Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Supergirl Episode 209: Supergirl Lives


There were plenty of reasons why I was pumped to watch Supergirl Episode 209: Supergirl Lives. It was the first since the midseason break so I was clamoring for a new episode. Second it was directed by Kevin Smith and so I knew that there would be plenty of comic sensibilities and references. Third, we knew this episode was going to a red sun world. And everyone involved seemed to be buzzing about it on social media.

I was ready.

And I have to say, it didn't disappoint. There is plenty to like here as almost every character has some story progression. There is plenty of action. And Kara, as well as Mon-El, have plenty of inspiring moments. As anticipated, there is plenty of comic and pop culture references that made me smile. And the scope of this was grand, worthy of a superhero epic.

There are some quibbles, of course. The plot seems to resolve almost too easily. There are a couple of deus ex machina moments. And because every character gets some growth, Supergirl isn't the focal point. While I understand this is an ensemble show, I'd love to have just a bit more Kara.

But the wait was over. The season's stories moved forward. And I was entertained. On to the details!



One thing I liked about this episode is that it acknowledged that there currently is no big bad on the show. Lillian Luthor left in cuffs last episode. And the Cyborg Superman ran off. We don't have an end game yet. And without that threat, everyone is reacting to the idleness of peace.

The episode starts with an action sequence of Supergirl engaging with crooks in a getaway van. It is a nice action sequence with heat vision and explosion. And it culminates with the Guardian trashing some of the criminals escaping on foot. When one runs by the Guardian van, Winn tries to stop him only to get battered and almost shot.

But I like how Supergirl voices how she is bored because she is foiling jewel thieves and bank robbers. She wants to do more than protect precious gems and cash. She wants to protect people.

Meanwhile, without a major threat, Alex has the time to deepen her relationship with Maggie. And James seems quite thrilled to continue to be the Guardian. There is no common enemy to focus on.


At CatCo, Kara and Snapper are approached by a mother whose daughter Izzy has gone missing after an argument. This is just the sort of human story that Kara and Supergirl have been craving. She promises the mother that she will find Izzy.

I enjoyed Snapper this episode as he continues to lay down some harsh 'real life' truths. Runaways aren't news. And how could Kara promise this mother she would find her daughter. Even I cringed a bit knowing there are too many tragic ways that promise could end.

But Kara is undeterred.

This isn't exactly the Cat/Kara relationship. I feel like Snapper is truly trying to guide Kara into being a good reporter, even if his advice is often grumbled.


Kara decides to delve into the mystery. She asks Maggie for information on Izzy. She is warned by Mon-El not to go looking for trouble. And she ends up leaning on the DEO for help. It turns there has been an uptick in missing persons and all had blood work done at a local clinic. That is a good enough clue to move forward.

The scene at the DEO is interesting to dissect. Winn is nursing his wounds (he makes a 'future so bright I gotta wear shades' reference to explain his hiding his shiner).

Meanwhile Alex is downright giddy. We had seen earlier how Maggie had spent the night. The two were all fresh in love, threatening to call in sick so they could canoodle more. How often have we seen Alex smile that widely. She seemed due for a break given everything that has happened to her. And Chyler Leigh really shined, showing us just how fun a happy Alex can be.


Mon-El and Kara investigate the clinic. The scene is playful as they act like a couple trying to join an experiment to make money. Mon-El reads a Highlights magazine in the waiting room. They do have a nice chemistry.

The workers turn out to be disguised aliens who try to escape through a portal. Knowing Izzy is most likely on the other side, Kara jumps through telling Mon-El to call the DEO so Alex can bring an assault team.

The planet on the other side is a red sun planet so even though Kara's hand to hand skills are enough to beat up an attacker, she is powerless. And Mon-El (who had one job) follows her there and helps fight off another alien.

Unfortunately, the portal closes marooning them there.

One theme to this issue is to again contrast Kara and Mon-El. Without a thought she jumps through the portal. It is the right thing to do. And maybe some of that is rubbing off on Mon who followed her. She is looking for trouble. He, I think, is just looking out for her.


The DEO is backtracks to the clinic's transmatter portal (or as Winn says a 'Stargate') and able to trace the path to Maaldoria, the Slaver's moon, a planet in a red sun system whose atmosphere is toxic to Martians (too convenient?). It is clear that Supergirl is trapped there and will need to be rescued.

After seeing happy Alex for all of five minutes, we see her fall into guilt and despair. She realizes that her relationship with Maggie made her lose sight of Kara. She breaks off the relationship. You have to feel for Alex who for the first time was feeling pretty good about life only to have the crushing weight of Kara's safety put back onto her shoulders.


Meanwhile, on Slaver's Moon (which Mon-El knows of because the Daxamites bought their slaves from their ... icky), Kara and Mon are befriended by an alien named Jogunraf (sp?)who points them to the fortress where the humans are being held captive. (Ruff is cooking a Thanagarian Snare Beast, an inside joke for Kevin Smith fans.)  Despite being outgunned and non-powered, Kara rallies the slaves saying she will save them. And when she submits to torture to try to stop the slaves from being shipped away, the group rise up and overthrow the guards.

Again, I like the character growth here. Kara's immutable heroism and sacrifice even when faced with overwhelming odds is great. She says that heroes never give up, that she was spared from Krypton's fate for a reason. Mon-El initially wants to not be proactive but is spurred into action by her. And the humans rallying to help her was a nice touch. Even without her powers she's a hero.

But it does seem weird that only two soldiers were nearby. It made the escape a little too easy.


During the escape, a Dominator on board stops Mon-El from being shot by a Maaldorian. The Dominator bows and says nothing can happen to Mon-El. It is now clear that Mon-El is the Daxamite Prince, not the security guard.

Just like that a piece of the puzzle is put into place.


Meanwhile, Winn is still dealing with his fear of nearly being killed. He told James earlier he wasn't going to help the Guardian anymore. But Alex makes him join the away mission. On Maaldoria, Winn refuses to be a 'Red Shirt' and stops an alien from shooting him from much the same positioning and angle as that first attack. 

I think Winn has grown tremendously as a character this season. He certainly seems like a better fit as the tech guy at the DEO. But I don't want him in the field too often. That should be a last resort.


The DEO helps gather to kidnapped human, Mon-El, and even Jogunraf. As for Kara, she gets a little boost from a yellow sun grenade (also convenient) and gets enough power to blast a Dominator ship out of the sky. Hope there wasn't a crew on board because they probably didn't make it!

The Winn smacks the portal control and magically it turns back on (also convenient). 

The team gets back to Earth and destroys the portal, sealing things off.


There's nothing left to do but wrap things up for all the characters.

Izzy is reunited with her mother.
Kara submits here piece on the alien slavery ring to Snapper Carr declaring she will always follow her heart in her writing. She even calls him Chief! In a nice moment, he smiles and says 'Atta girl Danvers' once she has left the room. No breaking character!

Alex begs for Maggie's forgiveness and they patch things up. Maggie has figured out that Supergirl is Kara and that is what led to Alex's freakout. Glad that Maggie, the detective saw through the disguise. But I also like that Maggie said that Alex can't continually get irrational or she's out. Alex agrees. She wants to be happy and that is a new feeling for her.

And Winn feels comfortable to work with Guardian again, dubbing himself Protector of the Stars.

So everyone gets a nice moment.

And Mon-El shows up to Kara's apartment to say he wants to be a superhero. He needs to help people, prove he was worth saving. He has been inspired by her and wants her help. There is no doubt that he is questioning his prior life as a slave-owning, narcissistic, hedonist. She has nudged him into the light. I like that.

I also like ... make that LOVE ... that Kara was watching The Big Sleep! As many know, I am an amateur film buff and love the classics. I can't help but think this is intentional given that in this scene Dorothy Malone plays a bespectacled book store clerk who removes her glasses, lets down her hair, and becomes a 'new woman' in front of Humphrey Bogart's eyes. That mirrors Kara's character and the secret identity. There is even a resemblance between Benoist and Malone.

I have always loved the character of Supergirl. To think she watches old movies only makes me love her more.

But not everything is okay. The masked women aliens are still searching for Mon-El and willing to kill to find him.

I have a couple of theories. Mon-El being the Prince of Daxam is a given. But my guess is Daxam didn't get destroyed when Krypton exploded. I also think that he was supposed to marry one of these masked women in an arranged marriage and ran off in a stolen Kryptonian ship before the wedding. That is why they are tracking him! And I also bet under those veils are female Dominators! That is my guess and I am sticking to it.

So overall a very good episode. I think it gets nudged up a bit because I missed the show a ton. But the action, snappy dialogue, and character progression were all right on target here.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

"And how could Kara promise this mother she would find her daughter. Even I cringed a bit knowing there are too many tragic ways that promise could end."

Yes, I can think of several ones.

'Thomas, I promise I'll save you!'

How ironic. Alex complained about Kara ignoring her because her cousin was around, and now she realizes she's been so busy with her girlfriend that she's neglected her sister.

Anyway, I wonder if the screen-writers aren't putting too much weight on the romance angle. I mean, Alex and Maggie broke up and made up in a single episode...

On the other hand, we just had Kara having an adventure in an alien world...

Even so, there already are shipping wars. Good grief. And when I look for some good fanfiction, ninety-nine percent of it is romance stuff that I don't care about ("Supercat", "Karolsen", "Karamel", "Kara/Lena", "Sanvers"...)

This episode kind of feels like a "breather". I think we'll soon be introduced to the next Big Bad.

I think sooner or later during the present season, the Legion will turn up and Mon-El will have to travel to the far future. And maybe Kara will meet Brainy? We'll see.

I read Kevin Smith's comment on Supergirl. So he knew nothing about the character other than her dying in COIE #7 and he didn't start loving her until he watched the show? Well, at the very least he respected her and acknowledged her iconic status rather than belittling her.

As... reluctant as I'm to say this, I'm starting to believe COIE #7 wasn't entirely detrimental. DC wanted to eradicate Supergirl, make everyone forget about her. However, "Crisis on Infinite Earths" ensured that they couldn't. Writing a story where she moved to Rokyn and never mentioning her again would have been more effective. But even comic-book readers who couldn't care less about Kara and have never read a single Supergirl issue know about her heroic death. Also, Gates, Bedard, Walker... became Supergirl fans because they read COIE #7.

Even so, I still become frustrated when I find nowadays people "informing" other fans Supergirl is a mere derivative, she lacks her own Rogues' Gallery, or her pre-Flashpoint book was real bad. (Seriously? Did they drop the book during the Kelly's run and assume it never got better or what?)

Anj said...

Thanks for comment!

The tidal wave of support for the Sanvers relationship is great. But because of the prominence it has gained the show runners probably feel they need to showcase it more. And that of course means less screen time for Supergirl, the title character. It is a delicate balance.

As for COIE#7 I did a whole Crisis review two summers ago and talked about how I have come around on COIE#7. At first I was angry about the killing of Supergirl. But then I realized it is such an iconic comic moment that gave her prestige that I have to acknowledge its importance. It also has resonated through most incarnations since, that sense of sacrifice and that specter of death. I just hope that people now know that there is a before and after to Supergirl adventures since that one issue.

Anonymous said...

"It is a delicate balance."

Agreed. After all, this IS a super-hero show. Interpersonal relationships and personal drama and conflict are important, of course, but the soap opera "ingredients" must be used wisely or else they may spoil the rest of the "recipe".

Be it as it may, I hate shipping wars. I wonder if the show will introduce one of her canon love interests (as long as it isn't Derek, Salkor, Power Boy or -God forbids- H'el...). My vote would go to Dick, Brainy or Michael.

"As for COIE#7 I did a whole Crisis review two summers ago and talked about how I have come around on COIE#7. At first I was angry about the killing of Supergirl. But then I realized it is such an iconic comic moment that gave her prestige that I have to acknowledge its importance. It also has resonated through most incarnations since, that sense of sacrifice and that specter of death."

I guess...

I cannot say I was sad when Convergence undid her death, though. Yes, the original story is iconic, but "The Dark Phoenix Saga" isn't less iconic or intense because Jean Grey's death was retconned. And I was glad to see her back.

I wonder how Kara's presence would alter "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?"

I don't get why we only got a glimpse of the battle, though. They changed the possibly most important event in the history of DC comics and they don't show what exactly happened?

"I just hope that people now know that there is a before and after to Supergirl adventures since that one issue."

We can hope so.

I wish DC reprinted her old Superman Family issues and the rest of her Daring Adventures chapters. Several months ago a Bronze Age TPB was solicited. What happened to it?

Anonymous said...

That TDNAOS TP came out last year, I know because Alan Kupperberg was signing copies of it at a con I attended last August.

***
As for tonight's episode I can't say I liked it no matter how much fun Kevin Smith had directing it, the escape scene on Maaldoria very contrived and underdramatized and YES ONCE AGAIN ALEX DANVERS, THE GIRL FROM UNCLE HERSELF ....Saves her Hapless Sidekick Supergirl with a yellow sun grenade and some fast technobabble. At the rate we are going with this trope is Melissa Benoist going to be back for the third season? Why should she? Her sister seems to do 100% of the show's thinking and good 80% of the saving as well.
Which is a shame I actually like Alex and the broad reaches of her story arc, but she has become Agent Mary Sue and in that capacity annoying....sorry folks I calls em' as I sees em'.
***
As for Mon El, clearly the story arc is, he'll reveal his Princely Status (under duress) and Supergirl will clean his clock (because lying to her is a strong offense against her sense of fair play)...and then Alex will save her from a Red Sun Eater or some damn thing and the show will roll on.

JF

Anonymous said...

"That TDNAOS TP came out last year,"

Yes, but I think it reprinted the first twelve issues only?

"I know because Alan Kupperberg was signing copies of it at a con I attended last August."

Lucky!

"and then Alex will save her from a Red Sun Eater or some damn thing and the show will roll on."

You've accidentally stumbled upon the show's Grand Finale: Alex defeats the Anti-Monitor. In the final seconds, Kara cries out while she holds her sister's body in her arms, and the Supergirls from Earth-1, Earth-2, New Earth, Earth-Prime and other alternate universes weep.

Now seriously... On the one hand, I get they want to show Supergirl is not all-powerful in order to make her more human and relatable. On the other hand, the screen-writers run the risk to make her seem too weak and the secondary characters too competent. It's a delicate balance.

Talking about yellow sun grenades, sometimes I've wondered if both cousins shouldn't carry several ones around to have to have a quick pick-me-up, power boost or emergency healing.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the review and insights, Anj. I have to admit, did not think that Mon-El may actually be the Prince
of Daxam, though there is a certain logic to it all. Course the flip side is the masked figures are just friendly
galactic loansharks coming to collect a debt Daxam owes, and Mon-El being the last Daxamite alive... ;)

Will have to see where Mon-El goes in the future; to me his "I want to be a hero" is a good step forward character
development-wise, but methinks his heart's not 100% committed to it yet.

> But I like how Supergirl voices how she is bored

Plus she just fought off an alien invasion, which would have been interesting if there was some dialog referencing
that. I halfway expected her to shout "I've been waiting to do this since (4way crossover)" when she heatvisions
the Dominator ship to pieces :) THAT so would have put a smile on my face!

As discussed a couple weeks ago here, the episode had some elements that weren't 100% pitch perfect, and the
resolution alittle too deux ex machina, but I still found the episode overall an enjoyable episode with some great
character moments for Alex, Winn and Carr. The highlights for me was ANOTHER Supergirl shirtrip scene, and Melissa
B's million watt smile after the Yellow Sun grenade recharge, but MOST IMPORTANTLY was the "bringing hope to the
hopeless" speech while imprisoned.

Wouldn't trade this interpretation away for anything! :)

> As for Mon El, clearly the story arc is, he'll reveal his Princely Status (under duress) and Supergirl will clean
> his clock (because lying to her is a strong offense against her sense of fair play)

Oh PLEASE! I wanna see this happen onscreen!

> Talking about yellow sun grenades, sometimes I've wondered if both cousins shouldn't carry several ones around
> to have to have a quick pick-me-up, power boost or emergency healing

Insert obligatory humorous comment here about Batman's anal-retentiveness / OCD about packing stuff like this in his batbelt :)


Regards

Anonymous said...

"Insert obligatory humorous comment here about Batman's anal-retentiveness / OCD about packing stuff like this in his batbelt :)"

Okay.

Supergirl should always pack her red-sun-repellent super-spray.

Anonymous said...

To one of my fellow Anonymi up there: the good news is that the second "Daring Adventures of Supergirl" collection is coming in July. The bad news us that, yeah, that "Supergirl: The Bronze Age" collection seems to have been announced only so that DC could then take sadistic pleasure in canceling it almost in the same breath.

KET said...

Some replies to some excellent commentary:

"But I like how Supergirl voices how she is bored because she is foiling jewel thieves and bank robbers. She wants to do more than protect precious gems and cash. She wants to protect people."

Well, that was Kara's original MO for getting into the 'superhero business', cousin or no cousin. Simply put, she wants to help people, and do the right thing by them. And of course, she got her chance this episode, and demonstrated the basics of 'what makes a hero' to her student, Mon-El.

"This episode kind of feels like a "breather". I think we'll soon be introduced to the next Big Bad."

I think this episode was meant to be like a refresher of the show's basic group dynamics for this season, while introducing a few new elements (such as space travel, or the Guardian rivalry) which can be further utilized down the road.

"The tidal wave of support for the Sanvers relationship is great. But because of the prominence it has gained the show runners probably feel they need to showcase it more. And that of course means less screen time for Supergirl, the title character. It is a delicate balance."

But it's also a necessary one for the show's continued survival. As with many of the character growth elements being introduced this season, they help to establish and strengthen the TV series' viewership base through more inclusiveness. The show runners can't merely rely on superhero comics fans to be its sole audience. That's limiting the show's cultural potential appeal, given that even more superhero/comics-based shows are coming down the pipeline very, VERY soon. Eventually, there's going to be a fallout amongst these shows; but for now, the Supergirl show is staking out its turf of self-identity for a continued and long-lasting future. It doesn't want to be 'just another superhero show'.

KET

Scrimmage said...

Kara can drink hydrochloric acid and not bat an eye, but she still made a YUCK! face when she said to failed bartender Mon-El, “That's NOT club soda!” Priceless! I like the ongoing bit about Mon's unfamiliarity with American / Earth culture, and his comical challenges with the idiom. I also cracked up when Mon-El corrected his “Gods” reference by saying he and Kara were “WILDLY monotheistic.” Only a strange visitor from another planet would say something like that. A REALLY strange one!

Mon-El's character development is intriguing, especially after this episode, but I think the show needs to pay equal attention to the development his “super” side as well. I wish we had a better idea of the extent, and perhaps even the limits of his powers. We know that lead is his kryptonite, but is he faster than a speeding bullet? He can't fly, but can he leap tall buildings in a single bound? Who knows? When Mon-El lost his powers under that red sun, it was hard to tell the difference. Maybe we'll get some answers as Kara plays Yoda to Mon-El's Luke Skywalker.


Speaking of powers, I find it hard to believe that J'onn couldn't survive in an atmosphere that humans can breath unaided. Even if it was true, why couldn't he have worn some kind of respirator? At least that wouldn't have been as far-fetched as dosing Kara with a Yellow Sun Grenade. If you ask me, they're playing a little too fast and loose with Kara's powers. First, the DEO had enough kryptonite on hand to make everything from ray guns and wrestling cages to souvenir pins for tourists, and now that Superman took all that away, they've suddenly got a Yellow Sun Grenade, which would lead one to presume that they've ALSO got a RED Sun Grenade handy, “just in case.” We'll find out soon enough, I'm sure.

Alex and Maggie are FF material for me. Their stereotype and cliché ridden relationship is almost as repetitive as it is boring. So Alex is gay. Big deal! Why is that making her so bad at her job all of a sudden? It's not only unprofessional, but it's COMPLETELY out of character for Alex to allow herself to get so distracted and emotional, based on what we've seen of her up until now. I don't recognize this giggly, girly person who turns into a pile of goo at the mere mention of Maggie's name, yet is so insecure both personally and professionally, that she can't compartmentalize those different parts of her life so that they don't interfere with each other. The Alex who was practically drooling when she called “dibs” on that cool alien pistol is the butt-kicking, ultra-confident, stepsister of Supergirl (remember her?) that I expect to see.

Finn is a fave, but he was uncharacteristically careless turning his back on that goon, and since I think the whole “Jimmy Olsen/Guardian” subplot is incredibly lame anyway, I much prefer seeing Finn working as a vital member of the DEO, instead of playing sidekick to a sidekick/wannabe in a suit that's WAY more “super” than the guy wearing it. And just because Kara can't see through his mask, don't tell me she couldn't recognize James by his heartbeat, or his scent. She's SUPERgirl, remember?

Finn and Alex are great SUPPORTING members of the cast (James? Not so much), but they're both being spread too thin by all these subplots, which are ALSO taking time away from the titular STAR of the show, Supergirl (remember her?)! They're also keeping us from learning more about Kara's boss, Snapper Carr, who at this point, is a LOT more interesting than James, Maggie, or even Alex. How about giving us just a tiny bit of HIS backstory? Maybe they could squeeze it in between Alex and Maggie's NEXT weekly break-up/make-up.

KET said...

"Alex and Maggie are FF material for me. Their stereotype and cliché ridden relationship is almost as repetitive as it is boring. So Alex is gay. Big deal!"

Uhmmm yeah, it really IS a big deal, as many viewers are identifying themselves (and making their stories public to cast members and the show) from this subplot. This reads more like you don't know any folks who have experienced a 'coming out' process. So give the phobia a rest already; that's what's really 'cliche-ridden'.

KET

KET said...

Oops, missed this part:

"(W)inn is a fave, but he was uncharacteristically careless turning his back on that goon, and since I think the whole “Jimmy Olsen/Guardian” subplot is incredibly lame anyway,"

You'll probably see where this Guardian subplot fits in with next week's episode. The show has been building this up since the first episode of the season. Remember when Kara was ribbing her cousin by stealing his headlines? Now it's her turn to feel the rivalry burn.

KET

Anonymous said...

"So give the phobia a rest already; that's what's really 'cliche-ridden'."

Different anonymous, but thinking the Alex/Maggie relationship is not well written doesn't make anyone homophobic, especially if that person has said that being gay isn't a big deal. Nothing that person has said implies he/she is a bigot, and calling names and insulting anyone who makes a constructive criticism is unfair, rude and poor debating.

I have no trouble with the Alex/Maggie relationship, but if someone doesn't like it, then I'm not going to insult them or assume they're homophobic.

Anonymous said...

Let me restate, "Sanvers I like" (however long it lasts until Alex's drinking finally ends the relationship or so I speculate), "Alex The Mary-Sue-PerSister from UNCLE" I dislike....as for The Guardian I suspect he is there simply to give James & Win more screen time, because both characters seems out of the KaraRomance Derby for good and the three of them very tellingly aren't really functioning as a crimefighting team as was the case early in the first season.

I still think it'd be funny if James starting sharing the suit and the identity with Win, Alex Cat...:)


JF

Anj said...

I'll restate too.

I like Sanvers well enough. I get how important it is and how it has been received.

But I want Supergirl to be the core of the show, what everything revolves around. So I just hope the great press Sanvers is receiving doesn't push Kara into the background. I'd feel that way regardless of who Alex was with.

Scrimmage said...

I think it's pretty sad when someone can't post an honest critique of the way a storyline that just happens to be about two gay characters is being written without being accused of being homophobic. I don't have to justify myself to anybody, but I'll just say that my gay niece and her partner would be amused that someone thinks I'M intolerant. The only thing I can't tolerate is inferior writing, and anonymous trolls throwing around BASELESS accusations!

Go ahead and read something into THAT!

Anonymous said...

BTW good call on those notional "Red Sun Grenades" I wish I'd thought of that, I'd lay odds we'll see Alex tossing a few at her Dear Fragile Sister the next time Kara falls afoul of Red Kryptonite.
:)

JF

KET said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
KET said...

"Different anonymous, but thinking the Alex/Maggie relationship is not well written doesn't make anyone homophobic, especially if that person has said that being gay isn't a big deal. Nothing that person has said implies he/she is a bigot, and calling names and insulting anyone who makes a constructive criticism is unfair, rude and poor debating."

No, because labeling the action as a cliche is just too easy without justification. Just as your knee-jerk remark indicated that I was being unfair, without provocation. The original anon remarks weren't constructive; they were a stereotypical rant without substance. Several of the creators and writers on the show are gay in real life, so they are likely drawing from their own personal experience in the story-telling as well.


You can get off your self-righteous soapbox now.


KET

Anonymous said...

"No, because labeling the action as a cliche is just too easy without justification. Just as your knee-jerk remark indicated that I was being unfair, without provocation. The original anon remarks weren't constructive; they were a stereotypical rant without substance. Several of the creators and writers on the show are gay in real life, so they are likely drawing from their own personal experience in the story-telling as well.


You can get off your self-righteous soapbox now. "

Since I'm not on any self-reighteous soapbox, I cannot do that. And I've done no knee-jerk remarks.

The original poster said he/she didn't like how the Sanvers relationship was being portrayed, and explained his/her reasons. It was a constructive criticism and NO a stereotypical rant without substance. Your knee-jerk reaction? Ignoring his/her arguments and dismissing automatically his/her criticism as homophobia despite of zero evidence, and insulting the poster. So yes, you are being rude and unfair.

Sure, the writers are likely drawing from their personal experience. So what? That doesn't automatically mean it's objectivelly welll written or beyond criticism. Once again, I have no trouble with it, but if other person does, it is their opinion and they are entitled to it, so I'll not call them names because they disagree with me.

Anonymous said...

I have always loved the character of Supergirl. To think she watches old movies only makes me love her more.

Same here. Or mybe she loves Turner Classic Movies or maybe one of the Nat City tv stations went old school by doing a Late Show like back in the 1970's. Anj, as you are from Boston, I assume either TV38 or WLVI 56 used to air a movie late at night? I have never seen The Big Sleep, but then again, since WB distributes Supergirl, it makes sense to go into Warner's vast library

But you know, and here I go again, the scene where Kara changed to Supergirl...my FAVORITE TRANSFORMATION SCENE OF THE SERIES!

1) Removes glasses...AND HOLDS ON TO THEM
2) Shirt Rip
3) Then Mon-El comically catches shirt, pants and glasses thrown to him (Funny).
4) EPIC ZOOM OUT FROM S TO FULL SHOT

This could have been something out of a Frank Capra or Hal Roach comedy. The former would perhaps be "It Happened One Night" (A Columbia pic I know...but that was the vibe I got). And I was also imaginging perhaps, some cartoonish kind of sound like "FWEEP" from Hanna-Barbera.

I need a life I think (LOL!)

Martin Gray said...

I enjoyed this episode, but oh, the backsliding. Useless J'onn once again - wear a mask if you can't breathe the air, that's what people on space do (I'm just watching an old JLU and apparently he's been avoiding fights for two years!)! Then there's Alex and Maggie having relationship problems two seconds after they finally both relaxed.
Mon-El being the reluctant hero... But at least Kara inspired a revolution

Did Alex call that power-up weapon a Siegel Sun Grenade? That'd be nice.

That scene on the couch, red blanket, blue sweater... Mon-El colours all the way. I do miss the days when the Superman Family members would make their outfits out of blankets.

It's weird, Ive read so many books about US comic strips and I've never heard of Goofus and Gallant. Looking them up, I'm rather pleased.

I continue to hate the Guardian and that stupid voice – well, I like the shield...

Mon-El and Kara have the most amazing chemistry, they are so charming together.

And I realise I am a broken record but for goodness sake, if she is bored, look for Jeremiah.

On a more bloggy note, is there a chance all our Anons could just come up with a name, I never know who's talking... it doesn't have to be a real one, just something to make it easier to ID how many people are chatting? JF puts his at the bottom, which is something I suppose, but this is such a friendly place, what's with the cloak and dagger?

Oh, aid TDNAOS was written by Paul, not the late Alan, Kupperberg.

I also disagree with Ket that Scrimmage is being homophobic in wanting less of the Maggie and Alex romance, I'm gay and I want less too - we've had Alex's coming out, let the romance fall into the background now and show us other aspects of Alex and Maggie. Stop focusing on being gay as Other and let it just be ordinary. That's what might help young confused kids, not presenting gay as being a constant source of problems. And I'm pretty sure were it Alex and Max Lord (boy, do I miss the spark he gave the show) having constant misunderstandings, I'd be just as bored. I'm with Anj, I want more Kara time.

Actually, there are too many characters in the show, I'd happily see J'onn, Jimmy and Miss Martian leave. J'onn is forever making excuses not to be super, Jimmy is bland and Miss Martian is another superheroine too many.

'Sanvers'. How I hate shipping names.

Anonymous said...

Whoops my bad on the Kupperberg mix up, I have no excuses since I had Paul's autograph on a collection of comic book scripts in the bookcase behind me.
I'm starting to have second thoughts about James Olsen as well, if he isn't there to provide romantic complications then all he as The Guardian is really doing is cutting down Supergirl's screen time and we've got Alex to do that already.
And agreed isn't anyone looking for Jeremiah? Poor Eliza must be frantic at the erratic search methods favored by her daughters.
WOULD PAY GOOD MONEY for a scene where Helen Slater bursts in on the Danvers Sisters and demands to know what progress they'd made on finding her husband their father.
:)

JF