Martin Carr reviews the second episode of Supergirl season 5…
This still feels like they are laying foundations rather than letting the season get under way. There are hints of a threat, moments of confrontation but ultimately these add up to padding, whilst valuable time is taken up with excessive navel gazing. Obsidian Tech is still being lauded as the big brother element in this superhero equation, while relationships are burning through vast amounts of screen time. For some reason at this early stage the perceived villainous characters are not giving off the requisite vibe, making their motives less engaging.
In all fairness early episodes in any series whatever the season tend to fall into this groove until plotlines are mapped out, undermining influences established and momentum gained. Martian sub plots which have always served Supergirl well in the past are being brought back again, while Lena is continuing her clandestine activities. As of yet the new owner of Catco is being painted with a villainous brush, yet her motives are tarnished with self-interest rather than anything more nefarious.
Benoist, Brooks, Leigh and Harewood still remain the central players in this series while others including Jesse Rath’s Brainiac are gradually making inroads. His relationship with Nia although servable feels like filler rather than possessing any substance, which is something that could also be said of Alex and Kelly’s romantic tryst. Outside of these couplings the drama comes in short bursts without anything dramatic really happening. That being said over the last few seasons Supergirl has established itself as a comic book adaptation not afraid to take chances, pass comment or ask questions. Meaning that Stranger Beside Me may well be a network appeasement before something hard hitting comes storming out of the gate next week.
My guess is that English reporter William Day turns into a love interest for Kara and rather than being conniving he has actually been looking out for her. Season finales may well include James Olsen being elected to office, Lena and Kara reconciling while Alex and Kelly tie the knot. For the time being though we only have a scary little girl, eight foot white Martian and an elaborate mind palace to distract us from the saccharine soaked undercurrent running through season five.
Martin Carr
