Yes, Red Tornado was a disappointment last episode; but Hank Henshaw’s reveal was amazing.
The repercussions of her fight with Red Tornado echo through this episode with her powerlessness. With the yellow sun’s radiation drained from her cells, Kara finds herself stuck in an earthquake, near an exploded gas main, and with the DEO needing help to stop a telepathic alien criminal roaming free in their headquarters. However, in the absence of power, the everyday people of National City step up and become heroes.
The villain of the week is a telepathic alien called Jemm. From the comics, Jemm is a part of the Green Martian’s clones that lived on Saturn. His skin is red but apart from being brainwashed by Lex Luthor to do evil, Jemm is affiliated with good and is even the prince of his planet. His story often crosses with Martian Manhunter, aka J’onn J’onzz, which makes him a great addition to this episode. However, the visual depiction of Jemm is disappointing as he looked very much like Abin Sur from the Green Lantern movie. Throughout the episode his skin tone looked closer to pink than red and although the editing tactics followed the rule of thumb for a thriller, Jemm just didn’t seal the deal. After the great translation of the Hellgrammite from the comics, Jemm is a letdown.
What is definitely, absolutely, not a letdown is Hank Henshaw’s reveal. After a back breaking effort to stop Jemm, Alex confronts Henshaw for the last time. Henshaw reveals that he witnessed Jeremiah Danver’s death (Alex’s father) and that he is not actually Hank Henshaw. This impersonator was the real Henshaw’s alien target. This impersonator is…
SPOILER
Martian Manhunter. I know when to throw up my hands in defeat. Kudos, Alaisdair! You were right. It’s all well and good, though, for Supergirl to add another big hitter to the television screen. They did it last week and, honestly, it failed. But. My goodness, but: Manhunter’s reveal was amazing. I even got chills. Yes, one can see that he is a CG man standing in front of Alex, but who the hell cares? Manhunter’s suit is fantastic and looks like protective armour. He still has the big, red ‘X’ on his chest and his facial structure is definitely not human. He even towers over Alex. What I want to know is: who is the other person that knows J’onn’s identity?
END SPOILER
Mehcad Brooks, our resident Jimmy… James Olsen, ones again showed just how good an actor he is. In a heart-warming, tear jerking scene, James reveals he lost his dad. The way his cool, calm, and collected bravado dissolved when talking about it was amazing. Along with Melissa Benoist, the pair created a wonderfully, beautiful scene. Until Winn walked in.
Kara and James were just giving each other a reassuring hug and Winn went all defensive jerk. He translated the hug as something more, and even rejected Kara’s apology. It’s overdramatic, but I guess the constant rejection has just built up too much anger. The cold shoulder he gives Kara, however, makes me wonder if the writers are taking this lovable IT geek toward the side of evil. And I would totally dig that.
Another scene needed more praise than I can give is Supergirl stopping a robbery. She enters the store without powers and with a broken arm and she delivers a fantastic speech to stop the thieves. Her words weren’t corny or pushy, but they were peruasive and bold. I am continuously in awe of Melissa Benoist and her performances as Supergirl.
In the final moments, Supergirl congratulates Cat Grant on being the constant hero the city need right now (but not the one it deserved), flies off into the distance, and is then spear tackled by two aliens working for good, old Aunty Astra.
Quote of the Episode: The Superhero doesn’t get the… guy. (Winn)
