Supergirl Season 4, Episode 2: "Fallout" (SPOILERS)

[vantheman77]

I do like that they raised the stakes against Supergirl and her allies as the end cliffhanger proved.

 

[Dr.]

I'm almost afraid to say anything for fear of jinxing, but...I don't actually hate the way this show is tackling its "real world issues" this year. I thought it would be super cringe-y because it has been whenever they've tried it in the past, but so far they're handling it relatively decently, imo. My re-watch of last week's ep softened my stance on that one a little bit, and even Kara's televised speech in this one came across far less cheesy than her "hope" speech at the end of S1 to me. So far I put this new creative team that worked on tonight's episode in the "not bad" column.

I agree. I think the difference this time around is that the illegal alien/racism metaphor is presented somewhat more generically - with no overt allusions to the current White House administration. Of course, the show might return to its prior, less subtle messaging if new president Baker turns out to be a Trump-esque xenophobe.

 

[SSAV]

I agree. I think the difference this time around is that the illegal alien/racism metaphor is presented somewhat more generically - with no overt allusions to the current White House administration. Of course, the show might return to its prior, less subtle messaging if new president Baker turns out to be a Trump-esque xenophobe.

I think it is generally better writing.. (when you compare the gun episode from last year..).. but, am waiting to see if they keep it up. I am cautiously optimistic.

Am I the only one who thought this episode worth rating? Or is rating going out of fashion?

Among the things I liked this episode was how they raised some issues that people would actually have with aliens: the alien attacks that destroyed their homes, their abilities actually causing it hard for humans to compete and so on.. I mean, imagine a whole million of Brainiacs.. Where would Lena or Maxwell Lord be? It is a question worthy of discussion. Not xenophobia of course.. but discussion. It'd be an interesting problem for Kara to solve.

I liked Brainy's confusion and how he had that chat with Alex.

The one thing I am not sure about is how they would place Kara in the Cat Co considering Nia seems to be the new Kara: idealistic, naive, challenging establishment on their lack of idealism? I don't want them to lose track of who Kara is, how she has grown and what she represents. And, I hope they do more than "she is a person who has built herself ground up" to define Nia. I don't want her to be Kara season 1 but her own person.

So.. we won't have much Kara next two episodes?

 

[AResistor]

As an “alien” I love this season. Episode brought me to tears many times from relating first hand to everything depicted.

Due to all of the people assaulting and killing people while screaming “go back to your country” - I’m even terrified of publicly saying that I am an immigrant during these times because I don’t know how the people around me will react. An immigrant friend of mine was publicly harassed for speaking in spanish with friends rather than in english.

This episode - 10+/10

 

[flickchick85]

Am I the only one who thought this episode worth rating? Or is rating going out of fashion?

Well, I added the poll very late this time because I wasn't home when it aired and I hate doing that kind of thing on my phone, lol. So some people probably missed it. I also don't rate episodes 'til I've re-watched.

 

[Flash525]

The one thing I am not sure about is how they would place Kara in the Cat Co considering Nia seems to be the new Kara: idealistic, naive, challenging establishment on their lack of idealism? I don't want them to lose track of who Kara is, how she has grown and what she represents. And, I hope they do more than "she is a person who has built herself ground up" to define Nia. I don't want her to be Kara season 1 but her own person.

I don't know if Nia's character is from the comics or not, but there appears to be more to her than a mere reporter; it seemed as though Brainy knew her name, or recognised her or something. If there is more to Nia, then I doubt she'll remain the naïve reporter that she currently is.

 

[Dr.]

I don't know if Nia's character is from the comics or not, but there appears to be more to her than a mere reporter; it seemed as though Brainy knew her name, or recognised her or something. If there is more to Nia, then I doubt she'll remain the naïve reporter that she currently is.

In the comics, Nura Nal is Dream Girl - a member of the 30th century Legion of Superheroes (along with Mon-El, Brainiac 5, Saturn Girl and dozens of others). I gather that Nia Nal is supposed to be a distant relative with (possibly) similar precognitive abilities.

 

[Flash525]

In the comics, Nura Nal is Dream Girl - a member of the 30th century Legion of Superheroes (along with Mon-El, Brainiac 5, Saturn Girl and dozens of others). I gather that Nia Nal is supposed to be a distant relative with (possibly) similar precognitive abilities.

I don't know anything about this Dream Girl character, though I'm curious how Nia can be a distant relative if she's transgender? In any case, what are Dream Girl's powers?

 

[shabadoo25]

Very good ep. Kara's nervousness trying to ditch Lena was a highlight. So was Rhona Mitra's acting.

 

[Sithborg]

I love Sam Witwer. Doing such an effective job when his face it behind an emotionless mask.

The bit with Kara trying to get away from Lena in order to change was fun. And I really like Lena and Mercy's relationship. And glad the Lexsuit isn't forgotten. And I love the concept of using the lead dispensor with Kryptonite. Guess that really explains the suit.

I think the real world story was a tad heavy handed at the start, but it got much better throughout the episode. Nia Nial's part especially was good.

And, with what is going on within the administration currently, characters like Nia Nial are more important than ever.

 

[flickchick85]

And I love the concept of using the lead dispensor with Kryptonite. Guess that really explains the suit.

That's what it was originally designed for (remember, it was a Lex design), so this is just it fulfilling its destiny, lol.

 

[flickchick85]

I think the difference this time around is that the illegal alien/racism metaphor is presented somewhat more generically - with no overt allusions to the current White House administration. Of course, the show might return to its prior, less subtle messaging if new president Baker turns out to be a Trump-esque xenophobe.

Yep, I think you're right. And I too am waiting for that particular other shoe to drop.

@Flash525 Dream Girl is clairvoyant - she has precognitive visions in her dreams.

 

[Dr.]

I don't know anything about this Dream Girl character, though I'm curious how Nia can be a distant relative if she's transgender? In any case, what are Dream Girl's powers?

Biological lineage would quite diluted after a thousand years. So 21st century Nia being an ancestor of 31st century Nura isn’t particularly significant. Thousands-to-millions of others could claim the same ancestry. But… this is comic book science.

In terms of how Nia made her genetic “contribution” to future generations of the Nal family, well… there are ways... Or maybe she’s just a cousin a few dozen times removed.

Also, the (original) 30th/31st century Dream Girl was an alien. So maybe alien DNA, advanced tech and/or time travel is involved.

 

[Primal Slayer]

I don't know anything about this Dream Girl character, though I'm curious how Nia can be a distant relative if she's transgender? In any case, what are Dream Girl's powers?

While they cant naturally have children (if you transition from a man to woman), she can still have kids via surrogate.

 

[Dark Raven]

I did not need to be reminded that this series has a transgender on it...

I did. Because I totally forgot they were having a transgender character on it, and only remembered when they mentioned it. I'm sure not everyone even knew we'd be having one.

 

[AResistor]

I did. Because I totally forgot they were having a transgender character on it, and only remembered when they mentioned it. I'm sure not everyone even knew we'd be having one.

Especially because, unsure exactly how to phrase this, Nicole passes amazingly well - if she didn't say she was trans most viewers would assume she was born female. I think that notion alone is going to surprise and educate many who may be transphobic. For example, who would try to force Nicole into using the men's bathroom? That's a sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, women seeing Nicole in the bathroom with them - they'd have no idea how she was born. Since for all intents and purposes, she's a woman.

Prior to this week, I was just pleased that trans people would get representation. With the renewed attacks from Lex's administration (sorry - Trump's) it's needed now more than ever. I think they are handling it remarkably well.

 

[Dark Raven]

Especially because, unsure exactly how to phrase this, Nicole passes amazingly well - if she didn't say she was trans most viewers would assume she was born female. I think that notion alone is going to surprise and educate many who may be transphobic. For example, who would try to force Nicole into using the men's bathroom? That's a sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, women seeing Nicole in the bathroom with them - they'd have no idea how she was born. Since for all intents and purposes, she's a woman.

Prior to this week, I was just pleased that trans people would get representation. With the renewed attacks from Lex's administration (sorry - Trump's) it's needed now more than ever. I think they are handling it remarkably well.

She does pass amazingly well. Her voice doesn't even have a hint of deepness. It's not like Blake Jenner who became Kylie Jenner, but still looks rather masculine.

If she hadn't mentioned, and I hadn't remembered they were actually casting a transgender actor, I would think that she was just saying it as part of the plot, but that it was actually a female actress playing the part. Maybe many people watching might think that too. After all, there have been other TV shows or films where there's been that sort of plot, but it was played by someone born female. Didn't Hilary Swank play something like that?

I think though that they should've waited a few more episodes to say that she was transgender. Let people get used to her as a female, then spring it on the audience later on.

 

[Dr.]

She does pass amazingly well. Her voice doesn't even have a hint of deepness. It's not like Blake Jenner who became Kylie Jenner, but still looks rather masculine.

Blake Jenner is Melissa's ex. But close enough.

 

[Dark Raven]

Blake Jenner is Melissa's ex. But close enough.

Wait, Melissa's ex had a sex change too? Or did only one of the Jenners?

 

[Brierrose]

Melissa's ex-husband Blake Jenner is of no relation to the reality TV show family.

 

[Kelly]

Well Nick, this might not be the season for you then....

 

[Kelly]

Wait, Melissa's ex had a sex change too? Or did only one of the Jenners?

WTF?

 

[Hunter Rider]

I imagine some will not be a big fan of how heavily they are leaning into the alien immigration storyline as a lot of people watch these shows for escapism, but I think so far it's been fairly well handled and this weeks ep had a lot of good character scenes, especially the stuff between Nia and James and the stuff with Brainy.

Speaking of Nia, yes I don't think many people would guess she is transgender, in fact even now I suspect many people who just watch the show and don't follow it as we do on here will be thinking it's a female actress playing a trans woman. However putting all that aside I think first and foremost she's a good actress and has added an interesting character into the mix.

The image of Supergirl with the American flag outside of the White House was like a classic comic book panel, and I am loving Rhona Mitra as Mercy, the exchange between her and Lena was great. That whole scene of them scampering around L Corp was pretty funny and I liked how all three actresses remembered they were running in non sensible shoes which added to the awkward comedy as Kara tried to seperate herself so she could become Supergirl.

The only thing I thought didn't work was Agent Liberty giving his big speech in full costume and mask, why would those people trust a man dressed like that, hiding his face at a time when they are concerned about transparency? I wonder if there's going to be an explanation as to why he never takes the mask off.

 

[Sithborg]

Honestly, their scolding of media companies felt more heavy handed than the alien storyline.

 

[fan4stic]

I don't think the alien comparison works. I don't think any immigrants have superpowers, highly advanced tech or they haven't tried to destroy/take over the planet.