#remember that Kara is the character but Melissa is the one playing such character

[karel-luthor]

" How you don't want me not to stare

T H E R E is a certain magnetism drawing my attention to T H E R E "

- Melissa B.

[facepalming-since-chernobyl]

A summary of why CW Supergirl sucks, born from a year of a growing frustration.

A summary of why CW Supergirl sucks, born from a year of growing frustration.

1.Inabilty to take a risk.

The only one they took was making Alex lesbian and Nia the first trans hero story. Then – fucking nothing. Good characters going dark? Not even Kara’s clone aka RedDaughter. Lobotomizer, who you know, murdered Adam, Lex and wanted to lobotomize entire humanity and hurt Kara “every way imaginable”, all of it was portrayed as “not her fault, blinded by feelings, dark place blah blah”, basically it was all Lex and Kara’s fault, no consequences for her character or arc.

There was nothing controversial, or when it was something like that (aka Lena murdering and lobotomizing people) it showed as something not that important, normal stuff, solved in one ep, no biggie, she was sad, ok???

I was also not even ONCE afraid for the main bunch of the characters. I was fucking SURE no one was going to die and yes, only addictions, villains, one ep randoms or secondary characters I didn’t give a shit about, died. That means there was basically no feelings, even during emotional scenes, what made this show super bland and in the end, forgettable.

-Plus, they knew they got the final season, they knew they could have done anything they wanted. And what they did was making Kara taking her glasses off. If this doesn’t fully describe what kind of shit this show was, then I’m Santa.

Basically WASTED POTENTIAL.

2.Degenaration of the main character.

Yep, sorry not sorry, as much as I love Kara and Melissa, who was born to play Supergirl and did everything even with the crappiest of lines, her character, looking at it from the perspective of 6 seasons, SUCKS for a few reasons:

-What made her unique in the comics, was ignored and forgotten in the show. She was made a female clone of Superman, that was treated badly by the writers. She got similar job, attitude, love interests, his villains.

What she didn’t get was satisfying conclusion (sarcasm).

In comics she was the outsider, the person torn between two places, an immigrant remembering her old life and forced to assimilate in a society of some C class planet, a girl with anger issues, bias, the guilt of being a lone survivor, a traumatized young alien. Something she couldn’t share even with her last living relative aka Clark. It all made her fleshed and complex.

But show ignored it, and made her a happy go lucky, fully assimilated perfect usamerican girl in love with humanity, uwu. What is disappointing, even if this Kara still has charm, innocence and potential - it all makes her boring in the end.

-There is no real character development for her after s1 and 2. She started as fresh hero who tried to manage her superhero, private and work life, while working on her biases. And then, dunno, we got Kara dealing with an every ep villain/issue and some other big season bad. How Kara’s as a character changed? She got more confident in her professional life as a reporter (still, a shitty one) and that’s it. All the traumas, bad shit that happened, deaths, problems, issues, lost love etc. I don’t really feel it all has changed her. I don’t even feel she is more mature in s6 than she was at the end of s2. I don’t feel anything that has happened during the whole series, changed her views, opinions, way of life. When her past experiences helped her later? She stays almost the same for the whole fucking SIX YEARS.

-It happened, because there is no real character arcs for her after s2.

In s3 there was the whole Reign aka her nemesis storyline and finding Argo and her mom, but what was the POINT of it? Beside that Kara realized she didn’t want to be krypotnian and didn’t really give a fuck about her mother, friends and people anymore…? And I still didn’t really grasp it, because the show made a shit way to explain why she didn’t feel at Argo as at in home anymore (because Earth was in danger and needed help? Because she couldn’t be Supergirl at Argo? Because…? Uhm?).

The same goes for s4, 5 and 6. What was the reason of Lobotomizer torturing and hurting Kara every way imaginable and Kara calling her a villain, if a few eps later Kara ended on the same place aka being Lena’s bestie without hard feelings, any consequences or fucking anything? What kind of impact Kara being in Phantom Zone made on her?  Fucking one ep, where she can cry in Alex’s arms and then, once again, NOTHING.

-The lack of satisfying conclusion (sarcasm again) for Kara. At the end, I have no idea what did she want, what did she dream on, what was her goal, why she couldn’t have it all, while she wanted it years ago and ALL OTHER CHARACTERS GOT IT. Basically, I don’t know why I should be happy for her, why should I root for her, in the end, I feel like I don’t even know her after six years. What is… fucking sad.

3.Heart and soul of the show. My ASS.

There is no Supergirl without Kara. It can survive without any other character, but NOT without her. And because, as I said, her character development/arc SUCK, we have a sucking show. And sorry not sorry if I upset people, but it happened because the show focused too much on other SuperFriends and other characters. Yes, Alex included. Because no, Kara and Alex are not the heart and soul of the show. Kara should have been. And I don’t get the blind, sometimes fanatical love for this relationship. It’s quite obvious it’s one of the most important relationships in the show. Still, a shocker, show would survive without it. Plus, it’s quite funny, how some people ignore the fact (confirmed by canon TWO TIMES) that for Alex more important than Kara was ALWAYS Jeremiah. Even when he was already dead. Fucking hilarious.

Anyway, my point is that even J’onn and his father got more compelling and emotional arc than Kara ever got and friendly reminder SHE GOT HER FUCKING PARENTS BACK. The same goes for Alex and Esme and Kelly. Damned Agent Liberty had a better written arc than Kara. Damn, Nxy had more compelling story arc and character development than Kara in s6. And it’s tragic.

Remind yourself when was the last time you were really invested in Kara’s story?

4.Fuck you, comic books.

I have no idea how people who actually read Supergirl’s comic books and others issues felt while watching. Kara being dumbed down (plus all the shit I have talked about). J’onn depowered. Brainiac being DUMBED DOWN and parody of himself. Mon-El depowered and in s3 cured from his allergy, zombied, bearded and forced into marriage with fucking Imra. Imra with weird powers. Garth who??? Death of Nura Nal (off screen), murdered by Brainiac. Manchester United and Agent Liberty wasted and turned into well, not anything too complex. Maggie – what? Lex – no comments, especially after how he ended.

And unfortunately, I feel that all of the original comic book characters suffered for the additions created by the show, aka Alex, Lena, Nia, Kelly. Like, you can feel they were the producers and writers “babies” and they did everything to made them cool and interesting (what ended with some weird stuff like Lobotomizer being a magical unicorn and Nia got some… weird powers. Whatever).

5.Creators hated this show, you can’t change my mind.

The fact Jessica Gossip Girl and Robert had NO FUCKING idea what to do with Kara or this show after s3 and the AK drama, is obvious. The sad fact is that the writers didn’t know what to do either. I feel like after AK, no one wanted to be associated with this show, the old writers left the show and we got bunch of new-in-the-business-folks who didn’t even care to watch past seasons.

In the end, it was quite obvious that all people involved were done with this show and just wanted out, cast included. And remembering what also the supercorp shippers have done, I can’t really blame them. Still, there was no love for this show in the creators room and it’s sad when you compare it to the shows that was leaded by producers/writers/actors who were fans themselves.

6.The show is already outdated. Focusing on so called modern problems made it forgettable and bland, when you compare it to other shows.

Yes, I talk about the Trump presidential plot in s4. Also, the whole immigration plot were so heavily, cheesy and dumbly handled, made no sense and was something we saw hundreds of times in other fiction (and it was handled 100 times better). Andrea’s alternative reality device that sucked people in it? Any Black Mirror ep about stuff like that was better and more memorable. I already don’t even remember why the device was so deadly. Technology bad? Oh, boy.

Also, I KNOW comic books were always connected to the political stuff, but you can handle it in a good and bad way. Supergirl made it usually cringy.

See how stereotypically they portrayed the president in s4. It was not even bad enough to become funny. The whole Kaznia part was nothing more than a xenophobic, stereotypical approach to Eastern Europe. Remember when J’onn said he keeps his black man appearance because he wanted to be… minority or something? Guess what? He became a black man because HANK HANSHAW WAS A BLACK MAN. There was nothing DEEP in it for fuck’s sake! M’gann? So, a white Martian who… pretends to be a green one and then keeps that, because… you know… there are better and worse Martians. Or something. You know, greens good, white bad and ugly.

Then, they did a good job with Nia’s trans-superhero story. And then, with Kelly, I see what they wanted to show, but it was a bad timing and well, all what she wanted to express was overshadowed by that one, line about Kara not getting what trauma is. The list goes on.

7. Luthors.

Cancer of the show. Sue me.

8.It’s so fucking dumb.

We all know that this show is about an alien who because of fucking sun became superpowered, can fly, wears idiotic suit and can’t be recognized because of glasses. We all get the conception. We get it. We know it’s for kids…

But there is a difference between following the worldbuilding and making shit so fucking dumb you roll your eyes so hard that you see the insides of your skull. The show treats the viewers like IDIOTS who don’t remember a shit that happened previous ep.

The… jewels or whatever it was called, that they tried to gather in s6. Not getting the idea of time travel. J’onn erasing the knowledge of Kara being Supergirl from Alex and like 10 max DEO agents, while all fucking DEO knew that, because Kara was constantly walking around as Kara Danvers in s2 and 3. And J’onn suddenly, out of nowhere refusing to read people’s minds, but being ok with changing people’s minds, but not informing that oopsie doopsie, he can’t change them back? And what was the fucking reason in the end? Writers want to tell me, that’s it more logical to change memories of Alex and TEN other people, than brainwashing ONE colonel??? Like? And the scene when Alex finally remembers, while Kara is dying after the fight with RedDaughter and her way to save her is… putting grass on her? I’m sorry? It was supposed to be emotional but I died from laughter? It was so fucking dumb that it erased cells from my brain??

And  don’t even let me start about Kara absorbing WHOLE SUN in 10 minutes because Jesus Fucking Christ people actually died watching this scene. Like, yeah, erasing sun, what bad could happen to Earth without it even for a few days. Like yeah, Kara, a living being ABSORBING FUCKING SUN. In like a few minutes. Do you know how fast the sun rays come from Sun to Earth? Probably you do, SG writers don’t. And then, she just what, farted?  And all what she absorbed came back to sun in a second? Uhmmmmmmmmmmmm…

And let’s ignore, like we ignored so many other shit, how many times Kara and other super beings totally forgot they had, ya know, superpowers, because plot needed it.

It’s all so goddamned dumb that is not even funny. And what’s worse, the show is not funny, the jokes are pathetic, it’s like watching your drunken uncle on a family gathering.

9.Contradictions, hypocrisy, blah blah blah

Do you remember how everybody was moaning how Kara is the strongest, the best, the strongest, the most unique, the strongest, the most amazing unicorn in Earth’s history? You could create a drinking game in s2 finale aka taking a shot when you heard something like that, hangover guaranteed.

It’s the whole show’s problem. Exposition and explaining instead of actually showing it in the show. They talk. All the time. Explaining everything. And then you get something contradicting.

Like how Danvers sisters are the best sisters, buddies, blah blah blah. And then we get aggressive Alex pouring her life frustrations on Kara (job, Jeremiah, Esme). And what is funny, we never really did them sitting down and really discussing it, and it’s a show about talking. I mean, of course, they would die for each other without a second of hesitation, but all people talk about are the couch scenes sniff! Sniff!, while happily ignoring the co-dependency problem.

10.Fucking fandom

Let me just say that I have a theory that says if the show is shitty and there is nothing beside the ships you can be excited about, the fandom turns into an utter ocean of crap. And maybe it would have  been not that bad, if the fandom hadn’t changed my perspective on some actress and basically made my SG experience a living hell.

If you have anything to add – be my guest ==’

[cak31ssuperi04]

💖👠🎵🥀🌈💫 hiiii :3

HI GODBLESS 💞💞💞

💖 Favorite character?

Annika my favorite sassy princess, I love her soooo much forever. I have talked a bit about her before but I love how spunky and optimistic and headstrong(for better or worse) she is. I love that Manipulation Tactics is one of her strong points. The fact that she's slightly unhinged is part of her charm.

👠 Favorite outfit/costume?

Anneliese's gown hands down.

🎵 Favorite song?

I Need to Know. The harmonies!! The instrumentals!! The romance!! I adore Melissa Lyons's vocals and I love the Island Princess soundtrack for putting her closer to the forefront vs Patp's being more Erika-centric and Diamond Castle's being mostly duets. I Need to Know is the best of it imo and it is a duet but she does sing the first half solo. Antonio also outsold though don't get me wrong. It's just a beautiful song.

🥀 Movie that makes you most emotional?

This one is a bit tough since I don't tend to get super emotional during movies, I WILL say however that in spite of the 3 seconds of screentime she gets throughout the movie, the Right Here In My Arms reunion duet with Ro and her mom made me feel. Something about, how after she mentions that she had a daughter named Rosella, Ro's initial uncertainty as she clings to the last bits of her past that she can remember, and Marissa catching on immediately, or the implication that she's been singing to the ocean for all those years. And just when they start singing together at the end. Waugh. Island Princess as a whole also just has a massive nostalgia factor for me which feels like cheating to count but it is an emotion so that's something I think(special shoutout to the opening with the orchestral version of the movie's soundtrack playing over shots of the island/ocean, for giving me the Big Nostalgia feelings).

🌈 Any lgbt+ headcanons?

Catania, Romy, Hailey, Merliah, Kylie and Fallon(mt) are lebiabs. Zia(rock n royals), Cora(Pearl Princess), Jonas(pony tale), and Odette are trans. Alexa(Secret Door), Kara(Princess Power) and Christie(Perfect Christmas) are aspec. Uhh I have a few more but this is a pretty general question for how many movies there are so sorry if it seems like I'm just listing a bunch off at random because that 100% is what I'm doing.

💫 Any other headcanons?

In my mind Aidan and Annika don't get married at the end of Magic of Pegasus actually. The prince title is more an honorary thing from Rayla to reward him for his bravery, or something along those lines. The magical sky kingdom goes by different rules than normal monarchies. Speaking of Rayla though, that along with being a cloud queen she also guards over the constellations to some extent(hence her being able to turn the wand into a star). Also a more off the rails one is my Aidan-Rapunzel friendship hc(wherein the palace is hidden in the forbidden forest and while both movies take place centuries apart, due to some form of magic fuckery that messes with the timelines he runs into it anyways. Also it would've happened way before either movie actually starts so Gothel has upped the security since then and he's convinced it was just a really weird hallucination) but I'm still ironing it out.

[missluthorwillseeyounow]

I posted 2,241 times in 2022

31 posts created (1%)

2,210 posts reblogged (99%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@sevenbettys

@appropriatelystupid

@myheartisbro-ken

@littlemousejelly

@i-am-robie

I tagged 1,404 of my posts in 2022

Only 37% of my posts had no tags

#supercorp - 24 posts

#me trying to art - 18 posts

#hhhnngghhh - 17 posts

#ooooooohhhh - 13 posts

#supergirl - 13 posts

#lena luthor - 13 posts

#kara danvers - 12 posts

#harlivy - 11 posts

#holy shit - 11 posts

#melissa benoist - 11 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#other than kara's arms. i mean yes they're buff and lena probably has good core strength but she can't hold herself up 100s of ft in midair

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Did a quick sketch of Katie McGrath. Wherever she is, I hope she's having a happy January 3rd 😊

400 notes - Posted January 3, 2022

#4

Here's my postcard contribution to the @supercorpzine. It was such a great experience, and I learned so much from it. This is such a phenomenally talented fandom, and I'm so glad to be a part of it! Supercorp Endgame!

563 notes - Posted November 2, 2022

#3

Kara and Lena at the Mines of Moria

The fanart is a little gift for the awesome @mike-wachowski

Supercorp Lord of the Rings AU

She arrives in the night.

Kara witnesses her arrival from above, where she's perched on the marble balustrade in the courtyard.

She can't sleep. Hasn't been able to sleep in a while, not since Astra bequeathed the Ring to her.

Walking helps. Rivendell is beautiful, more beautiful than she remembers, but then again she hasn't been here in years, since she first awoke from her long sleep.

The ancient trees forming a canopy above the house of M'yrnn stand as tall and resilient as they ever have. When she touches their rough bark and speaks to them like she does to the trees at home in Midvale, it almost seems as if they speak back, in the creaking of hundred-year-old branches and the swaying whispers of leaves.

It's with the whispering of the leaves that the woman arrives. Accompanied by the beating of hooves, loud in the silence of the night.

She's not the first to come. Others have been arriving for the Council since the day before yesterday, but she is the only one who's arrived this late at night. Kara immediately knows she must have come from far away. The long weariness of their journey is apparent in her companions' faces. But not in hers.

The lady emerges from the blue-black darkness of the night like a beacon, like a star lighting up the night sky, her pale figure astride her white horse almost glowing in the darkness.

The line of her spine is straight and unbowed by fatigue, even though the other young woman attending to her looks visibly tired. Her eyes are sharp, Kara can see even from a distance. But her hand is gracious and soft as she offers it to M'yrnn who greets her at the foot of the steps.

She's speaking to M'yrnn, undoubtedly the leader of this night-borne group. Kara creeps closer, wanting to hear her voice. They're too far away for Kara to hear her words, but she hears her voice, low and melodious, like flowing water.

637 notes - Posted January 1, 2022

#2

See the full post

663 notes - Posted November 5, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Her fingertips are playing with the necklace emerging from her collar. Kara's eyes catch there and stick.

“I seem to have something of yours once again,” Lena says, noticing the line of her gaze. “I think it might be time to return it.”

Her hand reaches up to the clasp at her nape but Kara gets there first, trapping Lena's fingers against the side of her neck, twining them with her own.

She shakes her head. “Some things are yours to keep.”

Their gazes meet, eyelashes fluttering in the swift sea breeze.

Lena's eyes are cautious. “Even when I love them?”

“Yes.”

(They're not talking about a necklace. They've never really been talking about a necklace, Kara knows. All that's left is to find out whether Lena does, too.)

The tips of Lena's fingers flutter anxiously against the back of Kara's hand. “Even when I love them too much?”

She takes a step closer, their hips meeting. “Especially then.”

Lena's jaw works as she swallows. Her voice is nothing more than a whisper on the wind. “How long?” she asks, soft and vulnerable. “How long will they be mine?”

Her fingers find Lena's free hand beneath the cuff of her sweater. She brings them both up, cups them in her own, presses them between Lena's heart and her own in reiteration of a promise six years in the making.

“Always."

I received too much damage from @searidings' fic after, and I just had to draw that scene. So here, share my suffering. (just kidding, it's wonderful!)

691 notes - Posted January 17, 2022

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[thefolioarchives]

Reading of 2021, part IX

Or the post where I rant about how much I love T. Kingfisher, part I. Hope you're a big a fan as me!

49. The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher

I put down The Hollow Places and immediately downloaded The Twisted Ones. Sometimes you just feel an affinity for an author that's so strong the only thing that's going to "appease" the need for more is… well… more. The Twisted Ones wasn’t as funny as Hollow Places, but my god does it really matter? There are a lot of similarities here as well, which I enjoy. Instead of a benevolent cat, we have a pure-hearted dog that will sniff out God if he's set on the trail. The voice of reason this time around is Foxy, the black lady living in a hippie commune down the street (Foxy is also hilarious and savvy and would "topple governments on Mars" by now if the CIA had given her a chance). The comforting but ultimately distant male presence is performed by the main character's, Melissa's/Mouse's, dad. There's also an evil "stepmom" (in HP I'd argue that Kara's mom filled this role) in the character of Mouse's dead grandmother; a real beast of a woman no one really liked and who was filled with this inherent hatred of everyone and everything. This charming lady is the reason for the plot, who is now deceased and has left behind a real hoarder home, complete with terrifying doll room, that Mouse has been asked to clear out. Eventually, Mouse comes upon her step-grandfather's bedroom (basically the only room in the house not balls to the walls with junk) and also a manuscript! There are things in the woods that her step-grandfather was scared of, that her grandmother somehow warded off against, and Mouse is literally in the middle of nowhere with a mobile phone that's on the fritz because of the latest software update. This is my kind of jam!

I'm in love with the way Kingfisher plays with fairy tale tropes and implements them into her horror narrative and it makes sense considering the fairy tales of old were actually terrifying (I will never not think about how the mermaid from the little mermaid felt like she was walking on knives or how the stepsisters in Cinderella chopped off their toes to fit into the glass slipper). But there are also generous nods to the horror genre itself and I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. I'm also a big fan of "horror in the woods" and think this might be my new favourite subgenre. Maybe this is what people call folk horror? It's also unputdownable and throughout the book I was filled with a desperate need to find out what happens next. There are twists and turns aplenty, some are more obvious than others, and I can't help but think that Kingfisher laid out some of these so obviously that unsuspecting readers would forget about other things that might hint at certain things… Either way my jaw dropped and then I started grinning. There's nothing like a book surprising you. I think it's also a narrative decision, in order to highlight some of the traits of the main character. Kingfisher writes about complicated people who have experienced grief and are left on rocky shores. But they're inherently good people who will help anyone who asks for it, which can often lead to sticky situations. Remember when Rihanna sang "all of my kindness is taken for weakness?" and I feel that applies here as well. This is sometimes the trouble with being "good". Things get ignored or downplayed and when you finally do get into serious trouble, it can be easy to dismiss it as "They deserved it". But in a world that focuses so often on the bad and the horrible, we should be celebrating these characters, cheering them on and rendering whatever aid we can, regardless of what trouble they find themselves in. If the intention is good, why must we argue with that?

50. Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher

I've sort of been saying that I'm dedicating October to horror literature only, but after discovering Kingfisher, I took the plunge into her fantasy series because I'm clearly obsessed with this author! A _true_ band of misfits are sent upon a "suicide mission" across a warring landscape to reach Anuket City in order to discover the secrets behind the two lost expeditions before them, but also to figure out how the enemy's Clockwork Boys work; 10 feet tall machines that double down as siege engines and killing machines. With the Clockwork Boys, the enemy is close to gaining the upper hand in the war and it's crucial that our heroes find anything that will help them repel their foes. There is also a mysterious plague ravaging the small folk, with people collapsing in the streets. These realities are seen through the eyes of Slate, the leader of expeditions, who smell rosemary if something's really important/magic/dangerous happening and is an expert in the world of fraudulence, and the recently de-knighted sir Cadigan, who was sentenced to life imprisonment after murdering a large member of the convent of the Sleeping God, whilst under demonic possession. We also have a sassy assassin and an ignorant young priest who refer to women as "the distaff sex". Again, I'm convinced that Kingfisher writes her books solely for my audience, because… This just has everything I've ever wanted from a fantasy novel, and then some! We have a bit of steampunk, we have a bit of plague narrative, we have some kind of religion I'm dying to know more about, we have an interesting Dowager Queen who's last desperate decision is to employ literal criminals to try to turn the tides of the war. There's a war, but we're not actually in the war if you know what I mean. There is also a bit of romance which I'm partial to because I really LOVE these characters. I just love it so much and I really can't deal with how much I enjoy it. I'm think I'm going to abandon my current reading list and read Kingfisher until I get bored/in need of a change and take it from there.

51. The Wonder Engine by T. Kingfisher

This is the second book in the Clocktaur War duology (but she still has other books set in this universe so calm yourself right down) and our heroes have made it to Anuket City. I've talked about it before in these posts but it bears repeating: I do love a good fictional city. The knowledge that we get about Anuket City is organic and it's not like we're given large infodumps on its history and people. Our heroes are not here for a history lesson, they're here to dismantle the patriarchy Clockwar Boys. And that is honestly fine with me. Things feel more natural this way. Now, I myself might have gone to the nearest tavern to have a chat with some of the locals to get a bit more of a lay of the land, but there is no time for that really, so drips is what you get. That isn't to say the drips aren't delicious, though. There are seedy underbellies, there is the insane and fabulous Artifice Quarter, there is the race of the badger-like Gnoles who are basically treated like vermin, amidst the sense that Anuket City is old and there are a lot of religions here. Not just The Dreaming God. On the page, this is a delicious fantasy heist-romp with added jealousies and romance, circling around themes of trust, friendship and loyalty.

[korra-the-red-lion]

The Arrowverse and WB: Interference is Common.

On November 9th, the CW’s Supergirl came to an end. Many fans, myself included, were saddened that Kara and Lena didn’t end up together in a romantic relationship at the series end. Although the chances were slim to none, many of us were hoping for a Korrasami style ending at the very least. Instead, the queerbaiting of Supercorp is one of the show’s lasting legacies. But why? What was there to lose in the show’s final season? A recent interview from Jay Faerber (linked here) had some interesting answers. Two that caught my ear were that there was a lot of support for Supercorp from a lot of the writers and showrunners, and that each season the crew received a package that detailed which comic characters they could use if they choose to do so. WB always had their fingers in the pie, so to speak. Faerber even makes a point of mentioning that they had to go upstairs to allow for Melissa Benoist to get a haircut or have pants.

So why mention all this? I believe that WB was the one who blocked Supercorp from happening. Perhaps the CW holds some of the blame, which I wouldn’t hold it past them. However, as I will soon discuss, WB has interfered with the Arrowverse several times in the past.

Arrow

Arrow had multiple instances where WB interfered with the storytelling of the show. The major one? The destruction of the Suicide Squad:

One of the most promising storylines from Arrow was the beginning of the Suicide Squad. Slowly building up in season 2, it seemed like this was going to be a major aspect of the show, if not it’s own spin-off. There was even a Harley Quinn tease. But then...they killed Deadshot. And Waller. WHAT?

This is because Suicide Squad by David Ayer was in production and WB didn’t want people to be confused as to why there was two versions of the characters, because they must assume that their audiences are stupid. Regardless, that was the end of that storyline. Willa Holland admitted that she and others thought the decision was frustrating, but there was nothing that they could do.

The next major interference was the disappearance of Slade ‘Deathstroke’ Wilson. Fans of this character, who is still highly regarded as one of the best villains of the entire Arrowverse, were very confused when he all but disappeared from the show until season 5 brought him back, with season 6 wrapping up his story for good.. But why? Because of Justice League was in production.

Thus, the show lost one of the most dynamic characters because WB wanted to focus on this version of Deathstroke...which went absolutely no where. Great choice WB, great choice.

So two major villain/anti-hero storylines from the show were forced to stop because the WB wanted to focus on the DCEU. But what was the other major one?

The introduction of Ray Palmer into the Arrowverse. Remember how Arrow spent several episodes mentioning Kord Industries, hinting at the introduction of Ted Kord, better known as the Blue Beetle? If you do, do you also remember being shocked that Ray Palmer was brought on instead? Me too. This is because Brandon was originally brought on to play Ted Kord, but last minute studio interference forced the writers to use Ray ‘the Atom’ Palmer instead. No one outside the studio really knows why the change was made, but it was. Ray became a fan favourite, so it worked out in the end but what made them decide to make the change? Since then, there has been very little mention of Kord.

There are some other, more minor moments of interference from the studio. Until Batwoman was introduced to the universe, there had been a no Bruce name drop rule at all times. Also, the Bird of Prey were not to be used for the longest time due to the ban on Barbara Gordon, despite the introduction of the sympathetic Huntress and Black Canary.

Smallville, despite being one of the most popular DC properties, had its limitations from WB as well. Despite the use of popular DC characters such as Oliver Queen, Arthur Curry, and Dinah Lance, the Smallvile crew was barred from using two characters in particular:

Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince.

Most likely in case they chose to do shows based off of these two, but regardless, Batman and Wonder Woman were not allowed to be mentioned on the show directly, nor where they allowed to be brought on. This carried over to the Arrowverse until Batwoman came to light. Batman himself really hasn’t appeared in the show, but a fake Bruce and a real Bruce has. Wonder Woman has been mentioned but that’s it.

Supergirl

Supergirl has had some interference as well. In the first season of the show, Clark was never allowed to appear on screen fully. That did change in season 2, when Tyler Hoechlin was casted as Clark Kent. However, his character had special limitations put in place. He was only allowed to appear for a certain amount episodes in season 2. After that, he was very limited in the amount of appearances he could have.

Lex Luthor was not allowed to really be mentioned fully until season 4, when he was introduced to the show. Despite the Luthor family being on the show, they could not use the name of DC’s most well known villain. I am unsure of the reason behind this, but it was noticeable.

As previously mentioned, but Benoist was not allowed to change her physical appearance unless otherwise approved due to her look being specific to Kara. She had been asking for pants for her super suit for quite awhile prior to its introduction in season 5. Vancouver gets chilly y’all, yet she had to fight for something warmer and less revealing. And don’t get me wrong, I loved the iconic Supergirl look, but I also want the people playing them to be comfortable.

Conclusion

These characters are all intellectual properties. Understandably, there are many hoops to go through to use them in the first place. However, there shouldn’t be last minute changes or out right refusals from WB once someone gets the okay to do something.

It is on the showrunners and writers to make this clear, however. If Supercorp was blocked from WB, I wouldn’t be surprised. And I’ll point out there is a difference between fun easter eggs vs. dropped storylines and characters. The examples I used are the ones where the interference is the reason for these things disappearing without much explanation.

Who knows, maybe the CW was the one who said no. But, I just can’t see a network choosing to lose the viewers and to lose the money that they can make from the show (DVD/Blu-Ray sales, viewership numbers, con appearances) over making their most popular ship canon. From a business standpoint, I can’t wrapped my head around it. We will most likely never know the real reason why, but since the WB has proven itself as the big bully on the playground at times, this is why I believe they are the ones who put their foot down on it.

And that’s disappointing.

[handlewithkara]

I feel like I don’t have to say too much about this scene in a shipper way. It’s the beginning of everything and leisurely used in gifs and fanvids. 

So just some small notes: 

- I love Karamel starting out with Kara tearing the pod open like the big buff hero she is to find Sleeping Beauty Mon-El.

- Kara’s first words to Mon-El are literally “oh, my god”, lol

- I love the little nervous twitch of her hands Melissa did, as J’onn warns Kara to be careful

- It’s interesting to compare the scene as it aired at the end of 1x20 versus the beginning of 2x01. For one in 2x01 they added the entire action scene of Kara flying after the pod, J’onn and Kara saving people who get knocked off by the pod and Kara getting shocked by the pod. Also, the music in 1x20 is a lot more booming Star Wars imperial march, compared to the music they used in 2x01. 

I remember all the comic book fan speculation, is he gonna be Mon-El, is he going to be Kon-El, is he going to be H’el. It’s pretty obvious to me that the early episodes, they wanted to build up mystery and speculation about Mon-El, which character is he playing, is he going to be a goodie or a baddie, what are his real motivations. 

[smugraccoon137]

Supergirl Season 2 episode 8 Medusa review part 2

If your curious part 1 was just my breakdown of Kara and Mon-els relationship that got way too long. But as always SPOILERS AND GAY THOUGHTS AHEAD

Me and kel get so excited when Lenas in an episode. Like practically giddy. I can’t help smiling when shes on screen honestly. And yes Katie McGrath is beautiful, but beyond that such a pretty smile and lovely voice. I’m sure ratings started to spike when she joined the cast. Okay enough about pretty girls on to the review 

Tipsy fucking Alex though guys I can’t get over this mess of a person. 

Alex: if I have to come out to my mom then I choose to do it drunk

Kara: no your not *yoinks beer*

Alex: wait no my coming out juice

Kara Danvers sneaky sneaker extraordinaire can totally interview Lena and find out Cadmus things without anyone knowing. The confidence this goofball has is top tier

Underrated relationship: Alex and Winn though. I really really love Winn and honestly Alex is such big sister energy to both him and Kara. 

wow Lenas pretty in the interview scene. A touch of auburn hair from the sunlight really makes this shot and we never get to see her with her hair down. Fan service honestly, or maybe she heard a certain beef cake reporter was gonna come by and wanted to dazzel her.

Lena: hair up is for business. Hair down is for flirting friendship time with Kara

Poor baby thinks she falls short nooooo. Your doing your best godamn your only like 25 jesus. Kara give her a hug she needs love and affection

Kara thinks shes being so sneaky in this interview. Such a golden retriever, bad at sneakin. As soon as she toes the line Lena catches on and kicks her out. Really good acting in the scene, the subtle change in expression to show Lenas guard raising. Good job Katie.

Real quick Lena why is your office so ugly? How do you keep it clean? You spend 99% of your days in this place and its whiter than a hospital room. I hate it. Why is your desk an oval? and why does it have a hole in it? Kara cant eat you out in secret anymore damn. 

OOHHHhhhh noooo the fucking gas bomb in the bar what the fuck. EVERYBODIES DEAD JESUS WHAT WAS THAT

Poor Mon-el. What happened at the bar was fucked up, and he feels like its fault when its obviously not.

Love that he and Kara are having bro time playing some Monopoly. Oh no not Kara asking if he likes her. Honestly thought these two had good chemistry in this scene. Im a sucker for dumbass not understanding certain words and phrases. So Kara having to reiterate her questions and finally being like “You don’t want to mate with me do you?” was super fun. Omegaverse vibes mfs. Although I am confused by mon-els reaction “I mean have you seen the kind of women I’ve been attracting?” I honestly don’t know what this means.

Kara internal reaction though: Oh thank god

Wow Kara really just has no regard for her own life, huh? she just opens the door and possibly contaminates herself. It’s good to want to help people, but love you gotta care about yourself too

Good reveal with the fortress of solitude. Oof Kara gonna feel like its her fault all those aliens died and mon-els sick. They do a really good job of showing Karas relationship with her parents through their holograms. She wants so badly to see them again, to talk to them. And she can, but not really. They just aren’t real.

Lena cattily to her mother: im used to celebrating holiday weekends alone at my desk

me to Kara: please invite her to thanksgiving

Okay so Lena being adopted is another interesting parallel to Kara. Also the fact that both Kara and Lena fall into there families shadows, and are left behhind or forgotten. Really interesting how Lena and Karas relationship is so similar to Clark and Lex’s for obvious purposes. Though the CW queer coding the fuck out of their relationship in Smallville really only adds to Supercorp fever. Its always been Homoerotic subtext Harold!

Me watching Lena and Lillian trade verbal blows: Wow ya’lls relationship is fucked up. Lex and Lionelle would spar and fence but you two are on another level jesus

oooooof that last line. 

Lena: I know your lying

Lillian: and how could you possibly know that?

Lena: because you told me you loved me. And we both know thats not true

Who wrote this jesus fuck my heart. The PAIN.

Bonus thought Lena thinks Karas smart. Goofball beefcake sneaky sneakster who doesnt know the difference between flirting and friendship is smart she thinks. I love these idiots

Wow Kara just doesn’t wait huh? Oh cadmus is going to be at LCorp? Not on my watch. Lena’s there. I know this because I tune into her heart beat just to check on her cus she likes to work late. Don’t worry Alex it’s for friendship reasons.

That LCorp security guard got princess carried for .2 seconds. Best moment of his life.

God its like dark out. Lenas working on a holiday weekend into the night. I hate this, give her friends.

Lena looks so scared when Kara gets thrown into the giant LCorp sign

And then hurt Kara looking up at her with dread.

Kara internal: fuck don’t come out now. I came here to save you

God I love the protectiveness. Its *chefs kiss*. Hank throwing the beam at Lena and Kara even in her hurt state throwing herself in front of it. Sometimes self sacrifice is gay. But how Lena looks at her after wards like “I can’t believe I’m alive. I can’t believe she chose to save me”. Met with a gruff “Get out of here!”. mm yes this is my kind of content. Fight for me.

I was robbed an aftercare scene but I doubt it will be the last time. (*COUGHS* the “im leaving” phone call *COUGHS*)

Talking about the virus Eliza: what about Lena Luthor?

Kara: What about her?! (super defensive is also a super power maam)

Winn: Luthors can be pretty good actors

Kara: No, I looked into LENAS EYES. She doesn’t know anything about cadmus or her mother

J’onzz: Would you stake Mon-els life on that?

well I guess that really puts Lena and Mon-el right next to each other in priorities huh? Which one is more important? 

Wow Lena totally has a crush on Supergirl after that. Flustered dork. 

Lena: *laughs nervously* you know that doors not really an entrance

Kara: *upsettit stone face pupper*

Lena: :,) 

Okay but the way Lena just says “Anything” all breathless and helpful when Kara says she needs her help. Shes crushin hard

Kara tells Lena her mother is in charge of Cadmus. 

Lena: >:(

Annnd the crush is dead. That did not last long. Really love that Lena has such a different relationship with Kara vs Supergirl though, good dynamic having her reactions so different. Which I believe actually relates as a Clark and Lois parallel? Seeing as how Lois has two separate relationships with Clark and Superman. 

OOf the way Lenas throat bobs with genuine sadness because who she thought Supergirl was is wrong. Shes just like the rest of them. Thinks Lena is just another crazy Luthor. It hurts

Kara: I know what its like to be disillusioned by our parents, but Im a pretty good judge of character, and you are not like your mother. She is cold and dangerous. And you are too good and too smart to follow in her path. Be your own Hero.

Wow just what a good line. They are capable of some things here and there arent they? Melissa's delivery on this is excellent. And the way Katie McGrath is able to show such depth of sadness and bitterness even from a shot of her BACK is really cool. Great acting in this scene in particular. And I can see why the “desperation to be good” is such a highlighted part of these two relationship. Its the one thing in common between Lena and Supergirl, the place where they can meet in the middle. And the way Lena looks after her as she leaves! AHHH thats the good shit, the pining

Okay big Mon-el scene in coming so if you dont want to hear my ranting skip over this part. 

Funny how as soon as Kara has this big impactful scene with Lena full of tension and emotion the writers were like: shit we almost forgot Mon-els dying. 

Kara: *staring sadly back into Lenas office kind of wanting to go back in*

Writers: *cough cough* KARA He’s DYINGGGG

Kara: Oh shit right. Mon-el Oh no. My *looks at poorly written handwriting on her palm* romantic interest?

Wow Mon-el looks like shit, poor guy. Someone swaddle this pillow princess and get him some soup.

Heres a question. Kara is visibly upset that Mon-el is dying. Is it because she’s sad that the guy shes likes is dying. Because her friend is dying? Because her father created the virus thats killing him (what the writers want us to think)? Or because no matter what Kara does the people she loves keep falling through the cracks and shes helpless to stop it?

Her parents. Clark. Her adoptive father. Now Lena. Now Mon-el. Why can’t she ever do anything? Why is it always her fault? This poor kid has some deep seeded abandonment issues

Mon-el: you know you look beautiful with the weight of all these worlds on your shoulders.

I do remember my reaction here, cus I thought this was a weird line. A line that was obviously meant to be romantic and complimentary, but it felt unsettled in my stomach. Coming back and watching the scene it sits even more uncomfortably there. He obviously means well, but this line is kind of just shitty. Its a very selfish and unthoughtful thing to say to someone. 

Kara’s entire fucking life has revolved around other people and making sure they are happy and taken care of. But having “failed” at such a young age to do the impossible things asked of her (carrying on Kryptons legacy, raising Clark) she overcompensates. Any normal person would just make their life revolve around their family and friends, not healthy but it works. But Kara feels responsibility over an entire world of lost people and lives. So the amount she overcompensates is ungodly. She does have the weight of worlds on her shoulders. This is not a joke or hyperbole. Its just her life. And thats so fucking shitty. And to have someone actually see that and acknowledge it. To make it a reality so to speak. Then to have them say “yeah you look good like this” while you’re a shaking Atlas being crushed. It is just a little too much isn’t it? That pain to have someone see you finally, and then completely miss the point. For them to go “oh wow your so strong. your so brave” instead of “let me help you. you shouldn’t have to do this at all, forget by yourself. But now I am here”. 

I imagine this was the scene that crowned my darling himbo boy Mon-Hell? Which is so unfortunate. I hope Im wrong, but I feel that his character might just end up a big missed opportunity

I want everyone to know that me and Kel screamed through the entire enxt few seconds of the scene. We knew the kiss was coming from how they were building it up. But god was it painful, especially for it to be delivered after a line like THAT. But yeah very loud angry screaming

Also not to be that bitch but Kara and Mon-els scene was a total of 1:53 RT, and Kara and Lenas ran at a 1:57 RT. Just sayin...

No Lena don’t be evil thats too sexy...

Okay but the way that Lena just tricks Lillian is so good. Shes so clever. And added bonus she makes her ask for her help, which is nice actually. Lillian's obvious vice is weakness and that is often shown in embarrassment. A woman like this asking for help borders that line of weakness and its nice to see on such a dislikable character. Lena didn’t just get what she wanted she got a point over her mother.

Lena looks good in the purple coat. Repeat she is pretty

Love the mental chess game between Lena and Lillian. Lena offering help right off the bat and giving her the isotope free of charge. And then Lillian making Lena launch the virus to prove herself. Good stuff.

Kara appears: don’t do it Lena!

Lena: why not? im a luthor

Okay so obviously Lena switched the Isotope and the Virus won’t work. But thats what makes this line so perfect. Throwing it back in Supergirls face. Like “Yeah, Im a luthor. And Ill show you what im capable of.” But instead of mass death and destruction Lena saves the day. She saved thousands of lives, and its because shes a Luthor that she was able to do that. Really nice way to full circle that 

Wow Lillian really just starts booking it without Lena, huh? bitch

I really love the scene of the virus falling all around National City. The choice of an orangish snow falling was a really really good one. Paired with some excellent music for the mid season finale.

Its sad but I do love Hank just being ready and at peace with death. Im sure he misses his wife and daughters. 

Okay but Lena calling the cops is tea. Send your mom to jail honey. 

So we’re really not gonna talk about how Lena saved everyones asses? Like don’t you think Supergirl would want to talk to the woman that A) kind of tricked her, and B) saved National City. Thats just what makes sense??? But no we’re going to ignore that the DEO is a kind of shit at their job sometimes. And that the woman that they were accusing of having a part to play in all the xenophobic shit is the one who did their job. BY HER SELF. 

Okay rant over. This was a long one review dear god. Really really good episode though. I enjoyed rewatching all the scenes even if it was a mixed bag of feelings. Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed all the screaming!

[tht-lesbian-fangirl]

Do you ever 100% have those days when you believe supercorp is in fact canon in all the ways compared to the het tropes? But there’s the thorn on your side that’s “waiting” on everybody behind the show to “confirm” what we’ve been saying and preaching for years now? And if it highkey comes down to the show pulling a catradora on us with supercorp I’ll be totally fine with it because I’ll just take that as a big fat “I told you so” to the haters. Analysis GO OFF 😚

Dude, you have no idea how many little break downs I have every once in a while because I just feel so confident that Supercorp will happen! Everything in the Supercorp-specific writing, music, cinematic tropes, actress choices, etc. has shown that Kara and Lena will and should be canon. Look, I’m in graduate school for psychology and I haven’t taken a film class in my life. I’ve never even been a big “shipping” person. But I watched Supergirl live all throughout undergrad, often with my straight friends (who were less into the show) and even they noticed all the things that we "delusional" fans discuss.

Iconic Superhero/Love interest tropes

The Hero having to choose between saving their LI or kids/city/world, but miraculously save both. May I present Exhibit A:

The LI standing between the Hero and their one weakness: literally every time Lena has built anti-kryptonite suits, protected Kara before she knew her identity, and specifically Exhibit B:

Dramatic saves of the LI: I present the longing looks mid-rescue for Exhibit C:

The Hero running flying toward certain death to save their LI: Kara disregards a kryptonite bomb in Exhibit D:

The LI being the last to know the hero's identity, but Hero will still risk their identity to save the LI: Everyone say hello to Exhibit E:

The Hero finding strength from their LI: the CW sure loves using El Mayarah in Supercorp posts! And social media aside, we've seen how confident and strong Lena makes Kara, both in dialogue and visually. (And it's a bonus that Kara makes Lena stronger too!)

Everything with food

Kara literally referred to food as a love language when talking to Nia. Only an episode or so away from bringing Lena food from 3 different countries. And let’s remember how Kara offered to fly to Italy for her first date with James...

Kara also always brought Lena food, even before season 5. That was their Thing.

We also have to talk about the absences of food: Kara dropping potstickers at Pulitzer ceremony when she sees Lena and not accepting Dansen’s invitation to get food after her falling out with Lena.

It was established all the way back in Season 1 (very much so in the fun Flash crossover) that Kara thinks food is more important than everything and will often use it as a coping mechanism when she’s sad (like in Season 2/3 about Mon). Yet, she’s so devastated over Lena that she can’t even eat her favorite foods? Interesting.

Color schemes and certain shots

The red/blue color scheme consistently used with Supercorp, with exception to the purple tones used in Season 5 to represent their conflict.

No other love interest for Kara has consistently used that iconic Super/LL color palet. Not James, Mon, William, or the two episodes with Adam.

I'd like to specifically remind everyone how Kara chose to wear purple with William, against Alex's explicit advice.

There are always lighting choices made with Supercorp shots. No other duo (besides dramatic Danvers sisters shots) seem to have such artistic care.

Do I even need to mention the balcony scenes? Both at the Pulitzer Ceremony and in scenes from multiple seasons where Kara has hovered over Lena's balcony-- most notably in 5x03.

Like seriously, do I need to mention the scene from 5x08 where Kara and Lena are looking longingly at the same picture of the two of them?

Music

If I know anything as a musician, I know scores. And Blake Neely has created certain melodies just for Supercorp saves. There’s the typical “Supergirl hero” melody, but it’s rarely used for scenes with Lena (besides the one instance in 5x07 cliff scene, when Neely combines the Leviathan theme with the Supergirl theme).

If you want to listen to examples: the brief save in 2x15 and the plane save in 3x05. Both melodies are unique, unreleased scores that (to my musical knowledge) have not been repeated with other Kara rescues. 

Also, can we talk about how Supercorp has their own heroic theme, composed specifically for the 100th episode? Played by a live orchestra? For the one AU where Kara and Lena were partners from the start?

Decisions made by Melissa and Katie

We know they've known about Supercorp since at least the end of Season 2. Melissa showed Katie and they've been aware for years.

Yet, they play into the Supercorp dynamic. Longing stares, giggly dialogue, tear filled eyes, etc.

Regarding Melissa specifically: for her directorial debut she made two significant decisions. 1. She chose to have a camera pan over the room during Lex's speech, showing only Lena noticing Kara leaving and upset. 2. She dressed Lena in two comics Lois Lane outfits, one of which in red to parallel Kara's blue.

Melissa also has played Kara's interractions with Lena very similarly to how she played the Kara/James dynamic in Season 1. Something she chose not to do with Mon or William. But let's get into my next point...

Direct parallels with heterosexual superhero couples most on the CW

This includes Westallen, multiple iterations of Clois, Olicity, WonderTrev, Karolsen, PeterMJ, Deckerstar, Brainia, SpiderGwen, Lanolsen...need I go on??

On my blog, I have them tagged as: supercorp and hetero hero parallels

Individual ships are tagged as: [couple]/supercorp (ex. clois/supercorp)

Apologies for just giving links, but damn if I wrote all of the parallels out then it would probably take days and this post would be absurdly long.

And let’s not forget all the parallels Supercorp has with canon w/w

This includes Korrasami, Catradora, Clexa, Dansen, Avalance, Harlivy, Sanvers, etc.

I have these examples tagged similarly to the het examples: supercorp and canon sapphic parallels (same with individual ones)

You’ll notice there are actually more posts and parallels between Supercorp and het couples (the couples that most non-LGBT fans think of as more valid lmao), so take that as you will🙃

Despite the mistreatment of Supercorp fans, and LGBT fans in general, by some actors and crew, and despite the tone deaf plot lines and usage of characters, Supercorp has consistently held up with all of my points stated above. That's why I still have days where I can just feel it in my bones that Supergirl is playing the slow burn game with Supercorp. It clearly won't be as well-done as Catradora, because of how much sh*t they've pulled over the seasons. But just like you, I have days where I get strong feelings that maybe it’s all part of their poorly thought out plan and we’ll get that validation and happiness.

[takaraphoenix]

Since you watched it, what are your thoughts on the Superman & Lois Pilot?

Oookay! I have thoughts!

Let’s start with the thing I knew before the pilot: Tyler Hoechlin is the perfect cast for Clark Kent and Superman. He is just... *chef’s kiss* on both parts. I adore the way he plays Clark, he might very well be my favorite iteration of the character at this point.

Other things I knew before going in that had... set me against the show, but that the pilot actually smoothed out well would be two things in particular.

One of them is that when the casting knews were announced that they cast a black man to play Luthor, and voices were loud that he’d play Lex Luthor, that... really turned me off the show. For one, because... continuity. Lex Luthor isn’t exactly a minor character on Supergirl, he’s been on and around for a long time, very prominently. So for the Superman show to recast him, that’d just be wild and throw the Very White other Luthors from Supergirl kind of... off. And, much more importantly than continuity - there are very few characters that you can’t racebend, because if you do, you completely miss the point of these characters. That point being; they’re walking, takling privilege. Lex Luthor represents pure, raw privilege, he’s that straight white man with a billion dollars and no care in the world, so the thought of this show missing that point so fundamentally really had me wary.

Now, after the pilot, I’m pretty convinced that he is not actually Lex Luthor, that he is... either from a parallel Earth, or a descendant from the future, or heck just a fanboy of Lex who took the name. But going in, the way they released those casting news was not exactly... reassuring.

Same thing goes for the boys. I was beyond pissed when Crisis retconned Clark’s baby away and the show announced two teenage boys as the cast, because in universe, Clark was completely thrown by suddenly having boys, plural, and by them being teenagers. And if this had been one of those horrendous “babies don’t add to plot, let’s speed age them” tropes that come at the cost of the parent(s) not getting to raise their child(ren), that’d have really frustrated me. And while it is not actually adressed in canon as to how Clark remembers this new timeline, he does, so... I am appeased by the fact that Clark did get to raise his children.

Let’s talk about those boys!

Not impressed. Not impressed at all so far. However, it has only been one episode, so I... really do hope they actually become... uh... characters... during the season and not just three tropes in a trenchcoat (Jonathan = cheerful jock himbo, Jordan = angsty angry emo boy). They’re really the two most archetypical Teen Boy Tropes imaginable, if Jordan turns out to be a geek and nerd now too, then congrats, we got a Teen Boy Bingo. So yeah, that’s... They’re not fleshed out, they really are just adults picking teen stereotypes and combining them together. I hope they become more over the course of this season though.

But while we’re on the boys, let’s talk ages. Because goodness did this retcon screw them all over. Tyler Hoechlin is 33 years old, looking... not a day over 30. And he now has two 15 year old sons. But Lois is not his teenage sweetheart, he was 20+ when he came to the Daily Planet and even just met her, then they had to fall in love, get married, and only then have the kids. So Clark Kent ought to be around 40 years old. And I am just... not buying Tyler being that old yet, boy looks too young for that. Sure, I’ve been told that “Kryptonians age slower”, but that doesn’t change the whacky visual or make it better and let’s be very, very clear, this was not a result of “Kryptonians age slower, a canon we are aware of and are employing here”, this is a result of “we decided to retcon Clark and Lois’ first born child, which was supposed to be a baby at this point in their lives, into 15 year olds because teenagers add more to the plot uuuh so now the age gap between the kids and the parents is a bit whacky ooops”.

Which, I’d also like to point out about Samuel Lane and his daughter. Dylan Walsh is exactly 18 years older than Bitsie and... he kept himself young too... Visually, the age gap between them looks more like 10 to 15, at max. And it’s kind of weird considering how “old” Martha was - quotation marks, because her age does fit having a 40 year old son, but if you consider her age in relation to Lois’ dad, who ought to be her generation, it seems startling. Especially if you consider that Samuel Lane has already been a character on Supergirl! And while the man may have only been 4 years older than Dylan, Glenn Morshower looks aged. So, that’s... that’s a recast where they should have taken either an actor who is older or at least looks older.

While we are on this topic though - the recast of a character we already knew from Supergirl - I am... rather peeved by the lack of acknowledgment of Supergirl.

I fully understand that Melissa couldn’t drop by during Martha’s funeral scene (though in universe no one can convince me that Kara would have missed the funeral of Clark’s mother), it’s the complete lack of Kara in the “here’s what happened so far in Clark’s life” montage at the beginning. The one that literally started with Clark landing on Earth and covered all of the big parts of his life; they should have and could have taken archive footage of Clark and Kara and included just... one line... of voice-over about how Clark turned out to not be the last and that his cousin has landed on Earth years after him and by now became Supergirl. And that’s it. That’s all the acknowledgment I would have needed, but I really would have needed it, because without Supergirl this show would not exist, this version of Clark and this version of Lois would not exist.

Even in the greater scheme of them wanting to distance themselves more from the Arrowverse - which I fully understand considering the torn-up state the Arrowverse has been in ever since Arrow ended - Supergirl is the one show they should not fully distance themselves from.

That brings me to my hope of seeing other characters from Supergirl, that had been taken from the Superman canon to begin with, on this show in he future. Lex Luthor has to appear at least, because seriously he’s Superman’s villain, not Supergirl’s. I really... I really need James Olsen to at least guest-star, because James is Clark’s best friend and if he didn’t appear on the Superman show at all, that’d be... frustrating, to be quite frank.

Other than those. Lana. Not really done a lot so far, but nice to see her again. I liked how when they brought up the fact that Lana’s husband was jealous of Clark, there was zero jealousy on Lois’ side.

Which brings me to my favorite part of the show so far, about which I did make a whole separate post already, but it bears mentioning here again - Clark and Lois’ relationship. Mutual love, respect and communication. Amazing. First time I am actually liking this ship and considering the ship is literally the title of this show, that’s a blessing. The fact that even in this one hour pilot they already managed to establish their dynamic and marriage so well has me very hopeful about that part of writing on the show!

Now, lastly, the actual plot. To which I can’t say much, because... I don’t know much yet? I do love the family moving back to Smallville and Clark and Lois teaming up to uncover some mystery in Smallville. I hope it’ll be well-written and I hope we will continue seeing Clark and Lois as equals in it.

I do also hope to maybe see other characters I’m familiar with from Smallville.

But so far, I am really digging this show a lot and am looking forward to more!

[captaintroi]

CW Supergirl....you should have the courage and conviction to deliver what you’ve set up.

Many of us saw from the first scene between Melissa Benoist and Katie McGrath noticed something immediately…. the amazing chemistry you cannot create. The CW writers saw it too, a fact that influenced their decision to keep the character of Lena longer than originally intended.  The incredible portrayal by the very talented actress not only cemented interest in Lena, but also piqued the audience curiosity on where this relationship would go.  The similarity in background with both having experienced loss being orphans, built an understanding that was the perfect added touch for a friendship to blossom. They delivered in Lena a complex and compelling character, who had overcome adversity from a young age.  Lena is fundamentally good, in-spite of not having known love growing up, and suffering nothing but betrayals.  She’s an intelligent and capable businesswoman, a dedicated scientist, and a genius who strives to better mankind having cured cancer, saved Supergirl and the world more than once.  (My god! They would have married them by now if she was a man!!). Inevitably with such strong compelling portrayals by both Benoist and McGrath, the writers began playing up to the chemistry.  The romantic parallels where blatant, and there was often downright baiting of the fans, with certain dialogue and scenes that were far beyond platonic. It was obvious to anyone truly looking. It was a case of doing one thing by pairing them with others, and then hinting at something underlying in practically every scene they had together.  Even station episode promos and television advertisements in other countries started playing up the romantic angle.  It was ‘lightning in a bottle’ and it seems it was too much to resist when gifted with such strong chemistry, knowing it was delivering ratings and fans.  

They continued crafting this relationship that grew in-front of our eyes, that developed and strengthened season after season through trials and adversity. Their bond just kept getting stronger and their love for each other was clearly demonstrated by how a secret unrevealed caused so much devastation to both, once Kara’s identity was finally out.  The emotional reveal by Melissa Benoist was riveting and powerful, and no one can forget Lena’s breakdown in the fortress of solitude, Katie McGrath delivered a level of emotional trauma not easily portrayed. Both are excellent and very talented actresses.  As if it wasn’t obvious by now that Kara and Lena’s relationship is integral to the show…. the 100th episode made it abundantly clear beyond a shadow of a doubt! In addition the episode displayed just how much these characters are willing to sacrifice for each other!!  If anyone still thinks that isn’t love…. I don’t know how to help you. Which brings us to the crux of the issue with audience disillusion and discontent…. (and we’re not just talking Supercop fans).  Many industry reviews and non-shippers alike have seen what is blatantly obvious regarding this denial of the relationship, the CW says one thing but does another. Over the seasons it’s cost them viewers and this season may be the final nail in the coffin. For a show that supposedly says they champion LGBT characters they appear to be in a state of complete homophobic terror at having to deliver on what they have teased for season after season….and in 2020 that is no longer acceptable.  What is so wrong in stating your lead character is bisexual?  Why is that considered wrong for Supergirl CW, since one of the DC book writers said on twitter, they considered the character to be indeed bisexual.  

The fact remains CW have backed themselves into a corner…. they have the impossible task of delivering a character to rival Lena as a fan favourite, and logical love interest. Particularly because into the 5th season it is too late to make anyone believable in comparison.  Not to mention the daunting task of finding anyone with that level of chemistry is not simple….in-fact it is difficult because it is rare.  You only need to look at other ground-breaking shows remembered for the chemistry of the characters, to see what can make or break your show.  Xena was one show were the writers realized the chemistry between their leads and by the end of the show rather than deny it they made it obvious and stated in cannon they were soulmates, even if the romance was only subtext throughout the seasons. However, that show ended 20 years ago and CW have no excuse in 2020.  Hence the reason why their actions today could mistakenly appear as though Supergirl CW are just carelessly not caring if they are insulting the collective intelligence of their fandom, by throwing William at Kara.  Out of nowhere this forced pairing with no chemistry and completely lacking in any way to make it remotely special, is supposed to be realistic and satisfying?!  No……it is not even remotely satisfying or even adequate. Why? Well for starters the character by no fault of the actor, is simply introduced in a very bland fashion, and is just too dull. He also lacks charisma and an interesting backstory. Also frankly the lack of chemistry with Benoist is just awkward.  Maybe it’s because he’s another man and she’s newly married…. don’t know but it’s just painful, chemistry cannot be faked it’s there or it’s not.  100th ep also showed what real chemistry looks like, it was there in spades with both Lena and Mon-El.  Even in just a few scenes with Mon-El.  So yes, that is a huge issue whether they want to admit it or not and reviews are rife pointing this out.  Kara cannot be saddled with William this late in the game as the love interest, it’s just completely and utterly anticlimactic.  The female Superhero leading a cast of empowered women cannot just settle for the random guy at work!

[caliphoria17]

Heroic actor of the week (5/11): Katie McGrath

In this week’s installment of Heroic Actor of The Week, we take a look at how Supergirl’s Katie McGrath blew us all away with her incredible performance as Lena Luthor.

The CW’s Arrowverse has been in the process of wrapping up a little earlier than expected due to the fact that its shows were unable to complete production of their respective seasons. This has paved the way for a number of impromptu finales. With The Flash having ended its run last week, Supergirl and Batwoman will do the same tonight, and with the end of the weekly superhero programming almost upon us, that means that the end of our Heroic Actor of The Week column may be in sight (well, at least for now).

But it isn’t over until it’s over, and with that in mind, let’s take a look back at the best performance from superhero television over the past week.

While there were a number of contenders from The Flash’s finale, including Grant Gustin’s powerful leading performance and Efrat Dor’s chilling offering as Mirror Master, it was hard to forget about the absolute powerhouse performance we saw from this week’s installment of Supergirl.

Katie McGrath has been quietly impressing audiences with her performances for years without ever receiving the attention she deserved. In fact, this writer clearly remembers being disgusted by the unforgivably grim hand her character in Jurassic World was dealt. However, when the talented performer came on-board Supergirl as Lena Luthor during its second season, she was finally given the chance to shine that she had long deserved.

The allure of Lena Luthor stems from the question as to whether or not she could ever really stray down that predictably dark path that her family name suggests she’s capable of. And yet, it often feels like the show relies on that a little too often (when the character has proven herself more than enough times already)… so when it made a whole season-long narrative out of it this year – as Lena worked with her brother Lex in response to discovering Kara’s dishonesty – it was questionable to say the least.

However, the penultimate episode of the season, “The Missing Link”, made it all worthwhile as Lena finally realized the error of her ways. No, that’s not right: Katie McGrath made it all worthwhile as it was her performance that truly convinced us.

With her powerful emotional turn in the closing moments of the episode, McGrath delivered her moving monologue so eloquently that it had shades of Melissa Benoist’s equally-powerful offering in the premiere back when the Lena/Lex/Kara saga all began. Whether that reflection was deliberate or not, it doesn’t matter because McGrath was every bit as captivating.

She personified Lena’s hubris and, in that moment, made us feel sympathy for a character that had inadvertently played with our emotions all season. And yes, she proved beyond any shadow of doubt that Lena isn’t a villain… she’s just a flawed woman trying her best to do some good in the world.

Just one of many examples as to why she is one of the most consistently strong performers on any screen, Katie McGrath was nothing short of sublime.

SOURCE: BamSmackPow.com

[facepalming-since-chernobyl]

I feel like they wanted a light show, like The Flash, because it was getting more viewers than Arrow, very much a show put there in place of Batman.

That's why they made her a female Clark.

Why they purposely buried her emotional trauma (though Flash DEFINITELY explored Barry's).

Why they, in the end, made her a static character instead of the main.

They tried to make a complicated character into a simple and happy one, and when that failed, they gave up.

Hm. Interesting thought. But SG was on CBS, you think they took the notes?

I mean, after talking to people on twitter and thinking, what is the difference between Kara and Kal?

Being a woman (not really an unique feature), having a sister (having a sibling is not unique too), being stronger than him (because it was her show, I'm 100% sure in S&L he would kick her ass) and sacrificing her own happiness for a greater good (because this is what females should do, riiiiiiiiiight?).

Her job, her personality, her powers, love interest (William = Lois), her kissing-humanity-ass approach are copy/paste Kal. Plus, some supporting characters (like James, J'onn) or villains (Lex, CaptainNeoNazi, ManchesterUnited, Mxylmbstfer383bleh) are taken from his storylines too (fucking Soviet Kara).

What was really Kara's and shared with Superman was Reign, Argo and having her parents back and remembering Krypton.

And while Reign was ok, I guess (but still her story suffered becasue of the rewritting after AK's drama), the rest was FUCKED.

Kara in s1 and 2 STARVED for her parents. Yes, there was a conflict and the image of her perfect parents being spotless crumbled, but she still loved them, very much, so there was a potential when she got them back and we could have gotten a storyline about them mending their relationship and... it was like: uhm, you know, I found new family on Earth, will call you maybe, see ya.

I mean, I kind of get why they did it, because they wanted Kara to become a fully usamerican citizen, loving humanity aka Miss Kara Danvers. Kara Zor El was erased.

Plus, as much as I would have probably hated it, we got the Blue Then Green Calculator and he was completly not like in the comicbook canon and not her love interest. As many other comic book characters he was depowered and his storylines were fucked (along with AgentNeoNazi, ManchesterUnited, the list goes on).

But the biggest crime was sidelining and then completly ignoring the fact Kara remembered her planet and she lost all people she loved. And she ended on some not really advanced barbarian C planet, ruled by stereotypes, greed and dumb people. WHERE was her ptsd and the guilt of the survivor? Where was her anger? Where was her feeling like an outsider and immigrant? Where was her engineering kink? Where was her looking down on humans?

Where was anything from her comic book canon that made her special and unique? There was such a good potential for her learning, growing up and developing her character and we got ZERO of it. Yes, I know it would be not easy to write it, but Jesus Christ wearing a pink pajama, it could have been splendid.

Instead we got Kal wearing a skirt for 4 seasons, being a typical usamerican superhero, kissing humanity's ass and being amazed of technology that should have looked for like two connected sticks.

And I love Melissa playing Kara and I loved Kara being the happy go lucky cute pup but imagine Mel playing the accurate to comic books canon Kara. Imagine.

[mikereads]

What S5 of Supergirl should have focused on.

I wanted to post this before the season finale, just because it may have a good finale that doesn’t make up for all the mistakes the show made along the way, especially the ones that could have been easily fixed with some proper storytelling that not only pleases the fans but better suits the story your trying to tell. 

1. Kara and Nias friendship/ mentor ship. This season preferably 5B is somewhat focusing on Kara trying to catch Lex. Get proof on him that proves he is not what he seems to be. One of the ways she is doing this is through journalism. Instead of having Kara work with William she should have worked with Nia and here’s why. Not only does it make sense but it would improve the plot the only thing William has is a bad feeling about Lex and as good as that can be think of Nia who not only has the same feeling but knows he’s bad because she has her memories from Earth 38 while to back that up while on the other hand William does not. It’s a wild goose chase with him he doesn’t know what he’s looking for but Nia does. I mean just think that through who would make more sense for Kara to work with Someone who simply has a biased gut feeling that he’s bad because of what happened to his friend vs someone who has all of her memories and knows he is bad so she simply knows what to look for and can investigate what Lex changed comparing her new vs old memories. Its logistically makes more sense to use Nia. As important as diversity is and as much as the show should value its woman more above all that it just makes sense. When they first introduced Nia they implied they wanted them to have a similar relationship to Supercat this time reversed having Kara be the mentor which is great. It can show how much Kara has grown since season 1. Last season they started to do that but that’s been mainly dropped since 4B and its a real shame. They could have a similar type relationship if the show focused on them more but if they don’t then they won’t be able to because it won’t have the same amount dept. They’re showing vs telling but then again the show has been having a big problem with that lately with many characters/aspects of the show. 

Also hes not even a good reporter/journalist Lex said he has been spoon feeding William all his info. It’s such a joke the show tried to amp him up as being such a good reporter yet he’s awful heck Winn could have done a better job at reporting. 

2. Karas past/ trauma 

Kara has been through so much this past season and it isn’t even finished yet. The fall out of her relationship with Lena. Lex rising to power once again and lastly LOSING HER ENTIRE PLANET AND FAMILY once again! The show really hasn’t discussed/ tackled Karas trauma/ past since s3 and even then it was only briefly and contained to one episode arcs vs in s1 when it was dispersed throughout the entire season. With everything that has happened this would have been a perfect season to do that and go back to its roots of S1 but in true Supergirl fashion they didn’t. So far has contained Kara only mentioning her past when it comes to Hope speeches which even those are rare now a days. Since crisis ended I think Kara has only mentioned it twice if at all and that’s when week of the villains forced her to (other Brainy bottling his earth). Kara has lost everyone once again in s1 it was Karas main mission to make sure that wouldn’t happen again she would save earth like she couldn’t save Krypton at whatever means necessary. Then in crisis she wasn’t able to do that and despite everything she did she wasn’t able to do so and lost everyone. Her sister her moms her friends everyone. She succeeded in getting everyone back but it shouldn’t be dismissed that she lost everyone yet it is. 5B should have heavily focused on this through the main of the week plotlines/ through her relationships with her friends and family. Like Melissa wants this finally should have been the season where Kara goes to therapy. Like I genuinely don’t get this show Kara lost everyone yet its barely mentioned Kara and Alex only share one scene discussing it and that was during the crossover in the legends episode it wasn’t even an episode of Supergirl that did it (big sigh) when another show does better things with your characters then you do that’s a problem. She lost her mom Eliza yet they have shared no scenes well none outside the funeral which had nothing to do with her and was another example of them not letting her grieve. Its so unrealistic that Kara wouldn’t have flown to Midvale the minute she was able to do to give Eliza the biggest hug it doesn’t matter if Eliza wouldn’t have her memories Kara would (the actress returned this season so she was clearly available to shoot more scenes yet didn’t because this is supergirl after all). Sidenote can they have Kara call Eliza mom more often like having her call her mom doesn’t make Alura her mom anyless she can have two moms because she actually does I know mind blowing. She lost her mom Alura twice yet they refuse to mention outside of a line or two that’s there more so to move along the plot. This has been a problem ever since they had her return in s3 but Kara has so many unresolved feelings and now she’s lost her twice and yet they still refuse so address it which is not only frustrating but sad for Kara as a character. She should be able to address these feelings about how she’s mad at her/ how she felt abandoned by her and still love her a the same time. Them showing Kara be mad at her doesn’t mean she loves her anyless and would be more healthy in the long run yet they won’t do it. 

3. Lenas past, ptsd, and her mother. 

They have been teasing for years whether not not Lena would turn truly evil but hinting at things over and over again and even though everything Lena has done proved the opposite it was still a lingering question. This was supposed to be the season that finally tackled this subject headon and show where Lena would land now knowing Kara/ Supergirl’s secret. I’m not upset Lena did questionable things going into this season I knew they would do so more then ever and from 5x01 that was adamant and I think it was very important to finally do for her character going forward to finally confirm that Lena was good/isn’t Lex. If they wanted to show and contrast how different Lena is from the Luthors there is so many others ways to do that, by just letting Lena be Lena is one of them. You’ve have been writing her that way for 4 YEARS, don’t change that by trying to make the show more interesting by adding “drama” you began to ruin it and an amazing character. That being said the way the show executed that was very poorly 5A was okay but 5B like it did with a lot of things was ultimately the down fall for this season. They’re first big mistake being Non-nocere. Now seeing 5x18 I get its overall idea and reason for being there but it still only should have been a side plot that was around for 4 to 5 episodes tops in the beginning of the season. It also really proves that it was never truly there for Lena it was a plotline made for Lex and to show just how manipulative he can be over which is so frustrating because once again they throw their main women characters to the side to help the men which are guest/minor. It was dragged on to long and stayed way past its prime to the point where it was unenjoyable even Katies amazing acting skills can only carry a bad plot line for so long. Non-nocere should have been there to help Lenas plot line not the other way around. It should have revolved around her story but not be her entire plot line for the season. I think them just going over Lenas trauma, abuse, neglect and abandonment issues would have been enough and a much more effective storyline then Non-nocere but if they wanted to use it then I think they should have atleast called back to Lenas past storylines. When Lena found about what Jack was doing with Biomax she was not only disgusted but terrified her feelings on that wouldn’t have changed so instead of it being nearly implied it should have been mentioned and it should have been one of the things that helped her realize how bad it was sooner. Her getting over the lo0se of Non-nocere and how she feels as though she failed once again would have been much better than the actual story of her using non-nocere itself. She was so afraid in season two that her feelings would get the best of her “I am very, very afraid of the person I might be”. This should have been explored way more and lastly instead of them only focusing on her mom for one episode for the plot (the medallion) it should have been a recurring storyline all season. Not only that she misses her but how her death affects her and how she puts her mom up on a pedestal because she never really knew her only what she remembers about her which isn’t a lot. The guilt she feels over her death etc. If they wanted to use it to move the plot forward they easily could have done that. There was a fan theory Lena’s mom was not only alive but behind Leviathan and that would have been so interesting. Here’s a woman she’s held up to such high standards all her life it would be interesting to see the effects of that. That maybe her mom wasn’t who she believed she was to be and that combined with Karas betrayal could have launched her going to the “dark side”. Also I love Katie and I love seeing more of her on my screen but they really couldn’t find another actress to play her mom or better yet not use a shitty wig. A wig isn’t gonna change anything we all know its Katie. It’s fine you used her many shows use there actors for multiple parts the wig was so unnecessary especially when it’s that bad (thank god Katie could pull off any look, ugly outfits and party city wigs included). Using her to play the mom wasn’t bad and would make a lot of sense as to why Lillian hates her so much she’s a spitting image of her mom. It doesn’t excuse the abuse Lena was a child but it makes sense. I mean she did say Lena looked so much like her etc. Then again shitty wigs are the least of their problems, fix your storylines above all else. 

Bonus: You know your fan favorite couple is Lena and Kara and since this is supposed to be a season about their relationship just lean all in don’t tease and then not have them interact for 5 episodes in a row it’s frustrating. 

This post is becoming a little too long so I may make a part 2 because I sure have a lot more to say. 

[buddha-in-disguise]

100 episodes of Supergirl. And let me tell you it was a doozy.

Well that was an episode and then some. I haven't had a rewatch yet, so no doubt will pick up on some things once I do, but for now here are more immediate thoughts.

The first thing that struck me - it's now canon that Kara and Lena's destinies are intertwined. Who they become, who they were to who they are, whether or not they survive, hell, even whether or not those around them survive, depends on the other person. No-one else has the same impact in their life. Argue all you want, but that sure as hell is a definition of soulmates to me, platonic or otherwise.

If anyone of you are like me, and old enough to have been Xena fans, let me tell you this is so reminiscent of the “When Fates Collide” episode from season 6, which showed that in any alternate universe, Xena and Gabrielle still find each other. That it always comes back to the two of them. Fast forward some 18 years, and this parallels that message. Fate or destiny, call it what you will, but Lena and Kara's lives are intricately linked. I know a few other SG fans are Xena fans, and we've discussed the similarities between Kara/Lena v Xena/Gabrielle numerous times. This is another for that growing list.

So other than that, here are my immediate takeaways from it all.

Mon-El. Now he is a divisive character, and one I honestly have had a lot of issues with. However, this episode I felt showed the better side of him.

I also watched with widening eyes as Kara went to her ex-boyfriend for no reason other than to ask him about Lena! Seriously telling moment for me. I was also pleased Mon-El made the point that he and Lena both came from abusive childhoods and families. At last, the point of Lena having reacted in part like she has is because of abuse, as mentioned. Only the other day I said I was frustrated how Mon-El was forgiven for his actions because of his upbringing, but Lena wasn't afforded the same. It wasn't much, but it was a start. I will add, abuse or not - Lena still is accountable for her own actions (more on that later), just as Mon-El was.

The other thing. Winn has already said to "Give Lena time." Mon-El mirrored that line. Brainy believes in Lena. All three are from the future. Plus, the whole reason Mon-El can even be there? Because L-Corp develops a cure for the Daxamite lead allergy. Not LexCorp. Not Luthor Corp. L-Corp. Now I know that Supergirl and continuity are really poor at times, but I truly hope this is another nod that LexCorp is defeated, and Lena takes control of L-Corp once again, and she does good things, that lead L-Corp into being the cause for good she has always wanted it to be.

Onto Dark Lena. I'd already said to hubby that I wouldn't be surprised if in one of those timelines they didn't show an evil Lena. After all, we've had Kara gone bad now a few times in various scenarios. We even have had a bad Alex (S1, mind controlled anyone? Hmm. Mind controlled Alex. Oh wonder where we've heard that before? Yep, Alex this season. No idea if that is relevant in future episodes if Alex and Lena actually ever have a damn conversation, but it should be, whereby Alex can tell Lena just how mind controlling anyone, regardless of intent is a huge, bad thing, because of her own experiences with it).

So evil Lena was so good. It was pretty obvious to me, once they said that Lena had been injured, then disappeared and came back 2 years later changed, that Lillian/Cadmus had her. Lo and behold, Lillian had kidnapped her, and Lena version of Metallo was born. Even faced with that, when Kara refused to fight Lena, for that split second you could see the flicker in Lena's facial reaction. That split second moment of doubt. Honestly one of the things that I love so much with Supergirl is that they often have these nuanced moments throughout the seasons. Put those moments in the hands of Melissa and/or Katie and they're elevated to another level.

So only the other day on a different post I wrote this: 'Also, in reference to that S2 episode, (note - also ep 13), as Mxy disappears, he says that all he ever wanted was to have someone to love him, but Kara says that "love can't be forced on anybody; it needs to come on its own."'

Then we get the line in this episode of: “You were right what you said. You can’t force magic. It must be found.” Okayyyy then. Wow. Parallels again.

So talking of nuanced moments, let's talk about that ending. Although, before we delve into that I just want to talk about it a moment before Kara lands on Lena's balcony.

Did Kara actually watch that tape?

I find it strange it was left and I believe it wasn’t left by accident. Why else pick it up, and show that title so clearly? Why have that scene in at all unless it has relevance?

Is that why she decided she needed to take the stance she did?

I personally believe this was why it played out like it has. Kara saw something in that tape to take this route.

So the last scene. Again, watch the nuances of expression on Lena’s face as Kara speaks.

From the shock when Kara says “not this time.” to the way she frowned at the last line. Which isn’t calling Lena a villain by the way. For goodness sake please don't misrepresent exactly what was said. Kara is saying *if* Lena becomes a villain.

But there is far more here for me.

Lena knows Kara's true identity. Kara is trusting her with that knowledge even now, and especially with Lex in the picture. We know from the earlier timelines explored that by Kara openly showing who she is to the World, it causes all those around her to be targeted and killed. That is the trust Kara is showing and Lena almost certainly knows it, even without knowing that timeline alternative, and even if she doesn’t want to admit it yet.

A best friend isn't someone who always agrees with you and tells you that you're right.

A best friend is someone that helps you be the best version you can be, reminding you what your values are and what is important. They hold you accountable when you mess up, and support you when you need help. That is exactly what Kara did. She was telling Lena she would be the for her, but she would also hunt her down if she became a Villain.

We also have to remember numerous times, Lena has stated she is not a Villain. And she isn't. Not yet. She is misguided, making some terrible decisions, but ultimately Lena also stated just ahead of when she jumped off the cliff that 'Supergirl will save me.'

Now Lena knows, Kara will save her. But the boundary lines have been set by Kara (who by the way, I still think could never fight back against Lena. Not fully, because she wouldn't even when Evil Lena was killing her. She saw that flicker in the eyes just as I did).

Kara has firmly placed it all into Lena's court. Lena has to make the decision, to meet Kara half way and that Kara shouldn't have the burden placed entirely on her, and they shoulder it together. To realise her mistakes. We know Lena is craving friendship as much as she denies it. Remember this with Hope in 5.08, The Wrath of Rama Khan, and the nuanced reaction Lena gave there as the reality set in?

L: "You're the only friend I can count on."

H: "But, Ms. Luthor, I'm not your friend. I'm something you created to serve a purpose."

Ouch. That one hurt.

This whole end scene is more powerful and pivotal than perhaps realised.

Overall, I loved the episode. I truly did.

I just wish there wasn't another small break between this and episode 14, which isn't until March 8th. Damn all these breaks so close together! It would be so much nicer to be able to watch them without all these interruptions.

[ithinkthingsaboutstuff]

Well I am bored and can’t get back to sleep. So it’s time for a supergirl s5 rant no one asked for.

Now every season has its issues and there were some outside “issues” this season (COVID-19 and Melissa being pregnant) so I will keep that in mind.

That being said.

This season had problems from the word jump. This was for a few reasons.

1- The plot was all over the place

And I don’t mean, ‘oh there was not enough of [blank character] so it was bad.’ No, I mean it was literally jumping between to many elements. Like what was this season about really?

Was it about a new tech environment taking over people’s lives? Was it about an ancient occult power coming out of the shadows to “take” the earth? Was it about adjusting to a post crisis world? Was it about the Luther siblings joining forces to achieve common goal and brainy is a secret inside man?

Now I understand that most tv shows have multiple plot points to follow that’s normal and expected. However, you need to have them meet up in away that is rewarding to the viewer and makes sense for the story that you are trying to tell. And there is an old writing trick called “one step at a time” Basically it boils down to, The audience will only believe one thing at a time.

Eg. You tell the audience this character can only do something in a certain way, (like the sups and the yellow sun,) but then you say that actually never mind this is another way to do it,(like Kara can keep her speed and only her speed under a red sun). This is bad writing as there is no set up or pay off and you cheated your audience by just changing the rules you made for no reason. (Think that kid on the playground that does that “unbeatable force field” thing in a game of tag.)

This can also apply to story concepts this is called a “conflicting narrative” in season 5 this apples to leviathan.

At the start of the season (ep 1 -8) we are told that they are ancient and magical based villains, all good. 

and their big plan is to therefor, of course  *checks notes* to use advice sci fi tech to achieve their goals and do something? with the people inside, yeah that makes sense what else would they use? Magic? that thing the super family is vulnerable to? Nah.....sarcastic’s aside, if you establish one thing you can’t turn in round with no explanation. 

They actually have a good example of this concept working in this season, in ep 10 with Brainy and his changing physical appearance. 

It was set up in the ep early on that our brainy was ‘off’ compared to the other Brainy’s, we get an explanation in the bar scene with the Rath siblings and then it is built upon with a Kara and Brainy scene, then after a build up and a reason (a character based one I might add) it is then and only then that it gets revealed and guess what.... that is hands down the best ep of the season. 

I literally have re-watched that ep so many times cause it’s that good. It is great self contained episodes and builds on per established character moments and plot points (brainy’s character inconsistency and the crisis plot aftermath) it’s the gold standard of what I’m talking about.

it sets up and pays off what it is trying to do and give character base reason for the story. 

But the season as a whole don’t do this effectively because 

2- They focus on making the plot the compliment characters, and not the characters complimenting the plot.   

the blanket term for this is, this is called “build up and release” this is used to drag out tension effectively. there are 2 ways to do this but basically 

1- answer one thing, then that answer leads to another question     

2- give partial answers through out a space of time, to keep attention but not make it the only focus of any given moment.

but anyway,

season 5 has this issue where they bring up a point then either don’t carry it through or don’t ‘step it out’ in a way that leads well to the story.

remember what i said about accepting one thing at a time? now let me ask.

If Leviathan is secret why did they reveal themselves now?

I don’t know and guess what, I don’t care, because the show didn’t care either. they never set up why they came out of the shadows or why that even mattered? so why would anyone care outside of “season’s bad guys”. 

you know what this season did care about the Luther siblings. there is nothing wrong with that per say, I just don’t see why they needed Leviathan if they didn’t actually want to develop them in anyway. If the post crisis season was just about taking down the Luther’s then fine nothing wrong with that.

but here is why they NEEDED the Leviathan ‘plot’ (and i use that loosely) is that they needed it to justify Lena working with Lex and not have her come off as “too evil” that way she can say

“i’m only working with you because I want to get rid of Leviathan” 

instead of 

“i’m working with you because i have the same motives as you”

which would not play well in her “redemption” (and i use that term even looser) they kept an aspect to the story purely to complaint a character they wanted a particular outcome, so they kept a plot element around regardless of how well it actually worked with the story.    

and then there’s the bitch himself LEX (John did a great job tho tbh)

he is the biggest example of ‘plot fitting character’, Lex didn’t fail ONCE the whole season, no problems or surprises and it was “oh so easy for him” like that is just frustrating for everyone, i’m not saying “the hero’s should win all the time” No, but the villains need to earn their wins to. here is why that is an issue if you make it to easy.  

1- the audience wants to see every character have their problems with achieving their goals and how they go about solving the problems as it is and hear me out...entertaining   

2-  when a character always has things “go to plan” it feels super forced, the Human error, is built into us (the audience) as people, so to see it not come into play at all, at any point, feels fake as we all know life don’t work that way for anyone. especially if there are people actively trying to stop you. 

overall you shouldn’t force a plot to fit a character, you should write a character to fit the plot their in (or in other words have them adapted to new situations they don’t even have to do it well) 

Ironically a good example of this in s5 was William

they built up that he was a journalist and that he was hiding something, fast froward and it turned out that he was trying to uncover Leviathan (unknowingly to him) and not apart of them. 

this is a good way for a character to compliment the plot. 

they said here is a new journalist and he doesn’t even know the depths of what he is looking into and that’s a smart move.      

i’m just going to leave this clip here...

this tied in character and plot really well it exampled character and now after this scene they can shift his behaviour and have a reason for it. not just ‘oh actually he was never a jerk and he is nice now’. no it was “he is trying to achieve a goal using this method and now he has been exposed”. This gives a plot based obstacle and character reaction (that failed to work) and it works actually quiet well for a network conspiracy plot.

character completing plot.

and finally 

3- Rushed endings  

now this one is actually treaty to talk about, cause of well the COVID- 19 problems so i can’t be to judgemental about it cause that is a dick move. And on top of that the lead actress (of an action show) was pageant so they had to use he a little less (in fight scenes anyway) so again I’m not going to be a dick about it, and you know i don’t want anyone being forced to work during a pandemic if its not at all necessary. So, i will keep this brief.      

There are still things that fell flat due to being to rushed.

1- the tech/ VR take down.

It was built up for at least 10 eps and they took it down in 5 mins with a pep talk from Kara, like um ok that was easy i guess, don’t know why y’all were worried if you could fix it in an afternoon. this is not a bad plot line in theory, but it was given to much attention for the solution it was given. 

2- Leviathan lady (don’t know and don’t care what her name is) being a robot alien thing.

this one is not too bad? but it was shown way to late in the game and again they didn’t focus enough on Leviathan for this to be of any real audience value outside of a surprise/ shock value. So why should i care now? they barely did anything interesting this season but then you give me something cool 2 mins after it doesn’t matter anymore (with the others bottled). why was this not done earlier in the season? but anyway.   

3- Lena’s “redemption”  

I could write a whole separate rant about this, but for time and my sanity i won’t. but basically, my main issue is that the whole season Lena was spiralling downward and doing worse and worse things to people, and that’s fine from a story pov, but after at least 15 to 17 eps of this and countless bad decisions and judgements she dose ONE good thing and, well that’s all your needed to do, all is forgiven.

now i am all for redemption arcs but one of the main words there is ARC!!!

there needs to be a reflection, apologies, rejections and making mistakes and then truly changing for the better, and still making mistakes!!

it was disgustingly quick and it honestly made me a little uncomfortable. I want to see people grow and learn but people have to earn their own way there. and another thing redemption is not something another person should be reasonable for giving you. (*cough* Kara *cough*)  redemption is something you give yourself through hard choices, personal loses and hard work. and guess what you can do all that and still NEVER get back what you messed up, that was real change and growth is as, 

redemption, real redemption         

comes in the moments when you don’t benefit from it, Lena loses nothing in helping Kara in the end and gains everything she throw away in a minute flat. So, yeah i think it was rushed in a way that made my jaw drop in disbelief because of how badly rushed it was. 

But getting out of that head space.

I like trying to end on a positive note the only part of the ending that was not rushed was Brainy’s bottling of Leviathan, 

it was set up as a thing that be could do (ep 10),it was a hard choice to make (as it was going to kill him) and was given time to feel the full weight of the choice, the Rath sibling hand hold, then Lex taunting him and taking the bottle, and then Brainy being left there alone, Then a bit of hope with Nia’s vision. it was the best part of the ending this season and i want to see more.  that is how you don’t rush an ending let the audience feel the consequences for the character choices with the character.   

anyway season 5 rant over.