Supergirl, For the Girl Who Has Everything, doesn’t take any time in following up last week’s late monster. Kara has been attacked by a Black Mercy, a plant-like creature that forces its host into euphoric dreams. With the help of imprisoned Max Lord, the DEO devise a way to put Alex into Kara’s dreams and bring her home. But the DEO is pressed for time. With Supergirl down, Astra, Non, and their army plant strange devices on satellites around the city. Meanwhile, Cat notices Kara’s absence and starts pressuring Winn. Once again, it’s J’onn J’onzz that has to wear the cape… and skirt.
Unfortunately, the creature creeping in the night was not Starro but a Black Mercy. The Black Mercy’s first appearance was from a Superman comic of a very similar title to this episode: For the Man Who Has Everything. Visually, the plant is uprooted straight from the comics, however its origin is different. As opposed to Non planting the creature in Kara’s apartment, the comics have them being harvested and used by Mongul, an alien world conqueror. Some comic book heroes that have also been under the effect include: Superman, Batman, Green Arrow, and Green Lantern.
Although it was a slight disappointment that it wasn’t Starro, the use of Black Mercy created another wonderful acting opportunity for Melissa Benoist. Upon returning to the real world, the torment in her eyes is heartbreaking. At first, I thought the second chance with family would be a welcome reality. But, as she reconfigures Non’s face, Supergirl releases her true pain. Non made her lose her family. Again.
However, it wasn’t just in the broken moments where Benoist shone. In order to save Kara’s job, J’onn had to take her place at Catco for the day. It was almost eerie seeing Kara strut through the office like J’onn.
Speaking of, Supergirl audiences got to see even more of Martian Manhunter. The slow progression form his reveal to fights with the White Martian have been well worth it. This episode has the Martian Manhunter flying into action and fighting Astra. Split between this and Supergirl’s battle, Manhunter’s fight was brief but, as opposed to the White Martian fight, Manhunter continued being green when he landed and talked. Perhaps the voice and mouth didn’t align perfectly. It’s such a small detail that it’s almost overwhelmed by the magnificent presence of J’onzz super suit.
But the most amazing part of this episode was the chance to visit Krypton and we have the Black Mercy to thank for that. This Krypton was poles apart from Man of Steel’s. The city was like a futuristic Mertropolis with large panels of glass and natural light. Everything was superbly clean, the outfits light and flowing. And, the biggest surprise, was the little boy with black hair. The introduction of young Kal El (Clark Kent) was amazing and ultimately a primary item to Kara’s Utopia. A lot of Kara’s earthly insecurities are based on the idea that she failed. Her mother gave her one job, to care for Kal El and she was too late. In her perfect world, she would have been there for her cousin. And it was amazing how seamlessly she fit into this world, how fantastic she would have been as Kal El’s older cousin, and (most likely) the perfect daughter.
This episode was an amazing example of how Supergirl is, well, human. She can whack on a brave smile as much as she wants but she isn’t Superman. I wouldn’t be surprised if she takes Non down. For good.
Quote of the Episode: That’s no fun. You know I can’t get drunk. (Kara)
