Title: Supergirl: “Far From the Tree” Review
Release Date: October 23th, 2017
Network: The CW
Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action
Supergirl’s last episode revealed that the show would be traveling to Mars for the first time in the series, and spoiler alert, it did not disappoint. Troubling family reunions, flying classic cars, and Britney Spears make up a fun-filled episode in “Far From the Tree.”
Though the season started off on a down note, with the usually cheery and peppy Kara Danvers down in the dumps after sending away Mon-El, last week seems to have righted the ship (for now), as the episode starts out revealing J’on J’onzz classic car adoration. The entire scene does well to remind fans just how genuine the father-daughter chemistry between Melissa Benoist and David Harewood’s characters really is.
“Far From the Tree” continues to expand upon family values throughout the episode, as Maggie reveals the full story behind the lack of a relationship between her and her family. At first, the entire subplot felt a bit cliche, but once her father is actually introduced, each scene was a roller coaster ride of emotions, even if I saw it coming. Supergirl deals with the situation believeable for the modern climate, even if her father seems somewhat dramatacized.
That roller coaster of emotions made its way to space as well, as its revealed soon after Supergirl and Manhunter arrive on Mars that not only is J’onn not the last Green Martian, he’s not even the last J’onzz. Carly Lumbly – who also voiced J’onn J’onzz in the Justice League Animated Series – joins the cast of Supergirl as M’yrnn J’onzz, J’onn’s father, leaving an impression right away.
While J’onn is thrilled to see his father is alive, it’s not the intimate reunion he’d hoped for, for after withstanding White Martian torture for centuries, his father simply believes this to be another trick. The addition of the White Martian resistance to the equation certainly adds urgency and a means to move the plot forward, but somewhat flounders. Their intentions are portrayed as noble, but the primary male white comes off as an ass as opposed to an antagonistic ally that is doing what he must. Not only that, but he makes a complete 180 in regards to his attitude towards the situation at the end.
But this opposition does lead to Supergirl, Manhunter, and M’ymn going back to the J’onzz family home, resulting in profound, passionate performances from every character involved in the scene. The gentle progression of M’yrnn’s break down, J’onn’s reaction to it, and his eventual realization that it really is his son, after the two share a beautiful memory, is beautifully done.
Supergirl’s speech to M’ymn beforehand was even better, and might have just been Melissa Benoist best acting in the entire show. That was of course until the next scene. So far, of all The CW series, Supergirl has been one of the least comical, with The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow making me laugh consistently each episode. But I’ll be damned if the “Hit Me Baby One More Time” scene wasn’t one of the funniest sequences I’ve seen throughout any of the series.
Everything about it was great. Kara pulling up in the car, bumping the music. Her “wrong turn” dialogue. Everything about it was so unexpected, yet so well executed, it’s my favorite comedic moment in Supergirl so far, of any of the seasons.
The White Martian fight scene itself wasn’t very visually pleasing, as the majority of the characters on the screen were laced with CGI. It’s outcome and M’ymn’s decision to head to earth was the right move though. The introduction of his father to the fray ignites an interest and purpose in Manhunters character and storyline, something that has been missing as of late. It should be interesting to see what role M’ymn will play throughout the rest of the season, especially his adjustment to Earth.
Outside of that, “Far From the Tree” didn’t do entirely too much to move the plot forward. Yet it is still my favorite episode Supergirl in a while, and definitely my favorite this season.
Verdict: “Far From the Tree” focus on family matters rather than superpowers pays off, in one of the most endearing, comical episodes of the series. Great acting throughout and the introduction of a new character to spice up Manhunter make this filler one of the more important episodes in terms of setting the tone for the rest of Supergirl’s third season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL1Wnyw8t4g
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 third episode of the season,”Far from the Tree” immediately after it airs on The CW next Monday 8 PM ET.
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