There's one thing that's abundantly clear about this season compared to last, and that's that the showrunners are less afraid to be bolder in all areas of this show. Whether that's more action or bigger story lines, I have to give the show credit for at least trying some things this year. Unsurprisingly, some of those things work, and some don't.
Tonight's episode was all about returns. Not only did we get the return of the beloved (not really) Cat Grant, but we saw the likes of Lynda Carter's President Marsdin and Lillian Luthor. Let's start with Grant, because that's by far the one I had the biggest reaction to, and that reaction being not so good. I have nothing against Calista Flockhart, as I'm sure she's just doing what the directors ask, but I just can't stand that character. Basically, she represents all of what was wrong with season 1, and that definitely undermined some of what was going on. I didn't need a motivational speech from her, or somehow interrupting a Presidential address? I'm sorry, what?
Speaking of which; as much as I enjoyed having Lynda Carter back, I don't really feel like she was a necessary part of this episode. She essentially just replaced anything the DEO would have been doing and gave it a "grander" scope. And are we supposed to believe she's truly a "good guy"? I'd like to think she has a little more up her sleeve. Which brings me to Lillian Luthor, who managed to team up with Supergirl to save Lena and Mon-El from Rhea's ship and attack. That was by far my favorite angle the writers took. We all know the Luthor's aren't done wrecking Kara's life, but it was cool to see a team-up, albeit brief.
This episode was bold in scope and direction, but Rhea's plan for National City felt like the exact same thing that General Zod did in Man of Steel, and it really lacked originality overall. The only thing that didn't feel copied was the proposed wedding between Lena and Mon-El. But this episode is clearly part 1 of 2 with next week's finale just around the corner, so it's probably not best to put all my cards in this week anyway. Onto Supergirl vs Superman.
+Lillian's turn
+Bold with scope
-Cat Grant
-Rhea's plan is generic
7.0/10
