What an uneven hour.
On one hand, there was a lot to love about this one: an increased focus on Lena Luthor, Lillian Luthor’s thrilling return, Sam and Alex bonding, and a pretty action-packed finale. But For Good is also kind of a great big mess.
Thankfully, I didn’t notice Brenda Strong’s name as a guest-star in the credits which made Lillian Luthor’s return a really exciting prospect. I kind of feel like the show dropped the ball with her storyline last year and forgot about her (swiftly replacing her with Teri Hatcher’s villainess), so this was a treat. Sadly, while Brenda was phenomenal this week (she plays evil SO FREAKIN’ WELL), she didn’t really get to do much besides nudge Lena on a dark path. Hopefully she’ll break out of prison and cause havoc again sooner rather than later.
And that action bonanza at the end? Well, I kind of wish the show didn’t go there with the Lexosuit if they didn’t have the funds to pull it off. It was all really choppily edited and haphazardly put together. In the span of five minutes, Lillian arrived, got into the Lexosuit, fought with Kara and Mon-El, Guardian arrived, Edge got arrested and Lillian got knocked out. My brain honestly couldn’t keep up and none of the rushed beats had the opportunity to land properly. A pity if you ask me.
I honestly never thought a bond between Sam and Alex could be so heartwarming, but their dynamic was the greatest thing about this episode. From their heart-to-heart outside the MRI to Alex vowing to figure out the truth about Sam, it was wonderful seeing these two strong women forge such a beautiful friendship. That’s going to make the eventual realization of Sam’s true identity all the more harrowing and impactful.
Our second Worldkiller is finally on Kara’s radar. Although I can’t wait to learn more about Purity, why the hell did Kara hide her vision at the end? I hate contrived drama, and this makes absolutely no sense given everything she’s shared with her team in the past. Hopefully the writers don’t leave this uncharacteristic bit hanging because it really irked me out.
Super Bits
– Notice how Pestilence’s face is not showing in the vision, probably because the actress has yet to be cast. Cringe.
– The coolest reference ever: Alex tells Sam she was a doctor in Seattle. This is of course a nod to her name as Lexie on Grey’s Anatomy. Awesomeness.
– The set-piece with Edge’s jumping out of his vehicle’s trunk before it explodes was really bizarre wasn’t it?
– I don’t know why Kara grabbing Edge’s keys in mid-air amused me so much.
– Creative use of Kara’s powers: blowing at Lena to induce hypothermia after she got poisoned.
– Anybody else notice the close-up of Alex withdrawing Sam’s blood? Hmm…
– I’m ready for Lena to admit that she knows Kara is Supergirl. Anyways she prob figured out after that “dream” of Kara flying her to safety.
– Kara’s “don’t grab women” at the bouncer was really cute.
– Are we seriosuly supposed to believe that Edge didn’t see Kara blowing at him during the drone attack? That was yet another case of poor staging.
– Uber satisfying: Lena knocking out Edge with a kick.
– I just love it when the show puts Sam, Alex, Kara and Lena together in one scene. More please.
– It really feels like Alex will one day take over as Ruby’s mom.
Kara Quips
Edge: My lawyers can bury you alive for defamation of character.
James: I don’t know, don’t you have to have a character to defame? Ooh.
J’Onn: (to Kara) There is great power in being the calm at the center of the storm. A beacon to show the way. Supergirl is here to remind us on Earth about what’s best in ourselves. That’s what’s most important. It’s more important than if you ever were to catch another bullet.
Lillian: Do you know of any other mother who would kill for her daughter?
Lena: No, I don’t. It’s probably a good thing for society.
Lillian: (to Lena) You know, Lex was brilliant, but he was a hothead. You’re equally as fiendish, but savvier. You have a cold-blooded talent. You can plot three moves ahead. Use your brain. When you finally own that, you’ll be great.
Lena: And as darkly twisted as Lillian is, she made me realize two things about myself. One, I very well may be a killer.
Kara: No, you’re not a killer.
Lena: No, not as yet. But I do have the emotional range of Medea.
Kara: And what’s number two?
Lena: I’m smart. Cunning. Strategic. I think steps ahead of most people.
Kara: And you needed your mother to remind you of that? Lena, come on, you’re a chess prodigy, I’ve seen your trophies.
Lena: You know, I always confuse my cunning and my emotional insecurity, and thought of it all as something to be suppressed. And then, when I saw Lillian, I had an epiphany. I can separate the two parts.
Edge: How in the hell did you get past my security?
Lena: I don’t know, it’s almost as easy as poisoning a cup of coffee. That was low, even for you. At least crashing a plane had a certain kind of elaborate elegance, but poisoning? That’s just a coward’s method.
Lillian: (to Lena) You’re three steps ahead? I’m four.
Kara: Suit’s a bit much, don’t you think?
Lillian: Says the girl in the cape.
Conclusion
A very enjoyable but also severely flawed hour. Let’s hope next week’s episode is a memorable one – it’s our last outing before a two-month break!
Nad Rating
B