Review: Supergirl #14 (v8)

Supergirl #14 came out this week, the next chapter in Supergirl's battle with the Black Flame in Kandor during the Reign of the Superboys mini-event. For folks like me who wanted more action in the earlier in this title, writer/artist Sophie Campbell is answering the bell giving us another heavy action issue with more brutal fighting between Supergirl and Black Flame.

The violence is tempered with solid characterization here. We see Supergirl as an inspiration for others because of her heroism and tenacity. And yet, at the same time, we see Kara questioning herself, wondering her role in the El family. She is a good friend and ally hoping to help people by talking them through their problems. But she also has no time for injustice and is ready to throw down when ready.

It is this wonderful contradiction that makes me love Supergirl as a character. She is young and learning and caring and maybe a bit unsure of herself. She is also accomplished and capable and inspirational and maybe a bit fierce when necessary. Campbell, perhaps because she seems to be a fan of Supergirl's history, has been able to grasp that conundrum and showcase it.

That love by Campbell of all things Supergirl has been evident from the beginning of the book with her packing the title with nods and references to Supergirl's Silver and Bronze age history.

I didn't think she would be able to lean into the Matrix Supergirl history in this book. It starts with the cover, an homage to a Tom Grummett Matrix Supergirl pin-up in the Supergirl and Team Luthor special from way back when. 

But there is even more inside. Let's get to the book.

Review: Supergirl #13 (V8)

Supergirl #13 came out this week, the next chapter in the 'Hero of Kandor' arc, a brutal story so far pushing Kara to her physical and emotional limits. This is a story filled with physical danger and emotional turmoil. But through it all, even when seemingly spiraling, this Supergirl remains a hero and an inspiration. 

Writer/artist Sophie Campbell has had Kara nearly die, been turned into a cyborg, and trying to quell the uprising of the Black Flame in Kandor AND chastise the Kandorian government for letting it happen. And she continues to do this despite a large portion of her body having been replaced by clunky robotics. It would be easy for her to give up but she doesn't.

Not that she is stolid or staid. She breaks down here and there. We see her lamenting her past. We see her screaming at Lesla Lar. She is still learning to be a hero, still dealing with the roils of her life, but moving past them. This isn't a Kara crying in a sun, living a life of pain. This is a Supergirl who knows she needs to help people in danger, who literally tells herself to 'get it together'. I'm not sure I 100% understand her loyalty and devotion to Lesla. 

As for Black Flame, she is both physically devastating, ready to kill those who stand in her way, and somehow a charismatic leader, bringing people under her sway. That is why Lesla followed her. And someone else might be joining the cause.

As for the art, Campbell has really kicked it up a notch in this arc. There are some wonderful little touches in the art that I think emphasize story points. I love her take on Superboy and his tactile TK power.

Add to that a killer cliffhanger and you get a fantastic issue. On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #12 (v8)

Supergirl #12 came out last week and continued the Hero of Kandor storyline. I struggled when I read Supergirl #11, an issue in which Supergirl seemed completely outmatched and easily tricked, beaten to a pulp in her own book. Writer/artist Sophie Campbell rebounds tremendously with this issue, pushing the story along, showcasing things I love about Supergirl, and most importantly tackling issues in a nuanced and fair way. Throw in some hardcore action and you have a winning issue, perhaps the strongest in the run yet.

Remember, Supergirl has discovered that a genetic anomaly is keeping Kandorians shrunk and trapped in the city. Surely the Science Council knew about this and didn't act. Maybe they even initiated it. Upset about the whole thing, the Black Flame has organized the youth of Kandor in a rebellion, but she seems just as interested in destruction as she is in solving the problem of the anomaly. The city is being destroyed and the Black Flame is laughing in the wreckage.

And there is Supergirl recognizing that both sides are right and wrong. The Council shouldn't be trapping people in the city and should have helped fix the issue. The Black Flame is right to want freedom but not death and destruction. It is up to Kara to try and mend the rift, not happy with either side.

In our real world we have polarized politics and hate on both sides. We have protests that can grow destructive and entrenched power wanting to maintain control. And when things get extreme on both sides it isn't good for the folks in the middle.

Seeing Kara talk about trying to live in the shadow of someone big, trying to meet impossible expectations, being angry at the Council but willing to risk her life to protect them ...well ... that is everything I love about Supergirl.

The art in the book is incredible. Most of the book is a political debate so we have lots of close-ups and conversational art. But there are tricks Campbell uses to push the narrative visually. The fight at the end is brutal and even here we see some visual clues. But I also need to praise Tamra Bonvillain for bringing a dayglo quality to the fight, making it feel insane.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #10 (v8)

Supergirl #10 came out this week, an appropriate release in this week of Valentine's Day as it is a romance heavy issue, very reminscent of her short-lived self-titled seventies title where our heroine fell head over heels in love with a bad actor nearly every month.

Sophie Campbell brings us another interesting issue continuing to weave a variety of plot threads through the book. Who is this mysterious man and why is Supergirl so attracted to him? Is Supergirl still angry at Lena for leading Lesla down a bad path and inadvertantly getting Kara drunk at that party? Will Supergirl ever forgive Lena and be friends again? And why is so much weird stuff, like a love ghost from Krypton, manifesting in the sleepy town of Midvale? But I also am intrigued by the side plot of Lena basically messing around with tech is a way that still feels Lex-like. And this Supergirl feels like the young hero still learning that I like to read, even if it feels like a little step backwards from the 'second in command, mature hero leading the Superman family' we have read in recent years in the Superman books.

I like the world building that is happening in the book. But most of it is of the emotional aspects of Kara's life. I have said the last couple of months how I really could use a supervillain throwdown. While we get a fight with the love ghost, Supergirl struggles and needs a lot of help. This feeds the character plots but it still hasn't scratched my Kara-tharsis itch. Bring on Reactron. 

Joe Quinones continues to show he is the perfect artist pinch hitter on this book. His style is a wonderful fit for this book and is Campbell-adjacent making the feel of the book consistent. Much of this book has Linda Danvers swooning and I love how Quinones conveys it all.

Overall, this is still a great issue building up this new life Supergirl is moving through. On to details.

Review: Supergirl #9(v8)

Supergirl #9 came out last week, the third issue in a row focused on character building and leaning into some sorrow and angst. Writer Sophie Campbell is here with artist Joe Quinones showing us New Year's Eve, Midvale style. 

Campbell has definitely been focusing this series on Kara figuring out this next chapter of her life back in Midvale. Campbell has also done something I have been asking for in a Supergirl comic for about 15 years, added a supporting cast. In many ways, this book has been an ensemble cast with Supergirl the axle they spin around. Moreover, it is all young women trying to figure out who they are in a new place, all with different backgrounds and responses. Lesla from Kandor, reeling from unloving parents and a feeling of emptiness. Lena, walking away from Lex but still acting, now and then, like a Luthor. And Kara herself, out of Superman's shadow and trying to hold her life and her friends lives together.

This issue shows us how easily strained these relationships can be. A fun night unravels and suddenly Linda, Lena, and Lesla are not the bosom buddies they were. There was a bright feeling to the early issues of this book, an optimism and joy around Kara. These last three issues - Nightflame, the dying robot, and this issue's tumults - are a little darker. I am hoping this darkening is from my Chaos Stream theory.

And I have to admit I wouldn't mind an issue of someone like Reactron being a jerk and our hero pounding him. After all the personal drama, I wouldn't mind a supervillain coming around. I am not complaining too much. I love the book. And this is lightyears away from drunken, living in pain, witnessing stoning executions, etc.

I have been a fan of Joe Quinones for a looooong time and have always loved his art, getting a commission from him in 2010. His style fits the vibe of this series wonderfully and I wouldn't mind him being the official pinch-hitter here for issues Campbell can't do herself. 

On to the book! 

Review: Supergirl #7 (v8)

Supergirl #7 came out this week, another fun and whimisical sort of holiday issue, celebrating the Thanksgiving tradition of bringing family and friends together.

Sophie Campbell is back on writing and art this issue making this an extra special treat. Campbell's art is just so intricate, so vivid, so captivating that you can't help but read the book slowly, taking in the art and all the small details she puts into things. A simple exercise will be to find Streaky every time the super-cat appears. He has is always doing something, making some expression. That devotion to the small things makes the art a true attraction here.

The story is a sweet one and really more character building. After last issue's look into the darker aspects of Kara's past, this issue is her being friendly and helpful, even to her enemies. Here, Supergirl is helping Princess Shark try to escape her life of villainy.While that unfolds, Kara's family tries to gather for Thanksgiving. 

The Princess Shark story is a sort of sideways take on the Little Mermaid. And the conclusion to that plot makes little sense given Princess Shark's earlier actions but it's fine. It showcases Supergirl's smarts and ethics nicely. 

And the family story shows how Lesla is still suffering from her lack of parental love, transferring it onto Superman of all people. 

All that said, while I think this is a fun issue, I actually am hoping we get a super-villain fight soon. 

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #4 (v8)

Supergirl #4 came out last week and was another very enjoyable issue written and drawn by Sophie Campbell. The things I have loved about the prior issues: a strong heroic personality - a mix of kindness and action - for Supergirl, a reverent look back at Supergirl's history, and tremendous art are all here. 

As has been said in prior reviews, Campbell has taken a sort of Grant Morrison take on the Supergirl character. It seems like in some way everything has happened. But also, everything is new. It feels incredible fresh. Campbell's art, a gorgeous style, adds to the feel of both nostalgia and innovation, a tough mix to pull off. 

In this issue, we get references to Supergirl's 70's series, her 80's series, the New 52 series (probably), and maybe even the Peter David run (maybe this time I am right). I know as a long term fan, seeing these nods to Supergirl's history makes me smile. It isn't just nostalgia. It is finally seeing a creator come on board who isn't looking at the character as a blank slate to scrawl their own idea on. It shows that Campbell knows and respects Supergirl's 65 year history. 

If I have one quibble, it is that I worry this might veer into a team book rather than solo title. I am all for supporting casts. I want them. It is clear Supergirl is the center of this book. But if Lena and Lesla and now Wanda ... um, I mean Luna are all on board I hope they don't detract from Kara too much. And I would love to see more of Linda and the Danvers. But this is quibble. I have trust that we will get there and Campbell will keep her eyes on the prize.

The art from pencils to inks to colors are all beautiful throughout. I love the cover with the wild, multicolored Decay trying to overwhelm Supergirl. And the guest star bubbles below add a bit of comic history to things. 

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #3 (v8)

Supergirl #3 came out this week and was another entertaining and frankly refreshing look at the character by writer/artist Sophie Campbell. Over the course of this blog's history, there have been plenty of times that creators have been put on the character and it is clear they don't know the character or don't like the character. There have been runs where I have said things like 'remove Supergirl and put in Starfire and this story would proceed without a problem' or 'this doesn't seem like the Supergirl we know'. 

That isn't true here.

This is firmly a Supergirl book. This is a creator who seems to like and respect the character, weaving in history and characterization that fit. And this thrills me.

We can start with the obvious homages and nods as a way to refer and acknowledge the past. From Midvale to Lesla Lar to Lena Luthor to Streaky, Satan Girl, and even Black Kryponite, this series is mining the best of Supergirl's 66 year history and bringing it into modern time. Heck, there are even artistic homages!

But that stuff if done alone can simply feel like nostalgia. What is needed is story. And we get that too. Because in this issue we get a look into Supergirl's psyche. How she is heroic and kind and compassionate. How she probably struggles being in the shadow of her big cousin and his influence. How maybe she struggles with a dark side ... but it isn't that dark. And how most of all she wants to help. She can throw down when she needs to. She can be fierce in fighting injustice. But maybe that is the last resort. Some might find the 'sort of' conclusion of the Lesla Lar story underwhelming but for me it fit the character well. Campbell just seems to get it. 

Add to that the sumptuous, breezy, engaging art by Campbell and colorist Tamra Bonvillain and you have a big win. From old costumes to new, from mutations and birthday cake shenanigans, it all sings.

My only quibble might be that the arc might be wrapping up too soon for my taste. But in a world of endless arcs and decompression, this might be a compliment.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #2 (v8)

Supergirl #2 came out last week and just built on the good will that I felt from the last issue.

I find Supergirl such a complex character. It is why I love her. 

Who is Supergirl to me? She is a young hero, learning her way. She can be fallible. She's still figuring things out. She has the unenviable position of having Superman as her cousin. She is expected to live up to his standards, she is wearing his symbol ... but she isn't Superman and isn't as experienced. It is a double edged familial sword - a tremendous role model but someone you might always be found lacking against. She has had tragedy but has overcome it. She should be bright and feisty and fierce in fighting injustice. But she also should be smart and more polished than even younger heroes, filling this middle road. She is also a young girl in this real world with all those issues.

How the heck do you put all that together? 

I think it might be why so many fall short in my mind. She isn't saccharine sweet. She isn't angsty and angry. She isn't sad.

Somehow, in two issues, Sophie Campbell has threaded the needle. This is the Supergirl I want to read. I am really charmed by her. She is sweet. She is friendly. She is a hero, diving in to save people. She is bored with some idle prattle by her teenage friends. She has a supporting cast! She has a history! (As with last issue there a ton of references to her Bronze Age adventures.) It is nigh perfect.

Most impressively, Campbell has given us a villain just as complex. Lesla Lar is clearly misguided and addled. She is thinking only of herself, putting others in peril. She is a brilliant evil scientist. But we get a hint at a troubled past, an aching loneliness in her that probably led to her malevolence. I don't always need a sympathetic villain but it sort of works here.

The art is just stellar throughout. Campbell gives us this charming Linda, fighting giant apes and trying on clothes. It is glorious.

Now as a lifelong Supergirl fan, I am eating up the nostalgia bombs with a spoon. I hope the general population is loving it as much as me. I don't think they pull the novice out of the story. They clearly enhance it for a mega-fan like me. (Heck, even the cover is an homage to Super DC Giant #S-24!

On to the book.

Review: Superman #26

Superman #26 came out last week and was another solid issue for writer Joshua Williamson as he weaves a very classic-feeling Superman run. 

Last issue, Williamson had Mercy Graves turn on Superman, releasing X-El and leading to a mega-battle ending with the loss of Superwoman's powers. This issue, we are still marinating in that storyline. In particular, we get more great Superman/Lex interaction, the backbone of this book. We still have a couple of lingering plotlines out there that he catches us up on. But most importantly, he sprinkles in some new subplots, whetting my appetite for more. He even puts in a nice hook for the new Supergirl book too. 

I definitely like the Superman/Lex stuff as this still seems to be the 'good' Lex, the amnestic good guy reeling from his past.

The art is split between Eddy Barrows, bringing his usual feathery, pencil-stroke art and Sean Izaaske who has a rougher more visceral take. Barrows has always been a favorite. DC should just give him mini-series to write and finish in their entirety. Izaaske works well for his pages but his style breaks from Barrows in a startling way.

To repeat, Williamson continues to bring us a great Superman book, highlighting the main character but giving us great supporting cast moments and plot threads. On to the issue.

Review: Superman #25

The extra-sized Superman #25 came out this week and was a pretty rollicking issue that pushed forward one of the biggest storylines of this comic. The Lex/Superman dynamic has been the foundation of this book since its inception.

 Is Lex an ally? Is he an enemy, a wolf in sheep's clothing? Is this new amnestic Lex truly and ally? Or is the whole thing a ruse? Writer Joshua Williamson let's us peek behind the curtain, bringing us back to the earliest moments of this run and letting us hear Lex say his plans. But the amnesia from Brainiac must have been an unanticipated event, changing things. (I do wonder if Williamson had this all mapped out, including that turn, when the book was initiated.)

But this is a stuffed issue. So we get to see Mercy continue her heel-turn. We see Marilyn Moonlight for the first time in a while. We get to see more of the Red-K poisoning. And substantial movement in the Superwoman arc. And we get the introduction of a villain with a name that I can't believe hasn't been used before. Kudos to Williamson!

The art is done by a trio of superstars - Jamal Campbell, Dan Mora, and Eddy Barrows. It was good to see Campbell back on the book, especially since his pages are the flashback to the beginning of the book, the arc he drew. Gave it some artistic weight. Barrows and Mora finish the book with some flair, including the use of 2 page splashes and oversized panels. Mora also gives us this wraparound cover. 

I know it is going to sound insane but that jacketed Supergirl look has really grown on me. I wonder how much of that is Mora and how much is the look.

On to the book.

Review: Superman #24

Superman #24 came out this week and ended with such a turn for a character that it felt like a jolt of acceleration into the next arc. We just wrapped up the Doomsday story arc so we need to take the next step. This issue sort of bridges the gap, catching up with characters but also pushing us forward.

Writer Joshua Williamson does a great job telling the tale, having Lois and Superman uncover the hidden threat in different ways, coming together at the end for a major cliffhanger. I thought this 'two fronts' (as alluded to on the cover) was a nice technique. Superwoman gets the action piece. Superman gets the thinking thread. It is a little bit of a role reversal since Lois is usually doing the investigating while Supes punches things. Throw in some guest stars and DC history and you have a fun read.

Eddy Barrows is on art, last seen in the Gail Simone Superman arc. I have always loved Barrows' work so seeing him draw one of my favorite characters who is a guest star here made me smile. His art really is just gorgeous and we get to see him spread his wings a bit here. 

So overall, another solid issue in a string of solid issues. Get ready for the next threat! On to the book!

Review: Superman #11

Superman #11 came out this week, the next chapter in the Joshua Williamson era and a chapter moving the 'Lex Luthor Revenge Squad' storyline forward. After last issue's wonderful Western side mission, this issue sort of puts the pedal down on the plot, pushing it forward nicely. It also sharply shines a spotlight on Lena.

One thing that I have appreciated about what Williamson is doing is how he is leaning into older, some might say 'classic' (although that makes me very old) storylines and making them part of this continuity. In this issue we hear about Lena, Brainiac 13, Imperiex, and even Lex's Kryptonite poisoning. I don't know how easily I can squish those into a Rebirth timeline, but here we are.

These references are done to build on this storyline. Finally, the Lex Luthor Revenge Squad is formed and it includes a couple of surprise members. There's even a decent cliffhanger. 

David Baldeon is on art here, bringing a stylized take on the action. There is a hint of anime in his style but nothing overwhelming. It feels sort of classic, a nice resonance with this story. 

On to the specifics.

Review: Superman #9

Superman #9 came out this week, a truly entertaining comic that I loved. Writer Joshua Williamson basically put the creative foot down on the gas pedal in this issue, rocketing us through a series of scenes that pushed the main plot forward while hinting at a number of subplots bubbling under the surface.

In some ways, this felt like a very classic comic book. I grew up in a time when there were often A, B, and C plots in titles. There was no decompression. There were mysteries and intrigue. There were emotions and consequences. There were guest stars. Things were fun. And it is all here. Plus, there is a tremendous cliffhanger.

Despite all the subplots that are touched on here, the main plot of Pharm and Graft trying to get their revenge on Lex Luthor takes a turn here. I have started to warm up to the new partnership between Lex and Superman as shown in this book. I don't know about Pharm and Graft yet though. They seem a bit too flat right now. Thankfully, Williamson hints at some things here which add some interesting wrinkles to the villains.

Jamal Campbell gets another issue off. Instead, Bruno Redondo, who has been killing it on Nightwing, fills in here and definitely continues to shine. There is a polish to the book which is appreciated. In particular, the Lois scenes are nicely rendered with emotion. I also found the page layouts suited the action well, adding to the story. Colorist Adriano Lucas does great work here, especially in the Marilyn Moonlight scenes.

As I say often, I wanted the next issue to be in my hand right after I read this one which is always a great sign. On to the book.

Review: Superman #7

Superman #7 came out this week and was a stealth #850 anniversary when you count the legacy numbers. This was over-sized and it certainly felt like it with this book being stuffed with A,B, and C plots with new wrinkles and new continuity suddenly in the mix. Whew ... I had to take a breath when this one was done because there is a lot going on.

Writer Joshua Williamson is certainly embracing the Superman mythos. The A plot feels very new with The Chained nearly destroying Metropolis while Graft and Pharma look on. The B plot is a re-imagining of the Luthor legacy, bringing back a couple of family members that was eye-opening. And then the Brainiac threat continues to bubble in the background. That is a lot for one issue and somehow Williamson is able to juggle it all while also showcasing Superman and the Superman family in a whiz-bang action sequence. Given the focus of this site, I have to say Supergirl shines here, acting as the field general of the team. I loved it. And don't forget, there is that D plot of Marilyn Moonlight out there and not seen here. Amazing.

Given the over-sized nature of the book, the art is split up and thankfully in a way that makes sense. Gleb Melnikov continues the Chained plot and really amps up the action here. Really good stuff here. Old school artists Dan Jurgens handles the Luthor pages and brings a sense of history to the proceedings which works given the reintroduction of some history. And then Edwin Galmon brings a sort of computer art feel to the Brainiac pages which just clicks.

This felt like a sort of middle chapter of the bigger picture but it moved things along briskly and in a very entertaining way. That's the job of a middle chapter.  Very good issue here!

On to the details.

Supergirl Show 601: Rebirth

The season premiere of Supergirl season 6 aired earlier this week, an episode titled 'Rebirth'.  We have learned that this will be the last season of the show as well as a shortened season as well. 

I am sure I will have a lot to say about Supergirl as the season and the show wraps up. But I will start out by saying that I am delighted that we got this. Supergirl became well-known, a household world, and was portrayed magnificently by Melissa Benoist. Sure things were clunky in places. But who cares? I got to see my favorite hero on the screen for 6 years. Not everyone can say that, even in this super-hero heavy day. 

This season also has the uphill task of wrapping up last season. The pandemic made season five rush to a conclusion, and maybe not the best one. So this premiere has a dual task. It has to finish last season and it has to start up the main storylines of this season.

In many ways this felt like more like a finale and not a premiere. The cliffhanger at the end of this episode would have been brilliant as a cliffhanger at the end of a season. I wonder how much of this was filmed last year. And a lot needs to happen in this episode. Much of the things which happen are given little explanation or maybe a hand wave. We get a lot of comic book science. I give credit to the writers for this whirlwind. And I give big credit to the stars for pulling it off while giving us some emotional character moments.

And get ready for many deus ex machina that keep things going. 

Buckle up!

Supergirl episode 513: It's A Super Life

I continue to catch up on my Supergirl show reviews and that brings me to the 100th episode of the show, a magical number which means we will soon be seeing the show in syndication! I can't wait to revisit some of the earlier seasons, especially to remind myself where we were and where this show is now.

But outside of the magical number, I also have to say this is my favorite episode of Supergirl to date. The episode is titled 'It's a Super Life', a riff on Frank Capra's 'It's a Wonderful Life' and following that movie's plot of seeing where the world would be if the main character made different decisions (or didn't exist).

As such, this episode leans heavily into the history of the show looking back several seasons and recreating the looks of those particular episodes to a tee. All along this season, I have been cheering the fact that the writers are looking at the show's history as ... well ... history and playing the past events up. Here the double down and it is wonderful.

And this episode answers the question we all have probably screamed at one point or another in past seasons. 'Why didn't Kara tell Lena her secret identity [then]!' when the [then] is the moment you felt it would best be done. For me, it was the plane rescue last season when Lena and Kara were flying out to find Red Daughter. The show even gave me that moment as a possibility!

One thing this episode shows is that whatever decision we make in life, there are consequences, some of them unforeseen.

I really loved this episode. I hope you all did too!

Supergirl Episode 510: The Bottle Episode

Welcome to the new year and my hope to stay on top of my reviews of the Supergirl television show, including this week's episode titled The Bottle Episode.

I have to start out with a bit of an apology. The hope was that I was going to review the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover but by the time I got settled to take down my notes and grab screen shots, the event was over. I can only say that I was extremely impressed with it. It followed the COIE storyline for the most part, even having the Spectre fight the AntiMonitor! There were cameos which I loved (including the BoP Huntress, Kevin Conroy as a jaded Batman, Marv Wolfman himself - getting autographs from the heroes he killed!, and the Ezra Miller Flash!) And there was a moment in the finale where it looked like Supergirl was amping up to sacrifice herself to save her cousin (in the vein of Crisis #7) only to be stopped by the Ray Palmer Atom. It even stuck the landing showing us how all the DC entertainment universes exist in a multiverse and by giving us the Super Friends. And, of course, it unified the Berlanti-verse, something I have felt was needed since Supergirl jumped from CBS to the CW.

So there is my most bullet-y of bullet reviews.

But just like in the comics, the post-Crisis universe needs to be explored and defined. And that is what makes the latter part of this season so delicious. The heroes and a handful of villains still remember the old time line. But they are working in a new world with new personas. That is certainly going to make things a bit juicy.

And the main part of this episode is to redefine Brainiac 5, bringing him much closer to the comic reality than before, a move that I applaud. Maybe just maybe we'll get a Kara/Querl romance in the future now. We'll have to see.

But onto the details of this overall excellent episode.

Supergirl Show 501: Event Horizon

As I have said elsewhere on social media, my life is in a bit of a whirlwind these days and I am doing my best to keep my head above water.

So apologies for the lateness of this post, a review of the Supergirl Season 4 premiere titled 'Event Horizon. You are all two weeks ahead of me, so you definitely know more on where some of the plots in this series have gone.

For me, I was definitely impressed with this episode as it totally builds off of the events of the last. There isn't some feeling of a pause here. There isn't the sense that characters are starting from a clean slate. The events of last season are having a strong impact on everyone.

Alex is in charge of the DEO but in a relationship with Kelly.
Brainy is still dealing with the emotional fallout of his brief evil/cold turn last season.
Nia is trying to grow the romantic relationship she has with Brainy.
Kara is being celebrated for her article which took down Lex but is still dealing with not telling Lena her secret.

And Lena? She is harboring a lot of ill will after learning Kara is Supergirl. And Luthors hold grudges.

We'll add to that mix a bunch of new characters and plotlines. A new CatCo CEO. A new CatCo reporter. A new AI whispering in Lena's ears. Ma'alefa'ak returning to fight his brother. And oh yeah ... a Crisis on the horizon.

And, no surprise, the acting in the episode is solid. In particular, Melissa Benoist has a scene which reminds me just how blessed we are that she is on this show. She is such a force.

But I am invested. This season is off to a great start (or it got off to a great start 3 weeks ago). On to the show.

Supergirl 422: Quest For Peace

The Supergirl season 4 finale, episode 422 'Quest for Peace', aired this week and just blew me out of the water. The show just nailed it.

When you look at the season as a hold, I can't help but feel that this was the strongest of the bunch. Yes, some early episodes did struggle with this show's occasional clunky, ham-fisted writing. It was clear there was an agenda to the season and that agenda seemed to overwhelm the story rather than supplement.

And then Lex Luthor happened.

Jon Cryer's performance was like an adrenaline injection. His first two episodes were brilliantly crafted. You definitely felt Lex's presence in the next couple of episodes as the characters all seemed to be scrambling to catch up to the schemes. And then this episode which tied it all together! Amazing.

Moreover, all the plotlines tied up nicely, even if some of them were obvious.

And then, the teases for next season. Just incredible. I can't believe I have to wait months to see where all of these new plot lines are going!!

I don't think I have ever been this happy about a Supergirl season or its finale. Wow.

On to the show.