Kara takes the idea of an “identity crisis” to new heights in the Supergirl season 3 premiere

Supergirl is back! Kara isn’t, but Supergirl is. Confused? Us too. In the season premiere, Kara (Melissa Benoist) decides that being Supergirl is far more appealing than being Kara. In other words, she wants to be all hero and no feelings – she’s desperately trying to numb herself to the pain of losing her love, Mon-el (Chris Wood.) It’s not an unheard of idea, but it’s one we never hoped to see in Supergirl. When Oliver Queen claims that he can’t be Oliver and The Green Arrow, we shrug – fine. But Kara Danvers, the human, the journalist, the sister, is someone we absolutely cannot bear to lose.

RELATED | 5 Reasons to Watch Supergirl Season 3

Luckily, it seems that we don’t have to. Although Kara spends the episode removing herself from humanity – distancing herself from her friends and family, quitting her job, and spending most of her time in the sky – at the end of the premiere she “wakes up.” This happens literally, first, when she is passed out under water and a dreamed Mon-el demands she wake up, but it also happens figuratively later. As Kara sits, moping, on her couch, she comes across a photo booth strip of her and Mon-el. She allows herself a moment of emotion, and realizes that she isn’t on the path she wants to be on. She whispers “wake up,” to herself, and heads to meet her friends at the bar. Thank Rao! There is so much more to discuss in this episode, and here to give their thoughts is our expert group of Supergirl fans.

Without further ado, our Supergirl roundtable:

Becca (@karadanverss) – College Student. 22 years old. LA. Way too attached to some fictional characters.

Mia (@dreaminofspace) – newly graduated scientist, huge nerd who loves all things superhero, space or supernatural

Katie (@katieLzorel) – lover of DC Comics, writing, and pizza!

Olivia/Livvie (@atjogialove)- avid tv watcher, bread eater, and Melissa Benoist fan

Sarah (@sarahzorel) – would like to apply as Lena Luther’s personal assistant.

Tantoun (@littlemachine_) – Self-taught artist, collector, and fan of superhero movies and tv shows. Huge fan of Lena Luthor, as well as Kara Danvers. 

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1. Who stole the show this episode?

Becca (@karadanverss): Supergirl/Kara as always! Words cannot express how much I love this girl. The best role model ever.

Mia (@dreaminofspace): For me, it’s a toss-up between J’onn and Lena. J’onn was truly the only person who was completely unselfish in his treatment of Kara’s deep grief, plus his emotional reaction to Alex asking him to walk her down the aisle made me tear up big time. Lena was badass in standing up against Morgan Edge and getting to CatCo first.

Katie (@katieLzorel): This show will always be about Kara. This episode we saw a different version of her but to me, she was still the heart of the show and definitely made me feel the most emotions! Melissa did an amazing job with playing out Kara’s different reactions and actions.

Olivia/Livvie (@atjogialove): For me Melissa’s acting really stole the episode. As hard as it was to watch Kara in pain, Melissa did an amazing job portraying that pain and making it feel incredibly real- thought my favorite scene of the night may have been Alex asking J’onn to walk her done he isle. It really reminded me that family is the heart of the show.

Sarah (@sarahzorel): Of course Kara/Melissa! But then again, I think that after every episode!

Tantoun (@littlemachine_): I would have to say Lena Luthor mainly because she is one of my favorite characters. Her scenes with Edge were a delight to watch. Same goes for her scenes with Kara and her struggles.

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2.  Overall, how did you feel about this episode?

Becca: This episode made me feel very emotional and nostalgic. I think it was the perfect way to start this season. Seeing Kara struggle with being Supergirl and Kara Danvers makes me feel emotional. Also, I loved seeing Winn and his jokes back, Alex and her support and love to Kara, J’onn being the father figure to both Kara and Alex, Lena and James also worrying for Kara during this difficult moment for her it really shows how much they care for her too. I’m general, I loved it! Can’t wait to see the rest of the season.

Mia: It was a solid 7/10 for me, I would say. It hurt me watching Kara be in so much mental anguish, and it hurt to see her lash out at the people around her, but it also felt good to watch the writers portray grief in such a realistic way. Grief isn’t pretty. I loved the glimmer of hope we got at the end of the normal Kara returning to us.

Katie: I LOVED IT. I thought it was a solid season opener. Every ship and every character got a bit of something. And it all tied together really nicely at the end. It was a long hiatus! But I survived…barely! It’s nice to have this show back on my screen every week.

Olivia/Livvie: Overall I thought it was a solid episode. There were parts I didn’t like as much as others but the acting was amazing and I think they’re creeping back towards the more important relationships of the show- mainly the Danvers sisters and the super friends, who I felt were lacking last season.

Sarah: I wouldn’t put it on my list of “favorite episodes ever” but overall it was enjoyable. There were a couple scenes that I could’ve done without and wasn’t a huge fan of how Kara was treating her friends/family. I did however appreciate the screentime between the characters. I feel like they got very equal (somewhat) screentime compared to last season and it was nice getting a small dose of everyone to welcome them back to my tv. I really loved how they showed Kara using her powers, when she was listening for the heartbeat underwater! I feel like a lot of the time we just see her flying and throwing punches so it’s cool seeing her put the other powers to use! Also Alex asking J’onn to walk her down the aisle had me crying!

Tantoun: I would say it was a good episode. We got to see all the characters and almost everyone interacting with everyone which is good. I also think the fact that Samantha or Reign as we know her and her introduction was the highlight of the episode.

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3. Yay! Maggie said yes! But with Floriana Lima’s impending exit from the show, how do you see things turning out for “sanvers?”

Becca: I wish I could be positive about Sanvers but my heart is telling me something is going to happen between them they will have to call the wedding off or something. I don’t really know how the writers are going to handle Floriana’s decision to leave the show this early but I hope they made Sanvers fans proud somehow. I really like the dynamic these two have together.

Mia: It’s already confirmed that Floriana will leave, so it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth that the show keeps building them up and still going with the wedding and making it seem as though they have a future. If Floriana was staying, this would be a beautiful storyline, but with her actually leaving, it feels a bit… fake? I really like Sanvers and it’s going to be sad to watch it end.

Katie: There have been rumors of her departure and the reason of her departure, but I’m just going to wait it out. She and Alex have a very sweet relationship, and in this episode I liked when they were surveying the crowd and having the conversation about Alex’s dad in the comms. It seemed intimate and personal even though they weren’t right next to each other. In whatever way they end, I hope it’s done right. It’ll be tricky to accomplish that, but we’ll see.

Olivia/Livvie: I’m hoping Sanvers will have an amicable break-up. I love the couple and I know I’m going to hate to see them break up but with Floriana leaving I’m not sure how they would go about keeping them together. I’m hoping they give them closure, and don’t make it a messy breakup. Sanvers is a relationship that meant a lot to so many viewers and I would hate to see it ruined.

Sarah: We all pretty much can figure out that Sanvers is ending. I loved those two together so much and I’ll probably end up crying during Floriana’s departure episode but I do look forward to seeing Alex exploring her sexuality and I hope they do those two justice.

Tantoun: I think that Sanvers will eventually end things sadly but I also think that if Floriana is to come back at one point it would be easy to pick the storyline from there. Provided that Alex is single at the time.

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4. The internet seems to be a little split on this episode – do you think Kara is having a realistic reaction to losing Mon-el?

Becca: I really enjoy seeing Kara and Mon-El together so my answer is going to see that Kara has her reasons. She’s allowed to be happy, sad, angry, in love and feel even more emotions. So she fell in love. This is the first time she’s been in love with someone so I think her reaction is understandable. She feels vulnerable. So what?!

Mia: Absolutely I do. The internet seems to have difficulty removing their own personal feelings about Mon-El from the equation, and so they have a very tainted view. When someone loses a person they loved so deeply, they are going to have a big reaction. You wouldn’t tell your friend their grief is ridiculous or unwarranted even though you hated their deceased significant other. At least I wouldn’t, and I would hope other people wouldn’t either. To me, Kara’s reaction felt realistic and familiar. It was painful to watch, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Katie: Yes I do. But I also think she went overboard in her scene with Alex. It was a little reminiscent to Red Kryptonite Kara that we saw in season 1. She went specifically for Alex’s insecurities and exploited them. By the end of that scene she was putting guilt on Alex’s conscious and I don’t think that’s fair. At the same time, I don’t know if Kara was aware of just how rash she was being. She’s always been a react before thinking kind of girl and that’s what I saw this whole episode. Even when she quit CatCo. She got so caught up in her own feelings, it blinded her from seeing every else around her. But as shown in the scene of her saving the person or going after Bloodsport, she chose to help the man. Kara will always be Kara, even when she’s trying not to be.

Olivia/Livvie: I think Kara has every right to be upset about losing him. He was someone who was very important to her and she didn’t really have time to process him leaving before he did. I think this reaction is a lot of built up anger about losing so much over her lifetime. Her entire planet and family were taken from her as a child and then later her aunt died in her arms and losing another person was her breaking point. I think part of her pushing away her friends and family and lashing out at them was that she’s scared to lose anyone else. I wish the episode had done a better job of having her acknowledge that this isn’t just about “Kara Danvers losing her boyfriend” but about it being everything built up over time, but I do think her pushing people away is justified.

Sarah: Honestly? No. I’ll be completely honest here and say I don’t like Karamel and the way they portrayed them together and pushed aside her character development for a relationship that was unhealthy and for a guy who did not respect her. Despite what I feel about them, it is important to realize that Kara is sad and broken and to her its more than just a breakup and that issue should be addressed. BUT I feel like they took it to an extreme. Kara loves her life and her friends and family and has worked so hard to become a reporter and for them to have her throw it all away because of a guy and to have her feel like she is nothing without him isn’t okay in my eyes.

Tantoun: While I understand the amount of sadness she must be going through I respectfully disagree with the reaction she gave. Kara lost her whole world, her family and her aunt on earth too. For her to be this broken over a short term relationship to the point where she sheds her human identity and hurt and push the people she care about away like that was a little over the top.

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5. So, CatCo has a new owner! That should be an interesting plot point, right? Are you excited for Lena’s storyline this season?

Becca: Yes! I am excited to see what the writers do with Lena’s character this season. She really cares about Kara and I think she’s a good person. But I wonder what’s going to happen when she realizes that Kara has been Supergirl this whole time! That’s going to be so interesting. I also would love to see her brother Lex at some point of the show though. Would love to see those two interact together.

Mia: Yeah, interesting! I’ve been a bit bored by Lena before, but I think she will have a much more interesting story in season 3. I’m sure we will see a lot of her working closely with James from now on, and my gut feeling tells me that she might be the promised new love interest for James, which should be fun to see.

Katie: When Morgan Edge said he was buying CatCo, I was thinking… No way is this gonna stick! Lena’s always tried to be her own person over her family and I actually loved that she bought CatCo! Lena’s journey has been interesting so far and unique to the usual Luthor-Super stories we get IF they don’t make her go evil or completely evil. She’s shown time and time again that she wants to be good. I guess we can only wait!

Olivia/Livvie: I’m super excited to see this plot point. I’m really hoping this will bring Lena more into the main group of the show and we can see her interact with other parts of the superfriends. I’m hoping it will bring back some of the feelings from season one when Kara James and Winn were all working together at CatCo. It’ll be interesting to see if/how it affects Kara and Lena’s friendship, how Lena fits in with the rest of the group, and if it will lead to Lena figuring out Kara is Supergirl.

Sarah: I love anything Lena related so I can’t wait to see where this goes! I hope we get to see a lot more of her interacting with all the other characters now if she’ll be at CatCo a lot more.

Tantoun: Oh yes. I’m extremely excited to see what’s in store for Lena. She is one of the stronest characters on the show beside Kara and Alex. I actually love the rivalry going on between Lena and Edge. Im really excited to see what else is going to happen there.

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6. Are you excited for Reign? How familiar are you with the character/the comics in general?

Becca: Oh my goodness! Yes! I am so excited to see Reign. I’m really not much familiar with her character in the comics to be honest but I am still excited to see how she becomes a villain. Her scene with Ruby was very emotional and beautiful! I also think that Odette will make an amazing work! I think I love her already.

Mia: I’m not very well versed in the DC comic universe, but I have read a few stories, so I’m not completely void of knowledge either. I’m over the moon excited for Reign, I love that we’re getting an actual arc for the villain and not just a villain-of-the-week kind of thing. The fact that she has a daughter and a life will bring so many dimensions to her descent into villainhood. Reign’s story is definitely my most anticipated one of this season.

Katie: Oh man, when Sam was saving Ruby and out of her fear she bent the metal and lifted it I was practically yelling out of excitement! And the ship in the ocean was hers yeah? I’m so excited for her storyline. They set it up really well so far! I know her from the comics but I’m glad to see a new take on her. Or a different one, at least!

Olivia/Livvie: I don’t have much comic knowledge of the character but I’m super excited to see how Reigns storyline plays out. Aside from loving Odette, what I’ve heard about the direction they’re going with the character is super interesting to me. Seeing just a small bit of her coming into her power last night was super exciting and having the added aspect of her being a mom will be very exciting to see how it affects the way she uses her powers.

Sarah: I literally know nothing about Reign but I’m very intrigued. Sam & Ruby in the first episode gave me a lot of emotions and from what I’ve seen from BTS photos Sam seems to have a friendship with Lena and Kara and it’ll be interesting (and probably emotional) seeing how this all pans out.

Tantoun: I have read  “Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton” but from what I’m getting so far she is going to be different than the original character. Still I’m very excited to see her find out eventually that she is a worldkiller and how will that affect her relationship with her daughter and the rest of the characters.

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7. What are you most hoping to see this season?

Becca: What I’m most hoping to see in this season is Kara trying to handle being Kara and Supergirl again. I want her to realize that she’s not alone. She’s got a family and friends that are there for her. I’m also hoping to see Mon-El as Valor (in a suit!!!!) coming back with the Legion. I hope to see Winn and a new love interest too! I’m not very much a fan of Lyra to be honest. So maybe we can get him on a date with Eve?! Also, I’m so looking forward for the crossover! And seeing The President, Clark, and Cat again!

Mia: I’m hoping to see a lot more of the Danvers sisters together, that’s what I miss most from season 1 and what season 2 was lacking. They are the heart and soul of the show and the relationship I care about most of all. I also want to see Winn have more screen time and more BFF time with Kara again.

Katie: I would love to see Kara and Alex work through their issues. Or at least more scenes of them in general! I’d love James to find his place, because he had seemed a little lost last season. I want to see more of Winn and J’onn and the DEO. I’m looking forward to more scenes with Alura! And I’m excited to see J’onn’s father and learn about Mars. I’m also looking forward to seeing Maggie’s dad even though it’s already giving me anxiety! I’m looking forward to seeing how Lena and Sam come together. And more friendship of Kara and Lena. And I’m most excited for more of Kara’s journey. She’s my favorite character!

Olivia/Livvie: I’m hoping most this season that the show will come back to focusing on the importance of female friendships and sisterhood the way season one did. I think Alex and Kara’s relationship is one of the most important ones on the show and it felt like we lost that in parts of season 2. I’m also hoping we see more of Kara realizing that Kara Danvers is just as important as Supergirl and is just as much of a hero. To me having female superheroes is so important for young, and older girls to see on screen. But I also think it’s important to remind everyone that you don’t need superpowers or a suit or any of that to be a hero. Especially in the state of our world right now, your words can be just as important and powerful.

Sarah: I have a long wish list for things I wanna see. I want there to be more female empowerment and to see them discussing more important topic. I feel like season 1 did such a good job with that but season 2 was severely lacking. I also think it would be a really good idea to introduce more WOC onto the show. We definitely deserve more Danvers sister moments, I just want my girls back together and having their sister nights and just enjoying each other and more game nights with everyone! I would also love to see them explore more of Kara’s powers and maybe a new suit too? I also just genuinely love Kara and Lean and their relationship and I want to see more of them together.

Tantoun: I want to see Kara danvers return to her human roots. Be optimistic and hopeful again. I honestly want to see more of Lena and the superfriends. Same goes for Samantha. I hope that Alex gets a new love interest when Sanvers comes to an end. I know most people will hate that but I personally think it would be healthy for her to date more people before settling down. I’m gonna also say I’m interested to see whether Lena actually knows that Kara is supergirl or not? And if not, how will the reveal go? Is she gonna go evil like Lex did or will she yet again defy the Luthor expectations?

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Final Verdict: Season 3 gets off to a fantastic start – with the return of Season 1 dynamics, a compelling new villain, and a more central role for Lena Luthor, this season should be super.

As some of our roundtablers pointed out, many of our characters returned to the forefront this episode. It seems that Supergirl is returning their focus to a more balanced ensemble, and it can’t come soon enough. If the premiere is any indication, season three looks to be combining the highlights of season one (the Danvers sisters, the superfriends, Kara’s job) with the highlights of season two (Kara’s relationships with both Mon-el and Lena (Katie McGrath), as well as her life outside of Supergirl in general.) This is a recipe for success, and just in time. With viewership dipping, Supergirl has got to stick with what works and throw out what doesn’t, and it appears they’ve gotten the message.

We are a bit disappointed in the lack of Erica Durance’s Alura. After how heavily promoted her casting was, we really hope she does more than silently appear in Kara’s dreams to offer a hug.

We can’t wait to see where Supergirl takes things from here. With Kara Danvers slowly integrating back into her former life, we hope she can return to the ball of sunshine we all have come to adore, without diminishing the undeniable love she did feel for Mon-el. We are also dying to see just how The Sanvers Problem™ is solved, considering Floriana Lima is confirmed to be leaving soon, but Chyler Leigh will (fortunately) be staying on the show.

SUPERGIRL returns next MONDAY, OCTOBER 16th at 8/7c on THE CW.