Supergirl Review: Immortal Kombat (Season 5 Episode 19)
Supergirl Season 5 Episode 19, “Immortal Kombat,” is an action-packed, often breathtaking season finale directed by J’onn J’onzz himself, David Harewood. This episode is an epic payoff for the slower moments of the season.
The pacing of Kara and Lena’s reconciliation is perfect. They may have forgiven each other, but it’s going to take a lot more than a handshake and an apology for these two to rekindle their friendship.
“Immortal Kombat” realizes this and takes things slow between them, showing both Kara and Lena keeping the other at arm’s length for most of the episode. This is to be expected, and it’s actually welcomed.
A gradual reconstruction of their friendship is more realistic than everything turning around just in time to take down Lex. Supergirl could benefit from showing Lena and Kara taking all the necessary steps to rebuild their trust in each other next season.
Lena realizing that pain is necessary to grow just as Kara realizes the power of forgiveness is enough to believe there is hope for their friendship. Lena’s willingness to die to protect Kara is also a pretty good sign.
The parallel of Kara’s heroic speech to the citizens at Obsidian’s Unity Festival with Lena’s plea to save Andrea from making some very familiar mistakes is outstanding. It may very well be one of the series’ best moments.
It exemplifies both the healing nature of humanity but also Lena’s capability to be a hero — two things Season 5 works to prove.
It is unfortunate that Lena and Andrea don’t share more scenes together post-Crisis because a lot of their friendship on Earth-Prime is left up to the imagination. One can assume the origin and point of fracture in their friendship remains the same.
However, it would have been nice to see them interact more before their heartfelt interaction on “Immortal Kombat.” It would have made an already powerful moment all the more so. That being said, it is incredibly moving that Lena brings back their, “You jump, I jump” pact to pull Andrea back from the edge.
There are still plenty of unanswered questions regarding Andrea and her powers that Season 6 can answer. Andrea uses her powers for the first time post-Crisis on Supergirl Season 5 Episode 14, “The Bodyguard,” but it appears that she can only use them at their full capacity when activated by Leviathan.
If Andrea is to be free of Leviathan and use her powers at her free will, that division must wait until next season. This leads to the unfortunate likelihood that Leviathan may stick around longer than the first few episodes of Season 6.
Although, it will be satisfying to see all of their boring threats taken down by someone they assume is their pawn. Lena could play a role in this epic takedown too since they turned her project into an even larger weapon.
Basically, Lena and Andrea need to be permanent members of the Superfriends next season.
Alex is going to be a whole new asset for Team Tower because her vigilante lifestyle comes a lot sooner than anticipated after it was explicitly mentioned on Supergirl Season 5 Episode 18, “The Missing Link.”
It isn’t terrible or unreasonable for Alex to join the fight so soon since Alex has been fighting the good fight for most of the series. It just would have been entertaining to watch Alex navigate life as a vigilante before being thrown into an epic showdown with three element-bending gods.
On the other hand, the pacing of Brainy’s big plan is a bit rushed. Supergirl could have fixed this by giving the viewers any hint that Brainy had a plan up his sleeve. It’s one thing to have faith that a character will do the right thing, and it’s another to have proof to ground that faith in.
From the viewer’s perspective, Brainy looks to stand by Lex through everything, rarely scheming behind his back. Would it have hurt to have Brainy’s conversation with the female Brainiac-5 happen a little earlier?
All of this doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking to see the life drained from Brainy as he attempts to save his friends and the world. Now his life hangs in the balance until Supergirl returns.
Brainy’s life isn’t the only one in danger over the hiatus. Though their schemes now extend into Season 6 because of the shortened season, Lex and Leviathan prospects don’t look good.
The Superfriends find their way back to each other on “Immortal Kombat.” Like Kara always says, they’re stronger together.
Stray Observations
- M’gann and Nia’s heart to heart is really special. Hopefully, we get more moments like this next season.
- I didn’t realize Lillian was still in National City, let alone working with Lex.
- The element benders versus the Superfriends is such a cool fight sequence.
- J’onn and M’gann pretending to be Supergirl is so great.
- Nia and Kara geeking out about Harry Potter are even better.
- Kara’s reaction to her sister’s super suit is so pure and completely on-brand from the Danvers sisters.
What did you think of the season finale 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.