Arrow Season 3 Spoilers: Laurel's Journey and Felicity's Origin

Season 3 of Arrow is underway, and the premiere episode ended with a shocking development from which fans of the series are still reeling.

WARNING: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE ARROW SEASON 3 PREMIERE, THEN TURN BACK NOW 

The episode, entitled "The Calm," ended with Sara's (Caity Lotz) death at the hand of an unseen assailant. The death will have a ripple effect on the show's main characters, specifically her sister, Laurel (Katie Cassidy). The "Ask Ausiello" column at TVLine reports the following about the big sister's journey in Season 3.

"In addition to mourning Sara alongside familiar faces, the stages of grief also will point Laurel in the direction of a stranger - gym owner Ted 'Wildcat' Grant, to be played by Emily Owens alum J.R. Ramirez starting with Episode 3. Meeting through her work for the D.A.'s office, 'At first they definitely butt heads, but ultimately he surprises himself with the amount of respect he develops for Laurel,' Katie Cassidy tells us. And as one might surmise, given Laurel's destiny to claim the Black Canary mantle, Ted is 'definitely a part of her journey. He can see the potential that she has, and wants to help her evolve and grow.'"

On a more lighthearted note, the "Mega Buzz" column at TV Guide reports about the upcoming Felicity-centric episode.

"Felicity Smoak is the best part of Arrow but will we ever learn about her life before Oliver? - Chris
Yes - and soon! Episode 5, which is aptly titled 'The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak,' will finally fill in the backstory of everyone's favorite I.T. Girl. 'All the flashbacks will be from Felicity's point of view,' executive producer Marc Guggenheim says. 'You're going to learn a bit more about her father. You're going to learn a lot about her mother.'"

What do you think will happen to Laurel this season? What secrets lurk in Felicity's past? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.