Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

This week’s episode explored boundaries for the characters… and the audience in a way. Nia and Brainy are exploring romantic boundaries, Kelly’s… too trusting and that might be a problematic character issue. J’onn’s arc is exploring the lines he crossed in the past, and the sins he committed to the Martian culture. Kara and Lena explore their dynamic post-Supergirl identity reveal. Most of the storylines muddle the message.

Kara’s use of her powers to help Lena is definitely crossing the line between hero and personal gain, and James’ advice on helping friends without consequence is terrible advice. Then, there’s Kelly Olsen who trusts way too easily by Malefic, who looks like someone from Stranger Things (Sean Astin). Kelly’s characterization has glaring kinks, and hopefully they’re resolved by the time she returns to the show. Yeah, she left for… does anybody know how long? I know James Olsen is leaving for good soon, but Kelly’s coming back… maybe? She left too soon.

J’onn’s character arc with Malefic feels rushed and muddled along with the message it’s supposed to represent about boundaries. In the episode, Nia helps J’onn remember his forgotten memories, where they explore the Martian culture flashback without CGI. It’s clever because Nia is processing the memories that “make sense to her” ergo… humans instead of green people running around. I wish they held off on the plot twist because I would’ve liked J’onn to have the wrong idea about his father for a few more episodes to give Malefic a chance for sympathy. But, the narrative pacing has been set because that worlds-destroying crossover is looming in the horizon.

My favorite part about the episode was the exploration of boundaries between Nia and Brainy. This is the most grounded storyline as it deals with the show’s best romance. It’s honestly miraculous how beautiful this storyline is, but the show is called Supergirl, and not Dreamer Girl. As a result of Nia telling Brainy about their set boundaries, Brainy feels hurt and betrayed, implying that they’re broken up with how they left things. If Supergirl actually broke them up, I’m going to be so hurt.

Overall, this episode had good intentions but it kind of misfired on their message about boundaries. Also, “Blurred Lines” makes me think of the song, and that sends the wrong message as well…

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