Supergirl Review: Deus Lex Machina (Season 5 Episode 17)
Supergirl Season 5 Episode 17, “Deus Lex Machina,” stands on its own as a season-long, villain origin story for the diabolical Lex Luthor. It also marks the directorial debut of Supergirl herself, Melissa Benoist.
The episode is structurally similar to Supergirl Season 4 Episode 15, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” in that everything is from Lex’s perspective. It ties together so many loose ends starting the day after the Crisis.
An hour dedicated to Lex’s evil ways seems unnecessary since no one needs to look further than his entire past to know that he’s a villain. However, “Deus Lex Machina” does more than fill in the missing puzzle pieces, it sets up an amazing takedown of Lex Luthor if the season allows it.
Lex’s charm pales in comparison to his delusions and obsessions. His charm lures people like Eve into his web but the latter will be his downfall. This episode exemplifies Lex’s careful and calculated manipulation of nearly everyone on Supergirl.
The only person who is excluded from this is Lillian Luthor. Supergirl hasn’t done a great job of explaining Lillian’s role in Lex’s plan, let alone what she would receive if their plan is successful.
That being said, Supergirl is right on track to end the season with an epic and potentially final showdown with Lex Luthor. Lillian’s presence can’t be an accident, and she must be on Supergirl to be more than Lex’s sounding board.
A betrayal is imminent when it comes to Lex and Lillian. That leaves plenty of room for Lena to become aware of Lex’s selfish plan and join forces with the Super Friends, just in time for the season finale.
Nothing would be more satisfying than seeing the rug pulled out from under Lex than for it to be done by the women he’s bullied, manipulated, and underestimated all season.
A reunion between Kara and Lena appears to be more possible than ever, because Lex is more jealous and fearful of the reconnection than he has been all season. The results of Non Nocere are still unknown, but a reconciliation could lead to a termination of a mind-controlling experiment.
It’s difficult to believe Lena won’t realize the faults of her own project when she does come around to the detriment Lex is willing to enforce to get his way.
Lena is smarter than Lex, that is certain. The emotional abuse inflicted on her by Lex and her inability to realize it doesn’t lessen her intellect. Lena is more powerful than him, and there’s still room for her to be the truly heroic Luthor. That crown does not deserve to be on Lex’s head.
Getting rid of Leviathan by the end of Season 5 would also be ideal. Though their endgame did become clearer during this episode, the stakes aren’t all that high. It is very unlikely that Leviathan could wipe out the entire population or even a fraction of it while they’re in VR.
The repercussions are too catastrophic for Earth-Prime to survive in the same way it exists now, which would have ripple effects on all of the Arrowverse shows. Leviathan’s threats are scarier as a concept because there’s no way they’ll become a reality.
The twist regarding Jeremiah’s death is the most interesting thing to come by Leviathan and it was fabricated by Lex Luthor. It’s time for Leviathan to go.
Supergirl is barreling towards an action-packed, yet unfortunately premature season finale.
Let’s face it, Supergirl and the Super Friends ending Lex Luthor’s reign of terror before Superman even gets a chance on Superman & Lois is completely on-brand for the series. Supergirl is stronger than her cousin, as proven on Supergirl Season 5 Episode 9, “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One.”
Whether you’re a fan of Lex or not, “Deus Lex Machina” sets up the dominos for a truly unforgettable Season 5 finale.
Stray Observations
- Where’s Nia? Her friends don’t seem to be concerned with her lack of involvement.
- It’s still not clear how Brainy is involved with Lex. He should have been part of more flashbacks.
- Has everyone forgotten that Andrea has her powers? Someone please recruit her to the Super Friends.
- Can everyone agree no one should use Myriad ever again?
- It was really nice to see M’gnn again. Hopefully, she sticks around for a bit.
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.