Title: Supergirl – “Damage” Review
Release Date: November 6th, 2017
Network: The CW
Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action
(Due to an Error, this episode of Supergirl missed its original posting)
Coming off a faith-filled episode last week, Supergirl returns for its fifth episode of the season, revolving around possible repercussions from last season. “Damage” does its part to try and move things along and develop characters through exposition, but suffers due to a weak premise and poor writing.
This week’s episode of Supergirl continues to focus on the development of Sam and her relationships with the cast, as opposed to Kara and her powers. While it’s certainly not a bad thing, as Sam is a good fit, some of it does seem a bit contrived.
I enjoy the fact that Kara actually has a group of friends that aren’t also love interests – even though fans will never stop shipping her with Lena – and they all seem to have considerable chemistry. Though their bonding and sisterhood have been a focus, alongside Sam’s introduction and development, over the past few weeks, “Damage” alludes to the fact that Samantha and Lena have been friends for years.
Previous episodes have not alluded to this previous relationship in the slightest, instead of showing the two know each other due Lexcorp. I understand the reasoning behind it, as it explains the support Sam provides for Lena in the episode, but it just feels a bit half-baked.
The plot of the episode itself was also pretty low effort, as Morgan Edge returns to cause trouble for Luthor like he said he would earlier in the season. While I understand the need for a chaotic evil villain to oppose the show’s protagonists, Edge has no depth or reasoning outside of being evil for riches.
It doesn’t help that he faced no consequences for his actions whatsoever, which means we will be seeing more of the same from him later on in the season. His character just feels like a less charismatic and smart Lex Luthor. Even Maxwell Lord had a bit more range as an antagonist.
Which is a shame because Adrian Pasdar is a remarkable actor. Yet the only thing his character is there is to serve as a catalyst for Supergirl reminding everyone that Luna Luthor isn’t evil, despite being a Luthor. I understand that it’s a big deal that she isn’t a villain, but the constant reminder that she isn’t is just obnoxiously unnecessary.
I’d say that my current biggest gripe with the recent episodes is that while they are doing a fantastic job developing Samantha, everyone else is suffering. There have been little to no inclusion of Winn or Olsen this season, and the small bit of Martian Manhunter that we have seen has been limited to one episode, even though it was great. Another week has passed without input from M’yrnn J’onzz, another new character that is important enough to merit development.
All of that aside, “Damage” did handle Alex and Maggie’s breakup a lot more realistically than most would. As opposed to showing them fight about the same thing for the thousands time, the episode simply jumps to their actual break up and the repercussions. A cute montage, a break up “erotic” scene, and a somber conversation about the reality of the situation mark the end of a really back and forth relationship for the two on the show, despite both working well together.
Just like the last few episodes though, I am really excited to see Samantha fully develop her powers and prove to be an interesting antagonist. The tease to the reveal of her full abilities can only last so long, as we have now seen super strength and the ability to block bullets. Superhero logic dictates (As seen on The Flash and Arrow) that she will likely serve as a foil to Kara, with similar powers but a different state of mind as a result of something.
Overall, “Damage” is a pretty forgettable episode, focusing on expositional elements that could easily have been added into other moments that have occured in the seasons, instead choosing to retread over past storylines like the fact that Luna is a Luthor, thus she must be evil. Sam at least continues to show promise and will be exciting once fully fleshed out.
Verdict: “Damage” fails to leave any lasting impressions, missing some of Supergirl’s best characters in favor of reiterating unnecessary storylines. While many will be sad to see the couple go, this episode at least did a commendable job closing the book on Maggie and Alex’s storyline, as next week sees the Danvers head home to likely eat ice cream and watch crappy romance movies.
What did you think of the most recent episode of Supergirl? What scene or scenes did you like the most? What are your predictions for the rest Season three as things begin to unravel? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Also be sure to check back next week for the next episode of the season,” Damage,” immediately after it airs on The CW next Monday 8 PM ET.
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