‘Supergirl: The Complete Second Season’ Blu-ray Review
To many, Supergirl is an important superhero show. Not only is it a successful example of a DC show, but it also flies the flag for female superheroes. With the release of Supergirl: The Complete Second Season, things are bigger and on an even greater scale, but does that make it a success?
With Kara (Melissa Benoist) striving to make herself as successful journalist at Catco Worldwide Media, she also has to do the same as Supergirl. Working with her adoptive sister Alex (Chyler Leigh) and Hank Henshaw (David Harewood), the Martian Manhunter at the DEO, the stakes have never been higher. Thankfully, she has friends and family (including Superman) to help her save the day.
There are a lot of important things that happen in this season, which feel ground-breaking for the show. This includes the “coming out” of Kara’s sister Alex. This is important because of the way it is handled, and hopefully the message it brings with it to the fans. The problem I have is, although this is a good use of the family theme in the show, it is family politics that hold the show back somewhat. Thankfully though, Alex and her new relationship is not one of the negative points.
What we find with season 2 of Supergirl is that there are episodes that follow the formula of “do as I say, or I’m going to glare at you angrily.” We see this with the return of Jeremiah Danvers (Dean Cain). A man who works within an organisation aimed at ridding Earth of aliens, suddenly turning back up and expecting to be trusted 100% isn’t really something that is realistic. The problem is, as the audience, we are meant to accept that.
In a later episode, this situation happens again between Alex’s girlfriend Maggie Sawyer (Floriana Lima). She clashes with Supergirl over the handling of criminals, and the rule seems to be “never question Supergirl” which is annoying. Of course, the episode then goes on to show why Supergirl needs to learn some humility, but she is also right…and the cycle continues.
We also see this almost arrogant tendency with the character when it comes to James Olsen (Mehcad Brooks) who fights to become a vigilante hero to find his place in the city. When Supergirl finds out, there is a self-righteous belief that this is something that only Supergirl should do, where in fact he actually comes to the rescue at times. The truth is, everybody can be a hero and while the show doesn’t really push that message hard enough, it is hidden there within all the family and friend’s issues.
When it comes to Supergirl (and Superman) we know there has to be a love interest, and in this season, it is Mon-El (Chris Wood). Another alien with family issues (played by Teri Hatcher and Kevin Sorbo) their relationship shapes the main story arc for the season. It is pretty badass to see Melissa Benoist and Teri Hatcher in a huge battle, and of course it is character building for Supergirl herself.
With all the drama and huge battles going on, there is a lot to talk about. To make the show work of course there has to be a good selection of actors. The main cast of course fits this bill, but where this show also shines is some of the more noticeable names. To see Dean Cain, Teri Hatcher, Kevin Sorbo, and Lynda Carter. With a cast including these people, where can it go wrong? Oh, and yes, it has to be mentioned that Calista Flockhart as Cat Grant steals the show.
With the added drama of the Luthors, there is a lot going on in Supergirl: The Complete Second Season, and for the most part it works well. With timely themes like the handling of asylum seeking aliens, thankfully it never gets heavy handed in the messages that it delivers. While the family issues can sometimes be a little annoying, for the most part Supergirl is a good show, and the second season show it at its best.
Supergirl: The Complete Second Season is available on DVD and Blu-ray now.
