Supergirl Review: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One

As far as Supergirl hours of DCTV crossovers go, Supergirl Season 5 Episode 9, “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One,” is the best yet. More often than not, the Supergirl portion of any crossover is only reflected in the final minutes of the episode. It never feels as rich as “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” does.

It’s difficult to not have high expectations for a crossover with this magnitude, and “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” delivers.

There are so many great DC cameos and homages within the first ten minutes of the episode. They’re the perfect way to tie the universes together and really reinforce what’s at stake before the shadow demons and anti-matter get closer to Earth-38.

Supergirl is the perfect start for a crossover because of Kara’s unshakeable hope. The scene between her and Clark on the balcony of the DEO is a standout from the hour. It is that kind of spirit, the spirit of Krypton, that these heroes need to carry them through the following four hours.

While some may argue that Clark’s presence takes away from Kara’s strengths and role in a show named after her, the exact opposite is proven true in this episode. It is initially Clark, not Kara, who looks for guidance and strength in Kara after Jonathan is lost and Argo is destroyed.

Clark is also the superhero who falls first when he and Kara try to stabilize the solar panels on the quantum tower. This proves the Girl of Steel is stronger than that of her more famous cousin.

It would be absurd not to focus on Kara’s bond with her cousin after she has lost so much in the span of minutes. Clark is one of Kara’s last remaining family members, and, although she can always turn to the other heroes, there must be some solace in looking over her shoulder and seeing Kal-El.

It is also nice to see Alex play such a major role in the first hour of the crossover. She is a passionate leader at heart. This shines through when she puts aside her grievances aside and asks Lena to help her and the Super Friends save the planet.

Although this mission allows Lena to save people from harm, like she has been trying to do all season, she still cannot take responsibility for her actions. Instead, she continues to deflect blame on Eve Teschmacher. Luckily, Alex still does not see things from Lena’s perspective.

Hopefully that continues as the season progresses because Lena needs someone who will challenge her and push back against these missteps. Alex seems like the perfect woman for the job.

Overall, Lena’s desire to help people is proof that Lena is not like Lex Luthor. Like discussed in the review of Supergirl Season 5 Episode 8, “The Wrath of Rama Khan,” Supergirl looks like it will continue to tell a narrative of how Lena differs from her maniacal brother.

Her willingness to help Alex and the universe, is one step in that direction. Lex would have sat back and watched the world burn knowing Superman would go with it. Lena does the exact opposite and uses her mind to save billions.

It is virtually impossible to not discuss Oliver Queen’s death.

Some may argue is death is anti-climactic, but that could not be more wrong. Oliver’s death is something Arrow has been leading up to for years but especially all season. Yes, no one could have guessed that his passing would come so early in the crossover, but that does not make it any less powerful.

The sequence of Oliver realizing he’s out of arrows, only to drop his bow and continue fighting is proof of his heroic death. To argue that his death is anti-climactic is to laugh in the face of the billions of lives Oliver saved.

Some of Oliver Queen’s last words were, “Keep me in your heart.”

Oliver’s heart is one of his greatest strengths. That’s why the final season of Arrow has taken its time to let Oliver say goodbye to all of the people he loves. Luckily, Oliver gets to have a heartfelt moment with the woman who has known him the longest — Sara Lance.

Although it is 2046 Oliver and not Earth-1 Oliver, the moment has all the closure the two characters need. When Sara says, “You’re a good man. On every Earth,” that is exactly what 2046 Oliver needs to hear. It’s a shame that 2019 Oliver never gets to hear Sara say those words.

Oliver’s heart will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the fans who tune in to watch his story unfold every week. With Kara’s hope and Oliver’s heart, these superheroes already have a much greater chance of saving the multiverse.

One of the most sentimental moments of “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” is when Oliver gives Mia a suit so she can be the next Green Arrow. This moment is significant between Mia and her father and also for the future of DCTV.

The future of DCTV is female. From smaller moments of solidarity, like Lois cheering for Kara’s pants and volunteering to go on a dangerous mission to save her son, to larger ones, like Kate revealing her true identity in a room full of strangers because she trusts Kara, this episode shows how much stronger the women of DCTV are together.

Alex and Lena’s minds come together to save billions. Nia and Kelly work to save as many civilians as possible before they even try to save themselves. This episode never confirms whether Alex, Lena, Nia, and Kelly survive the dark matter or not. This will likely be resolved in a future part of the event.

Stray Observations:

• The Legion’s cruiser is such a nice touch!
• Kelly has Guardian’s armor? Will she suit up with the Super Friends before the season’s end? It’s what the people want and deserve.
• Again, where has Nia been all season? She would have been so helpful with all things Crisis.
• Erica Durance, who played Lois Lane on Smallville, hugging Elizabeth Tulloch who plays Lois in this universe is something to make a fangirl’s heart soar.
• Too bad we may not get any more scenes of Clark and Oliver swapping fatherly superhero advice.
• Clark mentions that in his vision of his life with Lois they live on Earth and have two kids. Does anyone else think post-Crisis life might give them just that? Stranger things have happened.
• The Monitor has to physically remove the heroes from their fight against the shadow demons. They really are the best.

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

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Supergirl airs Sundays at 9/8c on The CW.

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Crisis On Infinite Earths: What We Know About The Big Arrowverse Crossover