Supergirl, Episode 16 “Falling” Broadcast on March 14, 2016
Written by Robert Rovner & Jessica Queller
Directed by Larry Teng
“Previously on Supergirl,” Kara learns her stepsister Alex killed evil aunt Astra, Cat hires Siobhan to be Assistant Number One, Winn and Siobhan share a moment, Lucy breaks up with James because of Kara’s obvious affection for him, and Hank may have to quit the DEO if he’s revealed to be an alien.
On The Talk, Cat Grant comes on as a guest. Discussion quickly turns to Supergirl, causing Cat to say, “She is the kindest person I’ve ever known.” While patrolling the city, Supergirl hears a young middle schooler being bullied by some older girls because she’s wearing a homemade Supergirl outfit to class. Supergirl appears and says she’s been friends with little Laura since she’s “always friends with all the nice girls.” She flies off raising Laura’s spirits and changing the way others look at her. Cat arrives at work just as the taped interview ends, asking when Winn is. Kara goes looking for him, finding him in the supply closet with Siobhan; if only she hadn’t used her x-ray vision. Going to see James in his office, she tells him that Cat has told her that Lucy has quit. He responds, “Maybe I didn’t love her as much as I thought I did.” The moment is broken with a call from Alex and Supergirl meets her at DEO HQ. Senator Crane is there to tell them that she’s doing all she can to get more money to support them in their efforts and to say how grateful she is Hank is in charge. She emphasizes this final statement by holding his hand. This moment ends with news reaches them that a fireman is trapped on a roof. After helping the man, Supergirl’s face radiates glowing crimson cracks. She’s momentarily woozy, but still flies off. The camera pans down under a chunk of massive machinery to reveal a glowing chunk of red kyptonite. Cue opening title sequence and first commercial break.
This is so much more than requisite “Supergirl goes bad” episode. Supergirl doesn’t go slowly to the Dark Side, she there’s right after the first commercial break. Her attitude was so flippant, it was enjoyable, but things progress to evil quickly and her behavior is no longer laughable. Melissa Benoist was outstanding as Kara cut loose at her day job and at her caped adventures. Having a K’hund in the episode was great; perhaps making an appearance by one, or more, of the Legionnaires that much closer (Fingers crossed!). The change in outfits for little mousy Kara was great, as was the reaction of people at work. And “new” Kara versus Siobhan wasn’t much of a match. Naturally, evil Supergirl reverted to normal (and if that’s a spoiler, you’ve never read a comic book) and the fallout from what she’s said and done to others was great. Chyler Leigh and Mehcad Brooks had some killer scenes with her, with the repercussions of what she’s done carrying over to next week. This was also a great episode for Calista Flockhart, whose Cat got the most major of reality checks, and David Harewood, who got the biggest surprise moment of the episode for his green alter ego.
The good: The script by Robert Rovner and Jessica Quellar, the direction of Larry Teng which had this moving at quick, but fun, pace (Loved Supergirl’s silent aside to Alex after witnessing some hand holding), Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, Mehcad Brooks, evil Supergirl, Hank’s big surprise, great effects, and the surprise return and justification for a past baddie. I found myself tearing up over the Laura sequence; that was what a perfect moment…and a K’hund!!!
Fun lines: “…or do. I don’t really care,” “You. Are. Fired!”, “I’ve never been better,” “Something’s wrong with Kara,” “You want to see what ‘powerful’ really looks like?”, “That’s my bad,” “Sometimes heroes fall,” “I mean that,” “You don’t want to kill me,” “Don’t do this!”, and “Don’t…finish that sentence.”
The bad: The View and their hosts? Really? To go 1960’s on this, “Holy free plug, Superfans!” Why would Cat go on a show that she didn’t own? And one that’s not that great in the ratings? That’s the only grouse with this episode, and it’s over in the first five minutes.
The final line: Benoist is outstanding as evil Kara and her return to normal will break your heart. This is the show I wanted this series to be: super heroics with a super heart. Overall grade: A
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I loved the substantial and real truth bombs!
I enjoyed that there was, indeed, just a bit of truth in what she said to make things painful. When she was back to normal, in the DEO, her reactions to what she had to Alex were absolutely heartfelt.