Supergirl Review: Not Kansas (Season 3 Episode 21)

Just when all seems overcome, we get enough trouble for two planets on Supergirl Season 3 Episode 21, “Not Kansas.”

After all that, it’s over. Okay, it’s obviously not really over. But the big fight we’ve expected sure has changed.

It takes less than two minutes for Reign to be defeated, complete with an absolutely horrifying image of Sam emerging from her burning remains. And that…sure is convenient, especially in only the third to last episode of the season.

Also convenient is the single conversation and party it takes for everyone to be enthusiastic about Kara’s return to Krypton for an unknown period of time. That’s not so say the talk between Alex and Kara isn’t poignant, but shouldn’t this take more than ten minutes?

True, it’s not a permanent departure. And true, there’s reason to make it quick, given that things (shockingly) don’t go as smoothly as hoped without Kara. Still, this is the kind of storyline that could otherwise be great expanded over several episodes.

What we see on Krypton when things aren’t also falling apart there is an exploration of an entirely different part of Kara’s life. As much as Supergirl makes Supergirl, that dynamic can hold with her living between two planets, at least for a while.

Maybe, if we continue to see Krypton next season, we can see more of Kara with her mother and childhood friends. We could even see visits to the planet from her Earth family and friends. But good things must wait.

What happens on Krypton instead certainly is a disturbingly interesting exploration of all not being as it seems. It also feels like a way to make Kara feel concerned enough for a quick return to Earth sometime in the next episode.

There are, of course, plenty of other reasons for that return. Reign or no Reign, and Supergirl or no Supergirl, crime doesn’t go away in the absence of alien villains or heroes. Especially not when alien guns are involved.

What starts as a relatively subtle angle on the gun control debate quickly becomes an open effort to make a point, but I’m not complaining. It isn’t a conversation we can avoid these days, and it’s handled with dignity here.

While things are reasonably balanced, J’onn ends up making one heck of a statement by phasing out lethal weapons. It’s a groundbreaking decision, and supported my most, if not all. Still, admittedly, the timing might be off.

I’m not exactly sure of everything jam-packed into the final seconds of the episode. Suffice it to say that the threat from Reign has always been bigger than her, and Kara is light years away at a time she’s about to be needed most.

With all this, there’s a lot to pack into subplots. That includes the things previously unsaid between Mon-El and Kara. While we don’t get the resolution thanks to continued attacks, it’s definitely coming.

At this point, the options sitting before Kara and Mon-El are limited. Even when the final battles are fought, no decision will be easy. I just hope they get to make one that acknowledges both their perspectives and Imra’s.

Besides that, we are finally reaching the brutal end to the most brutal of all these plots— J’onn and his father. We’ve always known what the season finale will likely bring for these two, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

The one silver lining here, and the one that will be ever so painful to watch, is that the ritual to be performed will give them some bonding moments and some closure. It’s sure to be beautiful and wonderfully acted. But still, ow.

What did you think of this episode of Supergirl? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!