Supergirl Review: Event Horizon (Season 5 Episode 1)
Supergirl is back with a strong premiere and a brand new suit. Last season ended on a pretty ominous note after a very politically-heavy season, and Supergirl Season 5 Episode 1, “Event Horizon,” feels like the perfect reentry into the National City we know and love.
Even though there are many moments that mark this season as a new era for Supergirl, the show’s core remains the same in its dedication to truth, justice, and how incredibly fun it is to watch this group of super friends do their thing.
Kara’s new supersuit is here, and it’s great. It has pants, and it materializes!
In a season premiere that puts a lot of focus on technology and its effects, this suit is a perfect tie-in. It’s futuristic in its makeup yet incredibly modern in its functionality.
“Event Horizon” certainly leaves Kara and Lena’s friendship in an interesting spot that will surely develop as the rest of the season unfolds. Melissa Benoist (Kara Danvers) and Katie McGrath (Lena Luthor) are so convincing, especially in the scenes at the Pulitzer party, that it’s hard not to side with each of their characters.
Kara’s reluctance in sharing her secret identity with her best friend is understandable, and Lena’s resistance to trust Kara again after keeping such a secret is just as understandable.
Here’s to hoping that this tension, unbeknownst to Kara thanks to Lena’s stellar acting skills, between the former best friends does not lead to Lena becoming the villain of the season.
Lena says herself that she isn’t a villain. Plus, it may not be effective to have another Luthor step into the role of the season’s big bad after Lex’s stint last season.
Even though Lena would be a fresh take on the Luthor/Superperson feud, it would be more interesting to see that “fight for Lena’s soul” (that Benoist told Entertainment Weekly about) before Lena reaches the breaking point that Lex so famously reached.
Kara and Lena could have the story of friendship and forgiveness that Lex Luthor from the Arrowverse may never know.
When it comes to villains for this specific episode, Midnight is a lackluster choice even though she is “fueled by death.” The fight to banish Midnight isn’t much of a head turner, and the science of it all is rather confusing.
Alex’s one liner “How do you guys change so fast?” stands out more than Midnight’s black hole. Though, it is great to see Supergirl, J’onn, Guardian, Dreamer, Brainy, and Alex back at it again.
Midnight serves a great purpose in setting up J’onn J’onnz’s brother, who the Monitor brought to National City on Supergirl Season 4 Episode 22, “The Quest for Peace.” Since the Monitor is involved it’s safe to bet that J’onn’s brother will be a part of the lead-up to “Crisis on Infinite Earths.”
Midnight isn’t the only character who didn’t quite fit into the fold of this episode.
Even though she is a series regular now, Eve Teschmacher only appears in the last minute of the episode only to be kidnapped by Leviathan, presumably. This scene feels like a last minute addition to prove that Leviathan hasn’t been forgotten.
This episode does a similar thing during conversation between Brainy in Nia towards the end of the hour. It feels like a quick catch-up for what we didn’t see on screen during the month that passes between the seasons.
Obviously, Nia and Brainy’s first kiss is adorable and special. They deserve a moment in the sun; however, it feels oddly paced in “Event Horizon.”
James Olsen is someone else who could have been given more in this episode, especially because Mehcad Brooks is leaving the show early in the season. Jimmy deserves better than randomly quitting his job after his new boss does something he doesn’t agree with.
Jimmy should be applauded in standing by his morals and virtues, but leaving CatCo leads him down an unknown path. The show hasn’t always done its best in remembering James as Guardian, let alone James as a photojournalist, so this move is nerve wracking.
On the other hand, Kelly, James’ sister and newest staff member at Obsidian North, fits perfectly into the group of characters we have come to know and love. Whether it be because Kelly steals a dance with Alex or that they agree on the scariest movie villain, Alex and Kelly are absolutely adorable throughout the episode.
Kelly’s new place of employment is part of a venture by CatCo’s new owner, Andrea Rojas, who finally brings CatCo back into focus on Supergirl. This also allows Supergirl to tell a timely story about the shift in journalism from longer, fact-filled pieces to shorter, more easily comprehensible articles because Andrea is looking for “water-cooler news.”
With James’ resignation and Kara’s passionate speech about her dedication to honest journalism, Andrea is sure to see more pushback as the season progresses. Hopefully this means CatCo gets the appreciation it deserves.
What did you think of this episode of Supergirl? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Supergirl airs Sunday at 9/8c on The CW.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.