Martin Carr reviews the nineteenth episode of Supergirl…
Mass extinction has always been a good subject for drama, because historically people have killed, maimed, destroyed and segregated without compunction. Sparing you the lecture let’s just say cultures have done, will do and continue doing heinous things under the misguided belief that they are right. Supergirl has broached this subject before in at least two episodes, but brings it home to roost in this two part season finale.
There are numerous allegorical messages not so subtlety underscoring a majority of this season closer, even if that second part hangs over us until next week. Krytonians, embodied within Kara and Non, are technologically advanced and primarily peaceful. You can see it through the portrayal of Non in quieter dialogue scenes, where for once the audience are told what the point is. His reason for mass enslavement is essentially founded with good intentions. It is unfortunate therefore that the method of salvation comes at the cost of personal freedom and identity.
Their approach has so many elements which ring of the creation of an Aryan race that comparisons are unavoidable. Spurred on by Indigo in lieu of Astra, Non seeks to honour her memory and in some way bring her back through the completion of ‘Myriad’. His methods and manipulation of others in an attempt to achieve those aims, is both regrettable yet strangely compelling. That Kara’s plan revolves so much around iconography and the House of El, is a touch predictable but well sold by all concerned.
Once more it is Benoist who holds this episode together ably supported by Flockhart and Facinella as Grant and Lord respectively. Their chemistry is evident and this comes through in the performance making things look easy. For those unaware Flockhart is no stranger to prime time having been centre stage for many years in Ally McBeal. While Facinella is well known from his film work which includes the Twilight franchise. My point is these are no lightweights which surround Benoist and if anything it is something to hold your own alongside them. But that aside Supergirl has come through in other departments beyond casting, whether that’s the writing, visual effects or sheer polish on this finished product.
National City in the hands of these producers has made Supergirl much more than some soundstages, locations shoots and people hanging in front of wind machines on wires. They have created a connection to the audience, giving us nostalgia, innovation, character and a framework. Listen, we all know that story is finite in its permutations, but these guys have managed to work within those perimeters and not consider them limitations. As we roll towards the final episode of season one Supergirl, as a programme, has much to celebrate. Not least of which is the resurrection of a property which spent many decades languishing in ignominy. Who would have thought that one perky twenty something with star quality and a ‘girl next door’ quality could make something so entertaining.
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