Season 2 of Supergirl is a strong sophomore season. It introduces a set of interesting characters and allows returning characters other than Supergirl to develop. Overall, the season does a graceful job of addressing prejudice, diversity, and self-acceptance amidst battles with internal and external threats to Earth's people.
“After leaving her day job as Cat Grant’s assistant at CatCo Worldwide Media to take stock of her life and plan her future, Kara Danvers continues to work with Hank Henshaw and her sister, Alex, at the Department of Extranormal Operations. There, she can be her true self – Supergirl – using her ever-increasing powers to protect National City while searching for her missing father, Jeremiah, and the secret research lab, Project Cadmus. Along the way, she teams with her Kryptonian cousin, Kal-El – aka Superman – to battle new DC Universe villains. In her spare time, she balances friendships with James Olsen and Winn Schott while negotiating an exciting new romance to boot! The Girl of Steel has got it going on in all 22 powerful, thrill-packed adventures.” – Official Description
When we last saw Supergirl at the end of her debut season, she had just saved the world from Indigo and Non. Things were going well for her non-super identity, Kara Danvers, as well. Kara had just received a promotion from Cat Grant and shared a kiss with her crush, James Olson. The season closed with the discovery of another alien pod on Earth similar to her own.
Season 2 marks the show’s first season on the CW. This move positions the show well for crossover stories and appearances with fellow DC Universe shows Arrow, The Flash, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow; however, that move also changed the structure of the show in some ways. We’ll get into that and more below.
The Season 2 premiere, “The Adventures of Supergirl,” does an excellent job of introducing new characters and setting up several of the season’s plotlines.
It is in this episode that we first meet a character fans have been waiting to see – Superman! This incarnation of the Man of Steel, played by Tyler Hoechlin, arrives when a new threat facing Supergirl overlaps with a threat he is investigating. The Super-cousins work together to find answers.
The episode also introduces the mysterious Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath), the adopted sister of Lex Luthor. We are told that Lex has recently been arrested. Is Lena the same as her brother? McGrath does a nice job of not giving too much away early on with her performance. Similar to the Clark/Lex relationship, we see Kara befriend Lena, but will Lena ultimately be one of Supergirl’s greatest enemies?
Season 1 ended with Kara and James considering to date; however, likely due to the move to the CW, that relationship ends abruptly. They decide to be friends instead. It seems like a waste after watching the two slowly move toward each other throughout the entire past season. Instead, Kara is presented with a new romance this season.
Now to that mysterious alien pod! Despite much speculation by viewers throughout the summer, the pod contains a new character, Mon-El of Daxam (Chris Wood). We learn that Daxamites are the sworn enemies of Kryptonians. In short, Kara hates him almost immediately. Throughout the season, she must learn to accept him and to help him live undiscovered on Earth.
The final big change introduced this season is the loss of one of its best characters. The move to the CW also changed the location of filming. This is believed to be the reason that Calista Flockhart went from being a main actor to a special guest star. Her character, Cat Grant, provided much of Season 1’s humor and depth. Despite often acting disinterred in Kara, it was clear that she actually cared, and her interest in Supergirl helped to make the hero famous. It is explained that her character is leaving CatCo for some time. Her replacement, a man named Snapper Carr (Ian Gomez) is also cold and distant to Kara, but the relationship is very different. The bond between Kara and Cat in Season 1 is one of the strongest elements of the show, and the loss of that relationship is deeply felt. The goodbye scene between the two characters early this season is one of the show’s most emotional moments.
Season 2 sees a different Kara in some ways. She is less self-assured and confident. Kara doesn’t have all the answers this time, and that often scares her a bit. She’s a more flawed (and at times whiny) Kara, but when the time for action arrives, she’s still Supergirl.
One of the best changes in Season 2 is its move to focus on other characters. Whereas Season 1 was all about Supergirl, her powers, and her attempt to balance living a normal life and saving the world, Season 2 gives depth and growth to some of its background characters.
We most notably see this with Alex (Chyler Leigh), Kara’s adoptive sister. By working at the D.E.O., she is always able to help Supergirl while worrying about her little sister. This season, though, she gets her own storyline. The audience watches as Alex slowly realizes that she might be gay. She begins dating police officer Maggie Sawyer (Floriana Lima). Unlike a lot of shows, this storyline never feels like tokenism. It’s developed slowly and carefully.
In addition to her romantic storyline, Alex also has a storyline revolving around her father, Jeremiah (Dean Cain). We were previously told that he went missing years ago, but Alex has never given up searching for him. When a lead brings her closer than ever, we see the normally logical and rational Alex nearly fall apart with her emotion and desire to find him. It’s a layer to Alex’s character that we haven’t seen before. Chyler Leigh yet again proves to be one of the strongest cast members on this show.
The Martian Manhunter (David Harewood) also gets a new storyline. He continues his work at the D.E.O. under his protective identity of Hank Henshaw, but his character’s role is a bit expanded this season. We already knew that he was the last Green Martian, but this season explains more about the war with the White Martians that ended his people. When a White Martian is discovered on Earth, he is forced to question his beliefs and prejudices.
After witnessing Supergirl in action, James Olsen (Mechad Brooks) decides that he doesn’t need powers to be a vigilante. He adopts the identity of “Guardian” and attempts to patrol the streets on his own, without the support of the D.E.O or Supergirl.
The only back-up James has is tech-savy Winn Schott (Jeremy Jordan). Unfortunately, Winn doesn’t get the same screen time and attention as Alex, Hank, and James this season. He was a highlight of Season 1, and even though he now works for the D.E.O., he’s almost reduced to the background in most scenes. Given Jeremy Jordan’s ability to simultaneously add humor and emotional depth to all of his scenes, it would have been nice to see Winn have more to do this season.
In addition to the main characters, Season 2 also features an excellent set of guests. Dean Cain is reunited with his Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman costar Teri Hatcher, though the two don’t share a scene together. Wonder Woman herself, Lynda Carter, plays President Olivia Marsdin. Helen Slater, who played the title role in 1984’s Supergirl movie, returns as Eliza Danvers. Brenda Strong plays the woman in charge of the mysterious Project Cadmus. Melissa Benoist’s frequent stunt double, Jessie Graff, makes an appearance as a villain. The season also features Kevin Sorbo as an alien (it’s way less ridiculous than it sounds).
Though we won’t see her until Season 3, it was recently announced that Smallville’s Erica Durance will take over the role of Alura Zor-El from Laura Benanti.
Crucial to any superhero story is the balance and foil provided by the villain(s), and Season 2 of Supergirl is no exception. The story features two big bads, but both have a similar purpose. Supergirl and the D.E.O. must first face off against Project Cadmus, a mysterious lab connected to their pasts that is a persistent threat throughout the season. The second half of the season introduces an alien threat – a group determined to wipe out the inferior inhabitants of Earth. Though much could be said about these aliens, to do so would spoil too much of the season. Minor villains in the season include Metallo, Roulette, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Cyborg Superman.
Overall, Season 2 takes on a more serious note than the previous year. Episodes are more connected and cohesive, with only a few “fluff” or “filler” pieces included.
The major goal and drive for this season is to challenge prejudices, examine diversity, and question what truly separates its characters. It’s a lofty goal, but the show handles the themes and topics gracefully. Kara must question why she initially hates Mon-El; why do Kryptonians and Daxamites hate each other? The Martian Manhunter faces a similar question when dealing with the White Martian found on Earth. Alex must learn how to accept her new realizations about herself and how to share them with her loved ones. James questions if he can be a hero without powers. Lena Luthor must decide if she wants to be just another member of the Luthor family or if she wants to be a force for good. These challenges prompt strong character development and growth throughout the season.
Though told through the metaphor of aliens and fictional characters, Season 2 often seems like social commentary on the real world. For example, an overarching storyline is the debate on alien rights. Only occasionally does it feel blatant or overt. For the most part, topics are handled well.
Overall, this is a strong sophomore season for Supergirl. While it feels like a lot of material was covered this season, the show clearly has more story to tell in its following seasons. I’m looking forward to seeing where the show goes next.
Crossovers
Viewers should know that Supergirl is featured in two crossover events this season. Episode 8, “Medusa,” ends with the appearance of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes) asking for Supergirl’s help. The next episode of Supergirl begins without addressing this. Additionally, Episode 16, “Star-Crossed,” ends on a cliffhanger that is resolved on an episode of The Flash; however, viewers who are only watching Supergirl may be confused about why several plotlines in Episode 17 don’t match the previous episode.
Episodes and Special Features
Disc 1 – Episodes 1-6
o Alien Fight Night
Disc 2 – Episodes 7-12
o Commentary with producer Andrew Kreisberg and director Kevin Smith on “Supergirl Lives” (S2 E09)
Disc 3 – Episodes 13-18
Disc 4 – Episodes 19-22
o 2016 Comic-Con Panel
o “Did You Know?” Facts for Fans
o Aliens Among Us
o A Conversation with Andrew Kreisberg and Kevin Smith
This release has a really strong set of special features. In particular, Aliens Among Us is almost a mini-documentary that looks at aliens in entertainment and how a variety of aliens have always been present in Superman’s and Supergirl’s comic storylines. The Comic Con panel is also fun.
Takeaway
Season 2 of Supergirl is a strong sophomore season for the show. Though the absence of Cat Grant is strongly felt, the show introduces a new set of interesting main and guest characters. Unlike Season 1, characters other than Supergirl get to grow and develop. This change really helps to keep the show fresh and engaging each week. The cast of guest stars is outstanding. This release also features a great set of Special Features. Overall, the season does a graceful job of addressing prejudice, diversity, and self-acceptance amidst battles with internal and external threats to the people of Earth.
