This week’s episode of Arrow, “Taken,” finally sees the debut of Megalyn Echikunwoke as a live-action Mari McCabe, a.k.a. the animal-powered superheroine known as Vixen.
The CW let us know Vixen was coming quite some time ago, leaking a promo image and releasing a series of animated web shorts on the CW Seed which also featured Echikunwoke. The animated series has recently been renewed for a second season, and now we get to meet Vixen in the flesh.
Here’s hoping that — like The Flash before her — this is a back-door pilot for a stand-alone live-action Vixen television show. Another superhero show that not only features a woman but a woman of color?
I didn’t think I would ever live to see the day.
Here’s the official CW synopsis of this week’s episode.
VIXEN JOINS TEAM ARROW
Oliver (Stephen Amell) realizes he needs help battling Darhk (guest star Neal McDonough) so he calls in an old friend – Vixen (guest star Megalyn E.K.). Using her magical ability to summon animal powers, Vixen gets a lock on Darhk’s location and the team goes to war. Meanwhile, Thea (Willa Holland) has a heart-to-heart talk with Malcolm (John Barrowman).
Arrow is shown on Wednesdays at 8 / 7c on the CW.