Brief Thoughts On ‘Supergirl’ Season 6, Episode 13

First, it appears The CW has reversed course on making episode-specific promos for Supergirl. In the following preview, Nxly (Peta Sergeant) obtains another of the totems, forcing Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) and the rest of the Super Friends into defensive positions as all of National City goes on the rampage. Meanwhile, according to the episode description, Lena (Katie McGrath) embraces her magic, William (Staz Nair) tries to write his Super Friends story, and Kelly (Azie Tesfai) follows up on another of the stories introduced alongside Orlando (Jhaleil Swaby).

And, to be honest, we’re glad the ideas presented last week, and with Orlando, are continuing to matter in the final run. To an extent, we wish the show pivoted over to those topics as Nxly, despite being an absolutely worthy opponent for the team, is falling into the same trap as previous Supergirl antagonists. She’s taking too long to accomplish her goals and often seems to backpedal from being a truly merciless foe. It’s down to the writing as Sergeant does a great job in every scene she’s in.

The pacing issues regarding the villains and their scheme has almost always been a problem for Supergirl. Just look at how the Leviathan plot lost all of its steam following “Crisis.” We definitely think it is a real shame in this case as Nxly is a genuinely formidable adversary both emotionally and physically — Kara even said as much to Lena toward the end of this week’s episode. Since the show is already wrapped, we’re not sure how things can turn around, but we hope Nxly’s plot is resolved before the series finale and the show gets at least one more episode to focus on Orlando and the systemic inequities in National City. Showing Supergirl follow through on its lofty ideals could be far more rewarding than combating a villain like Nxly.

Supergirl airs Tuesdays on The CW.