Story: Derek Simon
Teleplay: Cindy Lichtman & Rachel Shukert
Release Date: March 21, 2016
Supergirl is one of the most divisive shows in DC television. Some think that it's a great exploration of a bright and inspiring female superhero, while others maintain that it's a hamfisted ripoff of the Superman mythos as a whole. Personally, I think it's enjoyable, very flawed, but still largely enjoyable. Anyways, that just means that I'm approaching the show with no real expectations and frankly, that's probably a good thing. I usually have to make an effort to be unbiased, but in this case I really don't have to do that. So, with that in mind, it's time to get on with the review...
Explain it!
The episode begins with the arrest of the Martian Manhunter. The D.E.O. has finally found out that he is an alien and they drag him into an interrogation room as Kara and Alex watch powerlessly. Thus begins probably the worst scene of this episode: Martian Manhunter's backstory. Now, for being the worst scene of the episode it's not that bad, but it has some cheesy moments. Chief among them is what happens when Hank Henshaw confronts the Manhunter. It feels like the scene was drawn out a lot longer than it was meant to be. Also, a minor nitpick, but MMH is apparently considered by Superman to be the strongest being on the planet and yet he has been hiding this entire time? When did they meet? Why did Superman leave him alone considering John had no one at that point? Boy, that's a whole lot of questions to not get many (any?) answers.
Anyways, after that we get to what I consider the real meat of the story...Supergirl's extended backstory. First, Alex gets interrogated and we see some charming flashbacks of their younger years. Supergirl saves some people and then gets a piece of advice from Alex' father that I thought was a great twist of a Pa Kent moment. Then, we get to see how Kara got her job, which was cool in a cheesy Christopher Reeve type of way. I really liked it, but let's get real here, anyone who doesn't know Kara is Supergirl must be brain dead. Am I saying that everyone on the show is brain dead? Maybe...
Finally, we get some plot threads that actually advance the main story of the show. Kara and Alex free Martian Manhunter from CADMUS and Siobhan reveals the depths of her jealousy and some mysterious powers. Once again, these events have some illogical implications, but nothing too show-breaking. For one, in order to escape, Martian manhunter erases a higher ups mind. I guess that guy never told any of his superior officers what was going on? If he did, then this scene is just odd and really has no point. I know...suspension of disbelief, but it still bothered me. Also, Siobhan goes crazy for no real reason. Sure, the job hunt hasn't been a huge success, but it's only been a couple of weeks of sending resumes and she thinks she's blacklisted? I Guess I've been blacklisted since birth.
Bit's and Pieces:
Like the series as a whole, this episode was pretty good, but also not really that exciting. We get some good character moments that are offset by a ham fisted plot. The visuals are cheesy and oftentimes just mediocre, but somehow are offset by the great use of environments. While it may seem that I am really down on this episode, the charm really outdoes the rough edges and I have to give it a...
7.5/10
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