Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Supergirl - Changing


Along with introducing one of Superman's most powerful enemies in the Parasite (William Mapother), the latest episode of Supergirl is actually more memorable for several of the show's supporting characters taking big steps in their own lives. For Alex (Chyler Leigh) this means coming out to Kara (Melissa Benoist) about her sexuality. Kara is shocked when told that her sister from another world is gay, but the show plays the dynamic between the pair just right, especially when Kara needs to comfort Alex after her second leap of the episode isn't as successful as her first.

Superman's black friend James "Don't Call Me Jimmy" Olsen (Mehcad Brooks) also takes a huge step when he enters the fray against the Parasite covered in Winn's (Jeremy Jordan) armor. Kara's near-death experience also finally motivates the selfish Mon-El (Chris Wood) to think of someone other than himself. Unfortanately for the Daxamite, this means his identity is discovered by Cadmus (likely setting up a Supergirl vs. a mind-controlled Superboy storyline sometime later this season). While she doesn't suit up to join the battle, Miss Martian (Sharon Leal) does make a tough call of her own in saving J'onn's (David Harewood) life.

While I wasn't that happy with the heavy CGI look of the Parasite I also wasn't ready to see the villain destroyed after only a single episode (although the version of the character presented here opens the door for a return in another host body). The other pieces of the episode all will likely have long-term effects on the show this season. Miss Martian's actions do save J'onn's life but also bring her one-step closer to her secret being discovered. James's super-heroing is likely to get the newsman in over his head. Mon-El's capture likely means bad things for Supergirl and the DEO. And after admitting the truth to both herself and her sister, Alex's journey is only beginning.

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