Martin Carr reviews the fourth episode of Supergirl season 3…
This is the most rounded episode of the season so far. Low on saccharine, thoroughly thought-provoking and packed with pathos alongside a good balance of set pieces. Touching on the repercussions of Kara’s actions over the last two years, it taps into back history rewarding audiences with an episode with room to breathe. Subtle uses of music provide emotional resonance rather than eliciting a false reaction, while Odette Annable’s Sam begins to Reign.
Featured fleetingly in episode one this single mother, CFO and work life juggler has become firm friends with Kara and Lena, while getting a foothold in our subconscious. Impactful without feeling pushy she is cleverly being set up carefully to have an even larger role in the coming months. What we get this week however is an understated examination of how religion can shape, pervert and influence people, alongside our traditional character beats. Touching on the continual misrepresentation of minority groups on the world stage and how their actions can be maligned and misunderstood.
What adds a certain level of realism and intensity to ‘The Faithful’ is the presence of Chad Lowe as cult leader and convert Thomas Colville. Known for his directing work as well as acting in 24, Lowe brings unshakeable belief to his entire role and one scene in particular worthy of revisiting. As a result Benoist gets to flex some acting muscles of her own and prove that flying around in costume is not all this role requires. Their scenes have gumption, backbone and pathos which in turn makes everything else just work dramatically. Odette Annable has also been given more to work with than just the single mother, working woman stereotype, which can be very one note if not fully invested in. Leigh, Lima, Jordan, Harewood and Brooks also get their moment in the sun but the emotional issues are used sparingly.
However in terms of cliff hangers there is a blinding one coming your way, that feels organic, earned and palpably exciting rather than last minute and superfluous. With camera moves reminiscent of The Two Towers and moments of flashback which make ‘The Faithful’ worth watching again season three is looking to deliver. With a solid villain, narrative progression and a visual effect lifted straight from Jim Carrey film 23, we are teed up for episode five with anticipation, no small amount tension and the promise of an adversary and a half.
Martin Carr – Follow me on Twitter
Originally published October 31, 2017. Updated November 29, 2022.
