‘The Flash’ Season 7: Sue Dearbon Will Help Team Flash ‘In an Unexpected Way,’ Says Showrunner
When Natalie Dreyfuss came on the scene as Sue Dearbon in The Flash Season 6, she quickly became a fan favorite. And ever since the shocking casting shake-up involving her primary scene partner, Ralph Dibney portrayer Hartley Sawyer, TV buffs have pondered how Sue might fit into the future of The Flash. It turns out that the character will still play a vital part in the season 7 storyline. Here’s what we know so far. [Spoiler warning: This article contains details about The Flash Seasons 6 and 7.]
Sue is a key character in ‘The Flash’ comics
DC Comics wrote Sue and Ralph as lovebirds who eventually tied the knot. So, when The Flash introduced Sue as a recurring character in the sixth season, comic book enthusiasts became giddy with excitement. It seemed inevitable that Sue and Ralph’s love story from the comics would finally come to fruition on screen.
Sawyer exited the role of Ralph ahead of season 7 before the show could delve into DC Comics’ Dearbon-Dibney romance. What’s more, the season 6 finale ended with a major Sue cliffhanger when Eva McCullough framed her for Joseph Carver’s murder. But fans can rest easy because The Flash writers have already made plans to tie up loose ends.
Sue’s story arc will continue in season 7
Based on what The Flash showrunner Eric Wallace told Entertainment Weekly, the creative minds behind the show are crafting a proper resolution to Sue’s arc. And the conclusion will incorporate an appearance by Ralph, who will sport a brand-new look.
“It’s funny, I guess technically it would be a recasting, but the character won’t be a big part of season 7,” Wallace revealed. “He’ll only be a part of just wrapping up the Sue storyline.”
Wallace went on to explain how Ralph will factor into Sue’s narrative. He teased, “Yes, one could say it is a recasting, but we’re going to do it in a way that I think honors the spirit of the character and provides not only a satisfying conclusion to Sue’s murder mystery, but also it’s done with some humor.”
‘The Flash’ Season 7 will incorporate even more stories featuring Sue
The Flash will indeed resolve Sue’s murder mystery storyline, but it won’t be the last we see of her. According to what Wallace told EW, Sue will stay in the mix throughout season 7, even without her former scene partner.
“You’re going to see Sue more than once this year even without the Elongated Man — on her own, making appearances, and helping Team Flash in an unexpected way. And it’s just going to be hilarious because she was so much fun,” said Wallace.
Regarding the choice to keep Sue on the canvas, Wallace called it “one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as a showrunner.” He explained, “I called up Natalie and said, ‘Don’t worry, you’re still going to be part of this season. We’ll find a way.’ Now, when I told her that, to be honest, I wasn’t quite sure [how]. But I am happy to report we found a way.”
Sue will get more face time with Team Flash
Wallace confirmed to EW that The Flash will expand Sue’s character and give her more of a backstory. Overall, she will spend a lot more time with Team Flash.
And about the sharp turn Sue’s story took after Sawyer’s departure, Wallace mused, “You try to take lemons and make lemonade, and suddenly, now Sue’s possibilities are wide open. And we have a particular storyline that she’s going to help us out with, [specifically] with one of our villains this season that we would have never gotten to had not the circumstances changed. So, it is going to be, I think, fun and unexpected for the audience, as much as it was for us to write.”
Follow Erika Delgado on Twitter.