Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 9 "Blood Bonds"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 9

“Blood Bonds”

Synopsis:

When Director Henshaw is taken prisoner by Non, Kara searches for a way to rescue him, all while refuting Cat Grant’s claims that she is Supergirl.

Review:

While it was a shorter than usual mid-season hiatus, Suprgirl is back. We pick up were we left off, Henshaw has been taken and Kara now needs to find a way to rescue him. This takes an emotion toll on Kara as she learns more about her mother from the point of view of her Aunt Astra. We see this struggle within trying to determine to side with her blood or with the humans. The battle becomes worse when General Lane comes to over see the DEO and decides to take matters into his own hands by torturing Astra with Kryptonite for information on Hanks location. By the end of the episode Kara determines the only way to recover Hank is to agree the the swap of prisoners which Non demanded.

Also through out this episode Cat Grant keeps pushing Kara on her being Supergirl. Obviously Kara keeps denying these claims. Once Hank is rescued Kara finds out that he is J’onn J’onzz and uses his powers to convince Cat that she isn’t Supergirl. At the end we see Lord enter a secured room where he is holding a very injured woman, when her eyes opened they are completely blacked out, is this a Bizarro Supergirl?

Final Thoughts:

So I am not sure how I feel about this episode, the show is definitely improving but out of all the reveals of her true identity I was most excited and approved of Cat Grant learning Kara was Supergirl. Now the show has officially back tracked on this reveal and resets what had been a great growing relationship between the two. The other aspect which disappointed me is how many Kryptonians there seems to be, I don’t like the idea that there is more than 20 and it seems a little unbelievable that Supergirl will be able to battle all of them and win. She will need to have some help…Maybe from a certain cousin? 

On a positive note I am glad the writers decided to move forward with Kara learning of Hank Henshaw’s real identity so fast, this is a positive for the show and will hopefully allow us more opportunities to see Martian Manhunter. I also still enjoy the idea of Clark messaging Kara and having that little interaction (why is it ever time I see that interaction I keep Picturing Dean Cain as Clark Kent?) I still feel that Superman will have to show up at some point. This show doesn’t seem to be convincing me otherwise. 

In all this was a good episode however I feel it took a few steps back for that I give this episode One Thumbs Up. Let us know what your thoughts of the show were and leave your comments below.  

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Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 8 "Hostile Takeover"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 8

“Hostile Takeover”

Synopsis:

Kara goes toe-to-toe with Astra when her aunt challenges Kara’s beliefs about her mother. Also, Cat is threatened with being removed as the CEO of CatCo after a hacker exposes her private and damaging emails

Review:

First and foremost we have been Berlantied…..but more on that in the Final Thoughts section. Episode 8 starts exactly where we saw Episode 7 leave off, Astra and her army confront Supergirl. It looks like Astra has developed a suit which will fight the affects of Kryptonite. Her entire goal is to convince Kara to join her, as she said to help save another world. Astra challenges Kara’s memory and her belief in her mother, by telling her that she had a way to save Krypton but Kara’s mother stopped her and allowed the planet to be destroyed. Astra allows herself to be caught and locked up as a distraction for the real plan, which was to allow her army to break into Lord Industries. 

Also during this episode we see that Cat Grant had her email hacked letting out damaging information. This was all being done by the chairman of the board of Catco. Jimmy, Wynn and kara work to expose the truth and save Cat from resigning from her spot in the company.

Final Thoughts:

So it only took a few weeks but we had another Berlanti Moment. Cat figures out that Kara is Supergirl. I guess this makes Cat the smartest person in National City. Surprisingly I feel ok with this reveal, this might open up what has become one of the best parts of this show to more opportunities.

As for Astra, is she really trying to save earth or is this a trick in which she wants to take over the planet? I know I am not sure, this is an interesting twist which seems could go either way. I know that this will cause Kara to question everything she knows to be true.

Finally I love the fact that Hank Henshaw is the Martian Manhunter, this really does help with the show, I am now excited for this character and how it will help. For now he is still a secret except to Alex, I loved the fight scene at the end with him.

I give this episode Two Thumbs Up. Another solid episode and great way to build going forward. Let us know what your thoughts on the episode are, leave your comments below.

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Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 6 "Red Face"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 6

“Red Face”

Synopsis:

Personal and professional stress get the better of Kara when she goes too far during a training exercise against Red Tornado, a military cyborg commissioned by Lucy Lane’s father, General Sam Lane. Also, Cat’s tough exterior is shaken by a visit from her judgmental mother, Katherine, and Alex enlists Winn to look into her father’s mysterious death

Review:

This episode Kara is dealing with some built up anger issues as seen during the first few minutes of the show. Lucy’s father General Sam Lane shows up with a Military cyborg experiment the Red Tornado. The Red Tornado was created to deal with people from Krypton, The General wants Supergirl to test it out by fighting it. Obviously issues arise during the fight causing Red Tornado to go rogue and the creator to be fired by the Military. We learn the creator wants revenge and send the tornado after the general and his daughter, leaving only Supergirl there to save the day.

Winn is asked by Alex to hack into the DEO in order to find some information on her Father. We learned that he was with Hank Henshaw going after some alien and presumed dead. The only issue is Hank returned a month later claiming not to have any memory of what happened. He was also the one to redact the file of any information.

Final Thoughts:

The true hero of this episode has to be General Lane. His opinion of James is exactly what most fans feel. After this episode and the last I find myself wonder what the point of James envelopment in the show really is. He was suppose to be a sort of mentor/confidant for Supergirl due to his ties to Superman, however i see that role coming more from Cat Grant. Grant is surprisingly becoming one of my favorite characters of the show and in many ways filling the shoes that Diggle plays for Oliver in Arrow. 

The final battle with the Red Tornado ended interestingly, not only did Supergirl destroy the cyborg but at the end of the show we see Kara cut her self. So the battle causes her to loose her powers, this will be interesting and I wonder how many episodes this will effect. Also is this the last we have seen from Red Tornado? My guess would be no, it seems he was able to recreate the arm he lost during the first fight. Will he still be able to recreate his entire body?

This was another great episode, with the exception of Jimmy Olsen I am really starting to enjoy the show. It seems we the creators have finally found their footing with Supergirl. I give this episode Two Thumbs Up.

What are your thoughts of the show? Leave your comments below.

Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 4 "How Does She Do It?"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 4
“How Does She Do It?”

Synopsis:
Kara’s two identities are stretched thin when Supergirl must protect National City from a series of bombings and Kara is tasked with babysitting Cat’s son, Carter. Also, James is conflicted when his ex-girlfriend Lucy Lane seeks to rekindle their relationship

Review:
After a week delay and a switch in episodes we finally get episode 4 of Supergirl. Like the first three episodes we are all over the place with this one; but for the first time it fits with the story being told. A lot went on in this episode, between Kara babysitting Cat’s son and trying to stop bombings around National City it seems Kara has to much on her plate. Add in the arrival of Lucy trying to get James back we end up with a cluster. 

The first thing we learn is that Kara is being followed, the tech being used is from Maxwell Lord. So Alex and Henshaw decide to investigate only to learn that it may be the result of an ex employee. By the end of the episode we learn that not only did Lord plan these bombings around National City it was part of a bigger plan to learn more about Supergirl. While Kara was trying to save all the people on the train, Henshaw and Alex assist by trying to prevent a bomb from going off. We finally get to see a little more of Henshaw and ultimately learn that there is a possibility that he will end up as Cyborg before the end of the currently season.

Final Thoughts, I think we have learned a great deal from the switch of the episode. It seems to me the show runs a lot smoother without Jimmy Olsen being present, The Love triangle forming between Kara, Jimmy, and Lucy needs to go away and soon. I am also not sure what Lucy brings to the show only to have her be a distraction from telling of the story and being a connection to Lois Lane. We finally have been given the opportunity to learn more about Lord and its nice to see that the creators of the show have given Supergirl her very own Lex Luthor. Lords need to learn more about Supergirl will be interesting to follow form here on out. I am excited to see what he will become as the show progresses. 

Once again we are left with a lot of pointless story’s, it will be interesting to see if Episode 5 is the starting point of a better build up going forward as the 4th episode seem to have many of the same flaws as the earlier episodes. Do to the structure of this show I have to give this episode One Thumbs Down. Please Leave your comments below 

Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 5 "Livewire"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 5
“Livewire”

Synopsis:

Kara’s Thanksgiving may be ruined when she suspects her foster mother, Dr. Danvers (Helen Slater), who is coming to town, disapproves of her new role as a superhero. Also, when an accident transforms a volatile CatCo employee into the villainous Livewire, she targets Cat and Supergirl

Review:

Do to the unfortunate tragic circumstances in France over the weekend. CBS made the decision out of respect for the effective families to postpone episode 4 of Supergirl. So instead we move forward to what is episode 5. 

Episode 5 is the Thanksgiving episode of Supergirl. This weeks episode introduces us to Livewire, who is a radio host at Catco. While being delegated to reporting on traffic from the Catco chopper an accident occurs in the sky, when Supergirl try’s to save Leslie they are hit by lightning. Due to the lightning strike, Leslie gains powers of energy. This episode is centered around the trio of Livewire, Cat Grant and Supergirl. Livewire is determined to attack Cat and as a result Supergirl has her most challenging villain to face thus far.

We are also introduce to both Alex and Kara mother (great cameo by the original Supergirl Helen Slater). Which brings on the flash back to there youth and the introduction of there “deceased Father” (Finally the we get Dean Cain. If you don’t know who he is check out Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)

So 12 years ago we learn that the DEO came to take Kara away only to have her adoptive father volunteer to help with there research in her place. During this time the family learns that he died in a plane crash. Only there is some skepticism if this is actually the truth. This might be the most interesting storyline the show has going, I am definitely excited to see where this will go.

Final Thoughts, Episode 5 was the best of the season. I hate to say this but my feeling seems to agree with most of Twitter, Jimmy Olsen was the problem with the show. It seems the show moved a lot smoother without his presence. It also seems they had a lot more time to spend with the rest of the cast without having to continue the awkward love dance between the two. I am also really enjoying the interactions between Cat Grant and Supergirl/Kara, it works and seems to really help with he growth of Kara. Then there is Wynn, my prediction is the internet community will do the same with his character as they have done with Felicity on Arrow and Caitlen on The Flash. Finally if you are a true fan of Comicbook Television than you had to be as excited as I was about finally being introduced to the Parents. Who doesn’t love Dean Cain?

This was the best episode of the season and I put this one up there with the better episode from Arrow and Flash. And for the first time this season we didn’t get Berlanti-ed with a reveal of Supergirls secret Identity. Its about time. I give this Episode Two Thumbs Up.

Leave a comment and let us know what your thoughts of the show were below.

Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 3 "Fight of Flight"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 3
“Fight or Flight”

Synopsis:
Supergirl’s powers are tested when Reactron, one of Superman’s formidable enemies, arrives in National City and targets the young hero. Also, Cat plans to run an exposé on Supergirl.

Review:
So Episode 3 starts where 2 left off with the supergirl’s interview with Cat Grant. The interview reveals that Supergirl is cousins with Superman….Now everyone knows. We also learn that unlike The Flash and Arrow, a mask isn’t needed to hide your identity, only glasses.

In this episode we are introduce to Supergirls new hide out and we also know that James (Don’t Call him Jimmy) Olsen is horrible at keeping secrets and let it slip that Clark Kent is Superman…… (No Secret Identity is safe right Greg Berlanti). It also seems Jimmy is no Cisco, as he sucks at giving out nicknames according to Kara.

This episodes villain is Reactron a human with an outfit that allows him powers similar to that of Supergirl. He is also a villain that Superman was unable to beat. The first interaction with Supergirl ends with Kara needing to be saved by her cousin. After her fight with James for calling Superman, Supergirl finally defeats Reactron something that Superman never did. This allows Supergirl to finally feel like she is her own hero.

Final Thoughts, each episode in the early part of this season seems to be focus on developing the character of Supergirl and Kara and less about a season long story line. This may change, however with the show being on CBS I am unsure how much this approach will change. I am also wondering how much the show its self is trying to distance themselves from Superman. The name dropping in each episode seems to increase, every scene in tonights show seemed to use his name and we also got another blurred siting from the Man of Steel. I did like the interaction between Kara and Clark at the end of the episode, it was a nice touch and somewhat needed, and for some reason reminded me of the Dean Cain Superman. The show also has enhance the love triangle between Jimmy, Wynn, and Kara. I guess every show needs this but I am not so sure how much i need another stupid nickname to go along with olicity and Snowbarry. if that wasn’t enough, it seems we need another addition to the already crowded cast of character and were introduce at the end of the episode to Lois Lanes baby sister and previous love interest of Jimmy, Lucy Lane….. I have been saying all along “why haven’t we tied Lois Lane into the show” now we finally have it.

So what at first seems like an impossible chance now has increase to a probability that at some point this season or the next we will finally be introduce to at the very least Clark Kent and/or Lois Lane. If they do introduce Clark Kent my pick of actors is Matt Bomer, and yes that has everything to do with my love of White Collar.

Every episode i hope for more, but I am always left wanting. Im definitely not saying this is a bad show. I enjoy it and its much better than Agents of Shield and a step ahead of Gotham. But it can be much more than it has been, I am also not enjoying that Kara keeps coming off as whinny and jealous. Lastly can we try to avoid any more Cyndi Lauper Songs….Thanks

I give this Episode One Thumbs Up. What was your opinion of Episode 3? Leave your comments below.

Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 2 "Stronger Together"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 2
“Stronger Together”

Synopsis:
When Kara’s attempts to help National City don’t go according to plan, she must put aside the doubts that she – and the city’s media – has about her abilities in order to capture an escapee from the Kryptonian prison, Fort Rozz. Also, Cat pressures James to use his connection to Superman to get her an interview with Supergirl.

Review:Episode two of Supergirl made a lot of improvements over the first episode, there was also a lot more name dropping in the second episode making reference to the Daily Planet, Perry White and both Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Nice little drops to continue to tie both worlds together. There also is the interaction with Cat Grant, which has been one of the stronger points of the early season episodes. They seems to be assisting with the development of Kara’s Supergirl persona as seen with the advice to slow down and learn. We are also treated to the a nice little training montage (who doesn’t like a training Montage?) Which was in response to the struggles that Kara is going through by learning to be a hero. James Olsen and Winn are finally introduced and now both are trying to help Kara. (Did anyone else get a Felicity vibe during the conversation with James?)

Through out the second episode we continue to see DEO try and train Kara by using her sister Alex to bring the two together. They also were tracking the villain of the episode Hellgrammite. In my opinion this is the most difficult part of the show to watch, it seems like the DEO will be the driving force behind most of the weekly villains, using the special forces team to fill in any gaps in the plot while the rest of the show is used to be build the relationships and Kara’s character. In many ways correcting many of the rush storylines which were developed during the pilot. With this being said, I definitely find myself intrigued with what they can bring later down the road.

At the end of Episode 2, Kara finally is reintroduced to her Aunt General Astra who she thought had died on Krypton. Obviously learning that she also was trapped in the Phantom Zone while in-prisoned in Fort Rozz. Astra goal is to save earth the same way she tried to save krypton. The ending of the episode see Astra learn about Kryptonite, how will this impact the remaining of the season? I am definitely intrigued as so far it doesn’t seem to have the same effects we have seen in the movies. Finally Hank Henshaw has powers? Man you have to love the teasers.

After watching episode 2 of Supergirl I find myself trying to figure out if I am at all being influences by not only the two CW shows but also the Superman movies. Its definitely not hard to compare, however i am happy with how the creators of the show continue to enforce the idea that Supergirl isn’t her cousin Superman. There is a lot of areas that I would improve or have done differently, but with that being said I am really enjoying the show. Agents of Shield and Gotham could both take lessons from Supergirl on how to create a show which may have areas of improvement but still is enjoyable to watch.

I give Episode 2 a one thumbs up. Let us know what you thought of the show and leave a comment below.

Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 1 "Pilot"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 1
“Pilot”

Synopsis:
When a potential accident threatens the life of her sister, Kara Danvers (aka Kara Zor-El) decides to use her powers to be the hero she was sent to Earth to be. But it is going to take some time for her to learn the ins and outs of the superhuman abilities that her cousin has mastered. When a powerful enemy named Vartox threatens National City, it's up to Kara to stop him.

Review:
Finally the first episode of Supergirl is here. When we are introduced to Kara its with her parents are sending her to earth to help protect her cousin Kal-El. Kara’s ship is launched at the same time only to be lost in the Phantom zone. When she finally is freed its 24 years after Superman arrives; however Kara is still the 13 year old girl she was before getting trapped. This take is obviously from the most recent reboot of the comic book in 2004.

The first episode had a lot to cover, with the introduction of some familiar character from the DC Universe like Jimmy Olsen and establishing her family connections. In my opinion the best part of the episode was the fast introduction to some of the main villains we will see through out the season, these villains will come from a prison within the Phantom Zone, this will give the fans a believable realistic reason why so many villains will have superpowers. The creators also did a great job of not making us sit through a traditional origin story as Kara already knows her powers. This allowed a quick transition into seeing her in action.

Like many pilot episode there was some ups and downs which should have been expected. One of my concerns with the season will be the constant fight to want to be a hero. It seemed to be the center of the entire episode leaving many storylines to be forced and rushed. In many ways we were rushed into the story of her Kara’s adoptive sister Alex working for the Department of Extranormal Operations. This was a little disappointing and could have been drawn out for a few more episodes.

Obviously being from the same team that created The Flash and Arrow, we will all be looking to find similarities. Supergirl will be different, but also have some similarities to The Flash just don’t try to tie this into the movies. One thing is for sure, Greg Berlanti is creating this show which means expect everyone to know who Kara really is. Secret Identies mean nothing to this creative team. It also seems as we will be treated to the same "must see" last scene of the episode we have all come to love about The Flash.

I give the first Episode of Supergirl one Thumbs up; however i do expect great things to come. Let us know what you thought of the show below.