Alex Becomes Supergirl In A Preview Of Next Week’s Episode
by Erik Amaya
A grief-stricken Alex Danvers (Chyler Leigh) retreats into one of Obsidian Platinum’s VR adventures to become Supergirl. It may seem like fun, but with the system trapping minds, she begins to believe the fantasy for reality, and its up to every one else — even Andrea Rojas (Julie Gonzalo) — to help unplug her from the software. Will Leviathan add her to their cadre of absorbed minds?
Meanwhile, this week’s episode illustrated what the show can be when it takes the heavy lifting off of Melissa Benoist’s shoulders. Nia’s (Nicole Maines) story was so heartbreaking and filled with an honest rage that it sometimes felt uncomfortable — a good thing, mind. Every time she said “my community,” you knew it was coming from a place of truth and the character’s desire for bloody vengeance felt properly explored. Of course, it would be nice to see this followed up on once and awhile as the prejudice toward her community does not stop just because she caught the guy targeting her and Brainy (Jesse Rath) shut down some online hate groups.
Alex’s first stroll through Obsidian Platinum was also a nice departure as it allowed her to find her footing as a hero again and partner up with Kelly (Azie Tesfai). Both characters have definitely felt sidelined this season, so it is nice to see them in focus.
Of course, giving them a bigger part of the plot is also pragmatic as Benoist announced her pregnancy a few weeks after this episode was shot. Originally, the plan was to wrap this season up early and begin banking some episodes in May before her maternity leave. Now, that’s up in the air, of course, but with Maines, Rath, Leigh, and Tesfai — not to mention the always reliable David Harewood — around, the show could solider on into season six without its star for a time and keep our attention.
Supergirl airs Sundays on The CW.
