Ranking Every Arrowverse Big Bad From Worst To Best
14. Cayden James
Appeared In: Arrow (Season 6A)
After months of teasing, super hacker Cayden James finally showed up on Arrow's sixth season, becoming the first of two Big Bads. Portrayed by veteran actor Michael Emerson, James was undoubtedly an alluring character when he first debuted. There was also an emotional crux of his villainous desires (centred on the death of his son) and thus, he was driven by vengeance. But alas, there was still something off about the character.
Once his initial sheen wore off, James began to hold the show back. Other than direct Black Siren and hide behind a computer screen, he didn't have much to offer. Unfortunately, the writers' insistence on keeping him one step ahead of everyone else encouraged this, as he had very little to do most of the time.
Emerson gave it everything he had in an attempt to make the character work. But even with his seductive voice and latter emotional performances, he just couldn't get the character to be what the writers clearly thought he was.
Interesting backstory? Check. Incredible performance? Check. James had all the tools (literally) to be a great villain, but the execution ultimately let him down and as a result, the character only lasted half a season.