Martin Carr reviews the seventh episode of Supergirl season 5…
There are shockwaves if not Tremors running through this high octane episode of confrontation, revelation and double cross as Leviathan finally makes its presence known. With the head of this ancient underground order finally showing their face Supergirl gains pace, packs serious seismic punch and gets religious into the bargain. Finally having a sizeable threat coming into the show makes everything else coalesce. Events which have been simmering away beneath the surface also come to a head, while a familiar face adds gravitas when needed.
More than anything Benoist, McGrath and company finally get something dramatic to get behind as Leviathan gains traction. Coming on like the Carpathian villain from Ghostbusters II including that natty armour, this malevolent alien demi-god makes life difficult for all involved. Having another recognised veteran entrenched into the show however instantly pushes everyone else. There is a sense of urgency that comes from the various story threads finally having some pay off, while McGrath and Benoist enjoy a moment of pure friction.
From the second that scene gets into full flow it coincides with another relationship revelation that in turn signposts other clashes further down the road. Catco head honcho Andrea and Riproar are conspicuously absent as is William Day, but as Leviathan takes up so much screen time inevitability something had to give. By mentioning Hebrew texts and biblical catastrophes in the same breathe you feel Supergirl has met her match. Any distractions which might include the Luthor name pale into insignificance alongside this one man Armageddon.
With a whistle stop tour of Kryptonian sanctuaries, Martian mind melds and ransacked alien armouries on the agenda there is much in episode seven to enjoy. Betrayal is never far away from the outset and emotional encounters define some of the best moments on offer. As we head towards the mid-season finale and that annual Arrowverse crossover this fifth go round has restored audience faith. Hopefully if this is sustained into next year Supergirl will finish on a high. However if this proves to be nothing more than a peak amongst troughs, these showrunners can take heart from having laid to rest the abysmal Helen Slater headliner.
Martin Carr
