Martin Carr reviews the fifth episode of Supergirl season 2…
Alien weaponry, orientation realisation and some villainous back room chicanery are on the menu this week in Supergirl. Combined with a Daxamite make over for our other resident off world alien interloper. There are some chance encounters between Sawyer and Danvers while Lena Luthor makes another appearance to add spice to proceedings. That said it may deliver on but does feel a touch weak in plot progression.
Obviously the Daxam refugee and his acclimatisation are pivotal to the success of this episode, alongside the developing bond between Maggie and Alex. But the first part of this equation feels like filler rather than character development, whereas the burgeoning relationship between Maggie and Alex is handled with more subtlety and substance. Chemistry between our Daxamite and Kara may have carried things last week, but there simply needed to be something more this time round.
Thematically the overall thrust of understanding and acceptance which underpins some if not all of ‘Crossfire’ was handled delicately. While the bromance so well established between James Olsen and Winn over season one has taken somewhat of a backward step. However his need to contribute beyond his role at CATCO seemed a touch far-fetched and slightly out of sync with the remaining episode. There can be no doubt that Brooks, Jordan and Benoist can deliver a charm offensive irrespective of content or plot devices, but things seemed a little confused at certain points. While the inclusion of CADMUS seemed to be used sporadically when needed rather than as a cohesive plot point muddying things further.
You could argue justifiably that the preoccupation with the idea of weaponry getting into the wrong hands as pertinent and topical, as is the discussion around illegal alien immigration, but not at the expense of entertainment. But by being too light on certain areas and then too heavy handed or ambiguous elsewhere, ‘Crossfire’ ends up sending out mixed messages. There needed to be something more threatening, something more amusing, something more in keeping with what we know Supergirl can deliver. I know that some may disagree and this is only the second episode in two seasons which I have had any issues with, but it proves that even the best can make mistakes. I know Berlanti is doing some challenging stuff here which is to be applauded but for me something was missing.
However what remains true of Supergirl still stands in my eyes; there is more consistency here than some shows manage to exhibit in twice as many seasons. So the occasional misstep should be forgiven and quite honestly expected. After all no one is perfect.
Martin Carr – Follow me on Twitter
Originally published November 8, 2016. Updated November 29, 2022.
