Supergirl’s second episode (“The Last Child of Krypton”) doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Its overarching theme is clear: family’s family—even those who are chosen and not blood—and no one gets anywhere or accomplishes anything alone. (You hear that, Trump?)
Rifts are not in short supply: Cat’s leaving CatCo. Alex and Kara have a fight. Hank and Superman are at odds. But it’s Winn who reminds us that family doesn’t keep score. Sure, Kara got a dose of what her blood family is—teaming up with Superman to fight Metallo (still not Nutella, damn it). And they promptly get their butts handed to them with a nice, steaming slice of hot, green Kryptonite.
Brenda Strong the nameless baddie, a formidable foe who appears to be a doctor (who dresses a little bit like Black Widow). Strong has got the menace and the bite down pat, but her character’s dialogue is a little bit too on the nose for me (“This is their weakness, the ego of gods. … No one will stand with them now. Divided they’ll fall.”). And so, the opposite came to pass, because duh, TV villains are never right. (And she would’ve gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for those kids and that mangy dog.)
In the end, Winn made modifications for Kara and Clark’s super suits, which helped save the day. And let’s talk about Winn, my new favorite fanboy. I love, love, love how much they let his character geek out so far this season. He quoted Yoda. He hugged Superman. He cried when Clark approved of his work. Nerd Winn is the best Winn. Plus, he also gave good advice. I think having Winn hang out at the DEO has been an excellent choice.
Let’s talk about a not excellent choice, ok? Hank. Sweet fancy mother of Java, Martian Manhunter—you lost a shipment of Kryptonite. You knew it was stolen, and yet you said…nothing. (Same goes for you, Alex Danvers, who hasn’t been on a date in two years. How. Why. HOW.) This stolen Kryptonite proves Clark’s point about keeping it around is unwise. Because, hey, villains could be villain-y and steal it to make Bad Guy weapons. Eventually, Hank and Clark mend fences, but only after a frank discussion: “You can’t have it both ways, J’onn. You can’t offer friendship with one hand and Kryptonite with another.” This was a solid line and a solid moment.
But we should highlight Alex a little more, because holy hell in a handbasket—she is a badass. Not only does she taken on a bunch of Cadmus soldiers alone, but she’s brilliant at it. Plus, she backs up Kara during her final boss battle with Metallo (Mario Forever – unless the Princess is not actually in this castle…). Alex is a force to be reckoned with, both for her fighting prowess and her fierce devotion. She fights for her sister, and it’s a gorgeous sight to behold. Is it too late to be Alex when I grow up or…?
Of course, all is not right in Whoville. Cat is taking a leave of absence from CatCo (sad panda!), but leaving Jimmy in charge (possibly questionable, but I’ll willing to see how it plays out). We don’t know what she’s doing, but neither does Cat—“I’ve just been swimming in the same pool too long. … I need to dive.” I’m not going to lie: the scene where Cat champions Kara one more time and they say goodbye? I teared up. It was really well done and lovely, and man—as a person who hates change, I felt that right done to my bones.
Contrast that with Supergirl’s balcony goodbye with Cat—punctuated by a humorous exchange where Cat tries to get Supergirl to reveal her name—which was sweet in its own way. It is interesting to see a different dynamic when Kara’s wearing the cape. No less important, but I imagine difficult to compartmentalize.
Obviously, we’re supposed to loathe Kara’s new boss, Snapper Carr (Ian Gomez, who I have adored since Felicity). And yeah, I want to punch him in his smarmy face. He’s certainly not Perry White. He’s not blustery, but he is prickly and standoffish. I imagine he’s got a soft heart lurking somewhere underneath that façade. After Kara writes him a properly sourced and vetted (amen!) article, he tells her this: “I don’t like you, and I never will, ponytail.” And she replies, “I don’t need you to like me, jerk…guy.” But Carr begrudgingly tells her to come back the next day. That’s progress. And for the record? I like ballsy, take-no-shit Kara. She’s her best when she’s bold. Hopefully, we’ll see more of that.
I mean, unless the nameless, formerly unconscious dude ends up choking her to death. In which case, Lynda Carter better resurrect her costume and give us Wonder Woman. No? Please?
Ah, well. A girl can dream. Catch you next week, nerds. XO
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