'Supergirl' Season 2 Review
They say sequels are never as good as the original, and in the realm of the TV series, it is rare to find a show where the second season is better than its premiere season. However, when it comes to ‘Supergirl’, this is in fact the case. The series revolving around DC’s ‘Supergirl’ is overwhelmingly optimistic. It is emotionally moving in its promotion of healthy relationships, and is very funny overall.
The show follows the double life of Kara Danvers (played by former ‘Glee’ star Melissa Benoist) - a journalist for media empire Catco - who fights aliens and antagonists alike with Earth sister, Alex Danvers (Chyler Leigh) as part of a secret government department known as the DEO.
Surprisingly, the second season has certainly upped its game. The key to its success? The secondary characters.
After focussing on the establishment of Kara’s alter-ego Supergirl in the first season, the second season has toned it back to the everyday Kara. Her friends and family are equally given their own storylines, and Kara more often than not helps them to survive their own personal circumstances.
A stand out aspect in this season is the introduction of LGBT characters and themes, which are handled with depth and sensitivity. The relationships between characters have been emphasised throughout simple plot lines, almost procedural in nature; this allows for further investment in the show as the characters become increasingly relatable to modern viewers: we cheer in their success, and face-palm at their mistakes.
Season 2 also offers a more delicate handling of romance than the previous season. No longer is the drama treated as the be-all or end-all of a story arc, or a goal to be achieved (which was a slight undertone in the first season). The platonic relationships between family and friends are treated as paramount, which is ultimately refreshing and much needed in our contemporary, materialistic society.
SPOILER ALERT!
The highlight of this season, however is the introduction of Clark Kent (a.k.a. Superman), who in the first season was always out of shot or present only in an online chat form. Fans of ‘Teen Wolf’ may have squealed when Tyler Hoechlin revealed himself to be Superman. It really is the perfect casting for such an iconic character in a modern adaptation of the cult classic. Hoechlin makes Superman extremely likeable as opposed to arrogantly perfect as he tends to be conveyed in the comics and films. Furthermore, the actors’ chemistry is evident in the relationship between Kara and Clark, which is precious to watch. Benoist really captures the joy her character feels being with him.
‘Supergirl’ also features crossovers with other DC TV series: ‘The Flash’, ‘Arrow’ and ‘Legends of DC’; this was a very ambitious project that actually works brilliantly, while keeping Kara and Supergirl authentic to its own series. For fans of ‘Supergirl’ alone, the series makes perfect sense and is equally as enjoyable as a standalone program.
One can’t help notice however, few things missing from the series. Although the underlying fight against xenophobia is highly compelling, the episodic plot lines throughout the series often fall flat. The absence of Cat Grant (Calista Flockhart) is also deeply felt with the lack of female mentorship, sass, and heartfelt bonding moments between boss and employee.
Overall, ‘Supergirl’ is a show that will make viewers feel invested in its characters. No knowledge of the DC universe is needed before viewing, and the overwhelming optimism leaves its audience with a sense of hope. While fans of well-written and complex plots may find their interest waning, with half a season left to air in 2017 there is every chance of a surprising end to the otherwise compelling season.
‘Supergirl’ returns to our screens in January 2017.
