Title: Supergirl: “Wake Up” Review
Release Date: November 20th, 2017
Network: The CW
Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action
Recently, the third season of Supergirl has consisted of a combination of filler and character development for the series newest lead, Samantha. While “Wake Up” struggles with how it gets its point across to an extent, it also manages to continue to develop Sam while also including other integral characters and stories that have been lacking so far this season.
After playing pivotal roles in the first two seasons, Winn, James, and Martian Manhunter have been put on the back burner so far. “Wake Up” breaks that cycle for Winn and J’onn though, as they both play important parts in their respective storylines this episode.
I’ve been begging to see more of M’yrnn, J’onns father, ever since it was revealed he came to earth, if for no other reason than to see more acting from Carly Lumby. M’yrnn’s story is also a very interesting one, as his fresh, innocent Martian perspective of earth results in comical situations. Our other Green Martian has already been on the planet for 300 years, so his take on things is exactly like any other human since he is used to things.
On the DEO side of things, the ship that was activated earlier in the season during the bombings is discovered, leaving Kara, Winn, and J’onn to find out what its purpose, and if it may cause them harm. The group, and myself, are greeted to a surprise, as Mon-El appears.
After a convoluted game of no time to explain, as Mon-El takes out guards to get an item, caught by Kara in the process, it is revealed just what exactly happened to him, and how he is able to survive the anti-daxamite atmosphere Earth. When his ship hit a wormhole, Mon-El was sent into the 31st century, were a cure had been developed by L-Corp.
It only gets weirder from their, as not only was it seven years (not seven months) for him, he also got married in that time period. As much as I love his character, Mon-El’s reintroduction, and the way the whole episode handled it, was completely forced. So much so that I still don’t understand how the ship got where it did, as Supergirl kind of glossed over that fact once relationship drama was introduced. With the entire season of Supergirl building around Kara’s depression at his departure, it’s cheap to use this mechanic as a means of creating unnecessary drama. If anything, at least SuperCorp fans are happy at the possibility of a Lena and Kara ship.
Despite the shotty way the story around Mon-El’s reintroduction was handled, there is no denying that Chris Wood and Melissa Benoist both put on fantastic displays of emotion throughout. Ever since “Far from the Tree,” Benoist has really been able to convey Kara’s sadness, fear, and joy well, while Wood is still as charming as ever, and has been sorely missed. His interactions with Winn also serve as a stern reminder that they are both two of the most interesting characters on Supergirl, as both can be funny, yet understanding.
Samantha’s story is finally paying dividends too. After finding out she is actually an alien from Krypton, Sam uses a crystal from her pod to find answers. While its a bit odd that she is able to surmise the crystal’s purpose so quickly, I’ll give it a pass since she found an awesome desert version of the fortress of solitude.
What I can’t forgive is the anti-climatic turn into Reign. Throughout the season there have been signs of her imminent transformation, including scenes where her whole body was covered with eerie markings. Yet her actual transformation is simply her screaming, dropping to her knees, then standing (with red eyes) stating she Reign now.
It just felt odd given the build-up surrounding the transformation all season. The end results of it all are rewarding though, as Reign has the potential to be the deepest antagonist in Supergirl so far.
Verdict: “Wake Up” solves the filler problem that has afflicted Supergirl recently, giving decent screen time to important characters other than Kara and Samantha, while simultaneously building their arcs as well. Even though Reins transformation could have been better, I can’t wait to see what her character will bring to the table now that she has finally arrived.
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, “Crisis on Earth X, Part 1,” immediately after it airs on The CW next Monday 8 PM ET.
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