Powers Review: Legacy (Season 2 Episode 10)

This season begins with the world mourning the loss of Retro Girl, and it ends with those same mourners feeling betrayed by her omissions of the truth.

Powers finishes its second season with a heartbreaking revelation in “Legacy.”

Janis knew that Supershock was losing his mind. The letter discovered by Walker in “Slain Dragons” was, in fact, written by Retro Girl, who spent the last 40 years of her life caring for her friend, carrying his secret, and keeping him from destroying the world.

Janis’ love for Patrick is that strong, even in death, and now the world is turning on her because of it.

When the world was in need of a hero, Supershock wore the badge.

Janis could not reveal that the greatest hero of all time is also the world’s greatest danger. The repercussions of that would have been terrible. So instead, she allows the world to sleep easier at night, knowing that their beloved Supershock is taking care of the threats that surround them.

Janis’ optimism is alive and well, despite the fact that she is not.

The post-humorous disgrace of Retro Girl is nothing short of what we do everyday in society, and is also a key part of how Powers portrays heroes in realtion to the general public.

We have no difficulty looking down on the very celebrities that we once held in high regard. We don’t care about the thought behind the actions of others, or what drives them to their decisions. We just want to be another member of the gang.

In this case, the world is placing the blame on someone who can’t fight back. If Retro Girl could speak for herself, I’d be curious to see if anyone would listen.

I love Calista, Zora, Martinez, and Krispin joining together to form a New Unity. Though their view of the world is somewhat immature, and in some ways unrealistic, they each bring a personal story of heroism to the table. They’ve each experienced loss that drives them to want more for the world. They will be made stronger because they work together.

Based on the world’s sudden distaste for Powers, their union comes at the perfect time. They’ll need to rely on one another more than ever.

I’m not entirely sure what to make of Supershock’s ending, but not because of Supershock himself.

It’s Walker’s sudden heroism in the eleventh hour that catches me off-guard, leaving me unsure of how to feel.

Walker spends this episode split in several directions, and I don’t know if they all join together in a cohesive way that spurs his final actions.

He’s angry with Janis for not sharing the truth with him. He’s mentoring New Unity. He’s spending time being the ‘good-cop’ to Deena’s bad-ass cop (which I’ll get to in a moment). Walker is also experiencing a sudden resurgence in power that basically goes unexplained. (I’m told the comics are excellent, and a must-read for fans of the show who want to know more on this subject.)

Walker asks the members of New Unity to trust him, in a way that Janis clearly did not, which I assume to be the line that ties these stories together, but as a viewer, I wanted the series to have another few episodes to develop that feeling a bit more, and lend more emotional impact to the season’s final moments. (*cough* 13 episodes next season, PlayStation…)

Walker sacrifices himself, as Diamond, by egging Supershock to fly them both into the sun, causing them to die.

I want to love it. I want this story to break my heart while simultaneously warming it.

But all I can think of, while watching Diamond tell Patrick that he doesn’t have the courage to fly into the sun, is the part of the movie Harry and the Hendersons when the dad throws rocks at Harry, and hurts his feelings so that he’ll leave and never come back, despite how much they love one another.

After that, I just want to watch Harry and the Hendersons again.

What I’m trying to say, while getting off-track in my insane love of ’80s films, is that I understand and feel the emotional punch between Walker and Patrick. I just feel that the lead-up to that moment was a bit under-whelming.

Perhaps watching “Slain Dragons,” which showcases Walker’s memories as Diamond, and “Legacy” back to back would heighten that emotional punch more for me.

I will say this: Michael Madsen is an amazing casting choice for Supershock. This episode is his finest.

And totally off-topic… I love Calista’s new iteration of the Retro Girl suit.

Switching gears, Pilgrim’s story, alongside of Supershock’s, is a wonderful parallel. While Patrick (somewhat) controls the dark side of his powers, Pilgrim, who isn’t completely sure of what is happening to her, has no control over herself when the power takes over.

Unlike Patrick, Pilgrim is not confiding in anyone about her circumstances, leaving her to handle herself.

Pilgrim is tough, but she’s not tough enough to take on this journey without help.

This story will be fascinating, moving forward (assuming that PlayStation renews the series for another season).

Pilgrim confesses that she is in love with Kutter. He, obviously, shares her feelings. But Kutter also hates Powers. How will he handle his girlfriend becoming one herself, and more importantly, becoming one who kills with kisses?

I sincerely hope that we get to see more from Powers.

The series is a welcome change from the standard superhero shows that we’ve become accustomed to. For those who want more than happy endings and cheese with their heroes, Powers is the answer.

Plus, I really need to know why Walker is all naked in the fetal position with voices chattering above him. What happened when they flew into the sun?!

What did you think of this episode of Powers? Do you love New Unity? Was Retro Girl right to hide the truth about Patrick? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Episodes of Powers are available for streaming on the PlayStation Network.

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