A couple of weeks ago, I did a rambling, off the cuff, 'typed as I thought' review of the second season of Supergirl. I definitely think I got my point across. But I am typically an organized, structured writer and that felt a bit too free form for my liking.
A bit later, Supergirl Radio did their end of season recap and it was much more organized. Impressed with their categories and wanting to revisit the season one last time, I thought I would give my answers to their questions. In particular, I liked that they broke out 'best' from 'favorite'. I think those are two very separate things.
And I'll try to spread things out a bit. The action of 'Alex' and the ending of 'Exodus' are so powerful that they could have swept the awards.
So let's begin!
This episode really seemed to have it all. But for me, the biggest thing about Exodus was that the Alex/Kara relationship and connection ,which had been pushed into the background by each character's solo plotlines, was showcased once again. It ends with one of the most powerful moments for this show ever. (More on this later.)
But we saw so much more. This episode showed Alex's loyalty to Jeremiah even in the face of damning evidence, here beating up a Cadmus lackey to try to find her father. We saw Kara decide to stand on her own, blogging about Cadmus rounding up aliens and getting fired by Snapper. She says the classic line 'Supergirl is what I can do; Kara is who I am.' We saw Maggie support Alex's 'off the books' mission of infiltrating Cadmus and we saw Alex take down a Cadmus site on her own. The continued threat of Lillian Luthor was on display. And we saw that Jeremiah might not be all bad but certainly isn't all good.
As I said, Exodus could easily have taken home a number of these superlatives. It was the best episode.
But there are more awards!
But we saw so much more. This episode showed Alex's loyalty to Jeremiah even in the face of damning evidence, here beating up a Cadmus lackey to try to find her father. We saw Kara decide to stand on her own, blogging about Cadmus rounding up aliens and getting fired by Snapper. She says the classic line 'Supergirl is what I can do; Kara is who I am.' We saw Maggie support Alex's 'off the books' mission of infiltrating Cadmus and we saw Alex take down a Cadmus site on her own. The continued threat of Lillian Luthor was on display. And we saw that Jeremiah might not be all bad but certainly isn't all good.
As I said, Exodus could easily have taken home a number of these superlatives. It was the best episode.
But there are more awards!
Favorite
Episode - Mr. and Mrs. Mxyzptlk
I think we all knew we were going to be in for a treat when we saw Sterling Gates listed as one of the writers. But this was even better than I could have imagined. This was pure comic fun. Peter Gadiot was pitch perfect as Mxy, mixing insanity, mischievousness, and menace all in one dapper foe. He could go from singing Aladdin and talking Vera Wang to nearly killing Mon-El and threatening Kara. Just perfect.
It also highlighted some of the problems people would have with the Mon-El/Kara relationship. The two have a pretty fabulous argument in the middle of the episode, crackling with chemistry. But Mon's quick temper, efforts to protect Kara to the point of not listening, and desire to kill Mxy all showed that maybe he wasn't (at least then) the perfect match.
Add things like a 'McGurk' reference, a Hamilton scene, and more homages and references than I can list, and you have a comic fans dream episode. But it also had this moment when Kara enjoys a slow drink of OJ, one of the few things Mxy can't manipulate. This almost won favorite moment, coming in second by a nose.
I think we all knew we were going to be in for a treat when we saw Sterling Gates listed as one of the writers. But this was even better than I could have imagined. This was pure comic fun. Peter Gadiot was pitch perfect as Mxy, mixing insanity, mischievousness, and menace all in one dapper foe. He could go from singing Aladdin and talking Vera Wang to nearly killing Mon-El and threatening Kara. Just perfect.
It also highlighted some of the problems people would have with the Mon-El/Kara relationship. The two have a pretty fabulous argument in the middle of the episode, crackling with chemistry. But Mon's quick temper, efforts to protect Kara to the point of not listening, and desire to kill Mxy all showed that maybe he wasn't (at least then) the perfect match.
Add things like a 'McGurk' reference, a Hamilton scene, and more homages and references than I can list, and you have a comic fans dream episode. But it also had this moment when Kara enjoys a slow drink of OJ, one of the few things Mxy can't manipulate. This almost won favorite moment, coming in second by a nose.
Underrated
Episode That More People Should Be Talking About –We Can Be Heroes
The main plot was Supergirl tracking down one of her rogues, Livewire.
But there was a ton more in this episode that makes me wonder why it wasn't lauded more when it came out. Kara learns that James is the Guardian and Winn has been helping him. We see a flashback of Mars in J'onn's mind. We get a supervillain brawl. We have Kara having mercy and letting Livewire escape .. for now. And we get this great shot, this moment where Kara seemed to be pushing people away from her rather than bringing them closer, a subplot I watched closely early in the season.
The main plot was Supergirl tracking down one of her rogues, Livewire.
But there was a ton more in this episode that makes me wonder why it wasn't lauded more when it came out. Kara learns that James is the Guardian and Winn has been helping him. We see a flashback of Mars in J'onn's mind. We get a supervillain brawl. We have Kara having mercy and letting Livewire escape .. for now. And we get this great shot, this moment where Kara seemed to be pushing people away from her rather than bringing them closer, a subplot I watched closely early in the season.
Best
Actress – Chyler Leigh
Hopefully Chyler Leigh gets recognized nationally for the work that she did this season. She still had the usual 'badass' Alex moments, throwing kicks and punches and generally battering enemies. But she also had the arc where she came out, struggled with that for some time, and grew into her relationship with Maggie. Leigh really shined here. Seriously, she should receive Emmy recognition (although a show like Supergirl might not grab the voters attention).
Hopefully Chyler Leigh gets recognized nationally for the work that she did this season. She still had the usual 'badass' Alex moments, throwing kicks and punches and generally battering enemies. But she also had the arc where she came out, struggled with that for some time, and grew into her relationship with Maggie. Leigh really shined here. Seriously, she should receive Emmy recognition (although a show like Supergirl might not grab the voters attention).
Best
Actor – Jeremy Jordan
Once Winn left CatCo and joined the DEO, the character was able to cut loose. And Winn had a lot of great moments throughout the season. Yes, there was the usual comedic moments like imitating Batman, being starstruck at Superman, and playing the wisecracking piano man in 'Duets'. But we also got to see Winn be more confident in who he was, shining with the DEO. We saw him worry about his mortality when fighting with Guardian. We even got to see him be a bad guy (okay it was a White Martian imitating Winn). Just awesome.
Favorite Character The character you were always excited to see in Season 2 - Lena Luthor
Faithful viewers kind of knew where they stood when it came to most of the characters this season. Supergirl was confident and strong. Alex was working her way through her personal issues while remaining a DEO superstar. James was trying to find purpose. Lillian and Rhea were evil.
The one person who seemed to keep us guessing? Lena Luthor.
Would her Luthor nature overwhelm her? Would she become a villain? Was her desire to clean the Luthor name legitimate or a feint? She held up a chess piece, the white knight, at the end of 'Luthors' and I assumed it was some internal conflict. Was she a hero? A white knight? But others saw it as a sign she was conniving and strategic. Do you realize how much social media discussion there was about her looking at a chess piece?
It seemed almost every episode where there was a Lena moment, someone would try to read into it. She grabbed us.
And Katie McGrath just crushed it in the role. Brilliant.
Favorite
Guest Star – Calista Flockhart
There were so many this season which are worth mentioning. Dean Cain as Jeremiah. Linda Carter as President Marsden. Helen Slater as Eliza Danvers. Teri Hatcher as Rhea.
But I have to give the award to Calista Flockhart for returning as Cat Grant. When Cat returned, it suddenly felt like there was this foundation for the show to rest on. The Cat/Kara moments had the usual impact. She was the straw that stirred the drink. I really hope she returns for more episodes next year.
There were so many this season which are worth mentioning. Dean Cain as Jeremiah. Linda Carter as President Marsden. Helen Slater as Eliza Danvers. Teri Hatcher as Rhea.
But I have to give the award to Calista Flockhart for returning as Cat Grant. When Cat returned, it suddenly felt like there was this foundation for the show to rest on. The Cat/Kara moments had the usual impact. She was the straw that stirred the drink. I really hope she returns for more episodes next year.
Favorite
Villain – Mr. Mxyzptlk
I already talked about Mxy up above. Hearing him quote Willy Wonka, call Mon-El 'tall, dark, and blandsome', pull a Magneto move, and then animate the Fortress Jor-El statue made him my favorite. This episode is on the DVR with the 'keep until I delete' tag.
I already talked about Mxy up above. Hearing him quote Willy Wonka, call Mon-El 'tall, dark, and blandsome', pull a Magneto move, and then animate the Fortress Jor-El statue made him my favorite. This episode is on the DVR with the 'keep until I delete' tag.
Best
Villain – Lillian Luthor
There is a difference between 'favorite' and 'best'. And the best villain was Lillian Luthor. Yes, Teri Hatcher chewed up the scenery as the Wicked Queen. But Lillian kept us guessing. There were many moments this season where Lillian seemed to show actual compassion and love for Lena only to then show she was faking. She tricked me every time. She was conniving, keeping her eyes on the prize, and being deceitful when it suited her, luring fools like me to ruin. Perhaps worst of all, her evil views were semi-justified when her fear of an alien invasion actually happened, proving her beliefs. Brenda Strong was spectacular in the role.
Favorite
Moment or Scene of Season 2 – 'Exodus' (holding back the alien ship)
I warned you Exodus would be mentioned a lot. This moment, with Kara trying to hold back a starship from warping to Slavers' moon with Alex and alien immigrants, was so powerful. It brought back the 'super sisters' vibe of the first season, of these two leaning on each other and caring about each other deeply. We don't get to hear Supergirl, but Melissa Benoist emotes so well we know just what she is feeling. This is brilliant. (Cat Grant saying 'go get her Supergirl' in the Season Finale was on a short list of other answers.)
Favorite Supergirl Moment – ‘Exodus’ (holding back the alien ship)
I already mentioned this scene, as it helped Exodus win Best Episode and Best scene. And since it is Supergirl holding back the ship, it is also the best Supergirl moment. Sorry if repetitive but that scene ruled.
There is a difference between 'favorite' and 'best'. And the best villain was Lillian Luthor. Yes, Teri Hatcher chewed up the scenery as the Wicked Queen. But Lillian kept us guessing. There were many moments this season where Lillian seemed to show actual compassion and love for Lena only to then show she was faking. She tricked me every time. She was conniving, keeping her eyes on the prize, and being deceitful when it suited her, luring fools like me to ruin. Perhaps worst of all, her evil views were semi-justified when her fear of an alien invasion actually happened, proving her beliefs. Brenda Strong was spectacular in the role.
I warned you Exodus would be mentioned a lot. This moment, with Kara trying to hold back a starship from warping to Slavers' moon with Alex and alien immigrants, was so powerful. It brought back the 'super sisters' vibe of the first season, of these two leaning on each other and caring about each other deeply. We don't get to hear Supergirl, but Melissa Benoist emotes so well we know just what she is feeling. This is brilliant. (Cat Grant saying 'go get her Supergirl' in the Season Finale was on a short list of other answers.)
Favorite Supergirl Moment – ‘Exodus’ (holding back the alien ship)
I already mentioned this scene, as it helped Exodus win Best Episode and Best scene. And since it is Supergirl holding back the ship, it is also the best Supergirl moment. Sorry if repetitive but that scene ruled.
Favorite
Kara Danvers Moment – ‘Alex’ (I stand for help, hope and compassion!)
This might be a cheat because this is Kara talking about her life as Supergirl. But the fact that Sterling Gates' Supergirl motto has become canon and made it to the show was too fantastic to not mention. I would say there were plenty of close seconds. Kara telling Alex she was proud of her big sister in 'Changing' was also great.
Season 2 MVP – Melissa Benoist
If I had to pick a character, I would have picked Alex. But I don't think this show would continue to exist if it weren't for Melissa Benoist's earnest portrayal of the character. She *is* Supergirl, from the dorkiness to the heroism to the uncertainty to the fierceness. She is just an incredible actor, pulling off both Kara and Supergirl. Just incredible. Where would this show be without her??
What’s on your Wishlist for Season 3?
This might be a cheat because this is Kara talking about her life as Supergirl. But the fact that Sterling Gates' Supergirl motto has become canon and made it to the show was too fantastic to not mention. I would say there were plenty of close seconds. Kara telling Alex she was proud of her big sister in 'Changing' was also great.
Season 2 MVP – Melissa Benoist
If I had to pick a character, I would have picked Alex. But I don't think this show would continue to exist if it weren't for Melissa Benoist's earnest portrayal of the character. She *is* Supergirl, from the dorkiness to the heroism to the uncertainty to the fierceness. She is just an incredible actor, pulling off both Kara and Supergirl. Just incredible. Where would this show be without her??
What’s on your Wishlist for Season 3?
I am hoping that Kara's romantic life takes less of a prominent role in the next season. The Mon-El relationship really seemed to dominate things this season. I want to see Supergirl grow as a person. I want to see more sister time as well. Bring back pizza and Netflix. I'd also like to see the Jeremiah storyline wrapped up once and for all. And more of Kara watching old movies!
What elements from the comics do you wish the show would
adapt?
I better get me some Legion of Super-Heroes next season. I would love to see more specific Supergirl villains next season. Reign is a good start. But what about Psi, Satan Girl, and more BizarroGirl?
I better get me some Legion of Super-Heroes next season. I would love to see more specific Supergirl villains next season. Reign is a good start. But what about Psi, Satan Girl, and more BizarroGirl?
Would you rather see Supergirl go up against Gorilla Grodd OR King Shark?
I think Grodd with his telepathic powers is a much more suitable villain for Kara.
Should
Kara Danvers blob about sustainable food OR tropical rain forests?
Sustainable food!
Sustainable food!
Which
feline friend would you rather see Kara Danvers interact with? Streaky the
Supercat OR a Sumatran Tiger?
The only answer is Streaky! In fact, they should give Kara a cat named Streaky next season, maybe a place to place her affection given Mon-El's absence.
The only answer is Streaky! In fact, they should give Kara a cat named Streaky next season, maybe a place to place her affection given Mon-El's absence.
What
would be more adorable? Supergirl swimming with sea turtles OR hanging out with
polar bears at the Fortress of Solitude?
Definitely polar bears. There could even be a nod to the aborted polar bear scene in the never made Superman Lives movie!
And that's the end.
Thanks for Supergirl Radio for letting me co-opt their format for review.
And thanks again to all involved with the show for putting together such a great season!
Definitely polar bears. There could even be a nod to the aborted polar bear scene in the never made Superman Lives movie!
And that's the end.
Thanks for Supergirl Radio for letting me co-opt their format for review.
And thanks again to all involved with the show for putting together such a great season!
7 comments:
Very good choices.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mxyzptlk" was an excellent episode. It adapted a classic Supergirl story, featured a villain SG has an actual a long story with, and Kara had to use her brains to defeat him because her powers were useless. It amuses me a certain... "fandom" lambasts the episode and Gates because a couple they hated was made canon. Shippers ruin everything.
I'm also hoping seeing less of Kara's romantic life and more of her heroic deeds and personal growing.
"I better get me some Legion of Super-Heroes next season. I would love to see more specific Supergirl villains next season. Reign is a good start. But what about Psi, Satan Girl, and more BizarroGirl?"
Indeed. We need Supergirl saving the Legion from her evil clone!
I'd like seeing a kind of Smallville crossover. Imagine: Smallville's Supergirl gets stranded in Earth-38 for some reason (her likeness to Indigo may be easily hand-waved and ignored). How cool would it be?
"Sustainable food!"
'Back in Argo City my dad built a food replicator... with a box of scraps!'
"The only answer is Streaky!"
Of course!
"Definitely polar bears. There could even be a nod to the aborted polar bear scene in the never made Superman Lives movie!"
Funny. That question reminded me of that scene, too.
When a friend of mine talked me about it, I... I think I made a literal double facepalm.
(Off topic: I look forward to your Action Comics #982. I'm fairly sure you'll love a particular moment. Curiously, some parts of the issue reminded me of "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow")
Some commentary on commentaries:
"This episode showed Alex's loyalty to Jeremiah even in the face of damning evidence, here beating up a Cadmus lackey to try to find her father."
A BTS anecdote is according to Kreisberg, this sequence almost didn't make it past the TV censors, due to the intensity of its violence.
""Mr. and Mrs. Mxyzptlk" was an excellent episode. It adapted a classic Supergirl story, featured a villain SG has an actual a long story with, and Kara had to use her brains to defeat him because her powers were useless. It amuses me a certain... "fandom" lambasts the episode and Gates because a couple they hated was made canon. Shippers ruin everything."
Ironically, this episode inadvertently ushered in a new set of internet trolls, who claimed that the show had suddenly 'abandoned its feminist principles' with the new relationship issues. I guess some folks are still looking to pigeonhole the show into their own imaginary agenda.
"I would love to see more specific Supergirl villains next season. Reign is a good start. But what about Psi, Satan Girl, and more BizarroGirl?"
It appears that since Psi is being re-purposed in the current comics, she's probably a 'wait and see' character at this point. A reappearance of Bizarrogirl is likely held back by the lack of availability from Peter Facinelli for Season Two (as he was off directing his first feature film). Satan Girl....depends on whether one gets a doppleganger or not. In the past, the showrunners have purposely expressed avoiding the use of duplicates or evil dopplegangers (which is why Power Girl will likely never appear on this show). Of course, things could always change with the advent of a new season.
KET
Yeah I am still marking out hard for "Mr & Mrs Mxyztplk", I had some doubt about the core casting but the ep sold the Imp like Water in a Drought, and to crown all, Sterling Gates channels the silver age perfectly by having Kara outwit Mxie at some risk to herself of course....that to me is the best ep in S2 because it showcase Supergirl so well.
JF
"Favorite Episode - Mr. and Mrs. Mxyzptlk
I think we all knew we were going to be in for a treat when we saw Sterling Gates listed as one of the writers. But this was even better than I could have imagined. This was pure comic fun"
That was one of my favorites of the season. And you read my mind on pure comic fun. Seeing Mxy Man was LMAO funny.
And yes Mel B is the "Russell Westbrook" of the show (He being the NBA MVP).
Please make Sterling Gates a PERMANENT WRITER FOR THE SHOW, IF NOT HEAD WRITER!
It would be nice if "Help, Hope, and Compassion for All" could be worked into Kara's opening monologue.
And yes, I too would like less romance in season 3. And less politics too!
I'd also like to see more of Tyler Hoechlin-and not necessarily always as Superman. The cousins should team up for a couple of stories. Maybe a two parter around the beginning of the season, and another toward the end (not necessarily the final episodes). In between, just a quick scene of Kara and Clark having lunch together and then they go their separate ways. Or they could begin an episode like the second of season 2-Superman and Supergirl working together stopping a few crimes and disasters in National City. Then Superman returns to Metropolis and the episode continues.
Streaky! Yes! Hopefully, they can find an orange cat (shouldn't be too hard) to play Streaky. I doubt a Supercat would go over. Maybe Mxyzptlk could give him powers for a few seconds. Then Kara could buy Streaky a pair of glasses, and......
About a Smallville crossover...would there be legal problems using actual Smallville characters? Laura Vandervoort wouldn't necessarily have to play the same Kara Zor-El she played on Smallville. Or she could play a character like Luma Lynai from Action Comics 289, or Marvel Maid from Action 272 and 273-although that name MARVEL Maid could be a problem. MIGHTY Maid?
Maybe a scene could place at the Sterling Gate Company. "The Finest Gates are Sterling Gates!"
The Jeremiah Danvers situation does need to be resolved.
And on the subject of former Superman actors, I would love to see Phyllis Coates make an appearance. She's the last surviving cast member of The Adventures of Superman. At her age (90) I doubt it would happen, but even a quick "they went thataway" scene would be great.
"It would be nice if "Help, Hope, and Compassion for All" could be worked into Kara's opening monologue."
I wouldn't mind seeing that, too....if it provides an interesting contrast with next season's Big Bad reveal.
"Streaky! Yes! Hopefully, they can find an orange cat (shouldn't be too hard) to play Streaky."
Unfortunately, this probably won't happen, since Melissa and most of the cast are dog lovers.
BTW, Supergirl just won the Saturn Award last night for Best Superhero TV Series, with Melissa Benoist also winning the Best TV Actress award. Hooray!
KET
Thanks for the comments. Catching up after a crazy week.
I think Mxy plays out most like an old school comic which probably explains my affinity for it.
Post a Comment