy and I both agree that Diggle looked pretty bad-ass in the Green Arrow costume. In fact, he looked more convincing than the show’s lead. Hmph. It looks like actor Stephen Amell better watch his back. He may have a real contender on his hands.

And for that matter, so do we. I can’t tell you how cool it is to have a character of a darker complexion that is fully utilized and developed. It’s refreshing to know that he isn’t a tired stereotype. Diggle is important and he happens to be Black. In fact, as someone who writes about diversity on the regular, I couldn’t help but notice that in addition to Arrow being action packed and well choreographed, it’s also a bit colorful. Let’s see, we have Ramsey and then we also have Colin Salmon as the wealthy husband of Moira Queen, and Annie Illonzeh as Laurel’s best friend Joanna — not to mention the brother playing Detective Lance’s partner. It seems Arrow is down for the brown.

Yet, I digress. This column is about Diggle and the awesome job that Ramsey is doing. I’m not a fan of Amell’s Green Arrow. He’s boring and a bit bland. Dinah Laurel Lance is cool, but her personality changes in every episode. Tommy’s pretty awesome. I’m glad he learned how to man up in the last episode. Diggle’s been pretty consistent. What you see is what you get, and more and more is being revealed in each and every episode. Diggle’s the man.

And for that fact alone, Arrow‘s aim is all the more true.

Do you enjoy reading Clacking in Color? Jaylen sure as hell hopes so! Feel free to follow him on Twitter @thesuperflynerd to keep up with all things diverse on television!

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