Superman on Television

Supergirl: Episode Reviews

Season 2 - Episode 7: "The Darkest Place"

Reviewed by: T.A. Ewart (aka liheibao)

The Darkest Place Originally Aired: November 21, 2016
WRITTEN BY: Robert Rovner & Paula Yoo
DIRECTED BY: Glen Winter

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)
Ian Gomez (Snapper Carr)

RECURRING CAST:
Chris Wood (Mon-El)
Floriana Lima (Maggie Sawyer)
Brenda Strong (Lillian Luthor)

GUEST CAST:
Dean Cain (Jeremiah Danvers)
Sharon Leal (M'gann M'orzz)
Victor Zinck Jr. (Phillip Karnowsky)

5Rating - 5 (out of 5): "Great so far, Pee-wee. Action-packed!"

Quite the installment this week. Every player saw some light - Correction, every player saw ample light. Jimmy and Winn were in the lurch to clear Guardian's name. Martian Manhunter learned the truth about Megan, and himself in turn. Mon-El was exposed to lead, finally, and Jeremiah Danvers made an appearance to save Supergirl. On top of that, the debut of Cyborg Superman, played by Mr. Harewood, who now has the dual role to contend with. I'm certain he's enjoying every minute of it. Supergirl faced a foe that seems more than a match, in Cyborg Superman, and that may make for better challenges for her the remainder of the season. All this comes with a cost, of course, as viewers aren't given much in terms of story arc for Supergirl herself. She's become the straight man, allowing the other characters to play off of her. This will surely infuriate some, but Supergirl, like her cousin, is such a well developed character on Supergirl, she provides the stability and leadership needed with so much action and change being about. Hopefully there will be more for her, and not the boring budding romance between her and Mon-El. No chemistry whatsoever.

There are always shortcomings to any episode, no matter how high the rating, and it's the niggling and needless left untied. Cyborg Superman names himself as such, leaving viewers to only guess at why his nomenclature is what he says it is. Cyborg Superman is able to override the security of the Fortress of Solitude with Kara's blood, however, shouldn't Kelex know that isn't Supergirl just by observing what's right in front of him?! Why are secret IDs verboten? The set-up of Winn and Jimmy having the secret of Guardian, was poised to yield excellent dividends, if only by the interplay of the early alien barroom scene. Still the secret is divulged, and divulge to the resident Mary Sue of the show, Alex. Alex, who must be involved in every aspect of the show, even if for no good reason. Maggie Sawyer was brought on the show for what purpose? Maggie Sawyer of the comics is an excellent police officer, heady woman, and very close to the hard-boiled, two-fisted Pis a la Mickey Spillane. Maggie on the show has done little more than be a jerk. A complete and absolute jerk. Why Alex desires friendship with someone who left her high and dry, in the worst way, is beyond me... and possibly beyond the writers of the show. Romance tropes and social agenda don't always mix, and in this case, the lurch forward for these two is painful to watch. Lastly, when she had the chance, why didn't Supergirl use her speed when she was released? Why didn't Supergirl just use her speed, overpower everyone, snag the keys and amscray with Mon-El? Jeremiah easily removed the bullet; it's doubtful that anyone else would have had difficulty doing the same.



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