The CW’s Arrow concluded four years ago after its eight-season run, but fans still cannot get over how Neal McDonough’s Damien Darhk was a wasted potential. Apart from the much-despised fourth season of the series that aired in 2016, his arc was so frustrating for the viewers.
Nonetheless, fans believe he did great as an antagonist of the Arrowverse, and the character also became one of the best things that happened in Legends of Tomorrow. Now, McDonough is back in his villain era after joining Tulsa King Season 2.
Fans Praised Neal McDonough’s Damien Darhk Despite Terrible Arrow Storyline
Season 4 of Arrow felt like a complete disaster for many viewers because of its plot and execution, with many believing the show’s quality declined through the years. Perhaps one of the good things that came out from that controversial installment was the debut appearance of Neal McDonough’s Damien Darhk.
His storyline in Arrow brought divisive comments from the viewers as they believed he didn’t exactly fit in the show (although he totally rocked as a villain in Legends of Tomorrow). It is not the actor’s fault, though, because he did great in both series. As mentioned, Season 4 was not the best installment in the franchise due to its terrible writing.
On Reddit, fans expressed admiration for the actor and his work as Damien Darhk
Thankfully, the character was given a great redemption arc in Legends of Tomorrow. He was very much fleshed out in the series as compared to his stint in Arrow, and his death was considered a fitting end to his story.
Neal McDonough Finds Another Shot at Playing a Villain in Tulsa King
McDonough is given another chance to display his convincing skills of playing a fearsome villain in Tulsa King. Many anticipated his appearance in the series after the announcement of his casting as Cal Thresher, the powerful and ambitious businessman.
Writer Terence Winter praised the actor for his exceptional performance in the second season which premiered last September 15. “He’s so intense. He was an actor I’ve been wanting to work with for years,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
He also said that when hiring actors to go toe-to-toe with Sylvester Stallone, one needs to have gravitas — and McDonough naturally has that in him. Tulsa King has been a hit for Paramount and is highly lauded by fans and critics for its epic storytelling and brilliant cast, so it is a guarantee that his villain role here won’t be taken for granted.