‘Supergirl’ Review [2×12] “Luthors”

Supergirl finds herself the lonewolf of loyalty as the lies continue to grow around her.

Kara (Melissa Benoist) finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place when Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath) is accused of aiding a criminal escape. Everyone believes she is guilty, she is a Luthor after all. With no one in her corner Lena is forced to reconnect with her mother, Cadmus mastermind Lilian Luthor (Brenda Strong). Kara fights to prove her innocence as the evidence piles in front of her.

Supergirl and Guardian continue to be at odds with one another as James (Mechad Brooks) is convinced of Lena’s guilt and seeks to bring her to justice himself. Tensions continue to grow between Kara and James and it seems their relationship might never return to the way it was.

The DEO scramble to locate Lilian Luthor and Metallo (John Corben) as plans of another biological weapon are brought to their attention. A biological weapon strong enough to wipe out half the aliens in the city.

Kara comes to a realization about her pent up feelings for Mon-el (Chris Wood).

This episode had its ups and downs, so let’s get into them!

All you need is love, and superpowers.

We’ve been teetering on the edge with the relationship between Kara and Mon-el for quite some time now and we must be honest. We’re just not feeling it. In fact, we’re a little tired of it and it hasn’t even begun, and maybe that’s what we’re sick of. This game of will they won’t they has gone on for about 5 episodes to long and we kind of don’t care about it anymore. The problem is the repetition. Mon-el every episode seems to have a problem being self-centered and then he’s told off and then he resolves it. Fine right? Until the cycle starts again the very next episode, shouldn’t he have learned his lesson by now?

There was a moment this episode and a couple previously in the season where it was revealed that Mon-el has been constantly changing to be better per Kara’s example. These are moments that we wish we saw instead of one lines here or there. It could help us better connect with Mon-el beyond the frat boy persona.

Eve to Kara: “We were on a date and all he talked about was you.”

This cycle also limits Kara’s characterization. We have yet to see her fall for Mon-el, she spends most their interactions frustrated and fed up with him. Stuck in an infinite loop of babysitting we almost wish Kara would break characterization and just give up on him.

Now there’s always the possibility that when we finally see them in a relationship they could grow on us. But with the questions surrounding Mon-el’s identity and the near constant setbacks and interruptions, seeing the couple together seem about as likely as Kara’s return to Krypton.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. Or interesting development.

Another low point of the episode for us was the return of the Supergirl vs Guardian feud. This arc manages to damage both Kara and James for us. They both have valid points, but mostly they’re both becoming annoying. Kara seems to be unable to trust that James has a right to do crime fighting like the rest of them and James seems to be unable to see that he still has some things to learn.

The biggest problem I have with this story line is it does more damage to James then Kara. Kara who will have multiple arcs in an episode is usually able to absolve are annoyance during a later part of the episode. James doesn’t have such luxury. We desperately want to enjoy James as guardian but everything still feels too rushed. We get to see very little of James process. What’s his moral code, how he goes about tackling problems, also a bit of humility would be great? In season one we saw Supergirl have a complete journey to heroics. The mistakes, the fear, the defeats which made the victories more satisfying. We’ve been denied that journey for James and that is what’s frustrating.

Now that the two have revealed they’re both just trying to protect one another, a lackluster resolve, we’re hoping things improve. It would be a shame to see James as a character wither in our eyes.

An iconic last name and a lifetime of shame.

This episode wasn’t all bad despite what it seems, and that’s a big thanks to tonight’s main plot. The rivalry between Supers and Luthor’s is a pop culture icon (see: Superman vs Lex Luthor). Which is why the friendship between Supergirl and Lena Luthor keeps us on our toes. After all, as mentioned in this episode, Clark Kent and Lex were the best of friends in the beginning as well.

Lena was a complete mind game the entire episode. We went back and forth as viewers to whether Lena truly was innocent or if Kara’s friendship with her was clouding Supergirl’s judgement. Katie McGrath shined this episode as she made us feel both sorry and suspicious of Lena the whole way through.

Apart of us want Lena to remain true despite her family name because the friendship between Kara and Lena is wonderful to watch. While she can never replace Lena fills a bit of the workplace relationship void left by the departure of Cat Grant. Another part of us however is very interested in the possibly evil Lena.

Lena: “Well, Supergirl may have saved me, but Kara Danvers, you are my hero.”

If Lena Luthors last scene is anything to go by she’s playing this game very carefully. If pop culture has taught us anything it’s never trust anyone who ominously plays chess and stares vacantly into the void. Whether she’s friend or foe we’ll take anything that keeps McGrath on our screens. She has been a welcome addition to the show.

Final Verdict: This episode was hindered by dragging sub-plots but saved by it’s main story line.

Supergirl is on a slippery slope with its second season. In some ways, it’s excellent, what with the great growth from supporting characters like Winn, Alex, and J’onn. Also, we’re really enjoying the Cadmus storyline and we’re still waiting with bated breath for are next glimpse at Jeremiah Danvers. Good things aside it’s being bogged down by a stale romance in Kara and Mon-el and unnecessary rivalries, with both Guardian and the still unknown Dominators.

The move from CBS to the CW made an impact on story direction, that much is obvious. We’re hoping that for the rest of this season and for the upcoming season three we get back to storylines that serve to grow Kara instead of hindering her. Supergirl has a deep well of storylines and relationships from comics to draw on and we hope writers Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler and Andrew Kreisberg recognize them.

Speaking of comics one of the most exciting parts of the episode came in the final minutes. Interrupting Kara and Mon-el from their almost kiss was the amazing Mr. Mxyzptlk (Peter Gadiot). Try saying that three times fast! His look is a departure from his old and dwarfed comic counterpart but we jumped for joy all the same. A brief description for those who might not know, Mr. Mxyzptlk is a villainous trickster who first appeared in the 1940’s Superman comic strips. He has since constantly appeared in stories for Superman and Supergirl respectively and even some of our other DC heroes to cause mischief and mayhem.

His appearance, gives up high hopes for next week’s episode. We can’t wait to see how he shakes up National City.

QUESTION COMMENTS AND CONCERNS

•         We wanted to comment on how lovely it was to see the Superfriends so easily accept Alex and Maggie as a couple. Among other things Supergirl has done a wonderful job with positive LGBT representation for their storyline.
•         Promo’s teased tricks and fun with Mr. Mxyzpltk, will this character be available for crossover?
•         Lena Luthors last scene makes us think there’s something bad brewing with the CEO, what do you guys think?
•         Will we ever see another Superfriend’s game night?
•         Tweet us some of your predictions @TVAfterDark with the hashtag #Supergirl

You can catch episodes of Supergirl on Monday’s, 8/7c. Channel: The CW