Supergirl Review: What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way? (Season 4 Episode 13)
Manchester Black is back and he’s brought some friends. Supergirl Season 4 Episode 13, “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?” sees the Girl of Steel face off with Black and his newly formed team of terrorists, dubbed The Elite, in a fun, exciting hour of TV.
The main plot of “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?” focuses on Kara’s attempts to stop Manchester and his team from using a secret government satellite, built to destroy any incoming alien ships, to attack the capital, as well as the revelation of the satellite itself.
The swagger and havoc of The Elite’s style make them fun advisories for Kara to face off against. The rapport between Menagerie and Manchester is a particular highlight of the episode.
The Elite also serve to set up the formation of a proto-Legion of Heroes team made up of Kara, J’onn, Brainy, and Dreamer. Their entrance as a team is really satisfying and it’s great watching them fight together. I especially love seeing Dreamer start to figure out her fighting style as she learns to master her predictive powers.
Elsewhere in “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?” the government, and specifically the President, are becoming more and more anti-alien.
Not only is President Baker having a secret spaceship destroying satellite built, but by the end of the episode, he makes Ben Lockwood the new Director of Alien Affairs, all but making the hateful ideology of the Children of Liberty official government policy.
I’m curious what exactly is going on with the President since his plan for the satellite is so secret that not even Col. Haley knows about it. Is this going to turn out to be some kind of conspiracy involving bad actors, or is this just an extension of the President’s ego?
I think either path could be a compelling option. A conspiracy would offer intrigue, mystery, and I’m sure a few surprising reveals that would no doubt be exciting television. But, exploring the way a fringe ideology can take advantage of leaders that are sympathetic to it and lack moral integrity could offer particularly relevant and complex storytelling opportunities.
Ben Lockwood is still the least interesting part of the episode but I do like that they are setting up the government to be the big bad of the season even if it’s through Lockwood’s ascension to power. Kara’s history working with the government and previous faith in the U.S system, as well as how much being a part of the government plays into Alex’s identity adds all sorts of layers and emotional possibilities that Supergirl is uniquely situated to explore.
I’m also looking forward to seeing how this intersects with the Red Daughter story that should, hopefully, be more of a focus of the season soon.
My favorite parts of “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?” are seeing Alex and Kara as partners again and Alex teaming up with Lena to keep an eye on whatever is going on with the government.
The Danvers sisters are of course the heart of the show and watching them find each other again, despite the fact that Alex still doesn’t know Kara is Supergirl, is a lovely testament to the strength of their connection.
I hope the writers move slowly with this storyline. The last few episodes with Alex and Supergirl at odds and the distance Kara feels as she has to lie to Alex are heartbreaking. I want them to really earn their full reconciliation and rushing it would only undercut the emotional pay off of that moment.
And then there’s Alex and Lena. Chyler Leigh and Katie McGrath have amazing chemistry together and more scenes with these two powerful characters together, as a team, will always be welcomed. I’d love to see them develop a real friendship and bond. One that’s different from what Lena has with Kara but just as strong and important to both women.
Of all the developments and reveals in “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?” these are the two I’m most excited to see play out on upcoming episodes.
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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Sarah Fields
Sarah is an obsessive geek who likes to get into the weeds and over think things. She is passionate about Sci-Fi and comics and is a giant classic film nerd. Sarah cares deeply about media representation and the power of telling diverse stories. When she's not writing or watching her favorite shows she spends her days working in the non-profit world trying to make life a little better for those that need some extra help.