The “Where Do I Know You From?” Files, Part 1: Katie Cassidy

Before Arrow premieres, I thought it would be fun to get to know the cast and their past roles, so stay tuned for weekly posts. First up in the “Where Do I Know You From?” file is Katie Cassidy.

If the name sounds familiar, you have probably seen her in a recurring television role on a number of buzzed-about shows. She has a tendency to play strong female characters with a hint of mystery, and lucky for us, she excels at it. Here is a (spoiler-filled) overview of some of her notable roles that you may have seen her in before we get to know her as Laurel Lance on Arrow.

SUPERNATURAL (the CW, 2007-2008)
Season 3, Episodes 1, 2, 4, 9, 12, 16 
Character: Ruby (version 1)

Ruby, a mysterious demon, first appears as Sam’s savior, wielding a magical knife capable of slaying the demons that surround him. She claims to knows a way to fix Dean’s “one year to live” situation, although it is a lie. Sam forms a bond with her, while Dean believes all demons must be killed. Ruby insists that she is different from the other demons because she remembers what it was like to be human, having been a witch before she experienced Hell. During the battle with the “big bad”, Ruby’s body becomes temporarily possessed by Lilith and her spirit goes on to inhabit another woman (played by Genevieve Cortese in Season 4). In this new body, Ruby continues her friendship with Sam, but is eventually killed by Dean after she confesses that she wanted to free Lucifer the entire time.

Ruby, in a nutshell, exudes power. She uses her knowledge to her advantage, to keep Sam around to serve her purpose. Even though the brothers do not know her or trust her, she takes control of the situation and demands their cooperation. I am glad that Ruby ended up having a larger evil agenda in the fourth season; had they softened the character, it would have made Ruby’s earlier actions seem unfittingly ominous and forceful. To contradict what I have found to be an enthralling version would have been upsetting.

This may be my favorite of Katie Cassidy’s appearances. What better role is there than an intelligent and devious character who also gets to throw punches; a young feisty blonde taking out demons and commanding, “Next time, we go with my plan.” I wish they would have done more with her version of Ruby; you just can’t get her perfect brand of sass from anyone else.

HARPER’S ISLAND (CBS Miniseries, 2009)
Episodes 1-13
Character: Patricia ‘Trish’ Wellington

Trish is the wealthy fiancé of Henry Dunn, both of whom were summer residents of Harper’s Island, an island famous for being terrorized by a serial killer when they were younger. The opposite of her father, Trish never lets Henry’s humble past as their boat keeper affect the way she felt about him. While on Harper’s Island for the wedding week, Trish’s past boyfriend arrives, having been paid by Mr. Wellington to destroy her relationship with Henry, but he fails. After Henry confides in Trish that he believes his brother is behind the new serial murders on the island, including her father’s which she witnessed, Trish distances herself from Henry. In the end, Trish meets her demise at the hands of the new serial killer.

Trish could have easily been written as a mirror image of her father: a haughty, rich character, over-concerned with what others think about the family. Instead, she has a noble personality, a mild manner, and a loving heart. She does not have a secret agenda and does not act for her own benefit, but shows concern for others and for doing what she believes is right. Some may say she was blinded by love, but I say that she focuses on the good in everyone.

The reason I love Katie Cassidy in this role is because she takes on a different character from the aggressive, bold women she plays in Supernatural, Melrose Place, and Gossip Girl. Not to say that she portrayed Trish as weak, because that is far from the truth, but rather demonstrated a calmer, but equally as praiseworthy, side to her acting abilities.

MELROSE PLACE (the CW, 2009-2010)
Season 1, Episodes 1-18
Character: Ella Simms

Ella is an up and coming publicist with WPK, thanks to Sydney Andrews offering to make her career after catching Ella lie her way out of having her car impounded. The two were once friends, but after a falling out, Ella sends threatening emails to Sydney. Sydney’s sister uses these emails to have Ella questioned by the police regarding Sydney’s murder, but she cannot be charged. Amanda Woodward, the “W” in WPK, then arrives in Los Angeles to take control of the office and embezzles funds while framing Ella. Although she has been fired, Ella begins her own investigation, blackmails Amanda, and has her arrested.

There are two things important to Ella: her job and having a good time. She is a highly ambitious and driven character used to getting whatever she desires. She is a woman who knows what she wants and relentlessly goes after it. Ella excels at spinning stories and sleeping her way around, but reveals a gentler side with her feelings for Jonah, a friend and client. She needed a relationship with that nice, stable guy to help her realize that she is not a lost cause for love like she believes. Although Ella has a flamboyant personality, she is by no means a ray of sunshine, but more like that awe-inspiring lightning filled with crackling personality and her own kind of brightness.

Although Ella should be a despised character because of her shady business tactics and betrayal of more than one friend, she remains likeable. I attribute this to the talent that is Katie Cassidy. Had they cast an actress lacking her charisma, my opinion of Ella would be completely different. Sadly, the series was cut short before we could see Ella step into her full potential, but at least we are left with powerful ending shots that are, quite simply, storytelling perfection.

GOSSIP GIRL (the CW, 2010)
Season 4, Episodes 1-11
Character: Juliet Sharp

Juliet, a young schemer, arrives in Manhattan to take down Serena van der Woodsen for a past misunderstanding. Ben Donovan, Juliet’s brother and one of Serena’s teachers at boarding school, was falsely accused of having a relationship her while she was a minor, fired from his position, and thrown in jail. Serena’s signature appears on the affidavit, so Juliet blames her for ruining Ben’s life. In the spirit of retribution, Juliet moves from Connecticut to Columbia University to ruin Serena’s social and academic life with the help of Jenny and Vanessa. Once Juliet learns that Serena’s mother was actually responsible for Ben’s jail time, she retracts her claws and leaves town.

Many fans despise Juliet because she initially appears to be a two-faced, manipulative b!tch intent on destroying their favorite blonde, but I define her as an intelligent and cunning sister standing up for her brother’s innocence. While I do not agree with Juliet’s methods, I admire her direction, her commitment, her cleverness, and her people-smarts. About halfway through her run of episodes, she reminded me of Katherine from The Vampire Diaries (minus the killing and eating people parts), and Katherine happens to be one of my favorite characters of any television show. Here is a powerful woman manipulating every thing and every one to fit her needs. A force to be reckoned with.

Katie Cassidy shines in this role as she believably moves through a series of diverse emotions. She plays Juliet as sweet, devious, strong, broken, sexy, upset, obedient, demanding, friendly, malicious. I do not regularly keep up with Gossip Girl, but I will admit that I thoroughly enjoyed watching Juliet’s storyline.

Other Filmography:
7^th Heaven (the WB, 2005); Season 9, Episodes 13, 15, 19, 20, When a Stranger Calls (2006), Click (2006), Black Christmas (2006), Taken (2008), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010),  Monte Carlo (2011), New Girl (FOX, 2011); Season 1, Episode 3

See Katie Cassidy next in Arrow – Wednesday, October 10 on The CW!