I can’t stay quite anymore. I’m in love with what’s happening on TV these days. Specifically about what’s going on over on Supergirl right now. There will be spoilers so stop reading if you don’t want them. This should also be known. I love this stuff. It’s irrational. I can’t actually tell if it’s good or not. I just know I like it a lot because of how much I love comic book stories and I’m honestly more of a DC guy than a Marvel guy, I just tend to like characters other than Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman more than the rest. Ok. Disclaimer over.
The Martian Manhunter J’onn J’onzz showed up on Supergirl episode 7, “Human for a Day”, an episode which had two stories going on. One which dealt with the Solar Flare Supergirl let out in episode 6 when she fought the Red Tornado and then lost her powers, that’s a side effect of the Solar Flare, and the second which resolved the story of why Hank Henshaw lied to Alex Danvers about her father, Jeremiah Danvers, and his death. Lets tackle the second story first.
Hank lied because Hank and Jeremiah were part of a team hunting down an alien, not one of the Fort Roz prisoners but another one, one that happened to be the Martian Manhunter. Jeremiah sacrificed himself to save J’onn J’onzz and then J’onn promised he’d take care of his family, especially Alex. He then assumed the identity of Hank Henshaw and made good on his promise. This blew my mind because in the comics Hank Henshaw is Cyborg Superman so I wasn’t expecting the bait and switch reveal. Great job team DC TV. By the way this all played out while Jemm was running lose in the DEO facility which should of been the clue that Hank Henshaw wasn’t cyborg superman but The Martian Manhunter since they have some history in comic with each other.
The first story was really nice too. I love any story which shows being a hero isn’t about the powers you have but who you are so they take the time to explore Kara without her powers, make her appreciate what its like to be human, both in feeling powerless and then showing that true power or being a true hero is about standing up and doing what’s right. She puts her life on the line as Supergirl without powers to stop a mugging with a gun in her face and the best bluff/inspiring be a better human speech I’ve hear in a while. They also keep making Kat Grant more and more likable which I find to be rather impressive.
Now lets take a second to list what I just mentioned here:
- Martian Manhunter
- Jemm
- Red Tornado – I didn’t mention that episode 6 had T.O. Morrow
- Solar Flare
So in the last two episodes we’ve had two Justice Leaguers, The Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado, a Solar Flare power sighting, a Red Saturnine in Jemm, and I didn’t even mention that Maxwell Lord is in this show and is probably some kind of big bad this season. These are deep cuts that appeal to us nerds who are looking for them. The show also has a presentation to it that I think is universal. All kinds of people are enjoying it for a variety of reasons. Its gotten not just better with the special effects but might be better than The Flash, and that show is killing it all around. The acting is pretty darn good to great. It’s got a fantastic look to it, and it’s fun, emotional, and action packed. Everything I want in a super hero comic book TV show. Heck, everything I want in a super hero comic book. It looks like the ratings numbers are backing that up too since Supergirl went from 13 episodes this season to a full 20. Oh yeah. I hope they had some plans for those extra seven episodes because I want them to keep this pace of reveals, twists, along with character beats, and plot beats every couple of episodes. It’s working and if Flash and Arrow are any indication, it should keep working.
Well now that I’m done gushing about the show I suggest you go and watch it. I’m not sure if you’ll see another one of these anytime soon but you never know. Hasta and go watch some TV. It’s a great time to do it.
