Martin Carr reviews the fifteenth episode of Supergirl season 3…
Time seems to be an overarching theme as well as an important tag line this week. Time for reconciliation, time for regret and time together. Retention of memories both detrimental and inspiring are all examined, which allow these character to realise and react accordingly. Harewood and Lumbly as Martian father and son once again provide the gravitas in quieter moments. Two seasoned professionals adding emotion and moving things away from those comic book origins.
Benoist, Leigh, Jordan and Wood work well alongside their colleagues and are given plenty of dramatic meat within the mandatory set pieces. Meanwhile McGrath and Annable work off each other as scientist and test subject respectively. Eroded relationships, emotional epiphanies and parental role reversals also lay at the heart of episode fifteen. This is not just a programme which is defined by an ever evolving threat, villain or adversary to be bested. Supergirl is now driving home the importance of character arcs, human experience and identifiable scenarios. It is fair to say that we are still very much based in a fictional world, but by bringing in recognisable dilemmas Supergirl is working to redefine the demographic.
Aside from the issue of world killers and its inevitable end of all life on earth scenario, it remains business as usual. More heavy weight themes are coming into play which detract from the lighter comic book moments, but overall this series has consistently delivered. Welcome additions from Brainiac through to Lumbly have expanded its narrative canvas and maintained audience interest. As episode fifteen demonstrates through a set piece security breach Supergirl still finds way to surprise, entertain and provoke debate without spoon-feeding, appeasing or relying on one note narrative progression.
After three years Benoist still looks fresh, excited and perky within the role, while that supporting cast have now become integral. As they gear up to face down the comic book equivalent of those biblical four horsemen, it is nice to see that keeping things small and throwing fresh fish on a roof top has more poignancy than blowing half a season’s FX budget. Engaging, respectful and production value savvy, season three promises a grand finale and the hope of continued progress to come.
Martin Carr
