Martin Carr reviews the tenth episode of Supergirl season 3…
Bruised and battered she may be but episode ten offers up the strongest return of Supergirl thus far after Christmas break. Literally beaten into a bloody pulp prior to our Yuletide festivities, in one of the best cliff hangers I have ever watched she comes back fighting. Kara may be fully immersed and out of action, but what showrunners have done elsewhere with ‘Legion of Superheroes’ makes for solid entertainment.
Mon-El and his future wife stand side by side with the usual suspects while Reign brings on the big bad. Odette Annable formidably embodies fire and brimstone wrath of God vengeance as an impervious opponent of injustice, punishing all who dare defy her. Combine that with the separate moments between Brainiac Five and Kara and it makes for an intriguing mix. There are comedic asides which break up the fisticuffs, theological discussions and not so subtle revelations, but in the main events whip by at an impressive rate.
It feels with the arrival of Reign we have finally found someone who is more than a match for our perky mini skirted girl of steel. Benoist is supremely comfortable displaying an iron will and softer side depending upon circumstance, while Leigh, Jordan, Brooks, McGrath and Harewood show equal balance. With the inclusion of Chris Wood who was sorely missed as Mon-El we get the additional dynamic of unrequited adoration. However futuristic solutions aside Supergirl still rises and sets on these relationships which work effortlessly.
Special mention should go out to Jesse Rath who is the man behind that make-up as Brainiac Five. His grounded performance as an extraordinary being somehow adds a sense of reality to proceedings, especially in the metaphysical moments he shares with Kara. Rath represents a welcome addition and useful adversary to the DEO arsenal in his capacity as font of all knowledge and smart arse commentary. However what honestly lifts this episode beyond these ensemble performances is that sense of fallibility within our central protagonist.
Weakness in super heroes needs to written delicately balancing emotional realism whilst retaining the fantastical elements. When done successfully it raises the bar, sub-consciously solidifies other factors and is often fundamental in grounding a series. In my opinion just such an event has occurred played out with biblical overtones, act of God ramifications and serious as Cancer consequences. Episodes nine and ten of season three have now become essential viewing.
Martin Carr
