For just the second time in PaleyFest history, two shows took the Dolby Theatre stage at the same time on Saturday, with CW’s fan-favorite superhero pairing of Arrow and The Flash.

Archer star and self-professed fan Aisha Tyler hosted the festivities, warning the audience, “if you’re not caught up…your life is about to be ruined.”

After a sneak peek of what’s to come in season three, the raucous Comic-Con-like crowd was first treated to the cast and crew of Arrow, including showrunners Andrew Kreisberg, Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, and stars Stephen Amell, John Barrowman, Emily Bett Rickards, Katie Cassidy, Colton Haynes, Paul Blackthorne, Willa Holland and David Ramsey.

Arrow’s themes of loss, secrets and lies dominated much of the conversation, but current “Big Bad” Ra’s al Ghul cast a shadow over the proceedings, with news that the villain wants Oliver Queen to become the next Ra’s al Ghul. While unsurprisingly cagey about Oliver’s decision, Amell makes it clear that it’s not an offer: “it’s a demand.” One with “incredibly dire consequences” should Oliver refuse. “The show has gotten darker every year, and it’s gonna get worse before it gets better,” Amell predicted.

It’s gotten better for Cassidy and Holland, who have seen their characters, Laurel and Thea, transform into ass-kicking heroes. Cassidy calls it “amazing, everything I could’ve wanted…though it took a couple years.” Holland relishes the chance to go from acknowledged “wet blanket” to “kicking ass and taking names.” As such, Holland doesn’t see Thea taking Merlyn’s betrayal lightly.

Oliver has lost more than anybody on the show and Tyler wondered if he’s going to finally let out his emotions. Amell clearly relished the thought: “He can only shut out people for so long. It’s been almost 70 episodes of ‘don’t talk to me’ and brooding into a window.” Alas, Oliver’s torment isn’t ending any time soon: “I think you got more [brooding] in you,” Kreisberg joked.

The writers appreciate that the veil of secrecy surrounding Oliver’s secret identity has been lifted. Everybody knows who Oliver is “except the detective,” Blackthorne quips. But, secrets are ingrained in Arrow: “Now there are different secrets,” Kreisberg smiled mischievously.

Most of those secrets were kept, but the teaser promised changes coming for Roy and Thea, emphasized by Holland licking Haynes’ face. Rickards also revealed plans for a “tech off” between Felicity Smoak and her own personal nemesis, played by Emily Kinney (The Walking Dead), who will appear on The Flash.

Everyone was as secretive as the characters they play, but that didn’t stop a kid from hilariously asking about season four during the Q&A segment. Kreisberg promised that following season three, “the show will never be the same again.”

Berlanti Hints Wally West Might be Coming to ‘The Flash’

The Flash took it from there. Berlanti and Kreisberg returned to their seats, joined by stars Grant Gustin, Jesse L. Martin, Candace Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Tom Cavanaugh, Rick Cosnett and Carlos Valdes.

The preview for the rest of the first season revealed appearances by Felicity, Laurel and Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh) and big developments for Eddie Thawne. Cosnett promised fans will like his character’s arc, but “can’t say what you want me to say.”

Many spoiler-tinged questions were evaded, but some secrets were revealed. Kreisberg shared that they’re going to tackle a “fairly big story from the comics.” The biggest news came from Berlanti, who teased the potential for more speedsters in the second season, hinting at Wally West.

When asked how much of the science on the show was based in reality, Kreisberg admitted that it was “mostly BS.” It’s a testament to the cast, Berlanti says, that they help “make their BS real.” Their goal, more than striving for scientific accuracy, is to be “emotionally true,” and stick to their established rules. This is especially important over the next two episodes, when the show dives into time travel, promising lasting ramifications on the show. “Maybe I’ll get my wife back,” Martin jokes.

Joe West’s missing wife has been oddly absent from conversation over the first season, but information is coming, and it’s a subplot that will get more attention in subsequent seasons. Speaking of the detective, Law & Order’s Martin was initially worried about playing another cop but it’s clear he’s relishing a job that allows him to “work with a big monkey.”

The real monkey in the room was the recent confirmation that Cavanaugh’s Harrison Wells is the Reverse Flash and Barry’s Mom’s murderer. Cavanaugh describes Wells as a “guy who just wants to get home,” implying that he’s trapped in the past.

CW’s brain trust is firmly focused on the future, with Arrow and Flash’s seasons mapped out entirely in advance. Considering their panel, marked by genuine energy, enthusiasm and love from the fans, creators and cast alike, ended with Gustin and company chanting “DC,” they’re coming up aces thus far.

You can follow along with #PaleyFest by live streaming the event on Yahoo! Screen.

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