Series: Supergirl (CBS)
Episode: 102 "Stronger Together"
Previous Episode Review: "
Pilot"
REVIEW
Last week's episode had its redeeming qualities, but was still a very flawed introduction to such a highly anticipated series. Although it introduced a few interesting concepts, such as Supergirl's alliance with the DEO, the series suffered heavily in the drama department when dealing with Kara Danvers' work life. Its attempts to get some sort of feminist message across were cheesy at best. However, as I noted in my review for the episode, there is definitely room for improvement. While I continue to stand by that statement, this week's episode is more of the same.
Despite all of the series' imperfections, Supergirl is certainly impressive to look at. Despite not taking place in the iconic location of Metropolis, Supergirl definitely looks like it takes place in the same world as Superman. The creative team not only did a great job with the set and location design, but the special effects were also a wonder to look at (at least for a basic cable television series). The visuals during Supergirl's training session with Alex Danvers are especially stunning, and the scene as a whole is clever.
Additionally, the series makes great use of its core supporting cast. Although I entirely dislike these incarnations of James Olsen and Winslow Schott, they are well utilised as Supergirl's partners, often supporting her heroics. Hank Henshaw cements himself as a total bad-@$$ in this episode, and we are given brief glimpses into his past as well as hints at his possible fate. It definitely appears as if he will become Cyborg Superman in the distant future, though I think the series is making a mistake not using Supergirl's father as said villain.
As interesting as the DEO storyline is, I can't help but feel that many of the cases are a bit small scale for a
Supergirl series, sometimes sinking to the level of a generic procedural. This episode's villain-of-the-week is the Hellgrammite, who is quite intimidating but is barley seen in the episode and is vastly over-shadowed by General Astra, an original character who may or may not be the big bad of the season.
One of the series biggest faults is its failure to properly execute its feminist agenda. While there is nothing wrong with the messages that
Supergirl is trying to get across, there are more believable and less cringe-worthy ways to do it. The same can be said for the show's refusal to accept that it is a spin-off of the Superman mythology.
Supergirl attempts to argue that the series stands well on its own, but it does a poor job at doing it. One the series' tactics is to have characters unfairly compare Superman with the titular hero via the use of random, throwaway characters but these characters are so over-the-top and unbelievable that they are nothing more than the live action equivalent of a cartoon. These throwaway characters do not seem like real people at all. And if the Supergirl character is so obsessed with differentiating herself from her more iconic cousin, then why did she adopt a variation of the exact same costume and logo that he wears? There's logic for you.
The worst part of the series continues to be Kara's work life.
The Devil Wears Prada-eque overtones have not changed a single bit from last week's episode.
VERDICT
Score: 5.5/10
Supergirl continues to have its perks but the CBS series is somewhat tainted by its many faults.