My Least Favorite Arrowverse Show: A Critique of Supergirl
Over the years, the CW has produced a plethora of high-profile television series within the Arrowverse, each with its own unique storyline and character development. However, when it comes to my least favorite show among them, Supergirl takes the top spot. This article delves into the reasons behind my dissatisfaction and critiques that made me lose interest in the series. In this critique, I will explore the show's character focus, storytelling, and its often illogical plot devices.
The Arrowverse Overview
The Arrowverse, a continuum of shows on The CW, includes well-loved programs such as Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow. Each show has its own charm and devotees, but my personal experiences have led me to a somewhat different conclusion about Supergirl compared to the others.
Supergirl: The Unfavorable Depths
Supergirl, despite its attempts to bring more female-led shows to the forefront, falls short in several ways. My major criticisms revolve around how the show handles its female protagonist, Kara Zor-El, and its overall engagement with the audience's expectations.
Character Focus and Engagement
One of the central arguments for Supergirl is that it focuses on a woman fighting for justice. However, what turned me off was the disparity in character focus. Unlike other Arrowverse shows that give depth to a vast ensemble cast, Supergirl often feels overshadowed. The writers frequently delve into Superman’s family legacy, which, while interesting, detracts from Kara's own storyline. This inconsistency led to a weaker engagement with the character for me.
Storytelling and Plot Devices
The narrative suffers from a series of poorly executed plot devices. For instance, a key example is the episode where Superman and Supergirl fight. This storyline not only disrespects Superman’s iconic status but also undermines the idea of the Supers' unity. The focus on power dynamics and rivalry instead of strategic teamwork feels out of place in what should be a team effort.
A Disrespectful Depiction: Superman and Lex Luthor
Another major flaw in Supergirl is how it handles characters like Lex Luthor. Choosing to isolate Lex and pair him with Supergirl disregards the rich history and lore that make Lex a significant villain. This decision feels more like a product of writers' laziness than a strategic plot move. Additionally, the writers often fail to accurately represent the power dynamics and backstories of the characters, leading to some very flat and unengaging storylines.
The Blue Sun Plot: A Missed Opportunity
A notable plot inconsistency in Supergirl is the portrayal of Kara's Martian Manhunter powers. When Kara returns to Earth after absorbing a blue sun, her powers disappear without any explanation. This directly contradicts established lore, where a blue sun actually supercharges Martian Manhunters. The writers' failure to adhere to this fundamental aspect of the character's history adds to the show's inconsistency and lack of believability.
Conclusion
Supergirl offers moments of brilliance but ultimately fails to deliver a consistently engaging and respectful portrayal of its female protagonist. Despite the attempts to highlight female empowerment, the show often falls short by focusing too much on its male counterparts and by maintaining an inconsistent storyline. While other Arrowverse shows like Arrow and The Flash have their inherent flaws, Supergirl is the one I found the least personally compelling. The critique of this show is not to diminish its potential but to highlight the areas where it could have been much better.
Final Thoughts
The Arrowverse, while rife with varying levels of quality, offers a diverse range of storytelling and character development. For me, Supergirl took a step backward in many ways, failing to capture the essence of a powerful, self-reliant female superhero.