Martin Carr reviews the tenth episode of Supergirl season 4…
Amongst the relationship reconciliations, burgeoning romantic entanglements and Eastern bloc superhero training there sits an ethical debate this week. Interrogation to obtain sensitive information for government purposes has always populated an ethical grey area. Human rights, confidentiality and individual details are more under scrutiny today and the topic itself has become a slightly hot potato. Privacy especially of identities in the public domain represents more of a dicey proposition due to this arena, therefore it seems sensible to ask questions.
Supergirl addresses this by pointing out that everyone from the military down has secrets and it is these which define who people are in public. Certain jobs in life rely upon secrecy on an almost cellular level as a few select individuals do things to protect the interests of all. Those people live their lives employing any number of guises, lie on levels which would make the clergy blush, but do so for the benefit of all. What Suspicious Minds explores is what happens when those institutions go off track but still continue to operate with impunity.
Once again the issue of immigrants and their treatment is carefully addressed while certain characters live inside a moral vacuum and operate according to their own agenda. A cover up, government backed training programmes and subsequent repercussions are given decent screen time, while numerous set pieces keep it engaging. Sub-plots involving invincibility, romantic advancement and sisterly bonding fill in the cracks between the heavier moments, meaning the episode remains balanced. There are incidents of light comedy, genuine pathos and minimal musical interludes which in turn increases dramatic impact.
In the final minutes when the music does happen there is context, solid reasoning and a sense of progression which expands on story without copping out. Benoist, Leigh, Harewood and company are making some serious statements through this episode with the material yet remaining entertaining. As we officially hit the mid-way point of this fourth season Supergirl as a series is not only getting stronger but more confident, which is no bad thing.
Martin Carr