Supergirl Review: Ahimsa (Season 4 Episode 4)

After a pause in the action on Supergirl Season 4 Episode 3, “Man of Steel,” and a look into the origins of Agent Liberty (aka Ben Lockwood), Supergirl Season 4 Episode 4, “Ahimsa.” brings viewers back to the present and the continued fallout from the Kryptonite attack that took Kara out in in Supergirl Season 4 Episode 2, “Fallout”.

“Ahisma” has a lot going on as it weaves together different characters’ stories around the effort to stop Mercy and Otis Graves. It feels at times like a transition episode as certain storylines come to a head and new characters and dynamics that seem to be important are introduced.

One of the strongest storylines in “Ahimsa” is Alex continuing to figure out her role as the Director of the DEO and struggling to adjust to her new responsibility.

The main reason this storyline is so strong is Chyler Leigh’s performance. There’s a vulnerability and honesty in her performance that gives her scenes an extra bit of weight and complexity.

Leigh is always able to find that perfect emotional note and continues to lift every storyline her character is given into something more interesting than what is written on the page.

Another storyline from this episode that was quite good was J’onn’s story with new character Manchester Black, played by David Ajala.

The tension J’onn feels between his growing anger and his desire to be a man of peace is intriguing. It will be interesting to watch J’onn try to reconcile those two things and find ways to both fight back and continue down the pacifist path he chose at the end of season 3.

What I really liked about J’onn’s story though was the introduction of Manchester Black. When I read that Manchester Black would be introduced in season 4 during the summer I wasn’t really sure what to think since I didn’t know much about the character from the comics.

But Ajala’s swagger and charm is such a breath of fresh air and brings a fun energy to the episode. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him this season.

The episode appears to be one shot to accommodate Melissa Benoist’s Broadway schedule. She is absent for much of the episode and most of her scenes are shot as if they are inside the helmet she’s wearing so that her parts could be shot separately and added in later.

For the most part, the show has done a good job of working around Benoist’s reduced availability in these early episodes but in this episode, it feels a little awkward and obvious to the point where it can be a distraction.

I hope we are coming to the end of the episodes shot while Benoist was on finishing her Broadway stint because her absence has certainly been felt. No matter how wonderful the rest of the characters are, the show never works as well when Kara isn’t the focal point anchoring it.

“Ahimsa” is a solid episode with a number of strong moments from Alex, J’onn, and (despite the obvious workarounds to accommodate Benoist) the Danver sisters.

Stray Thoughts

• Based on the episode description I was hoping to see more scenes between Lena and Brainy and was a little disappointed that their team up was such a minor plot point.
• I wasn’t clear on whether Mercy and Otis had actually died at the end of the episode. I hope not, I really liked Mercy as a villain and was hoping to see more of her relationship with Lena.
• As arrogant and reckless as James’s decision to go out as Guardian was I am looking forward to seeing where this storyline of him being used for anti-alien propaganda goes. It might finally give James an interesting storyline that lasts for more than one episode.

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

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

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