Supergirl Review: The Bodyguard (Season 5 Episode 14)
Supergirl Season 5 Episode 14, “The Bodyguard,” follows its female leads as they find new paths in life despite various setbacks. Some of these paths are fresh and progressive. They even reignite interest in characters that have been sidelined. Other paths are far too familiar and, quite frankly, becoming a bit tiresome.
Andrea Rojas stands in the face of hatred and fear to launch a new product she believes in. Not only does it inadvertently bring back her powers she had pre-Crisis, but it also gives Supergirl fans a new alliance between Andrea and Kara.
Ideally, this will lead to an iconic team-up between Acrata and Supergirl.
Andrea’s bravery and determination are admirable. She believes in Obsidian Tech’s ability to help people, but she could do a better job at warning people of its addictive qualities.
While it is a consumer’s choice to participate in VR, it is a company’s obligation to be as transparent as possible with its costumers about the side effects of such a life-altering product.
Andrea is quick to acknowledge Todd and his addiction, but she does not offer any consolation on how she will stop history from repeating itself. Andrea is more concerned with Obsidian Tech’s happy endings rather than the lives it can destroy.
This sparks an interesting storyline moving forward, and its one that clearly parallels Lena’s struggles with Non Nocere. However, Andrea’s gradual confrontation with the repercussions of Obsidian Tech is not as tiring to watch.
Lena makes no effort to change her ways after Kara’s ultimatum on Supergirl Season 5 Episode 13, “It’s a Super Life.” Lena’s awareness about the similarities between Non Nocere and Lex’s motives for turning the sun red is short-lived, and the goals of Non Nocere are eerily familiar by the end of the episode.
Lex turned the sun red to kill Superman and save humanity, and Lena believes that superheroes will be obsolete after her project succeeds in saving humanity. Some may see this as Lena’s desire to stop the need for Supergirl in an attempt to rekindle her friendship with Kara, but the episode gives us no reason to believe this is Lena’s motive.
This doesn’t come across as a grand mission to reunite with her best friend. Instead, Supergirl posits that Lena’s mission is fueled by a feeling of injustice, which is ironically similar to the feeling she wipes from Steve’s brain because it could lead to violence.
In fact, “The Bodyguard” makes it extremely clear that Lena is more willing to tweak Non Nocere to rid humanity of any feeling that could potentially cause violence than reckon with the detrimental facts about its distribution and lasting effects.
Lena’s inability to step back and see the damage she is creating is infuriating. Supergirl is more than halfway through its season, so now is a great time to make definitive moves for or against Lena.
The appeal of the will-they-won’t-they battle is wearing off.
In better news, Alex starts her new life outside of the D.E.O. with J’onn’s helpful advice. She and J’onn make such a great crime-fighting, detective duo. They’re the perfect opposition to Lex’s corrupt organization. Someone needs to keep the people of National City’s best interest in mind alongside Supergirl and Dreamer. Alex and J’onn are the best people for the job!
It is smart to give Alex space from Kara as she finds a new role. This makes it easier for Alex to find herself, free of any allegiances to Supergirl and the Super Friends.
“The Bodyguard” proves that Alex Danvers is a hero with or without her D.E.O. suit and gun. However, it’s reassuring to know she does have super cool Martian tech on her side for self-defense.
Alex and J’onn are creating a team of supers to fight for justice via The Tower, and it’s really inspiring to watch. As tensions rise within the D.E.O., it’ll be interesting to see who joins the team that will likely go up against Lex, and likely Lena, and whatever army he builds by the season’s end.
“The Bodyguard” gives Kara time to prioritize herself and what she wants, because she actually takes steps forward with William. If viewers are rooting for this relationship or not, it is thrilling to see Kara think of herself, especially after the events on Supergirl Season 5 Episode 13, “It’s a Super Life.”
Kara’s attraction to William is still difficult to understand since pre-Crisis William isn’t the nicest guy. Post-Crisis William hasn’t given Kara a reason to dislike him, although, he hasn’t really given Kara a reason to like him either.
William is a great work partner and is very helpful when craving a latte, but Supergirl hasn’t done the work to lead viewers to believe Kara and William are better as anything other than friends. Is it really so bad if they remain friends?
Stray Observations
- Alex and Kelly may be the cutest couple Supergirl has ever seen.
- Kara’s speech to Amy is a perfect reminder that she’s the Paragon of Hope.
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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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.