Martin Carr reviews the fifth episode of Supergirl season 4…
There is nothing connecting this episode to the John Milton classic Paradise Lost. Hate groups, alien alienation and a spiralling increase in internet abuse towards immigrant interlopers seems the closest you get. Between the faith healers, fringe groups and lack of humanity shown by humans to their alien counterparts, one might say Parasite Lost merely documents social intolerance. However delivering on the expectations of that classic is a brave move when you have an infected DEO agent, malignant military zealot and tub thumping extremist for dramatic purposes.
Lockwood is highly educated, extremely driven and has used the internet to propel his point of view. Played by Sam Witwer with a zeal and conviction which attempts to lend fire and brimstone to the cause he is merely a catalyst for public opinion. Essentially this is the current American political climate cranked up to eleven to illustrate a point, while themes which try to show how aliens impact positively are overrun by negativity. What these show runners seem to be aiming at is something more subtle and less forgiving than other mainstream comic book programmes. Matters of alien interrelationships ae discussed alongside blatant prejudice in clandestine meetings which ultimately supersede everything else. Character progression and emotional beats feel like they are being put on the back burner, while minimal engagement and a villain who is only vaguely villainous fails to improve the situation.
Government intervention, alien amnesty acts and racial division seem the central topics that Supergirl is going for. If devolution is the implied message here then these writers have delivered it loud and clear. An idea that enemies in the eyes of government are increasingly anonymous, faceless and continually changing ties in with shapeshifters, human grenades and self-perpetuating paranoia. This then is slowly becoming about more than entertaining television audiences. Benoist is not only changing in terms of character as Supergirl becomes increasingly marginalised, but also her ability to save any situation is quickly diminishing.
Roles are slowly changing, expectations are being broken down and rules rewritten. Alex is becoming more worldly wise, Jonn more reclusive yet street wise while Olsen and Kara are increasingly conflicted. This may not have the fire and brimstone through line of a John Milton, but entertaining people and keeping networks happy is definitely lower down their list after this.
Martin Carr
Originally published November 15, 2018. Updated January 8, 2019.
