The Parasite Strikes Again In A Preview Of Next Week’s Supergirl
by Erik Amaya
After facing an unexpected loss in his master plan, Agent Liberty (Sam Witwer) tries a new tactic by unleashing the Parasite on National City. And as this preview of next week’s Supergirl illustrates, the Parasite is one foe Kara (Melissa Benoist) cannot overpower.
Hopefully, this episode will be a little more exciting than last night’s example of necessary, but sluggish connective tissue. Sometimes, television shows find themselves with a story which does a lot for the characters, but little else. Here, we get Alex’s (Chyler Leigh) doubts about her leadership skills, a growing bond between Brainy (Jesse Rath) and Lena (Katie McGrath) thanks to their science abilities and her empathy toward his sudden emotional range. J’onn (David Harewood) meets Manchester Black (David Ajala), who will be a splendid addition to the cast provided he doesn’t get himself blown up while launching his own front in the human/alien conflict. Hell, even James (Mehcad Brooks) advanced his character a little by suiting up as Guardian again and getting himself adopted as the poster hero of the Earth First movement.
That has to be real uncomfortable for him.
But all of these character developments were tied to a so-so plot and the apparent absence of Melissa Benoist for most of the episode. It is unclear why she spent so much of the last two episodes away, but the lack of her charm can be felt in the way Leigh’s close-ups were staged and an overall lack of the Supergirl energy. Granted that seems to be part of the point as some of the show’s sense of fun has been replaced by the grimness of the Agent Liberty storyline. As I said last week, I hope the story takes a pause soon so the show can have a little fun instead of revolving around the characters’ doubts.
Oh, also, what happened to Mercy (Rhona Mitra) and Otis (Robert Baker)? Was that an actual death scene or are they in DEO custody?
Supergirl airs Sundays on The CW.
