Supergirl Show 608: Welcome Back Kara

The Supergirl show finally came off hiatus this week. The second half of this ultimate season for the show started with an episode titled 'Welcome Back, Kara'. Given that the first half of the season for the most part had Supergirl trapped in the Phantom Zone, keeping her separated from her Earthly family (while reuniting her with her birth father Zor-El), I was looking forward to this episode, bringing the great cast together and starting the last great arc.

For me, one of the best parts of this show has been the Danvers sisters. I still hold out hope that Supergirl and Brainy will find love. I have loved the dastardly Luthor family, Lex and Lillian, doing their best to destroy the world. And I have missed Melissa Benoist interacting with everyone. She *is* the best part of the show. 

I mean, can you imagine a young girl who has seen Benoist's hero, talking about 'help, hope and compassion', heading into a comic store and reading Tom King's Kara? Two different Supergirls. I guess maybe I needed Benoist and her take on Kara more than ever.

I suppose I would have been a bit more upset about the 3 plus month hiatus if Superman And Lois hadn't been such a great show, filling the need for a super-show on the small screen phenomenally. 

This episode was a nice way to get back into the show again. We have supporting character subplots. We have the end of the Zor-El story. We have Alex and Kara supporting and caring for each other. And we have so many Supergirl standards - couches, balconies, battles, and  hugs. It felt like I was slipping into a warm bath. I will say Supergirl doesn't get the best action moments. But the team does well. Suffice it to say I was a happy fan to have the show back on and to dive into this version of Supergirl again! 

 

On to the show.

Supergirl Episode 516: Alex In Wonderland

Welcome back to my 'better late than never' reviews of Supergirl season 5. Today I'll be looking back about a month at episode 516 'Alex in Wonderland'.

I have been crowing about this season for a while now and my compliments have been based on a couple of key things. One, the overall plot has been moving forward nicely throughout the season. There don't seem to be any of those 'after school special' episodes miring things down which occasionally happened last season.

Two, the show has really leaned into it's own history this season, calling back to plots, timelines, prior episodes, and even minor characters. It has reached back to the CBS season one even. Doing that, especially in this post-Crisis new world, gives the show a continuity that long time viewers must love. For a comic fan like me, continuity is a backbone. I have loved that.

This episode does both of those things pretty well. The plot is really just nudged forward. We don't get too much advancement there. But the history stuff is here in great quantities. The main catalyst of this episode is the death of Jeremiah Danvers, a plot thread left untugged for some time. And to see Alex's response to that as well as how it impacts her virtual reality holiday was fascinating.

The one sad thing is that I think the main focus of this season is that people shouldn't pull away from each other but instead lean on each other to get through problems. That seems a bit weird in the current world stage of self-isolation and pandemic. Who could have foreseen that?

On to the episode.

Supergirl Show 508: Wrath of Rama Khan

After a rocky start it looks like I will finally have caught up with the Supergirl show reviews today meaning I only have my look at the first three parts of Crisis on Infinite Earths left until I can take a deep breath. Thanks for bearing with me.

Supergirl episode 508 had the cute title of Wrath of Rama Khan and really did another great job of pushing forward the two main plots that have been building in recent episodes. One is Lena's turn to the dark side and her mission of mind control. The other is Leviathan and their ecological mission of tamping down humanity's destruction of the Earth.

As I have said, this season has impressed me with just how fast everything is moving. I feel like last season sort of tread water until Lex Luthor showed up. This season you better buckle up. In fact, one major subplot basically ended this episode, an impressive feat.

As usual, the acting here is on point. Many of the events needed to push the plot forward are forced or a little inane if you think about them too much. But otherwise, I really can't complain. This has been a very solid season of Supergirl, perhaps the best season start since we first met these characters way back in Season One.

Supergirl Episode 313: Both Sides Now

Supergirl episode 313, titled Both Sides Now, aired this week and continued to do a fine job of both propelling the Reign storyline as well as building up the internal theme of humanity, that is being humane, as being a strength required in these days.

This time the focus of the story is on Purity, the second of the World Killers, and how more in tune she is with her human side. Throughout the story we see a struggle between those halves, about who is in control.

And we also see how anger and fear and feeling worthless can lead someone down a path to being a monster. This time the magnifying glass is on Alex. In a sort of turnaround, it is Kara who is espousing the importance of reaching out and being human now. And it is Alex who is acting the cold, calculating, cruel agent. That is not what we saw in the early episodes of the season. Of course, Kara is healing now. And Alex is was with Maggie then. I suppose this is a way the writers can show that we are complex creatures with complex feelings. And it is only through love and support that we will remain compassionate, lifting each other up as we all stumble through life.

Not that this episode was all just a philosophical exercise in love and hate. There was a ton of action in this episode that kept things brisk.

Lastly, I must sound like a broken record by now but Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh continue to crush it week in and week out. In this episode in particular Chyler Leigh shows us the hardened soldier who is denying her feelings as she metes out what she thinks is justice. Just powerful.

On to the show.

Supergirl 306: Midvale

Supergirl episode 306, 'Midvale', aired earlier this week and looked at the first time the Danvers sisters teamed up to solve a crime. It was a very interesting look back at the childhood of these characters as we see where they have come from and how everything wasn't always rosy between them. We knew from earlier flashbacks that Kara has always been something of a fish out of water and that Alex was often teased about her weird sister. Here we see just how the volatile cauldron of high school kicked that up a notch.

And while it was fun to see this look back, especially given the very Smallville-y feeling to the proceedings, for me the bigger thing was how this thematically fit into the current series. This season Kara has been all about forsaking her humanity and embracing her alien heritage. She doesn't want to get hurt, she can't be broken. She has to be alien. In this episode we see how that was flipped earlier in her life. In that time period all she wanted to be was alien and instead ends up clinging to humanity.

All this has to be put into a growing timeline. Now we know why Kara hid her powers for years. Now we know how Alex felt in the immediate aftermath of Jeremiah being drafted into the DEO. Now we know when the sisters really realized the bond they have.

None of this would be possible without excellent acting. And the two actors playing the younger Danvers did an absolutely incredible job channeling Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh. Izabela Vidovic physically looks like Benoist but also brings the emotional punch of her performances. And Olivia Nikkanen basically is a young Alex as portrayed by Leigh.

On to the episode!

Supergirl Episode 302: Triggers

 Last week, Supergirl season 3 started with a very solid premiere, sowing some plot seeds, introducing us to the big bads, and giving us excellent character moments for both Kara and the primary supporting cast. This week the second episode, 'Triggers', aired and built on that foundation. And we got old-school Supergirl villain Psi to come in to challenge the Girl of Steel. This season is truly off and running.

One thing that I very much liked about this episode was that the emotional anguish that Kara was feeling in the premiere is still present. Yes, she is working through her grief. But one night of apps at the alien bar (as last episode closed) isn't going to alleviate all her pain. This sadness and anger and (as it turns out) fear runs too deep to be so easily 'cured'. As usual, Melissa Benoist brings it, showing us all the emotions Supergirl is feeling. And as a bonus, we get extra Danvers sisters scenes. As I said last before, season 2 didn't  give us enough of these two. Benoist and Chyler Leigh have such easy, breezy chemistry. Why not take advantage.

But as much as I loved the character stuff, the fanboy in me squealed a bit to hear about Gayle Marsh from Skokie, Illinois. How far have we come as Supergirl fans that Psi and her particulars were on a television show?? And Yael Grobglas plays her with such a cold, calm, and cruel, observing all she does with just a hint of enjoyment.  It makes me happy.

On to the particulars.

Supergirl Episode 222: Nevertheless, She Persisted

Supergirl Episode 222, the season finale titled 'Nevertheless, She Persisted, aired this week and was an incredibly intense, over-stuffed, and every emotional ending to what has been a crazy season. This episode felt more like a mini-movie than a television show with spectacular effects, a rousing score,. massive fights, and all the major characters (well most of the major characters) having key moments to move the plot along. I was thrilled. And I suppose given the names in the credits (writers Andrew Kreisberg and Jessica Quallers; directed by Glen Winter), I shouldn't be surprised.

While the title of the episode is clearly referencing Senator Warren's defiance while speaking to the Senate, the overt politics of this season were put on the back shelves a bit to let the story stand more on its own. And for the most part it delivered. The ultimate victory came in the form of a true deus ex machina, but overall this shined.

But the time has come to put a bow on this season. In looking back, the show really covered a ton of topics and subplots. Sometimes all this made Supergirl feel more like a character in an ensemble cast than the headliner.

We had multiple big bads in the form of Cadmus and the Daxamites. We had major plots involving Maggie and her relationship with Alex, Winn and his relationship with Lyra, James and his relationship with the Guardian suit, and J'onn and Miss Martian. We had political stories about alien amnesty, refugees seeking asylum, the down trodden forced into slavery, and basic prejudice. Jeremiah Danvers blipped into the storyline and then vanished again. That is a lot of ground to cover.

And I haven't even mentioned the elephant in the room ... Mon-El. At least on social media, he was something of a lightning rod. Some fans loved his arc as he tried to walk away from a rather ugly past to become something better all while inspired by Kara. Others hated him for being the epitome of the slick, emotionally abusive, frat boy. He was that kind of man that bullied his way into a relationship by constantly nagging the woman, then didn't respect her wishes, and then groveled his way back in. For me, I didn't think he was all that bad. At times his actions were cringe worthy. And unfortunately, he doesn't have a big redemptive moment in this episode. I was hoping there would be big moment where he sacrificed himself for others. All that said,  I believed him when he said how inspired he was by Supergirl and what she represented. I mean, that's why I love her as a character.

But enough looking back, let's look at this episode itself. Be prepared, I took a lot of screencaps because there was so much to love. And I am going to write a lot, not only recap but thoughts. Because this was an overstuffed episode. On to the show

Supergirl Episode 219: Alex

Supergirl Episode 219, titled 'Alex', aired this week and was another episode which focused more on the characters and less on the main storyline of Daxam's impending invasion. The main arc isn't completely ignored, a crucial piece is definitely put into place here. But this is about how important Alex is to this universe.

Alex is kidnapped and we see how that effects Kara. We see how that effects Maggie. And we see how that effects J'onn. Alex is an important figure in all of their lives - sister, girlfriend, and daughter respectively. And when she is put in peril, we see just how much Alex is the rock these characters rely on.

One of the underlying themes of this episode is seeing how different Maggie and Kara's methods are in delivering justice. Maggie is a 'by the book' detective, following procedure, and using her interrogation and investigative skills in a deliberate manner. She is aware of the long game and doesn't mind playing it. Kara, on the other hand, is a 'fly in and rescue' sort. She doesn't wait, she acts. That plays out well with this sort of over-confident Supergirl we have seen this season.

And while there can be times when either method are needed (in fact that plays out a bit), these women are a bit entrenched in their style. And the friction that arises when they disagree impacts Alex who loves them both. It gets a little awkward.

I also have to applaud Chyler Leigh as Alex who not only plays the personal moments extremely well but also shows how resourceful she is as an agent. You see why Alex has her position in the DEO.


Lastly, I love that the writers throws long time fans some Easter Eggs. It makes me happy.

On to the episode!

Supergirl Episode 215: Exodus

Supergirl Episode 215, titled 'Exodus', aired this week and was very good episode, the perfect sort of rebound episode I needed from last week's clunky fare.

My biggest gripe last week was that it seemed as if no character was thinking clearly about Jeremiah. The DEO, a black ops group that has dealt with shape-shifters and traitors just let him walk into their midst without a decent physical or mental scan. This week it felt as if there were definitive repercussions from the events of last week. People are up front and critical of each other when it comes to drawing a line between work and family, duty and loyalty. With last issues speed bumps addressed, I felt I could move on.

This season has also been interesting in how it has been using the alien metaphor to react to the current political climate of the day. With undocumented aliens being rounded up and deported in the USA right now, this episode where Cadmus is rounding up and planning to deport extraterrestrials felt all too real.

But for me, the biggest bonus of the episode was the fact that after a couple of episodes where Kara and Alex felt like they were drifting apart, we saw them come back together. In the rare combo of an action sequence and a highly charged emotional scene, the sisters reunited in a way.

Add to that a moment that made Lyra almost too good to be true, a very nice brief scene with Lena, and a small redemption for Jeremiah and you had the series get back on track for me.

Lastly, once again Chyler Leigh slaughtered it in this episode, running the emotional gamut believably and showing how savage a combatant Alex is. Seriously, I hope her performance this year will be noticed by the Emmy's.

On to the particulars.

Supergirl Episode 214: Homecoming

Supergirl episode 214, titled Homecoming, aired this week and was, in my mind, the weakest episode of the season. That kind of surprised me. This was the episode that marked the return of Dean Cain as Jeremiah Danvers. It looked to put the major Cadmus plot line back in the spotlight. And it came on the heels of the Mr. Mxyzptlk episode which I thought was one of the strongest so for. As a result, I had high hopes for this area.

Unfortunately, I had some issues with most of what happened within the episode. There are some plot holes within the episode which are just too big to simply ignore. There are some interactions between some characters which seem two-dimensional or clunky.

But most of all, my issue with this episode was the Mon-El and Kara relationship. I understand all too well that this has been a hot button issue for this season. I get that some people look at Mon-El as a toxic personality who is slowly bullying Kara into a romance. For me, I have been able to slide by with it because, despite their differences, the two characters (I guess in reality Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood) have had tremendous chemistry on the small screen. I guess ... until last night.

This episode, more than any, showed how two very different personalities like Kara and Mon-El simply wouldn't work together. In this episode, Mon-El goes against Kara's personal wishes for privacy. And then, while prudent to be suspicious of Jeremiah's return, goes about discussing it in a bristly and boorish manner that I cringed. This was the first episode that I honestly didn't like the guy. And if you are pushing this romance at us, you need both sides to be likeable.

Now that isn't to say there weren't good moments. Chyler Leigh continues to burn up the screen with her range of emotions. The actions sequences are very well done. And Helen Slater returned and gave an honest portrayal of what Eliza must be going through.

Still, this was hardly the romp of last week. I'm not pulling any punches so this is a long review.

Supergirl Episode 207: The Darkest Places

Supergirl Season Two has been very entertaining so far. Between the Superman visit, the personal growth of the character, and the very strong performances of the cast, the show has been gripping. I have had my minor complaints, no doubt. Some of the political messages have been delivered in a very heavy handed manner. Some of the character beats (specifically James deciding to be a costumed hero) has seemed rushed. But overall things have been fantastic.

'The Darkest Places' aired this last week and was one of the strongest episodes of the season so far. There are basically 4 plots happening, one for each of the major characters. Each plot pushes these characters' individual stories forward, some of them nudged, others pushed forward rapidly. But, for me, the biggest thing about this episode is that it also pushed the overal season's story forward as well. We have known about Cadmus before. But now we get a sense that they have a big plan. And they have an enforcer. And they are willing to do whatever they need to do to achieve their goals.

Now this isn't a perfect episode. Nothing is perfect. I think the Maggie/Alex storyline was advanced almost too quickly here. After last week's emotional ending, I almost wish this subplot was left alone to let Alex's issues sort of simmer a bit. Instead, we get a bit too much progression. And both Supergirl and The Doctor seem to make classic comic book mistakes which are hard to dwell on. Sometimes, you can't think too hard about plot points or suddenly you realize how ridiculous these things can be. But these were minor issues.

But overall, this was an action-packed, quickly paced, powerful episode. When watching with my youngest, she looked at me and said 'this is too intense!' That is definitely a good sign!

On to the details.

Supergirl Episode 206: Changing

'Changing' aired earlier this week and was a very strong episode. As has become the norm this season, there are great action moments and those are fantastic. But more importantly, there are truly incredible character moments. Each of these characters is going through an arc. No one is being shuttled to the sidelines. And every character's story is compelling.

The title of this episode - Changing - is so appropriate. Yes, Rudy Jones is changing, mutating into the Parasite. But most everyone is changing. James is becoming the Guardian. Winn is becoming more confident and is acting as James' partner. Mon-El is trying to changing his selfish ways and become a hero.

And the biggest change is Alex finally realizing she is gay and coming out. And it is a very emotional arc even in this one episode. She is nervous revealing it to Kara. She is afraid Kara disapproves. And just when things seem bright, the rug is pulled out from under her. It is truly a gut punch. After not getting much sister moments this season, we get three separate scenes with the two in this episode!

None of these stories could work as well as they have if the acting isn't there and everyone shines here. In particular, Chyler Leigh's performance as Alex this episode is phenomenal. Because we have scenes of her showing her strength, showing how she became a leader in the DEO, being stern to M'Gann and Mon-El. And at the same time we see her at her most vulnerable. I'll also say that Jeremy Jordan is showing how much Winn has changed.

If I have one minor complaint, it is that it is clear that the show has a progressive agenda in mind this season. We saw the idea of refugee amnesty early on. Now the enemy is climate change. The Parasite is the villain but he is fighting 'evil, well dressed men' who are denying science. Even if I agree that climate change is a problem, I don't need such a ham-fisted way of being told it.

On to the episode!

Supergirl Show Flying Over To The CW

We've all been waiting for some news about the Supergirl show. I recently did a post talking about all the rumors and concerns that had been flying around the production.

Well, actual news finally broke yesterday.

And as hinted at forever, the Supergirl show is moving the The CW network. Here is a link to Entertainment Weekly's coverage:  http://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/12/supergirl-renewed-cw


Now there is a lot to consider with this move.

First off and most importantly, we are getting more episodes. I loved this show. The character was bright, optimistic, fierce, and learning the ropes. The relationships between the characters were the backbone of the show. Kara and Alex. Kara and Winn. Kara and Cat. Kara and Jimmy. Kara and Hank. They all had heartfelt moments and character arcs. We had action. We had it all as Supergirl fans. And I loved it. The show could have been canceled. It wasn't. That is the most important part of this announcement. We are getting more episodes.

Now, maybe there is an old-school feeling that moving from CBS to The CW is a demotion of sorts, a loss of prestige. But, as been said ad nauseum, the show 'feels' more like a CW show than a CBS show.

And, of course, it opens up the possibilities of more crossovers. Certainly, a time/space warp could lead to a DCLOT crossover.

But there are some concerns.

For one, the production has fled to Vancouver. So the whole feel of the show being in Hollywood/California is going to be gone.

Second, the reason CBS let the show go was that it was too expensive to produce. It is doubtful/impossible that the CW will be able to front the budget of last season. So will there be a drop in the effects. Will stories be written differently, avoiding big action sequences. Will there still be wire fighting? That said, I think the Flash has done a fine job with effects, so maybe it won't be noticeable?

I am not an accountant. I don't understand production budgets. But maybe the $3million dollar 'license fee' per episode will disappear since Warner Brothers owns CW. Maybe that money can be shunted to the production? Of course, the show has to make money for the network so maybe cuts are coming.

Lastly, will the very structure/cast of the show change? Will Kara be in a different city? Maybe her new role in CatCo takes her away from National City? Will David Harewood? Will last season be 'forgotten'? Will we pick up were last season ended, with the mysterious pod?

I have faith that the production company and Greg Berlanti and Ali Adler will do the show right. They clearly love it.

But the unknown is scary. Let's be optimistic.

One thing we don't need to worry about is the Alex/Kara relationship disappearing. Both Chyler Leigh and Melissa Benoist hit social media last night to thank CBS and promote the next season.

And apparently Calista Flockhart will also be back ( http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/supergirl-season-two-cw-892629 )! That was something I was very worried about!

Will things be different? Probably.

I guess we have to wait to see.

But let's not forget the most important part.

There will be a Supergirl Season Two.

Supergirl Episode 20: "Better Angels", the Finale

Supergirl Season One ended this week with an episode aptly called "Better Angels". I advise you settle in because this review is long. It is as much a look at this one episode as it is the whole series. And I couldn't be happier.

How do I put into words how happy this show has made me? Apparently by writing a lot. Because this show has understood Supergirl and what she represents from the beginning. Like many television shows, it grew stronger as the season progressed. The characters became more fleshed out. The plots became tighter. The themes and direction became more polished. And the stars simply shined.

I have tried over time here to showcase what I love about Supergirl. Her optimism. Her hope. Her sense of justice. Her fierce determination to do what's right. Her fears of not being good enough. It all comes together in a young hero striving to do what's right and occasionally failing. It is that 'never give up' that defines Supergirl as much as her array of powers. From Supergirl's difficult first appearances to her contemplating a darker justice to inspiring others, this show has captured it all.

It isn't perfect.

But what is.

What I have got this year has been 20 episodes which respect my favorite character in a new and fresh way. It is a show I can watch with my daughters without hesitation. It has super-heroics and brightness and hope. And it has character growth. The characters in this finale are very different from the ones we met in the premiere.

Right now we don't know if we are getting a Supergirl Season Two. I sincerely hope we do. But even if we don't, I have this season. It is a gem.

On to the show ...

Supergirl Episode 8: Hostile Takeover

On Monday, CBS aired the 'winter finale' of Supergirl. Episode 8, titled 'Hostile Takeover', did a great job of building tension in Kara's two worlds - CatCo and the DEO - and ends with two fantastic cliffhangers. If the creators were hoping to leave me wanting more, they succeeded spectacularly. This is would have been an excellent season finale. I can't believe we have 13 more episodes to go!

As always, the strength of this show begins with Melissa Benoist and her performance as Kara. Like many of the prior episodes, Benoist has to run the emotional gamut here, from happiness to sadness to anger. There is another moment which is emotionally heart-wrenching and had me gripping my seat and feeling all the feelings. But the rest of the cast shines here as well. Calista Flockhart shows some vulnerability but continues to be prickly when needed. Jeremy Jordan gives Winn some edge here. David Harewood shows some wry humor behind the gruff Henshaw exterior. Chyler Leigh continues to make Alex a powerful agent. And Laura Benanti also show some range, playing the icy Alura and the passionate Astra. But Astra isn't a one-note serial villain. She also is given a sympathetic back story.

I can't believe I have to wait a month to see the next episode!

The episode starts with Astra holding Supergirl at bay. Astra has a Kryptonite-neutralizing armor now, so she can wield Hank's knife against Kara without fear. Astra is impressed with Kara, saying she has the heart of a hero, and wanting Supergirl to join her.

But Supergirl has nothing but contempt for her aunt. She is able to escape and flee to the DEO and fill in Hank and Alex. We get some back story from Kara who had investigated her aunt's crimes. It sounds as if Astra was something of a terrorist, blowing up government buildings, and being on the run. It is clear that Kara has no love left for her aunt.

Meanwhile, back at her lair, Astra's lieutenant Non asks her if she could kill Kara if she had to. Astra, who we learn is a General, says she won't let another world die. She feels that Kara will join them.

With the fear that Astra and her super-powered army will strike soon, Alex recommends more training with Kara.

Back in the K-room, we see that Supergirl has clearly been a fast learner. She holds her own against Alex including doing a modified Frankensteiner which makes a young Anj very happy.

In a nice mirror moment, Kara is asked by her sister if she could kill Astra if she had to. Supergirl's immediate response is 'Superman doesn't kill', the implication being she won't either. For folks like me, who like a classic Superman and don't like the Man of Steel movie, that line was perfect.

This battle has Kara again reflect back to her time on Krypton where we learn more about Astra. Astra knows that Krypton is nearing an explosion because of the ecological ravages the people have done to the planet. She is trying to save everyone, even if her means are at times unsavory. But we see how much she loves Kara, hugging her young niece and saying she couldn't love anyone more. She is doing what she is doing to save Kara. Sympathy for the villain!

Meanwhile, CatCo has been hacked and embarrassing emails by Cat are flooding social media. Cat needs to figure out how it happened and what else might get leaked. So she asks Kara, along with James and Winn (who Cat calls the 'handsome hobbit with more cardigans' than Kara) to try to track everything down.

While the three try to get ahead of things, the CatCo board tells Cat they may be forced to ask her to step down. Using her super-hearing, Kara overhears that the head of the board, Dirk Armstrong, is responsible for the release of information in an attempt to take over the company. Cat calls him 'the walking personification of white male privilege'.

Realizing they might need to hack the hacker, James, Kara, and Winn bring in their legal counsel. Stressing it is all hypothetical, Lucy says that if it is discovered that Dirk is behind it that he could be incarcerated. But getting caught trying to illegally get the information would be just as bad.

One thing I like about this is that it portrays Lucy as a friend and ally. She isn't the evil girlfriend that the audience loves to hate. She hasn't done anything here that is odious. She is pretty cool and nice. You can't hate her even if you want to root for Kara and Jimmy to get together.

Before things at CatCo can heat up too much, Astra appears over the city. She has no armor, no K-knife, and wants to talk to Kara. Astra calls Alura a liar. Alura imprisoned Astra to cast blame away from herself. But Supergirl won't take for any bad things being said about her mother.

The two brawl in the middle of the city, crashing into buildings, throwing cars, and shooting heat vision. It is very evocative of the Man of Steel end fight. Except in this battle, Supergirl continues to break away from the fight to save everyone from the collateral damage. This, like the 'Superman doesn't kill', is a repudiation of Man of Steel and it's tone.

But the fight ends almost too quickly. While Astra seems to have the upper hand early, she gets pummeled into unconsciousness by Kara at the end.

In the DEO, an imprisoned Astra again confronts Kara. She tells Supergirl that she knew Krypton was going to die and had to do things to try to save the planet. We get a flashback where the sisters face off. Alura has used a signal Kara uses to talk to her aunt to lure Astra there. We hear that Astra is trying to save the world and that her methods resulted in the death of a Government guard. We learn that Astra's husband and lieutenant, Non, is the person who murdered the guard.

But it is too much for Alura. She arrests Astra right there in the family home. Astra insists that doing this is signing Krypton's death warrant.

This is a great scene for Benanti who gets to play two very different characters.

Throughout this show, we have heard Kara talk about Alura with an almost hero worship. Even earlier in this episode she calls Alura 'the best woman that ever lived'. So to hear that Kara was the bait to arrest Alura is a blow to that image. And to hear that Alura learned that Krypton was doomed but she still arrested Astra (who claims she could save the planet) is crushing.

Kara ends up shrieking at the A.I. Alura to try to get more information. And when the program can't answer the questions, we again see emotional agony within Kara. She lashes out at the hologram with her heat vision.

But again it is Benoist who brings the real power here. We see her anger and dismay and distrust build as she interrogates this Alura-bot. We see her be both angry and sad. She still mourns Krypton. By arresting Astra, did Alura doom Kara to this life on Earth where she still is trying to fit in?

There was a lot to love in this episode but this scene was the absolute best. It felt like the strained relationship with Alura I felt was a key part of the Gates/Igle run in the comics.

As for the CatCo issues, the team uncovers that Cat has another son, Adam, older and estranged, and that information could be damning to both Cat and him. She has a heart to heart with Kara about how she fought to keep Adam in her life until she realized maybe he would be better away from her. She is hurt each day by this failure. That sentiment is a nice reflection of what Alura may have been dealing with. I love how the show creators use Cat as an inspiration, a mentor, and a surrogate mother to Kara but also keep her as this prickly, self-absorbed, catty CEO.

Luckily, through some chicanery, the team has uncovered evidence that Armstrong is behind the hack. He is led off in cuffs.

Throughout the episode, Winn has had an edge and been somewhat mean to James and Kara. James finally calls him on it. James can tell Winn loves Kara and advises Winn that he should go for it. Kara is worth it.

Winn says, almost stammers, that 'she's her and I'm me', a way to say that he doesn't think he is in her league. I felt a pang for the guy there having thought similar feelings of insecurity in my own past.

But then we get to the cliffhangers.

Cat corners Kara on the balcony. She wondered how Kara learned about Dirk's scheme, she puts together all the clues from the earlier episodes, and she wonders if Kara is Supergirl. She even calls Kara her 'secret weapon' and her 'guardian angel', pure Easter Egg nomenclature from the comics.

When Kara removes her glasses, Cat calls her Supergirl and says thank you.

Just incredible ....

At the DEO, Alex realizes that Astra wanted to get caught as a feint. She confronts Astra for information. It is a brief interaction but it is great. Astra acknowledges Alex as the 'one who killed Hellgrammite' and says she likes Alex. Alex says she will go into the DEO cell and beat out information if she has to. I really really like Alex.

It turns out the plan is to attack Lord Industries to defeat Max, 'the world's champion'. The strike force includes Non, two more Kryptonians, a guy who can split in two (a version of Duplicate Boy), and a woman with poison breath (a version of Gas Girl)?

Between the DEO and Lord's Security, it is a decent fight. Hank even uses some Martian powers to defeat a Kryptonian. The show ends with Kara squaring off against Non, telling him he is going to wish that all the women from the House of El had died.

Whew!

That is a lot to stuff to into one episode. But unlike the pilot, I felt this all unwound nicely. Things felt pressured but nothing felt rushed. All the information to get through these beats were presented. And so much is revealed earlier in the season than I would anticipate. I thought Hank's reveal would be later. I thought Cat figuring things out would be in the season finale. The pace is unheralded!

And there are the usual flourishes in this episode which make it feel real. Cat has M&M's in an ice bucket so she doesn't always go for booze when troubled. While she supports other women, she continues to take pop shots at Lois. Armstrong has a Maserati, the perfect car for a weasel like him. Hank misses his Kryptonite knife that Astra stole. Winn says James abs wouldn't understand Winn's insecurities.

But it is the main storyline of Astra, who seems like a misguided eco-terrorist like Ra's Al Ghul, trying to shake Kara's confidence that is the meat of this episode. Between the flashbacks and the interrogation and the confrontation with the computerized Alura, this was just wonderful.

Supergirl Episode 5ish: Livewire

Supergirl Episode 4 "How Does She Do It" was shelved for a week when its plot of terrorist time bombings around National City was felt to be too close to the attacks on France to be aired. As a result, this week, we got to see Episode 5 "Livewire" one week early.

"Livewire" was a very good episode focusing as much on character development as it did on action. This was a world-building episode, adding history to all the female characters of the show. We got to see how expectations and mentoring can mold people. We learned that too much pressure can make someone crack. And we learned that a lack of a role model can create a monster. All of this was extremely well done. Brit Morgan played a great Livewire villain. The standout performance was by Calista Flockhart who  showed that Cat Grant  may appear callous and sometimes shallow but whose waters run deep. The standout scene was between Chyler Leigh and Helen Slater where Alex finally confronted her mother Eliza about unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

That doesn't mean Supergirl is absent. Melissa Benoist still brings a positive vibe  and joy to the role. There is humor. There is maturity. There is optimism. There is fierceness. Supergirl is a complex character because of the breadth of her emotions. Benoist shines, capturing it all. And her wire work and action sequences are improving weekly.

I don't want these reviews to be a simple rehash. So I'll try to hit the high points.

The episode starts with Supergirl stopping an alien who has escaped and is running amok in the DEO headquarters. It is an excellent action sequence with this alien tossing agents through windows and Kara eventually body slamming it into submission with flight powers. The choreography is great. Kara uses fighting technique. And there is a definite emergence of a little body quirk, Kara floating/flying with her right leg bent at the knee and flexed. That is 'her' pose.

But the best part of the fight is when Kara learns this behemoth was female and gives a quick 'respect'. That flip from determined combatant to quipster is perfect.

Helen Slater is in the episode as Eliza Danvers, the girls' mother visiting for Thanksgiving. One thing that is obvious is that Alex walks on egg shells around her. Eliza has put a lot of pressure on Alex to protect Kara. And Alex knows Eliza won't be happy about Kara's coming out as Supergirl. In an interesting turn, Eliza doesn't know that Alex works for the DEO. She thinks she is still just a lab rat, not a field agent.

The scene is quick but lays the foundation of the relationship. Alex is under the microscope and feels the pressure.

And we learn that Kara's favorite pie is chocolate pecan. It is 'the best dessert on 12 planets'. Does this mean Kara has visited other planets? That other planets visited Krypton so she sampled other alien confections? Hmmm ...

We then get a montage of Leslie Willis, CatCo's shock jock. And Willis aims her wrath at Supergirl. In a mini-monologue she insults Supergirl's looks, her 'adorkable' nature, her idiotic costume of skirt and tights, her 'Sapphic' vibe. She wonders who would try to penetrate the chastity belt of steel and if Kryptonian genitalia is horrific.  It is a nice scene. We see everyone's reaction to specific parts of the rant. So Winn hears about the costume. James rolls his eyes about the sexuality. It is nothing but the attack of a bully, trying to shame Supergirl.

And Cat isn't going to let it go on. First off, CatCo wants a 'relationship' with Supergirl. Cat would 'adopt' Supergirl if she could. In a great line, we hear Cat say that Supergirl's presence is changing National City to something more optimistic, a place of hope. That is phenomenal.

But personally, Cat realizes she should have been a better mentor for Leslie. It is here that we begin to see more of Cat. It isn't all about ratings. It is sometimes about doing what's right.

Despite Leslie's threat that Cat will regret it, Grant demotes Leslie to a traffic reporter in the 'Cat Copter'.

 As I said above, this is episode 5. Episode 4 was skipped.

The only speed bump to that was James seemingly being back together with Lucy Lane. This should get explained more in that fourth episode. But James is off for a long Thanksgiving with Lucy.

 Leslie's first broadcast as a traffic reporter is in a thunderstorm and soon the helicopter is out of control. Supergirl has to swoop in for the rescue. There is something very classic about a copter save, evocative of the Donner movie.

But while grabbing Leslie, a lightning bolt hits Kara. The energy courses into Leslie, turning her hair blue and knocking the DJ into a coma.

The effects on this show is brilliant. The lightning/electric powers this whole episode is just great.

 The Eliza and Alex friction increases during the show. Eliza blames Alex for letting Kara get herself into this situation. I love how Eliza says that Kara just assumes that everyone is as good as she is. That is the Supergirl optimism and brightness I love.

We then flashback to seeing Kara flying over Midvale with Alex when they were kids. It's a dangerous silly thing to do.

But what I love was Malina Weissman adopt that same 'right leg bent' flying pose. It is continuity nods like this that enrich a show like this.

 Finally, filled with the liquid courage of wine, Alex tells her mother that she is a DEO agent. It absolutely ruins Thanksgiving dinner. But at least the air is cleared. Eliza should be proud of Alex. She should know that Alex is helping and protecting Kara in that role. Her mother shouldn't be disappointed in her.

Alex has been pushed by Eliza and has accomplished so much. It should be enough to garner respect. This theme is woven throughout the show.

I also like Kara standing up to Eliza. Kara decided to be Supergirl. It was her decision. The mother shouldn't be deriding Alex.

Alex storms off. Winn slinks away. And Kara is called to CatCo.

Meanwhile, Livewire has awoken from her coma and loves her new powers. She absorbs the energy from the city and confronts Cat in the CatCo office.  Kara is there and the two run for cover. Cat tells Kara to run 20 floors down to get security. It allows Kara to slip away and become Supergirl. There are lots of clues that Cat knows Kara is Supergirl. This is one of them.

Livewire and Supergirl fight in another great scene. The effects are great, especially a spot were we see Supergirl rise outside the window of the CatCo building and fly through the glass. And we again see more fighting technique from Kara: heat vision, haymakers, and head butts.

 The Alex/Eliza relationship builds up until we get a powerful scene between the two. Alex sheds tears as she asks her mother why she has never been good enough for her mother. Eliza admits that Alex makes the tough decisions. Alex is better than Eliza could hope to be. And Eliza calls Alex 'her Supergirl'.

This is so well acted. The best scene of the episode for me.

Meanwhile, the DEO has helped Kara by creating a sort of capacitor trap that reminds Supergirl of Ghostbusters. I love that the Ghostbuster quip falls flat in the serious conference room of the DEO. Perfect.

But better than that was Henshaw saying it is a trap modified to capture a Zarolatt! That is a deep cut reference to the 80s mini-series The Weird!

 Echoing the sentiments from the Alex/Eliza scene, we hear from Cat how she should have mentored Leslie in a better way. Cat's mother pushed and pushed Cat all her life. Sometimes it is unhealthy, but it has made Cat who she is. It is why Cat pushes those she cares about (admitting Supergirl is one of those people). She is trying to bring the best out of people. She didn't do that with Leslie. Cat created this monster.

The trap is set with Cat and Supergirl luring Livewire to 'where it all started', her first radio station. In another great small thing, we see Leslie's first show's poster. It is a smiling Leslie. The font is cursive, not the sharp style of her current show. We see how Leslie has changed without guidance.

Again, small things like personality quirks and continuity nods, and this visual prompt of Livewire's past adds so much to a show.

 Supergirl and Livewire brawl in the street and it is beautiful. The effects are stunning, especially seeing Livewire teleport into wiring and wielding lightning whips. Just spectacular.

The Ghostbuster device fails so Supergirl has to fall back onto an old favorite to beat an electric villain. She grabs a water main and douses Leslie, shorting her out. I liked that this was Kara needing to think on her own and not use a gadget of the week.

Look at this screen grab. Those are unreal effects.

The fallout from the defeat are varied.

Cat decides that she won't run nonsense about celebrities (one getting drunk at Club Apokolips?) and instead will run positive stories instead. Supergirl's positivity is working its magic here?

Winn tells Kara that he is jealous of her family. His father is a bad person and is in prison. He didn't name drop Toyman. But we know that.

And Eliza lets her girls know a secret she has been keeping. We see in flashbacks that young Kara's flight with Alex got the attention of the DEO back then. A more hirsute Henshaw wants Kara to be taken in. Instead, Jeremiah Danvers makes a deal. He will work for the DEO and Kara will stay put. Jeremiah knows everything there is to know about Superman (a bit meta coming from Dean Cain). All Danvers' research and expertise will now be in the DEO's hands. This explains why the DEO has Kara's ship, knows so much about Kryptonite, and knew to recruit Alex. And while Jeremiah died 'in a plane crash', Eliza thinks something else happened.

I can't believe this is a heel turn for Henshaw. And it echoes a bit too much like Harrison Wells to me. I guess I'll have to see where it goes.

If I had one complaint about the episode, it is Kara calling Eliza her foster mother. She doesn't call her mom, she calls her Eliza. I was hoping for something more familial here. Like 'adoptive mother'. She considers Alex her sister. Why not think of Eliza as a mother figure? She can still love Alura.

But that seems a quibble in comparison to all the backstory and character building we saw here. Just great stuff. And the battle scenes and effects were top notch.

My prediction? In the season finale, Cat reveals she knows Kara is Supergirl.




Each episode seems like it is getting better.