Archive | Guest Columns

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A Dream Is a Wish—Or Heartbreak on SUPERGIRL

Supergirl’s 11th episode (“Blood Memory”) was excellent. I loved getting to see Nia’s hometown, getting to learn more of her backstory. There’s a certain reverence in her voice, before she and Kara take their road trip. It was sweet to see a character with such fondness for home, such a strong sense of community and […]

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Confronting Your Worst Fears on THE FLASH

The Flash’s eleventh episode (“Seeing Red”) carried a lot of emotional weight. When Nora is injured by Cicada, there are a lot of questions, and her fears rang true: “What if I don’t heal, Mom? What if I don’t get better.” Props to Jessica Parker Kennedy for selling a multitude of emotions, including when she […]

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Be Mindful of Villainy on SUPERGIRL

Supergirl’s 10th episode (“Suspicious Minds”) had me shouting at the television a lot. And I mean that in a good way. First off, Haley is terrible and must be stopped. She’s come to represent people who follow orders, without a sense of right, without a moral compass. You know, like the Nazis did. Good times. […]

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Wonder Twin Powers… Reactivated!

Anyone who grew up watching Saturday-morning cartoons in the 1970s and 1980s should remember well the two teen sidekicks who hung out with Wonder Woman, Batman, Robin, Superman, and Aquaman, helping them to thwart the Legion of Doom, the Joker, Mr. Mxyzptlk, the Penguin, and other nefarious evil-doers. They were not an overly interesting duo […]

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Second Chances and Redemption on THE FLASH

The Flash’s 10th episode (“The Flash & the Furious”) made me a little frustrated at times, but I think the overall message was solid. While Nora’s anger and rampant distrust was a bit grating, I enjoyed the central theme, which is that people can change. It’s so easy to put someone in a box, point […]

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Boy, Bye: SUPERGIRL Closes the Book on Elseworlds

Supergirl’s ninth episode (“Elseworlds, Part 3”) was almost entirely a delight. First of all, Cisco as a low-rent gangster bank robber, who referred to Superman as Superdick? Genius. (This line was also fantastic: “Gary’s still cleaning up from the last mess you made, Clockwork Orange.” And goodness, I feel like Gary keeps getting the short […]

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THE FLASH: Elseworlds and Switching Places

The Flash’s ninth episode (“Elseworlds, Part 1”) was absolutely fantastic. I mean, the humor alone was worth the price of admission, even just for the pitfalls of the Freaky Friday Quantum Leap. Oliver waking up in Iris’s bed to Barry and Oliver learning to be each other—it was so much fun. I mean, the way […]

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The Villain Wears a Familiar Face on THE FLASH

The Flash’s eighth episode (“What’s Past is Prologue,” a landmark 100th episode, directed by Tom Cavanagh) held my attention so perfectly, making me curious at every turn. It wasn’t the most fast-paced hour—embarking on a scavenger hunt through time—but it didn’t have to be. Leaning heavy on the emotional component (Iris convincing Barry to let […]

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Greatness and Confrontation on SUPERGIRL

Supergirl’s eighth episode (“Bunker Hill”) gives us Nia in all her badass glory. Turns out, she’s her planet’s version of a Chosen One, if that includes being able to move like Neo from The Matrix and dream possible futures. Nicole Maines really is compelling, equal parts vulnerable (with Kara, talking about her heritage and her […]

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Thankful Amid the Chaos on THE FLASH

The Flash’s seventh episode (“O Come, All Ye Thankful”) had a lot of poignant, powerful moments. It was certainly less lighthearted than usual, with Nora being angry and emotional about her dad constantly rushing headlong into danger. And, oh yeah, dying. (At least he didn’t sing a song about it, but I digress.) As much […]

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Complicated People and Vulnerability on SUPERGIRL

Supergirl’s seventh episode (“Rather the Fallen Angel”) dealt with the complexities of human nature—specifically how complicated people are, how we only often see part of them (the part they’re willing to show), and how we can carry trauma and blame ourselves for things that aren’t our fault. Obviously, Manchester Black (David Ajala) is a difficult […]

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THE FLASH Gets Ice Cold

The Flash’s sixth episode (“The Icicle Cometh”) is definitely my favorite of the season so far.The constant theme of found family is a powerful one, and Team Flash is an excellent example. I mean, Barry and Cisco (“So, Snow Patrol, what’s going on?”) meddle like the Scooby Gang to help Caitlin find her dad. It […]

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Welcoming the Future, Treasuring the Past.