One Gay Astronaut

Supergirl Season 1: A Comprehensive Review

Supergirl, the superhero series that premiered in 2015, marked an ambitious attempt to bring one of DC Comics’ most beloved characters, Kara Zor-El, to television audiences. Developed by Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler, and Andrew Kreisberg, the show sought to carve out its own identity in the increasingly crowded field of superhero adaptations. While the first season of Supergirl is undeniably uneven, it offers a heartfelt and often entertaining exploration of family, identity, and heroism.

The Premise and Setting

Supergirl centers on Kara Zor-El (played by Melissa Benoist), Superman’s cousin, who was sent to Earth to protect the infant Kal-El. However, her spacecraft was delayed in the Phantom Zone, and by the time she arrived on Earth, Kal-El had already grown into Superman. Kara, now a 24-year-old assistant at CatCo Worldwide Media, struggles to embrace her own powers and step out of her cousin’s shadow.

The show is set in the fictional National City, a vibrant and bustling metropolis. The city’s visual design, while not as dark or gritty as some other DC adaptations, is colorful and modern, reflecting the optimistic tone of the series.

The Cast and Characters

Melissa Benoist as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl

Melissa Benoist’s portrayal of Kara is the heart and soul of the series. Her performance captures the character’s vulnerability, kindness, and determination. Benoist excels in showing Kara’s internal conflict as she balances her human and Kryptonian identities. Whether she’s navigating office politics or battling alien threats, Benoist’s earnest and charismatic performance keeps the audience invested.

Calista Flockhart as Cat Grant

Calista Flockhart’s Cat Grant, the sharp-tongued CEO of CatCo, is a standout character. Her dynamic with Kara is one of the highlights of the season, offering a mix of mentorship, humor, and occasional antagonism. Cat’s witty remarks and unyielding confidence add depth to her character, making her more than just a stereotypical boss.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast includes Mehcad Brooks as James Olsen, a confident and grounded version of Superman’s iconic friend; Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers, Kara’s adoptive sister and a skilled DEO agent; David Harewood as Hank Henshaw, who is later revealed to be J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter; and Jeremy Jordan as Winn Schott, Kara’s geeky and lovable friend. Each actor brings something unique to their role, though some characters feel underdeveloped in comparison to others.

Themes and Storytelling

Identity and Family

One of the show’s central themes is identity. Kara’s journey is not just about becoming a hero but also about understanding who she is beyond her powers. Her relationships with Alex and their adoptive parents, the Danvers, are crucial to this exploration. The show delves into the complexities of sibling bonds, particularly the tension and love between Kara and Alex.

Feminism and Empowerment

Supergirl embraces its feminist undertones unapologetically. From Cat Grant’s speeches about female empowerment to Kara’s determination to prove herself in a male-dominated world, the show consistently highlights the importance of strong, independent women. However, these messages sometimes feel overly didactic, sacrificing subtlety for the sake of making a point.

Villains and Conflict

The season’s primary antagonists include Astra (Laura Benanti), Kara’s aunt, and Non (Chris Vance), who lead a group of Kryptonian fugitives intent on taking over Earth. While the familial connection between Kara and Astra adds emotional depth, Non feels like a one-dimensional villain for much of the season. The episodic format introduces various “villains of the week,” some of whom are compelling, while others are forgettable.

Strengths of Season 1

Strong Lead Performance

Melissa Benoist’s portrayal of Supergirl is the show’s greatest strength. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions ensures that Kara remains relatable despite her superhuman abilities. Whether Kara is navigating her personal insecurities or rising to the challenge of saving the day, Benoist’s layered performance keeps the audience engaged. Her infectious optimism and sincerity make her a standout among TV superheroes.

Positive Tone

In an era where many superhero adaptations lean towards darker, grittier narratives, Supergirl stands out with its optimism and hopefulness. The show’s lighter tone makes it accessible to a broader audience, including younger viewers. This uplifting approach often reinforces the themes of perseverance and kindness, creating a refreshing contrast to the cynicism prevalent in other superhero stories.

Representation

The series deserves credit for its diverse cast and focus on strong female characters. It also explores LGBTQ+ representation through Alex Danvers, though her arc in this regard becomes more prominent in later seasons. Additionally, the inclusion of characters like J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter and James Olsen brings racial diversity to the forefront, adding layers to the narrative through their unique perspectives and struggles.

Relationships and Character Dynamics

The relationships between characters are a major highlight. Kara’s bond with Alex feels authentic and heartfelt, showcasing a deep sibling connection that evolves throughout the season. Similarly, her mentor-mentee dynamic with Cat Grant provides moments of humor, wisdom, and personal growth. The show also introduces romantic subplots and friendships, such as Kara’s dynamic with James and Winn, which add emotional depth and relatable human elements to the overarching story.

Weaknesses of Season 1

Uneven Pacing and Tone

The first season struggles with pacing issues. Some episodes feel rushed, with plotlines resolving too quickly to leave a lasting impact, while others drag without much progression. The tonal shifts between lighthearted moments and darker themes can be jarring, making it difficult for the show to maintain a consistent narrative rhythm. This uneven pacing often disrupts the viewer’s immersion.

Underwhelming Villains

Aside from Astra, the villains lack depth and compelling motivations. Non, in particular, is underutilized, coming across as more of a generic antagonist than a nuanced character. Many of the “villain of the week” characters feel underdeveloped, serving as mere obstacles for Kara to overcome rather than meaningful threats. This lack of strong, memorable antagonists diminishes the stakes and reduces the tension in several episodes.

Overreliance on Monologues

While the show’s optimistic tone is refreshing, it often relies on lengthy, on-the-nose monologues to convey its themes. Characters frequently articulate the show’s messages in ways that can feel overly didactic, leaving little room for subtlety. This approach, while well-intentioned, risks alienating viewers who prefer more nuanced storytelling.

Visual Effects

Though the show’s budget is commendable for a network TV series, the visual effects are inconsistent. Some action sequences are impressive and convey the scale of Supergirl’s powers effectively. However, others feel noticeably low-budget, with subpar CGI that detracts from the immersion. The inconsistency in visual quality can be distracting, especially in episodes that rely heavily on special effects.

Memorable Episodes

1. “Pilot” – The series opener establishes Kara’s backstory and her decision to embrace her role as Supergirl. It effectively sets the tone for the series and introduces key characters, including Cat Grant, James Olsen, and Alex Danvers. The episode is packed with action, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it an engaging start.
2. “Falling” – In this standout episode, Kara is exposed to Red Kryptonite, leading to a darker and more reckless version of herself. This transformation allows Melissa Benoist to explore a different side of Kara, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The episode also deepens the emotional stakes as Kara’s actions hurt those closest to her.
3. “Hostile Takeover” – This episode delves into Kara’s complicated relationship with Astra, providing emotional depth and compelling conflict. The dynamic between Kara and Astra is explored in greater detail, revealing the layers of love, disappointment, and ideological differences that define their relationship.
4. “For the Girl Who Has Everything” – Adapted from a classic Superman story, this episode explores Kara’s longing for Krypton and her struggle to let go of the past. The emotional weight of the episode is heightened by dream sequences that allow Kara to experience the life she could have had, making her eventual return to reality all the more heartbreaking.

The first season of Supergirl is a flawed yet promising start to the series. Its heartfelt performances, particularly from Melissa Benoist and Calista Flockhart, anchor the show and make it worth watching. While it stumbles with pacing, underdeveloped villains, and inconsistent visual effects, the season’s optimism, compelling themes, and strong character dynamics shine through.