Arrow's Emily Bett Rickards Leaving The Series Early

When Arrow ends next season, it will already have lost one of its primary players. Emily Bett Rickards, who has played Felicity Smoak since Season 1, is leaving the series at the end of Season 7.

Rickards made the announcement herself on Instagram, writing, "Felicity and I are a very tight two. But after one through seven, we will be saying goodbye to you." That will leave the final 10-episode of Season 8 without the character, who also happens to be Oliver Queen's (Stephen Amell) wife, mother of his child, and--essentially--the brains of the Team Arrow operation.

What remains to be seen is how Felicity will exit the series. Throughout Season 7, a flash-forward storyline has shown she's still alive years from now, operating under the Calculator moniker her father once used. It's entirely possible that she and her soon-to-be-born child will go into hiding ahead of Season 8, as the Green Arrow prepares for his last stand.

Hopefully, the final 10 episodes of the series will spend a little time dealing with the various characters coping with losing Felicity, regardless of the cause. Given her status as a member of the original Team Arrow, and the incredibly valuable role she plays in the current team's operations, her presence will be missed.

Whatever the case, cherish the moments you have, Felicity fans. Her time on Arrow is coming to a close soon. Arrow airs Mondays on The CW.