Supergirl’s 19th episode (“The Fantatical”) was a bit all over the place, narratively speaking. But I will say this: Jimmy does a hell of a Batman impression. His “Let her go” was very Michael Keaton meets Christian Bale, and I am here for it. And I’ll give credit where’s it’s due: one of the best moments of the episode was when Jimmy was talking to Lena about being arrested at seven years old. It was a powerful, poignant moment, punctuated by Tanya’s fear that he was almost shot by the cops (to say nothing of being shot in the FACE by the cultists). It was a very well done moment, raw and full of power. The heartbreak and fear was palpable on Mehcad Brooks’ face, and Lena’s tenderness was a very sweet touch.
That said? Dear lord, I’m so over the Lena/Jimmy/Kara/Supergirl square dance. Supergirl trying to make amends with Lena was a great idea (“I don’t like this tension between, and I know it’s my favorite. … I made a huge mistake, and I’m sorry.”), but it got shot down very fast, because Lena has her walls up. The trust issue there is really well done, pointing out that losing faith in Kara would catapult Lena into a crisis. I appreciated the moment between Jimmy and Kara toward the end of the episode, in light of Jimmy’s personal decision: “I wanted to fight that good fight. … So when the time is right, on my own terms, I’m gonna take that mask off.” However, the relationship tension and secret identity tension is drawing out way too long. It’s still ludicrous that Lena hasn’t figured it out. And I’m concerned that this is building to a plot point that will disintegrate this friendship, and it’s been too good and too pure for that to happen.
That aside, I wasn’t a huge fan of the cult plot in this episode. Yes, it was a way to discover how to fix Sam/Reign for good. And that’s all the yay, especially since it’s giving up Mon-El and Kara—alone—to hopefully work out their feelings. But something about it fell flat to me. Tanya (Nesta Cooper) was fantastic. I mean, she was a badass stealing that book, running back into danger. (Mon-El reverting back to his fumbling self to go along with her was amazing. I loved how fast he transformed back into a capable badass. Character growth—it’s a thing!)
I did enjoy Ruby’s (a charming Emma Tremblay) interactions with M’yrnn (Carl Lumbly always crushes it). It was nice to see them connect, especially her geeking out over Mars. Alex tried so earnestly to reach her (Chyler Leigh is so damn brilliant), and it turned out that foosball was the way. I mean, that blue hair didn’t hurt. I really love seeing Alex in this maternal role. She’s constantly kicking ass, but she’s also super loving and nurturing. I also want all of her clothing. And her haircut. Although, I would probably not be able to pull it off. Carry on.
One final thing: I laughed when J’onn told Mon-El, “You grew older in the future, but you also grew wiser.” It was a great line. But I disagreed with the notion that Mon-El should keep his feelings in. That usually only leads to disaster. It’s not mature, and it doesn’t do anyone any favors in situations like this. Be honest, then sort out the mess from there. It might be an epic bit of crazy, but at least it’s honest.
See you in space, nerds!
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