Supergirl Review: Midvale (Season 3 Episode 6)

Supergirl Season 3 Episode 6 “Midvale” is a departure from the the Supergirl of late, giving us an episode almost entirely in flashbacks. Aside from a few minor critiques, “Midvale” is one of the best Supergirl episodes in a long time.

This episode works so well because it focuses completely on the single best feature of Supergirl: the relationship between Alex and Kara.

When Kara takes Alex back home to recover from her breakup with Maggie their discord gives way to a look into their lives ten years before. Like most teenage sisters, Alex and Kara drive each other absolutely insane.

Alex: Why did you ever adopt her? I’ll never get over this…I hate you!

Kara: I hate you too!

But also like most teenage sisters, they’d do anything to protect each other. When Kara’s best friend turns up dead, we get a look at what drew Alex and Kara together, and towards finding justice.

Kenny is their mutual friend, and so very young that his death seems somewhat unexpectedly dark for Supergirl, but it does create a truly emotional and heart-wrenching story for the Danvers sister’s first crime solving endeavor.

These mini-versions of our favorite super sister duo are absolutely perfect. They embody the awkwardness of adolescence and as well as the things we love most about Kara and Alex.

Alex’s cool exterior that protects her warm heart, her love for science, and her commitment to justice, Kara’s nerdy side, her protectiveness, and her act first-think later willingness to jump right into trouble if it helps someone are all present.

Supergirl works best when Alex and Kara are working together as a team, so getting to see the origin of that team is a real treat.

The majority of “Midvale” does revolve around solving the case in a somewhat “mystery of the week” manner, and doesn’t add that much to the overall narrative of the series. But it’s still a glimpse into the kinds of experiences that made Alex and Kara into the women we love so much.

Though the trip to Midvale is labeled as something for Alex, it focuses heavily on Kara and her adjustment to being human. We even get a first look at Kara’s relationship with J’onn though she doesn’t know it’s him. J’onn takes on the form of her mother and the pseudonym of an FBI agent to give Kara advice about staying safe and not losing what she has.

J’onn: You have already lost so much, but you could lose more if you’re not careful.

The bond of sisters is unshakable even when they’re at each other’s throats. Alex’s faith in her adopted sister and her abilities helps to nurture her into the super hero she is in the present time. And Kara’s protectiveness of her older sister allows Alex to trust her own instincts and know she’ll always have someone to catch her if she gets in too deep.

Alex: That’s when I realized you and I could get through anything together.

Kara: I remember thinking I would never feel at home on Earth, I still don’t in a way, but I feel at home with you.

Alex: Always.

This episode also features my favorite underused super mom, Eliza Danvers, however briefly. Eliza’s love for both of her daughters is absolutely one of the reasons that Alex and Kara grow into such amazing and kind young women.

I do wish that we’d have gotten to see Eliza speak with Alex and not just Kara. Kara is the lead, but that shouldn’t mean that Alex’s story gets sacrificed in the process.

OTHER THOUGHTS:

• Alex and Kara planned to stay for a full weekend, but they go home after one night. Why? Just let them stay the full weekend!
• The main thing missing from this episode is Supergirl actually letting Alex process her breakup. Even a small scene with Eliza like the one that Kara got would have remedied this issue.
• J’onn appearing as Kara’s mom is good for sentimental and visual storytelling, but is it the wisest choice for actually comforting her with a false image of her dead mom?
• More! Eliza! Always! Please!
• The final scene as Alex and Kara drive away is filled with joy and hope as the sisters cruise back home and enjoy the ride together, a great ending to an above average episode.
• Who are the women in your life that make you super?

 

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Supergirl airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.

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