Smallville to Introduce HIV-Positive Character Speedy
Green Arrow's Sidekick Appears in November Episode
Green Arrow has had two sidekicks in the comic books named Speedy. The latest one is a female character named Mia Dearden who debuted in 2001. In the comics, Dearden is a former child prostitute who pushes Oliver Queen into taking her on as a partner. Dearden quickly gained notice after her introduction as one of the few HIV-positive characters in comic books.
According to Kryptonsite, Smallville will introduce Mia Dearden in a November episode titled Crossfire. On the show, Mia is a prostitute working for an unpleasant pimp who meets Oliver while he is down on his luck. Helping to save Mia from her situation may be something that helps pull the Green Arrow out of the dark place he is supposed to be in early this season on Smallville.
TV Guide Magazine has confirmed that in Smallville's version of the character, Mia will be HIV-positive as well. She will wear the red and yellow reflective of her comic book roots, and will be a skilled martial-arts fighter.
Smallville has a growing lineup of DC comics characters set to appear for the first time on the show this season-including Zod (who was previously only seen inhabiting others' bodies), Metallo, the Justice Society of America, and even the Wonder Twins.
For information on the Wonder Twins' appearance see the article No Joke, The Wonder Twins Are Coming to Smallville.
In the comic books, Mia Dearden is the second sidekick to the Green Arrow named Speedy, following Oliver Queen's first partner Roy Harper. Mia is a former child prostitute whom Green Arrow rescues in Star City and begins to train in the use of the bow.
It became known very early on in the comics that Mia was HIV-positive, allowing her to be an advocate for HIV and AIDS education in her storylines.
Mia utilizes trick arrows like Oliver Queen, and unlike Oliver she sometimes uses a crossbow. She has no superpowers but is usually shown as being a skilled martial-artist.
The comics have portrayed her as taking antiretroviral drugs for her HIV condition and having to deal with the side effects while being a crime fighter. She has also dealt with the problems of being HIV-positive and being injured in combat.
The character of Mia eventually joined the Teen Titians in the DC universe, and was involved with the storylines surrounding Green Arrow's attempted marriage to Black Canary.
There is no word yet on the name of the actress who will be cast for the role of Mia Dearden, alias Speedy, on Smallville.
See also Smallville Season 9 Moves Clark Closer To Superman.
Sources:
Published by Jeffrey Weeks
Jeffrey Weeks is an award-winning NC newspaper columnist who writes about saltwater and freshwater fishing, southern seafood and cooking, hunting, popular entertainment, and sports. View profile
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- Smallville will introduce Green Arrow's comic sidekick Speedy in a November episode.
- Speedy's real name is Mia Dearden, and as in the comics she is HIV-positive.
3 Comments
Post a CommentInfo I did not know, good article.
great reporting on this story!
Thanks for the heads up about Smallville. By the way, noticed you liked saltwater fishing. I used to do that with my father :)