Superman Homepage reviewer T.A. Ewart (aka liheibao) reviews episodes from the “Supergirl” TV series, airing on The CW.
Check out his review of the 12th episode of Season 2 in which, Armek, a White Martian, descends on National City intent on taking M’gann back to Mars to face her punishment as a traitor.
Originally Aired: February 13, 2017
WRITTEN BY: Robert Rovner and Cindy Lichtman
DIRECTED BY: Tawnia McKiernan
REGULAR CAST:
Melissa Benoist (Kara Danvers/Supergirl)
Chyler Leigh (Alex Danvers)
Mehcad Brooks (James Olsen)
David Harewood (Hank Henshaw/J’onn J’onzz)
Jeremy Jordan (Winslow “Winn” Schott)
RECURRING CAST:
Chris Wood (Mon-El)
Floriana Lima (Maggie Sawyer)
GUEST CAST:
Brenda Strong (Lillian Luthor)
Katie McGrath (Lena Luthor)
Frederick Schmidt (John Corben/Metallo)
Peter Gadiot (Mr. Mxyzptlk)
Andrea Brooks (Eve Teschmacher)
Ian Gomez (Snapper Carr)
Rating – 4 (out of 5): “Luthors” functions due to following a more linear format of storytelling, i.e., a traditional superhero/rom-com tale. People need saving and Supergirl is off to the races. However, the best portions are what Supergirl revisits inadvertently, and the appearance of the best fifth-dimensional imp in literature. Supergirl doesn’t believe in tension, and it wraps up any such tautness in 2-3 episodes. Alex was wrecked by Maggie and in a relationship within a fortnight. Jimmy and Winn’s secret was revealed to Alex in sweet and short period. Now we see the friction between Kara and Jimmy resolved, but it also begs the question, why was there any tension to begin with? After an entire season of Kara mooning after Jimmy, they decide to be friends without ever looking back. Why then, is there such a problem over being Guardian? What’s more, in these scene allotted by “Luthors”, the chemistry between Kara and Jimmy is still there, which makes one wonder for what reasons it was quashed in the first place.
Mxyzptlk is one of the hardest characters to write for. Writers who are terrified of Superman, fall fetal at the mere mention of him. He is literally a character that can do anything without reservation, and many modern writers are character hacks, as opposed to competent storytellers. However, to see Mxyzptlk arrive decked in a two-piece, professing love for Kara, and effectively blocking Mon-El (sorry shippers, but Mon-El is going to the Zone like Buffy sent Angel to Hell) from any hope of consummation, not only raised an eyebrow, it made me look forward to next week’s episode that much more. Now, when do they sing?!
Check out the “Supergirl – Episode Reviews” Contents page.
I have to agree about Kara and Jimmy. Clearly the only real reason the relationship was so abruptly abandoned was to leave Kara open for a romance with Mon-El (kinda makes me wish that damn pod had never showed up at all). Which leads back to one of the problems I think the CW shows tend to have where some situations are basically manufactured simply as a way to get where they want to go with little to no build up regardless of how unnatural it feels for the characters or to simply work in a gratuitous conflict between characters… Read more »
This one was alright. Didn’t light my world on fire and it would be very nice if Kara started showing some nuance instead of being the show’s resident cheerleader 24/7, but overall the episode works. Primary issue for me were the Kara/Mon-El scenes. Once again, it’s kind of impossible for me to care about this relationship when the show hasn’t done a good job establishing what draws these two toward one-another. Mon-El I understand (though they’ve crippled the character), but Kara? Nope. Minor nitpick, but I don’t like the ‘inspirations’ from Smallville. Especially when they point to a much more… Read more »
Im getting caught up as I don’t come to the site as much since I stepped back from Moderating duties, but I liked this episode. It was pretty strong imo. But, i think they need to cast their Lex Luthor. It would really make sense and i think give the show a jolt. I also feel that they need to make Superman a recurring character.
But, I also believe that they will play out a multiverse story on the big screen before Marvel will and they will connect everything. I will scream that until it happens..lol
Oh..and as probably one of the biggest Smallville fans among the site admins I have to say..i geeked out hearing them use Lionel Luthor. 🙂 Gives me hope that they might visit the Smallville universe at some point. I think they could do it with their version Green Arrow, chloe and lois if Tom wasn’t willing. But, I also think Tom would if asked. And, thank you Hulu for adding Smallville….I’ve been able to watch some episodes i forgot about since my daughter is a Superman/Supergirl nut (yes..i’m an awesome dad..lol..still cant get her to embrace Star Wars though…she’s pushing… Read more »