Last night’s episode of Supergirl sought to remind us that the things most beloved in the human-verse of this Superhero Series were not lost.
Whilst Kara is officially Keira for the mean time, Cat Grant retains her glory as a mentor through Lucy Lane.
With some quick-witted jabs against Lois Lane; a further move from show writers, to separate the series from Clark Kent’s world, Cat offers Lucy a job as her general counsel. Whilst seemingly a threat to Jimmy; and his office chemistry with Kara, Lucy’s career move finally positions her as a likeable character. Whilst she is seemingly not a threat to Supergirl for now, will she see Kara as a threat? even when Jimmy confesses that his apprehensions were purely professional?
Relieved from another Astra-centric episode, Supergirl continues to throw its heavy-hearted punches through Winn; who finally shapes up his side of the show’s love triangle. Whilst Jimmy and Kara have Superman in common; Winn not only develops as a character but as a love interest in his emotional connection with Kara.
The episode opens to a prison, in which deranged killer; Toy Man, escapes. Upon this news, it is all but clear that this is Winn’s imprisoned father, only to be confirmed a couple of scenes later.
Whilst Henry Czerny is renowned for his television roles as Conrad Greyson on Revenge, and the Duke of Norfolk on the Tudors, he refreshingly picks up the role of Winslow Schott Senior with amazing finesse. Bringing a new level of deranged to his resume, Winslow/Toy Man, seeks to collaborate with his son for revenge against his old boss.
Whilst it is first thought that his motive originated from his designs being stolen by his boss Chester Dunhultz; the tale becomes more poignant with a twisted story of parenthood.
Evolving the character of Winn once more, our love sick, tech guy, asserts emotional courage in the hopes of avoiding inheriting his Father’s cowardice. With multiple references to the Toy Man as his ‘creator’, Jeremy Jordan‘s emotive range this week leaves us with a feeling of dread, that without Kara’s guidance, we may see him crack – in another move to progress his character – further on in the series.
When Winn is forced to sacrifice the life of Chester Dunholtz to save the lives of many at Toycon, we see a glimpse of his darker potential. Fortunately, Supergirl saves the day with an ice wall to defend against the Toy man’s bombs, and Winn manages to not face any ramifications for attempting to murder Chester – whose history doesn’t prove him to be the sympathetic type.
Whilst Winn’s kiss with Kara in the episode; and declaration of love is unrequited, we begin to see some depth to the conventional ploy of a love triangle. As things had simmered with Jimmy Olsen, the love triangle ignites once more, just in time to welcome another contender through Adam Foster – who makes his appearance next week.
Elsewhere, we begin to see Hank Henshaw struggle with embracing his true identity as J’onn J’onzz, in time for next week’s episode ‘Strange visitor from another planet’, wherein it is implied a longtime enemy is set to reemerge. True to canon, our Martian Manhunter – who was aptly name dropped this week – survived the destruction of his planet with M’gann M’orzz. With Martian history being a war of races between the green and white Martians; are we set to see Hank’s origins play out on screen?
As Tawny Cyprus (Heroes) arrives in National City as Senator Miranda Crane, the promo for next week’s episode reveals she may not just be an alien-hating human.
Last night’s episode revealed more of Hank’s powers. Despite the benefit of being able to train Kara with firsthand experience, J’onn showcases a darkness that had him hunted for 50 years; prior to his assumption of Hank Henshaw. Posing as Maxwell Lord to gain access to room 52 at Lord technologies (an amazing reference to the DC universe) the DEO become aware of Lord’s Jane Doe, and J’onn regretfully wipes the memory of a security guard.
Concluding that the once terminal Jane Doe – who bears a resemblance to Kara – is chemically being hollowed out – Hank’s character arc is certain to peak in time for this incarnation of Hank Henshaw to emerge.
Once written as a Cyborg Superman. Hank Henshaw within Supergirl becomes the Martian Manhunter; offering a Cyborg Supergirl as a compromise to fans, in order to maintain some focus on this being Kara’s story.
Whilst the DEO believe they have the upper-hand on Maxwell Lord; he utilises his date with Alex to bug her with a camera; serving us with a much awaited moment. Not only discovering that Supergirl is a Danvers sister; endangering Kara’s life, he quickly discovers what his imposter is.
It appears that as Kara has come out, and embraced her identity, that Max is set to shake up not only her idea but Hank’s idea, of self-identity.
Supergirl continues next Monday at 8|7c on CBS!
[Featured Image: SCREENSHOT from Supergirl 1×10 “Childish Things”, CBS; Source Content for Gifs: Supergirl, CBS, 2016]