Supergirl Season 4 Review / Thoughts

[HELLFIRE]

Continuing to post my thoughts about the Supergirl TV series.

Ep 1
Opens with Supergirl pulling doubleshifts globally while Superman is offworld -- very Christopher Reeve / Superman IV
where Superman was going around the world and meeting and greeting with everyone in their native tounge after rescuing
and/or helping them. Other things I loved this episode :

- the return of Lynda Carter, and the much brighter Supergirl title card logo were welcome things this ep.

- Alex and Brainiac still finding their footing with one another, but these two actors have great chemistry with one
another in their scenes, and liking Brainiac 5's presence overall.

- the Lena / Kara relationship seems patched up from last season albeit offscreen, but the Lena / Supergirl still on cold
prickly ground. Was a delight they brought back Lillian Luthor this episode to guest star, never mind how Lena played
Lillian to get evidence to get the DA to stop its prosecution of James / Guardian.

- Danvers sister moment. Always brilliant with these two characters' actors.

- alittle less clunky writing -- one of my main complaints last season -- but it still had its flaw with the whole
"Otis is captured" bit, and I've no doubt this episode thematically will no doubt be polarizing given the subject matter
about immigrants/immigration/"the other"/etc. and hatred / acceptance thereof.

- the major hook of the season with the Russian version of Kara Zor-El. DUNDUNDUN!

I also enjoyed Nia Nal / Nicole Maines - very watchable character, and not preachy / political, as was the concern when
it was mentioned a transgender was being brought on board for this season. We'll see how it goes with this character.

Lines I loved
---
"she wants to remain hopeful, that's one of the things I most admire about her."

"I just finally feel the world is good."

Ep 2
The fallout and transition begins with the reveal of Lynda Carter's character as an alien, and her replacement with
Bruce Boxleitner -- sad that Brent Spiner was originally cast for the role but had to bow out. Had to LOVE the scene
of Supergirl grabbing and holding the American flag and keeping the peace between the two camps of protesters -- large
and incharge without resorting to her fists.

But I had the HUGEST grin on my face though when they brought back Eve Tessmacher again this episode, and had her helping
out during Mercy's attack on LCorp, along with the convoluted "I'm not super" shenanigans they had Kara going through as
she, Eve and Lena were running around the building.

James Olsen as a Perry-esque role, and James Olsen & Nia Nal's interaction - I like this role for James, and I didn't find
Nia Nal "preachy," I found this "I was hurt too before, and I can't stand by while others get hurt for being different" / Martin
Niemöller, and something I could honestly get behind. And like the episode last season with James expressing his emotional
scars from being treated differently because of his skin color, beautifully and passionately played by both of them.

Two plot points that I found broke the Suspension Of Disbelief Meter(TM)

- Brainy has an imager from LCorp, and it's tied to a failure "in the cloud." Alittle TOO convenient, but gave us some
more great "Barney" moments, especially in dealing with the fallout of the pizzeria not accepting him for being an alien.

- Mercy getting her hands on kryptonite via the darkweb, and Jensen walking out the DEO door with the element
atomizer -- par for DEO security course, I guess so I guess I'll roll with it. Will be interesting to see what
they do with Jensen longterm.

Lines I loved
---
"Remind the world that there is still goodness here. Be that beacon of hope that we still need."

"Supergirl, I'd ask how you bypassed a lockdown but..." / "But you're in a crisis and you're happy to see me?"

"You know they say the Graves twins are collector items, Vintage Lex era." / "I hear they're worth more if they never
come out of the box."

"Changing heart and minds, that's not really my thing." / "It's mine." / "And she's really good at it!"

"I'm loyal to this country sir, no matter who runs it." / "I'm honored and encouraged to have your help."

Ep 3
The "Where's Waldo" episode of Supergirl; as I understand it, it was due to Melissa B's availability. Again, likely a
polarizing episode given it shows the backstory of Agent Liberty and his transformation to what he is today. I do admit
I personally had to like the episode and portrayals, and found it a fairly balanced, 3dimensional attempt to show that
monsters aren't created overnight, and I couldn't help but feel Ben Lockwood's pain as he has everything he knows and
loves stripped away, one by one. There were some great callbacks to prior events of the series the last 3 seasons, which
gave things an internal continuity.

I had to crack a smile at the scene where Kara subtly uses her superstrength to disarm Ben Lockwood at the alien bar
during karoke night when Winn's mother was guest-played by Laurie Metcalf last season; very Reeves-esque, and shows the
S-shield doesn't always have to be overt. I also liked when Lena was brough to the DEO to give Supergirl her "anti-K"
suit, great moment for Alex to express how much Kara means to her, and how grateful she is for Lena's help. I sincerely
hope this reinforces Lena going to the side of Team Supergirl.

Lines I loved
---
"J'onn I can fix this. I can fix her. I am not losing my sister today!"

"Because Supergirl went very, very easy on them."

"People underestimate me, but I care."

Ep 4
Continues the overall arc of Mercy, Otis, and Agent Liberty spreading fear and hate of aliens. In the meantime, Supergirl
is off the board in her suit while the atmosphere is seeded with kryptonite. I really enjoyed the guest character of
Manchester Black, certainly hope he's back for more episodes this season!

Other memorable moments this episode :

- Brainy & Lena working together to clear the atmosphere of kryptonite, and them opening up to one another : Brainy
admitting he's techno-organic and does have feelings, and Lena angry her tech to save has been stolen and perverted.
GREAT scene between the two! I'm alittle put off by Lena's "I could murder someone" comment, but considering how
many times now she's been screwed over.

- DEO site B and the alien inmates contained therein, specifically the Hellgrammite. Nice little callback there.

- J'onn torn between the path of peace and his reaction to both the anti-alien sentiments and kryptonite poisoning of Supergirl.

- Danvers sisters pie moment.

I'm alittle offput by the following plot threads :

- Alex's "chain of command" speech vs Kara's "I want to help," never mind President B Boxleitner's reaming out Alex
-- his "Supergirl does not leave the DEO unless I give the order" -- smacked of micromanagement, never mind the comment
of Supergirl being an employee of the DEO. Have to see where this goes in the future, as well as the "as long as it takes"
oversight of the DEO.

- James goes Guardian again, and may be deputized by the city. And all they did the first two eps to establish him as
a Perry White-esque head of a major media corp. Personally I think Guardian is a backwards step for the character.
Also worrisome how he's painted afterwards as a HUMAN hero "crushing roaches underfoot." Sounds like someone's cooking
something in the propaganda department.

Final hooks this episode of the Russian Kara out of lead containment now the atmosphere is cleared up and wanting to get
back to her training, and with the death of Mercy and Otis, Agent Jensen being infected by a parasite to become the Parasite?

Lines I loved
---
"If you're in your mind palace, tell Streaky I said, 'Hi.'"

"He wasn't human, he was loose ends."

"Americans, man. No idea how to drink."

"We're sprocked!"

"I'm a hero, I take risks."

"I don't want to ask too much of them. They're nanites."

"Danvers sisters have never really been big on rules."


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep 5

GREAT opening scene of the rooftop relax moment with Team Supergirl, and Brainiac 5 getting drunk of mojitos. Nice
relax moment for everyone, and an amusing "socially awkward moment" for Jessie Rath to show his stuff!

A-plot is Agent Jensen getting the powers of Parasite. Amused me to realize the shooting scene of the first Parasite
v Supergirl fight is at Canada Place in Vancouver, specifically at where the Olympic Torch is! Sucks though how easily
Supergirl was taken down / reduced to "guest starring" role in her own show again. I also worry about the casualness
of "lets beat Parasite with nuclear material" again, last time last season I thought that was poorly written from a
scientific perspective... but this was probably worse, with talk of "uranium less stable than plutonium," or "electrical
(ionic) forcefield stopping radiation," "distribution of electrons" and "550% of capacity, but that will kill everyone
in the dome." Idunno where the writers are getting their scientific education... but did like the moments Supergirl
was using her powers in the final battle, ESPECIALLY the iconic hands on hips pose!

B-plot is the new Colonel over Alex. A creepy and uncomfortable experience, in a "I'd rather be..." kind of way. Personally
I didn't get any sort of chemistry with the Colonel's actor, never mind her "I will purify this place!" mindset. If
this was an attempt at a military hardass "Amanda Waller" type portrayal, I'm not sure if it's working or not...

C-plot is James and Lockwood at the press event. Another creepy in a "I'd rather be..." kind of way. LOVED James'
"You will not lay this at my feet" line," but sucks leads to another Guardian outing again.

D-plot is Supergirl and Nial interviewing an alien healer, and the dark secret of his past, though I thought this was
the weakest of the plotlines, both in suspension of disbelief and clunky writing. I did appreciate the tone of the
"division in the country" and "healing the human heart." I also liked J'onn being shown in his "detective" comics
persona, with fedora as well, which was amusing.

Lines / scenes I Loved :

"Long live the Legion!" (before passing out)

"You told me to find you, not call you."

"Why don't you pick on someone your own shape."

Kara adorkable moment while J'onn does alittle B&E.

Alex's "proton packs" line and scene.

"Supergirl will get them out." / "On it!" and the iconic hands on hips pose.

"You solved the crime!"


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep 6

Alittle better episode overall compared to last week's. With Thanksgiving around the corner for our friends south of the
49th, and Supergirl once again celebrates this.

A Plot is the Children of Liberty getting more overt in their antialien actions, and the echoes of Kristallnacht definitely
hit home with me, with the group deliberately going out and marking, then targetting homes of aliens in National City.
Of course The Colonel is still on her "I will purify this place" anti-alien spiel, considering these actions as unworthy
of the DEO's attention. Didn't help either with The Colonel belittling Supergirl's efforts saying she should go work for
the NCPD instead, but loved Alex and Brainy attempt to do their own covert investigation -- with predictable Brainy social
faux pas.

Besides the physical violence aspect, there's also the media battle being fought by Ben Lockwood and Kara, covering for James O.
While I think Kara comported herself well on the debate, sucks they left it hanging that Ben had gotten the upper hand with
her with the historical aftermath between the Europeans and indiginous population -- be nice for Supergirl to win both physically
as well as verbally....

Great climax scene especially with Brainy's "Or else I'll be required to beat you up... with physics!" fight scene against
the C.O.L. Anonymous Army and Supergirl's own actions against Spike. I'm thankful the writers got it right in having Supergirl
large and incharge, both with breaking up the inital first attack with heatvision, and calming Spike down at the end... was afraid
they'd resort to the hackneyed "Supergirl not good enough to save the day in her own show" cliche.

Tied in with this is the subplot of Lena and James' disagreement in how to handle c.O.L, with James going cloak and dagger to find
out who the leader is, and Lena finally admitting she traded information to the DA to get James off the Guardian indictment.
I do love how Mehcad Brooks and Katie McGrath portray their characters' emotions and POV, but I kinda thought this alittle off.

Loved Manchester Black's return this episode, and his "street level" methods of dealing with the C.O.L., if somewhat
grimace-inducing to watch him work over the C.O.L. member for information, and the implication of his fate at the end.

B-Plot is Lena and Miss Tessmacher's further work with the Harun-El in curing cancer. I worry what the writers have in mind
with Lena working with the Harun-El, considering the unresolved friction between Supergirl and Lena. And I still want Lena
to be on Team Supergirl, contrary to calls for I've heard for her to go evil from other places.

C-Plot is the great Thanksgiving dinner, and Helen Slater's return this episode. Great moment with Team Supergirl and friends
-- Kara, Alex, Eliza, J'onn, Manchester, Lena, Brainy, Nia, James. I'm wondering about Nia's secrecy / hesitation to open up
with her telling James and Kara she's looking for a doctor to address her narcolepsy, then telling Eliza she doesn't need a doctor.
I do have to admit there was good chemistry between Nicole Maines and Helen Slater in that scene.

Scenes / Lines I loved :

Return of Helen Slater Zen. Rather lowkey presence Helen had again this episode, especially at the end where she conveniently
"has to leave" and can't share in the final Danvers sister moment, but still always a pleasure to have her around!

"I may not be the woman of steel, but if you push me, you will find I do not bend."

"My favorite Martian."

"You mean Nia Nal, the one who's literally asleep on the job?"

"What do you bench?" / "Normally drug dealers."

Preinterview scene with Nia and Kara.

"That's pretty heavy language, and I would really appreciate it if you didn't call aliens 'Roaches' in my presence." / "Or do you
just classify them that way so you don't have to deal with the fact they're living, breathing beings just like you and I?" BEST
line ever, and one I can REALLY get behind.

"Well if it isn't my stalker?"

"But evil people wouldn't get powers." / "And who would decide? They'd be playing god."

"Why did you bring that to dinner?" / "I figured if things got boring I might do alittle work."

"I gotta get to work. So can you give me a ride?"

"I love you and there is no line I would not cross to keep you safe." / "If that's what you think love is, I'm not sure I want
any part of that."

"Well... dogs may not like me anymore but I still got it with dragons."

"Once again, the Girl of Steel proving what she's made of."

Also fun bit of news that John Cryer will be playing Lex Luthor in E15. Just to remind me, here's him in Superman IV as Lenny
Luthor -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_-Ft_o2aPc


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep 7

EPIC opening scene of Supergirl floating above National City listening in... and on hearing of a hostage situation
flying off, and using superspeed to both catch a bullet and disarm the Children Of Liberty perpetrator. Manchester
Black is in on the action, using his streetlevel response on the COL. I'll say it again, I LOVE Manchester Black
so far!

A-Plot is Jimmy meeting up with Agent Liberty, who wants Guardian to become a symbol to motivate his followers... and
to kill Supergirl. Nice complex bit with Jimmy having to choose between bailing and his COL helper dying, or helping
the COL and forever tarnishing himself, and him making and taking the hard choice. LOVED his "So if the latest fringe
group wants to tear that monument down, we will build it right back up" line.

The scene of Manchester Black's betrayal of Supergirl REALLY grated on my nerves, but fits his personality to a Tee,
and at least explains how the COL could take on a depowered Supergirl on their own rather than a fullstrength one.
Alittle inconsistent how they portrayed her slightly depowered vs no powers... but in the end Manchester Black doesn't
get what he wants so betrays the COL and repowers Supergirl so she can lift off and throw the bomb into the atmosphere
-- the scene of her hovering there with a "do NOT fsck with me!" face... 6 ways of EPIC! SUPERGIRL SAVING THE DAY IN
HER OWN SHOW FTW!

B-Plot is Lena and Miss Tessmacher starting the Harun-El trials, and Lena trying to distance herself from seeing the
subject as anything more. Like how Eve builds her up for all the good this will do... but given how often TPTB tear
Lena and her good intents down, I HOPE they won't have Lena go dark. Also like the moments given where as much as
Lena tries to distance herself professionally from him, but the more they interact the more of a connection they have.
Figured the person Lena mentioned she lost was her mother, but turns out was her adopted mother, and how Lena didn't
do anything to help when she needed it -- Loved Katie M's delivery of this scene.

C-Plot is Ben Lockwood getting his own TV series, and him launching the media war on Supergirl, asking whether she's
a hero or "the seed that leads to the eradication of the human race." Gets scarier and scarier how he can gravitate
between extremes -- politeness and reasonability vs violence and destruction. With the failure of the destruction
of the monument, and not killing Supergirl, his media moment is lost. And he now has Manchester Black onto him as well...

Lines / Scenes I loved :

Surely there has to be a part of you that can find a commonality between aliens and humans, we just want good, safe
lives for our loved ones.

I don't tear things down. That's not my style.

You have met him. I AM the scientist.

Supergirl lifting up the shipping container to get at a clue.

Believe me, I've never been a hero. / Neither have I.

Supergirl landing on Manchester's balcony with peace pie.

I guess this is what happens when we let fear guide us.

But luckily I always come prepared, it's a yellow sun grenade, to boost my powers. Think of it like a Kryptonian
multivitamin.

And I would know, because I am a much worse person than you.

I made a deal with our dead friend over there, and he did not deliver, but maybe you can. Who is Agent Liberty?

Danvers sisters moments in the apartment, and J'onn J'onnz end scene realizing Manchester's dark side. Powerful acting by David Harewood.


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep 8

Great episode overall! A-Plot is Nia Nal, and how her dream powers are increasing. I had to laugh at her roommate's
sass in the morning! Having alittle difficultly resolving her original intro earlier as a transgender, but now with an
alien twist from Naltor, and Brainy's convoluted "I can't tell you about the future" schtik. Loved the Kara / Brainy / Nia
scenes this episode, as well as the clumsy Brainy scenes! I love the way these two are growing into their roles in the
show!

B-Plot is Manchester Black, and his continued quest for revenge against Agent Liberty / Ben Lockwood. Have to wonder
what's going on in Ben's mind as there seems to be a hint of multiple personas and him not sure who he is moment to moment.
Again the duality and extremes of of Agent Liberty as overt and Ben Lockwood as covert anti-Supergirl and anti-alien continues
to impress. And Manchester himself is creepily and eerily full dark mode -- playing the charming guest in the presence
of Ben's wife, while twisting the knife to get Ben to reveal and admit all his secrets to his wife. Continue to love
Manchester in this series, inspite of his moondust trick to Supergirl. Thought that'd take her out of the fight but that
leads to the BEST scene of the episode where, despite the mental taunts of Manchester and entrapped in Nth metal, she
says "I'm not struggling, I'm FLYING!" and lifts the whole building up! Followed by the encore of her cradling Ben's
wife in her arms after she falls off the balcony. GOT to love Supergirl when she's SUPER in her own show.

The whole Children of Liberty plotline looks like it'll continue on slow boil, with the "I am Sparticus"-esque response by
all the captured Children of Liberty prisoners, as well as the return of President Boxleitner -- still annoys me he can't
chillax and look at things "glass half full" -- but in light of the pressure on him, never mind his "poll numbers" complaint.
The final scene of President Boxleitner demanding Supergirl reveal her secret identity, as well Supergirl renouncing her
association with the DEO... beautifully played by all! And the scene of Ben's wife screaming for Liberty while her husband
is led off to prison as Supergirl floats above the crowd shows it's not all over yet with this plotline.

But the final scene on Earth-90, and John Wesley Shipp as Flash, and what looks like a Monitor and the Book of Destiny!
OH CANNOT WAIT for this year's crossover!

Lines / Scenes I loved :

"You're apologizing to me for believing the best in someone? It's kinda my whole thing."

Supergirl superpowers lifting up the couch and superspeed catching Nia's coffee.

"Stockpiling for the great coffee war?"

"But she's the guest of honor! Now, play nice."

Manchester's head beat / "get out of my head" scene.

"Somewhere in your perfect little house there's a silly costume he puts on to go do terrorism. Show me that mask."

"Chicanery. Very good. I'll distract Nia while you catfish our new friends. Hail me after."

"Reporting 101, when you get kidnapped, you're on the right track. Tell that to Lois Lane." With the news of Lois Lane
coming to the crossover, can't wait!

Kara, Nia and Brainy superpowers, including the "ancient kryptonian memory technique" finger flick, Brainy slipping his
flight ring onto a CoL member, and Supergirl rushing out so fast her glasses and phone float in midair.

"Put the suit on. I want to die doing what you love."

"Are you okay? Of course you're okay."

"Just give me a call from whatever black site they send you to."

"Thought that was a class ring." / "I was homeschooled."

"I came here to stop him. Don't make me stop you."

"But maybe that's my curse. Beliving in those that don't deserve it."

"The United States does not want a war with Supergirl." / "Then I trust you won't start one." -- which reminds me that the Russian
Supergirl is still out there. Will be interesting to see how prophetic this line is in the future.

"Protect this place, and everything it stands for."


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep10
---
Welcome back Supergirl! Opens with the Russian Supergirl flexing her abilities and powers with the Russian military
looking on. Glad this plot thread was brought back... and looking forward to seeing what they do with it.

Lena & Kara workout... glad this was shown, and the Lena/Kara friendship strengthened like that. Plus the repairing of
the James / Lena relationship. I'll repeat it again, Lena should be on Team Supergirl! Plus the news and pics of Jon
Cryer's (aka Lenny Luthor in Superman IV) casting as Lex Luthor! I can't wait!

Primary plot point is Supergirl continuing to "save the day" away from the DEO, and the DEO still trying to find out
her secret identify. CREEPY the revelation that alien children were taken away during their arrival to Earth and
trained / forced to be the Government's dirty tricks assassin squad, never mind the "cloak and dagger" behind people
trying to bury the paper trail about that. Col. Haley continues to annoy and belittle Supergirl's efforts, which REALLY
irked me! Never mind she goes to a REALLY dark place, calling on an alien lie detector to figure out and root out people
with knowledge of Supergirl's secret identify -- never mind the final scene of J'onn wiping out everyone's memories of
Supergirl, including Alex Danver's herself. Poignant and beautiful scene.

There's also a nice nod to J'onn J'onnz comics history with him hanging his private investigator's licence on the wall
in his new office. Jessie Rath continues to do a GREAT job with his "awkward social interaction" moments therein, with
J'onn and Nia Nal.

And speaking of Nia Nal, she's being built up herself as a superhero / "this binder contains some costume ideas, and some
codename ideas." Her costume design looks to be interesting!

Other scenes / lines I Loved :
- Supergirl rescue of soldier falling off the boat.

- "I didn't come here because of the DEO. I came here because there were people who needed help."

- "Just because I don't work at the DEO anymore doesn't mean I'm going to stop being a hero, no matter what you say."

- "I recently restructured my neural net to form many small compartments for storing sensitive information. If I so
desire it, I can shut down all access to one or more compartments for a designated amount of time."

- Danvers sister moment in the apartment.

- "Brainy, are you asking me out?" / "This isn't a date. If this were a date, we'd be doing something fun!"

- Supergirl superspeed block of escaping General.

- "They were your allies." / "They're not human. They're killing machines, and they can't be contained."

- "Which was why I was dying to tell you because I need you as the angel on my shoulder to determine the right course."

- "If all else fails, there's always Plan S." Including direct stuffing someone in a holding cell.

- "YOU are its moral center."

- "oh, Sprock!"

- "I just came back from a world where you didn't know who I was." - nice little linkage to 2018's crossover episode.

Ep11
---
Interesting hook of an opening with Russian Supergirl, in pushing herself and her abilities, leads to some sort of
energy discharge across the globe that ends up altering the drugs a couple of people are selling. And it reacts to
humans by increasing their rage and strength. Hmm...

A-Plot Focus this episode is further development of Nia Nal's superhero persona, with Kara and Nia going back to Nia's
home town, her family, and her working up the courage to tell her family of her dream powers. Love the scenes between
Melissa B and Nicole M -- again, great chemistry between the two during this episode -- and I rather like the Nal family
scenes overall -- the symmetry between Nia's difficulty with her own sister when she reveals her powers mirrors Kara's
own troubled relationship with Alex earlier in life. Glad they explain Nia's background more in that s/he's half human,
half alien, but also trans. Nothing preachy, just very "matter of factly."

B-Plot is the ever beautiful Danvers sisters relationship, troubled by last episode and Alex being mindwiped of Kara's
identity as Supergirl. Great moment with (board) game night, and the Danvers sisters dominating... but Kara definitely
feeling the hole in her life when Alex doesn't remember her favorite movie -- Wizard of Oz -- and Kara longing in her
heart but not being able to tell Alex about her real identity.

C-Plot was more Russian Supergirl training, and a final "There's someone I need to reach in America." This leading up
to Jon cryer's appearance in 4 episodes? Please tell me it is!

D-Plot is LCorp and rumors of a black budget... again, I don't like when they push Lena towards the dark side, she really
should remain on Team Supergirl IMO, but given what wasn't said -- ie. James saying nothing was found -- I can't help but
get the sense something isn't being told.

Other scenes / lines I Loved :
- "Danvers sister yes we can if you can't do it Danvers can" cheer! HAHAH!

- Supergirl effortlessly dispatching the raging humans at the party.

- "Brainy, how's your acting skills?"

- Kara revealing to Nia she's Supergirl, a la Season S1 with Winn.

- final reveal of Nia's new uniform.


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep12
---
Finally back after a couple weeks of hiatus. Creepy enough opening with another alien object crashing to earth and taking over a human like a facehugger,
leading to the formation of Menagerie. "whatever came out of it seems to habe eaten this man's heart and nothing else. / Happy Valentine's Day" -- CREEPY!
And seems it's not a take over so much as a symbiosis -- the alien gets hearts (literally), and the human gets to steal shiny things. Also leads to Nia
discovering her inner superhero and putting on her costume for the first time. I definitely have to like the superheroing between Supergirl and Dream Girl!
Final scene that the symbiote isn't quite dead as expected... plus mention of Machester Black....

B-plot is Alex still being mindwiped about Kara's true identity, as well as her realization of having no work/life balance. Personally I think this is
the weakest plotline of it all overall. Still some great interactions between Melissa B and Chyler L, but still it's the overall "I can't tell my sister
my true identity," plus the separation both express and feel.

C-plot is Ben Lockwood in jail and his family coming to visit him, and imparting to his son to take action on things. Not sure exactly HOW Lockwood's son
would have access to both the old Lockwood steel mill, never mind the safe in the basement with the Agent Liberty mask, etc., but will just roll with things.
This ties in with his son calling on the CoL to attempt taking down the Menagerie alien themselves vigilante-style, and claiming credit for that. President
Harda** (aka President Boxleiter) is brought back as well, looking for options on how to deal with the issue of Lockwood, which with the CoL's claims leads
to a a release of Ben Lockwood due to a legal technicality.

D-plot is Jimmy and Lena... nice AWWWWW! moment when he brings her a photo of her for valentines, and she reciprocates with a spontaneous trip to Paris.
But seems that's not to be as she reveals a visit by Col Haley offering a government contract to create metahumans, or in her exact words, "we need to
make the US military as powerful as our alien advesaries." Which while bringing up to Jimmy leads to them breaking up -- one more brick in the pile of
Lena Going Dark(TM), it seems. SMH.

Nice overall Valentines Day tiein, with the awkward Brainy / Nia "it's (not) a date," the Valentine's Day party at Nia's place and Alex hooking up with someone
she dated once, and Nia's roommate all over Brainy...

One bit I didn't understand myself was Kara's "I can't use my Xray Vision" while looking for Menagerie. Whuuuuut?!

Lines / Scenes I loved :

"I sense sarcasm which I find confusing in this context."

Brainy using DEO big screens to Valentine's Day shop

"I'm a Luthor. I've learned to expect the unexpected."

"Winn... always bragging about how he did things... off the record."

"yes there is very much a problem," and Brainy dropkicking Menagerie.

"I am tougher than you think I am." / "Kara, you are the most important person in the world to me."

"I feel like this mindwipe has hurt our family in so many more ways than we could forsee." Yeah sing it to me, brother!

Supergirl throwing out Menagerie out a window onto a car, followed by the Dreamgirl reveal and "probably should have seen that too." HAHAH!

Kara's "Woah!" face at discount Valentine's candy.


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

EP13
---
Another couple week hiatus for Supergirl, but alittle better episode overall. I liked the opening narration of "to most people, including my adopted sister
Alex, I'm a reporter from Catco Worldwide Media," but still don't like this "mindwiped Alex" plotline.

A plot is Kara, Brainy, and Nia Nal going to the Fortress of Solitude to train Nia Nal as a hero and to use her powers. Cracked me up with Kara's line "the
key is subtlety," then Brainy showing up at Catco dressed in loud clothing. I LOVE the Fortress set, and the Brainy / Kelex "Kleenex" antagonism was a hoot.
There's the typical "I'm from the future so I can't tell you anything" between Brainy and Nia, but great chemistry between the two.

B Plot is the return of Manchester Black and his Elite group. Seems instead of getting revenge on Lockwood, he's got bigger plans. Great to see Manchester
back, though I'm still warming to his team. That being said, the scene of his escape from jail with a sword, followed by an Odd Job hat throw was amusing!
And creepy the way they announce to the world of their existence, killing all personnel at a facility that tortured aliens, never mind the way Manchester tears
Supergirl down, calling her "a folktale," and "in theory, comforting, noble. In reality, illequipped and clinging to ideals of a time long past." NASTY vitrol
in the mold of a great antagonist speech to tear down the hero. Great action scene as well, with Supergirl being thrown her kryptonite suit so she can fly
into orbit to prevent the satellite from being turned on Washington, DC ... course smashing it to smitherines, AFTER redirecting it away, isn't a bad thing,
is it?

C plot is Lena being set up at the DEO, and the return of Eve Tessmacher as well. Sweet! Definitely some cloak and dagger going on, with Lena only intending
to provide product but not process. But with the (literal) Big Bad this ep -- a program called "Operation Claymore" to put a satellite into orbit, capable of
shooting down alien ships entering Earth's atmosphere -- never mind President Sheridan seeming more interested in photo ops and appearances, and Col Haley
admitting she herself was not informed of Operation Claymore.

Final scene of President Sheridan making Ben Lockwood his Director of Alien Affairs, the CoL contemplating a leadership change, and Lockwood stopping said
leadership change in a VERY direct fashion...

As I said, still not sure about the mindwiped Alex plotline, and Supergirl's comment about "kicking ass [with Alex], like they used to" really throws me as
technically Alex doesn't have a history with Supergirl, only Kara.

Lines / scenes I loved :

"I'm going to find him" / "not without me"

"You have anticipatory dreams, I have differential calculus."

"I'm the symbol. He wants this."

"You could have just used the door. / And you could stop killing people."

"I didn't know you made housecalls."

"There's something wrong with this government / I thought you were the government / No I'm your friend."

"You have the Elite, I have Superfriends." Followed by Supergirl taking on automatic fire like it's a spring rain.

"There's a reason it's called playing God, it's fun!"


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

EP14
---
A-Plot is Elite still out and about causing trouble, specifically on Ben Lockwood, but Team Supergirl stops Menagerie
first when she stops "for a quick snack." Ben Lockwood himself has accepted the Directorship of Alien Affairs, which
he promptly uses to launch his agenda of cleansing all aliens off Earth by immediate revokation of the Alien Amnesty Act;
his language of "alien criminals being given amnesty and protection while humans suffer," and the promise of "humanity
finally living in peace" once this is done... eerie and so on the nose at the same time.

In this new role, Alex is assigned to him as security detail to Ben, and the obvious distaste she feels while having to
protect Lockwood comes across VERY clearly, never mind his implication and innuendo of the DEO being led by an
alien before vs now with a human in charge. CREEPY!

Tied in with this is a march planned by aliens and alien supporters -- and apparently masterminded by Brainy -- in
opposition to Ben Lockwood and his plans, and the powder keg that is likely to be. As Col Haley points out, "for
every success story, there's one of lives lost." Great speech Jimmy gives about keeping journalistic ethics and
integrity about them. And some personal development of Brainy since losing his Legion ring to Hat, and how he doesn't
need it to to be a hero, though he wants Supergirl to be there to stand with the Aliens.

Comes to head when the two groups end up in the same space with Lockwood whipping his followers into a frenzy, aided and
abetted by masked CoL figures, till Alex literally twists Lockwood's arm and hustles him off the stage -- and the missive
it's actually him that is the threat -- as well as Manchester and Hat crashing in on things and putting the match to the
whole explosive mix. Great action scene all around, especially Brainy v Hat rematch and Brainy claiming Hat's hat.

B-Plot is Lena and Eve Tessmacher -- glad to see her back again! -- and their work at the DEO to create metahumans for
the Government. Nice bit of history between Eve and Jimmy in their interactions, and eerie the way Col Haley applies the
screws to Lena to get the work faster -- where have I ever seen that in life before?

C-Plot is J'onn's feelings about the Elite, and how it "brings out feelings in him he hasn't felt in a long time." He still walks
that line he swore last season to not fight, but definitely alot of conflict and rage below the surface. Never mind the
scene of J'onn thinking he's bashing Manchester -- when it's actually a gagged CoL member -- and J'onn needing to lose
more. And J'onn's final "Today I find you... like a Manhunter" line...

Final scene of James Olsen and being shot and bleeding out on the floor of Catco.... Can't wait till next ep, and
the fact that Jon Cryer's Lex Luthor is showing up...!

Lines / Scenes I Loved :
- "Menagiere, were you going after that nice lady?"

- "Say cheers to my little friend."

- "Don't tell Miss Grant I said that."

- "Rushing science is not the answer."

- Nicole Mains always in her super suit this entire episode. And Kara's comment how she "practically slept in her suit"
at the start. "And let's face it, the suits are pretty cool!"

- Menagerie and 4th Elite team member being dropped off at the DEO with a "You're Welcome" note from Supergirl. / "Supergirl left us a present. And a note."

- "And returning to the scene of the crime is a classic bad guy move."

- "He or she must be a highly intelligent crypto file. This may take some time. / Just do it Dox."

- Return of the Fortress of Solitude, though looks like the Supers will have to up the security systems ... AGAIN!
Somewhat implausible explanation exactly HOW the Elite found it in the first place, somewhat plausible explanation how
a non super can lift a key made of superheavy star material, but you'd think Kal-El and Kara would have set the alarm
and home security system while they were at it. Did like the comics book history with the mention of a Sun Eater being
kept by Kal-El, and what looked like a Legion force shield belt?

- "But how can I, with a clear conscience, protect a man who causing so much pain in the world?" / "You're a hero. Heroes
make tough decisions." / "But I call the potstickers, all of them!" HAHA! Always love Danvers sister moments like this.

- "That's new." And fake out by Manchester and Hat in making Team Supergirl think Manchester was dead.

- "You fight injustice with your fists, you can help one, maybe a dozen people. But good journalism, that can impact
millions." / "You need a photographer?"

- "Dreamer stands with Supergirl."

- "I have the team running perimeter checks, and I am in a prime location to run interference." And Supergirl floating
above and watching it all.

- "They're not like you. You're a superhero." / "You're wrong, I'm just like them." "It's Kara Zor-El, citizen of
Earth." Great moment by Melissa B.

- "Time for a costume change."

- "One for you. And one for you. And one for you."

- mention of (marches in) Gotham and Metropolis.

- "The real credit goes to Supergirl and her sidekick. I'd love to get an exclusive with them, if I could." And
Nia Nal's face lighting up at that.

- "Lockwood is a bureaucrat with power he doesn't understand."

= "There is a civil war brewing, I can smell it in the air. But there might be hope for the country yet."


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

EP15
---
Final reveal of Jon Cryer's Lex Luthor, and WOW! does he not disappoint. 4 years ago he'd turned the sun red to stop
Superman, and seems Lena was there with him. GREAT scenes between Katie M and Jon C, and Jon C just KILLS this role!
Good that he'll be around for two more eps after this! Seems Lex is dying of cancer -- brought on by him playing with
kryptonite -- and seeks Lena's help, specifically with her work on the Harun-El.

Creepy as well while working together, Lex doesn't think he's been taunting and deningrating Lena all this time with
her ideas, but helping her by pushing her to be the best she can be; as Lex puts it, "you just needed someone to defy!"
To twist the knife further, Lex points out that Lena figured out how to make kryptonite, something he couldn't do himself.
And he mentions how while his mother sent him away with his father, Lena's biological mother comforted him during this time,
singing of all things an Irish song -- a hint towards Katie McGrath's background?

And can I say again I LOVE Eve Tessmacher's presence on this show, especially her acting as Lena's conscience in letting
Lex full access to their Harun-El work, but that plunges the knife twist deeper with the final reveal Eve was working for
Lex all along, INCLUDING the infamous "Miss TESSSSSSSMACHER!" yell by Lex!

B-Plot is James in the hospital, and James' sister Kelly showing up in town. Will see how it goes as supposedly a
relationship builds between Alex and her... That being said, I liked the Alex / Lena scene, and Alex's belief that Lena
can do anything. Definitely continue to hope Lena stays on Team Supergirl, and moments like this keep me hopeful TPTB
will continue to keep her on the side of angels. Nice moments as well with Nia Nal feeling like she's failed because
she didn't dream this, and Brainy still feeling the loss of his Legion Ring, and everything else he feels.

The wound of Alex not knowing Kara's secret is ripped off again, with Alex pointing out that Kara isnt' where she needs
to be, or where she said she'd be -- I'm hoping this plot thread gets fixed sooner than later as I think it's kind of
worn off its welcome. That being said, it lead to a great Danvers sister moment again.

C-Plot is J'onn's search for Manchester, and Manchester's return to J'onn's father's resting place from last season with
the Martian Staff, pushing J'onn to lose more and more. Little biblical with J'onn believing Manchester will use the
staff to reenact the punishments inflicted on Martians. GREAT scene of the zombified Danvers Sister, taunting J'onn of
his failure to protect them both! As well as being creey as hell! Great stuff David Harewood portrayed, though seems
too easy the way Manchester was defeated, never mind his final line "one thing I do know, I am not a man... of peace."

Lines / Scenes I loved :
- Lex casually killing police helicopter in Metropolis.

- Jimmy sonic watch.

- Lena / Kara hug moment in the hospital, Lena's "I'm not a visitor, I own this hospital!" and Brainy's "little boxes"
reminder.

- "I can't summon a breakthrough through sheer force of will." / "Then how is it every time I've seen you work under
pressure you've done exactly that?"

- "You don't know what you're toying with." / "You burn my father's grave to teach me a theology lesson?"

- painting of Brenda Strong, and Jon Cryer's comment of "her eyes following you every where." ERIE!

- Lex's "You trust me?" Yeaaaaaaah... NOPE! "Lex and Lena Luthor, teaming up to save Superman's best pal! What would
mother think?"

- "J'onn needs a reporter to help fight Manchester Black? What are you going to do exactly, going to interview him?"

- "That's our mom." / "That's MY mom!"

- Lex's "I want to know with certainty that while I came from poison, you came from love. And if the rest of this
family stands steadily in darkness, you will always fall into the light." PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!! Let this be always
true TPTB!!

- "The only reason Alex and I can face danger the way we do is because we know you're standing by us, in whatever way
you choose."

- "You were where you needed to be."

- "I usually get along so well with machines."

- "Have I mentioned that every single one of my ancestors is evil?"

- Supergirl repairing the dam, thankfully not with Superman IV mortar-vision.

- "What I'm about to do is absolutely illegal, any witnesses will be considered accessories to a crime. Leave now,
before I fire you!"

- "Oh, I know you just came back from the dead, but you're about to wish you didn't, because I called Mom."

- Lex reveal and heart to heart at the end, the return of Otis with an LCorp Imager, Lex activiating the toys at Casa
Luthor to escape, and his final "Supergirl... nice to finally meet you."

[HELLFIRE]

EP16
---
2nd episode with Jon Cryer's Lex Luthor, and WOW! JUST WOW! Opens with what seems like a GREAT Supergirl/Luthor
smackdown, till Lex reveals he has powers and turns the tables on Supergirl. Sucks she gets jobbed out like that,
and only has time to run to Jimmy's hospital room to warn Lex is on the loose. Though I did have to like the trial
of Lex Luthor -- and how he nearly ends up murdering the judge, jury and spectators, just as the judge is passing
sentence -- the background given to Eve Tessmacher and how she ended up working for Lex, and how Lex ties in with
the Red Daughter Supergirl.

Erie watching the Red Daughter Supergirl and her tutelage, so different from the Supergirl we know, plus a tie with
"Alex," Harun-El confirmed to be black kryptonite indialogue, which at least gives some internal consistency, Lex
playing his long game, setting himself up with allies and patsies in both the East and the West... and generally
befriending and instructing Red Daughter Supergirl. Great moments between Melissa Benoist and Jon Cryer in their
respective roles, and Lex educating her about "put simply, your (usurping) sister" Supergirl.

Lex / Red Daughter Supergirl trip to National City, Kara Danvers' apartment, and Kara Danvers' life. Great moment
when Eve Tessmacher realizes it's not Kara but Red Daughter Supergirl running around LCorp, and GREAT callback to
Superman 1 when Eve Tessmacher does her honeytrap role getting onto a US warship to kill that which Red Daughter
Supergirl cares about most.

Final scene of Lex presenting Red Daughter Supergirl her outfit, and her floating above National City...

Lines / Scenes I Loved :
---
"I have powers!"

"How do you think I did it? I'm Lex Luthor!"

Chess scene with Lex, all ending in checkmate, as well as holo-Lex.

"We can't break a Kryptonian, but maybe we can bend one."

"What did your father do? / He stayed."

"Someday, you may have to match her."

"Linda... Linda Lee."

Otis and Mikhail, and Otis instructing Mikhail what to do if he meets a bald guy. Other than the language barrier,
still was an amusing scene.

Lex casually walking into a chamber to give himself cancer.

"You know it doesn't grow back hair."

"Lena, I'm a hologram, I can't take anything."

"I'm not like you, I want to help people!" YES! Please keep Lena on the side of the Angels!

"You haven't asked why I need the black rock. / I assumed homicide."


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep 17
---
WOW! What an ep to keep fans hanging for two weeks! No Cryer's Lex Luthor in the ep, but his fingers are felt all over the whole thing!
Opens with Alex and the DEO finding Lena after her betrayal by Lex and Eve, and a letter from Lex to her, belittling her and inflicting
maximum emotional damage. Thankfully no reveal of Kara's identity as Supergirl as was postulated by other places following the series.
Brenda Strong returns for this episode as Lillian Luthor, great scenes between the two, and Brenda digging in deep herself to hurt Lena;
her comment about "what Team Supergirl would think if they knew what she [Lena] were up to... you'll be alone... again."

Tied in with this is the need to locate Lex, but DEO resources are anywhere but focused on this, and they know it. Loved Supergirl flying
into the DEO, triggering all the alarms no less, but with peace offering donuts and an offer to work together to find Lex. Great scene as
well with Supergirl returning to Brainy his Legion ring. And LOVED the scenes of Lena on Team Supergirl, though it's not without it's bumps
and bruises, like the reference to Lena's troubled history with Supergirl, and the revelation that Lena had Harun-El and didn't tell Supergirl,
but from that comes understanding between the two and their respective POVs. Leads to a GREAT action scene of ANOTHER Metallo with a
kryptonite heart. Little odd Kara isn't totally knocked flat on her ass by the kryptonite, but great to see Lena, Alex and Supergirl take
Metallo down... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE to TPTB, Lena on Team Supergirl!

Great B plot with Carl Lumby returning as M'yrrn, here to take back the symbols back because J'onn has failed. Great callback to both
the actor and character, and a nice revelation by J'onn as to what he is and isn't. In the end, J'onn decides he'll take the symbols
back to Mars and bury them in the Martian desert till someone worthy finds them.

C plot is Jimmy's release from the hospital with a clean bill of health, but still troubled and traumatized by his shooting, and how his
sister Kelly wants to help. Tied in with this is Lockwood Sr and Jr in Washington, continuing to push for the repeat of the Alien
Amnesty Act. Thought they'd resolved that plot point, especially with the one senator who is voting against repeal commenting "Welcome to
Washington," but doesn't seem to be the case. Also Lockwood Sr swearing he has nothing to do with Lex Luthor.

The climax scene... WOW! With everyone gathered in Washington for the repeal vote, Supergirl finding Eve (hologram) and getting trapped
in a kryptonite-laced Lex suit, the White House suffering a tremor and power outage, then Red Daughter Supergirl breaking in and heatvisioning
everyone to death with a missive of "let them hate, so long as they fear" -- Melissa B's evil smirk as she delivers this, WOW! -- and Jimmy
suffering a flashback at the attack and going to his sister for help... and President Boxleiter declaring martial law and Supergirl Public Enemy #1.
Great as well with Colonel Haley admitting Supergirl wouldn't do something like this, and Lena declaring she's here with Alex to find the truth together...

...I don't think I'll be able to wait 2 weeks...

Lines / Scenes I Loved :

- "I am no longer a man of peace."

- "Don't make me regret this." (re:DEO and Supergirl working together again)

- "Given you two don't have the cleanest history" (re:Supergirl and Lena)

- Supergirl giving Alex the sonic watch, and instructions on how to use it.

- Lena To Lillian #1 : "Well at least I have a heart."

- "You should know I'm working with Supergirl on this" / "So this is a team?" HAHAHAH!

- "Can I help you ladies?" with Lena, Supergirl, and Alex on Eve Tessmacher's aunt's front porch, looking for Eve.

- "No idea, you'll figure it out." / "I'm the last Green Martian."

- "You know what will fix this? A nice cup of hot ku-off-ee, but I'll stay for one." LOVED that drop by Carl Lumby!

- Any scene with Supergirl using her powers like it's the most natural thing, like how she's able to tell Eve's Aunt is lying - "her heart
is beating like a hummingbird." - to casually ripping off the door to a safe in Eve's lab, to scanning Washington, DC with her xray vision
looking for Eve.

- Seems there were alot of things that were secret about Eve."

- Eve and Red Daughter Supergirl skulking around, and Eve commenting "you look so much like her!"

- "Lex tried to kill you 8 times"

- "I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders ... I can't lose."

- "I'm a Martian Manhunter." / "Yes... you are."

- "ilovelex" password of Eve's. Funny, but really...?

- "Much better than donuts"

- Lena To Lillian #2 : "So who are you going to bet your life on, the psychopath? Or me?"

- "Did you call me here to arrest me?" / "We're here to find the truth... together!" YAY!! Lena on Team Supergirl!


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep 18
---
Glad Supergirl is back... was a heck of a wait to get to it, and things just dive right into it. A-Plot is President
Sheridan declaring martial law and Supergirl as Public Enemy #1, 'course you can't keep a good S-Shield down as Supergirl
continues to want to help inspite of people turning against her from the events of last episode. As much as I sometimes
wish Supergirl was more sure of herself in handling situations like this, love the way Melissa B sells the hurt and
powerlessness she feels at not being able to convince people she's not the enemy. Leads to Supergirl and Lena visiting
the prison to find out what Lex has been up to, and twisting the arm of the warden to get past any interference... eerie
the two of them walking down the hall with catcalls, etc from the prisoners. Great stuff from Lena as well; as much as
I love Lena on Team Supergirl, she's still got her shell around her, not telling Supergirl the truth / the whole story
as they go through the cell's contents.

Lex's old cell neighbor was kind of a "Meh!" plot -- loved the contrast between the "you're not worth my time" to
Supergirl, yet worshipping the ground Kara Danvers walks on. Things kick into high gear when Otis shows up alive and
well, and releases the inmates to take on Supergirl, as well as wading in himself into the fight -- GREAT moment when
the inmates tries to take on the Girl of Steel but she effortlessly takes them on and puts them back into their cells.
And in a bit of "brains over brawn," Supergirl switching back to her Kara Danvers persona to escape Otis when the
anti-kryptonite tech breaks, then switching back to Supergirl for the final smackdown... literally!

B-Plot is Ben Lockwood getting full of himself and his new role, paying a call to the DEO to gather up their alien
armaments and to call in Supergirl. Colonel Haley shows a new side of herself as she's torn between her oath to follow
lawful orders and -- in an interesting twist -- her daughter who has an alien teacher who's gone into hiding, and her
daughter is scared at the turn of events. In a bit of incontinuity, Colonel Haley orders Alex to turn over the signal
watch, but of course Alex leaves incorrect instructions in its use. Some fun stuff as well from Jessie Rath and his
concern that "Today, Supergirl. Tomorrow, the Alien Registry." GREAT Mission Impossible-esque moments of Brainy plotting
how to get to the Registry without detection, but the twist is Brainy spends more time on the reasons why/not to do this
than actually doing it, leading to some more great Brainy / Nia Nal scenes.

C-Plot is Jimmy entering therapy, as well as seemingly gaining superpowers from the Harun-El injection. Loved the bits
with Jimmy and Kelly. Also gives time for more Alex / Kelly scenes, and Alex trying to find some way to get through to
Colonel Haley.

Final wrap up is Supergirl laying low, and Kara relying on her reporter persona to get to the truth. The news that Lex
has his eye on the DEO desert facility... and that President Baker has deputized the Children of Liberty... DUNDUNDUN!

Lines / Scenes I Loved
- "If the Government wants to stop me from helping people, let them try."

- "Ahh, sprock!"

- "The term for someone like you is 'malignant narcissist!" / "I help people!" / "Everything you touch you ruin."

- "What does your gut tell you?" / "That decision should be made on facts and not on intestinal inclinations."

- "So when I want to know about my descendants' superpowers it's all 'you'll destroy the fabric of space and time,'
but when you want to know the future, it's..."

- Supergirl heatvision of the cell door, Supergirl v Otis, and Supergirl superclap takedown of the inmates. EPIC!

- "you're not the only one who's friends with a Luthor." / "My heart's grown three sizes in here."

- "Heeeere's OTIS!"

- Otis as a bomb, and being brought back... AGAIN! The way Miss Tessmacher delivers that line... EERIE!

- "That's just the cost of being a hero."

- "Don't be shy gentlemen, this is the good stuff!"

- "I don't like being manipulated by you or that power hungry snake!"

- "It's always a joy to the new and creative ways people find to hate the good guys."

- "What do they say? The pen is mightier than the sword?" / "Maybe even mightier than a cape."


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep 19
---
With Supergirl temporarily hanging up her cape and focusing on uncovering the truth behind Lex, Dreamer is looking after National City,
but she has to contend with the deputized Children of Liberty on the streets. To drive this home, one of the aliens working at CatCo
had building nearby raided, and fearing for his life. There's also some delving into Ameritek and how they're enabling the roundup
of aliens all over. Amusing moment watching Dreamer come upon an alien refuge at the bar, the CoL subsequently finding them out, and
Dreamer taking them on.

The Dreamer interview speech what kinda "Meh" but uplifting, but all hell breaks loose when Lockwood and CoL crash the place to arrest
Dreamer for the broadcast. James' final line of "What alien? All I see are journalists exercising their right to freedom of speech, and
doing their duty to uphold freedom of the press. So unless you're going to rewrite the constitution... GET... OUT... NOW!" Pretty powerful
stuff!

B-Plot is James and help from his sister and Team Supergirl about his growing repetoire of superpowers. Some further tidbits into
James' past, and how he didn't make his father's funeral because he was locked in a coffin by his bullies. Not sure about Brainy
playing psychologist especially with his sister around but some nice character moments for Alex, Kelly, Jimmy and Brainy.

C-Plot is Lockwood and his minions raiding and rounding up aliens, similar to the roundups enacted throughout human history. As creepy
as his actor's portrayal is, definitely a man on a(n ordained) mission, though why he'd even be directly involved, much less toting around
his son is a clunky plot point. Tying in with A Plot is Lockwood's son discovering his own friend is a "roach," and him questioning his
father's motives. The penultimate scene of what Lockwood comes home to with the alien mother from earlier, and what she does to him
in return.

Nice moments between Kara and Lena... and the old scab of Lena feeling she's not really a friend and simply judged by her last name. Nice
bit of reconcilliation at the end, and Lena admitting she worked with Lex over the Harun-El and his cancer. I still hold hope that Lena
remains on Team Supergirl...

Final scene of J'onn on Mars and fulfilling his mission with respects to the symbols, and a measure of peace for himself .

Lines / Scenes I loved

"Howdy Boys, I'm your worst nightmare."

"Seriously, you were a hologram this whole time?"

"Have you hear of a mind palace?"

Kara superspeeding a conspiracy connector board.

"Someone needs to make Lockwood go nighty night night."

Kara casually elbowing a thief, among others -- always LOVE these surreptitious uses of superpowers in secret ID mode!

Scene of the Daily Planet in James' mind palace.

"An expose on Lex. That's quite an Everest."

"Isn't it past your bedtime?" / "You're going to have to go through this reverie first!"

Brainy's "What does love feel like?" and "You're leaking."

"Guess we're going to Kaznia."

Ep 20
---
Opens with a great Kara / Lena moment, with them on a roadtrip to Kasnia and Lex's secret missile base. Amusing Kara tries to hide the fact
she (as Supergirl) can fly there faster alone, but Lena is insistent they go together and not to worry. Great to see Kara again have to
surreptitiously use her powers but not let Lena know she's Supergirl, though towards the end they hint that Kara does want to share that with
Lena, but because of Lena's vulnerability to lies and not being able to trust much anymore, Kara can't share that secret. Sincerely
continue to hope Lena remains on Team Supergirl, and I think revealing that would be the final rite (so to speak) of that.

Some further hints of Lex's plan with the reveal that he had kidnapped and was experimenting on Aliens from the desert DEO facility, the
further involvement of Ameritek, and someone high up in the US Administration would have to authorize that -- shades of the Mueller report,
perhaps? -- and the DUNDUNDUN! moment of Kasnia planning an invasion of America, spearheaded by Red Daughter herself. Eerie as well when
they find Harun-El and kryptonite, never mind Kara coming face to face with Red Daughter's room, and her heatvisioning it after hustling
Lena away on a pretext.

Also amusing and great that Miss Tessmacher is back, her quip, "You found me?" PRICELESS! But all is not as it seems with her as Eve
now has the ability to clone herself -- the catfight between Eve and Lena, with Lena pulling a sword from her high heel, and Eves vs
Supergirl? Should have been a no contest fight between Eves and Supergirl, but Supergirl's "Thank you. Next!" quip? BRILLIANT!

B-Plot reverts to Alex and Kelly, and Alex's desires to be a mom. Seems there's a baby about to be born / adopted, and Alex only has 12
hours to decide whether to say yes or not. I have to admit I'm more comfortable seeing Kelly now, and she and Alex work together pretty
well onscreen. Kelly had a bit of backstory given to her with her reveal that she was in love with her (female) sergeant, and has her own
painful love story to deal with. Not sure what bodes in the future for Kelly -- I've some sneaking suspicion TPTB may push it for an
AlexXKelly romantic pairing in the future, but we'll have to see.

C-Plot is Ben Lockwood's wife's funeral. Between not being able to deal with it, his power mad commandeering DEO resources for his
own vendetta against aliens, and his son's increasing alienation from his father's movtives... fascinating and creepy to watch
how deep a hole this guy is falling into, never mind the bureaucratic fights as to who gets jurisdiction in this case. Course things get REALLY dark when
Lockwood discovers Harun-El in the lab and injects himself with it to take on Jimmy, Dreamer, and J'onn on his return from Mars, as well as
the "rendition and enhanced interogation" of the aliens he finds, never mind the final chasm between him and his son over the actions of the
day.

Final scenes of Kara and Jimmy over when to tell Lena her secret identity, and Kara's trip to go direct to the President to report Lex's
activities as well as the activities of Lex's mole in the administration, but seems kryptonite has been placed in the White House
as a "security measure," President Baker ominously placing the file of evidence in his desk drawer, and the blackbagging of Kara...

Lines / Scenes I loved :

"Must be strange to have a sibling with superpowers."

"I should think discovering you're inflamible would be an emotional net positive."

"So... hammer time?"

"Kara, brace yourself we're going to make an emergency landing." / "Yep, that's going to be a huge 'NOPE!' for me!" / "I got this!" / "Seriously?"

"Gawd, I hate flying."

"It's very Lex."

Brainy running interference from letting Lockwood enter Lena's lab at the DEO, then Lockwood bluntly getting a CoL's sidearm to shoot
himself in.

"But I really do love you guys. I just love Lex more."

Brainy attempting to disuade Lockwood from taking the Harun-El, and remind agents to not follow illegal orders.

"I hoped it wouldn't come to this." / "Really? Cuz I did."

J'onn J'onnz's speech to Lockwood.

Final speech of Lena to Kara at the end, especially about Kara's friendship.


Regards

[HELLFIRE]

Ep21
---
Oh WOW! Looks like they brought back the actresses who played young Kara and young Alex for this ep! SWEET! Leads to
Alex waking up and at a loss why she seemingly dreamed that about Kara. Still annoyed with the whole mindwiped Alex
bit, so glad this plot thread FINALLY went away -- but not before the drama of Supergirl sneaking back into the DEO to work with
Alex and Col Haley to figure out what's going on and where Red Daughter is hiding out.

Kara herself is back and blackbagged by the government for being deemed "a threat," then coming face to face with Red
Daughter -- again have to love the surreptitious ways they get Kara to use her powers in her secret identity guise. Great
moment for the two to sit down and size one another up... and creepy the lines Red Daughter is given to say. And alittle
hard on the suspension of disbelief, but I LOVED Kara's line to her doppleganger "I've been dealing with kryptonite for 15
years!" before breaking the chains and laying some whupass on Red Daughter. Kinda wish this would have lead to the start
of the 1:1 battle between the two, but...

Climax is when Helen Slater is brought back this episode as well to amp up the stakes with Red Daughter / Kara -- now exactly
HOW Lex Luthor got that deep of a background on things, I'm not entirely sure, but still... Either way, some GREAT Melissa
Benoist acting against herself stuff! And a bit of Frank Miller comics science with Supergirl pulling in sunlight from
the surrounding plants to heal after being knocked down by Red Daughter.

Speaking of mothers Brenda Strong brought back for some quality mother-daughter time together... ALWAYS a pleasure to watch!
Starts off with Lena using a Truth Seeker on her mother, finding out Lillian paid off her middle school boyfriend to never see
Lena again. HAHAHAH! WOW! Then Lena saying she poisoned her mother to get her to help her with Harun-El extraction
-- "and, no I won't tell you what poison used" -- then Brenda admitting she does love Lena. DAMN that was a helluva scene
between those two! As well as the scene between Lena and Ben Lockwood... and him finally realizing the depth of betrayal, as
well as the side effects of Harun-El.

Also have to cite the screentime they gave to Brainy, and what they gave Jessie Rath to work with, like

- his realization he is in love with Dreamer and wants to tell her, and trying to find the right moment to do it.
- hunting for the missing aliens from earlier, and using his image inducer to make himself appear as Lockwood bringing
in Dreamer -- amusing how well Lockwood's actor assumes Rath's mannerisms in this guise.
- Brainy's torture and confessional, and the torrent of emotions and memories he's forced to feel as his "boxes" break
open, specifically his race's darker history as collectors and villans.
- his "rebooted" state to connect with his more emotionless ancestors, never mind his cold, calcuating, unfeeling and
utterly logical actions and motivations.

Final wrap up points :

- Amertek revealed as a shell company of Lex Luthor's.

- use of the stargate to send aliens somewhere, including J'onn and Dreamer, with Brainy emotionlessly watching on

- Lockwood and Otis at the latter's hideout, and Otis having his heart broken... again. LOL. The guy just CAN'T catch
a break!

- Jimmy being given a 2nd dose of Harun-El to stabilize him.

- Claymore satellite tech was miniaturized into a Lex suit, and Lex used it to battle and defeat Red Daughter... with
a grateful President Sheridan (nee Baker) congradulating him on national television. So what was the lure Lex used to pull
Red Daughter away after she took out Supergirl?

Lines / Scenes I Loved
---
"And you can't publish state secrets when it's a matter of national security." Sjeeze, what this this, 1950s Red Scare
America?

"You picked on the wrong girl."

"I need to borrow something from the DEO." / "Whatever you need."

"And yet, you fly around in a cheerleader skirt."

"This country is a fatted heifer. I am here to cut its throat."

"She has to know I'm Supergirl."

Supergirl superspeeding off to save Alex... inspite of the warning not to do this.

"Couldn't you waterboard me like a normal person?"

"You wanted to save the human race. Instead you handed its future to a psychopath."

"Is it just me, or is that a man who needs answers?"

"I believe I have been adequately shamed for that in the past, thank you."

"Then that is why we should work togther on this." Spoken no less than by Col Haley.

"Oh Rao." Damn, we haven't had that invokation in a long time!

"I serve the collective."

"Hope, Help, and Compassion for all. That's what I stand for!" THANK YOU to the writers for putting that in!!

"Submit." / "Not while I'm still breathing."

Flashback memories of both past and present Kara and Alex, while Alex was regaining her memories.

"Ive been studying it all day dear. I know things. Would I lie?"


Regards