Board Thread:Arrow episode discussions/@comment-9346948-20150514010059/@comment-160289-20150518091658

Although she was never an exact adaptation of Mia from the comics, the new TV character had clear Speedy references ever since S1.


 * Her middle name is "Dearden"
 * She used the alias "Mia" while in Corto Maltese
 * "Thea" even sounds like "Mia" :P
 * Her nickname was always Speedy
 * A small reference, but in Queen Mansion, archery trophies could be seen in her bedroom. She proved that this was true by having "wicked aim" when hitting a guy's head by throwing a bottle. The S3 training (particularly the bow and arrow) was clearly setting her up to be Speedy.

Also, TV isn't the comics. TV is a new universe.