Supergirl Series Finale Review: The Last Gauntlet / Kara (Season 6 Episodes 19 and 20)

Somehow, someway Supergirl delivers a series finale that ties up exhausted loose ends and sets the Super Friends up for a bright future.

The two-hour series finale does this with great ease in its second half by remembering the characters and themes that will live on in fans’ hearts.

This shift is possible because of the heavy lifting Supergirl Season 6 Episode 19, “The Last Gauntlet,” does. It tackles a bulk of the Lex and Nyxly drama efficiently.

The rapid-fire in which things escalate between the scorned love birds is whiplash-inducing, though.

Supergirl attempts to create an environment where a more sympathetic perception of Nyxly is encouraged, but it shouldn’t take Esme’s life being in danger for that to arise. 

Despite that, it’s easy to see through Nyxly’s cracks because of Peta Sergeant’s compassionate performance.

It’s a shame that Nyxly has to go out the same way as Lex because it feels like there is still so much to discover about that character.

Jon Cryer knows to walk the complete opposite line with Lex Luthor, and it works so well.

There’s a point during Supergirl Season 6 Episode 20, “Kara,” when Lex throws a tantrum because he knows he’s losing, and it’s pitch-perfect.

Andrea’s redemption arc and William’s lasting effect on the Super Friends also fall under the pressure of the fast-paced race to resolution.

The former lands better due to Lena Luthor’s history with Andrea and Lena’s astonishingly impressive arc over the last five years.

Dansen thrives at every turn during this two-hour series finale. We get to see them from all angles throughout “The Last Gauntlet” and “Kara.”

Azie Tesfai and Chyler Leigh, who have become the best scene partners over the years, brilliantly portray Kelly and Alex’s unspoken language.

Still, “The Last Gauntlet” has more frustrating moments, like Kara believing charging herself with the sun’s energy is a good idea.

It’s how Supergirl deals with that poor choice that makes it so impressive and the best way to lead into “Kara.”

Kara’s ability to realize she is wrong, apologize, and promise to be and do better is something everyone, but especially superheroes, should be capable of doing. 

Furthermore, Kara’s breakthrough moment arises from a reconnection with the people she is meant to help.

But, even more importantly, it comes with an understanding that violence isn’t always the answer.

That’s why it’s fitting we don’t see a massive showdown between the Super Friends and Lex and Nyxly.

“The Last Gauntlet” shows how flawed a fight like that would be. “Kara” allows them to do things differently, after a few battles with some old foes, of course.

It’s enough for old friends and family to reunite in the face of danger. It’s enough for the residents of National City to band together to protect themselves and each other.

During all the action, Jimmy and Kelly’s reunion is delightful, as are all of the small moments when our favorite heroes get to shine together.

It’s moving to see Jimmy back in his Guardian suit, but it’s even more emotional to watch him assist Kelly as the city’s resident Guardian rather than step on her moment.

It makes it all the more bittersweet that we didn’t have more time with the Olsen siblings over the years.

Jimmy’s scenes in “Kara” are memorable because Mehcad Brooks’ chemistry with the cast has not faltered in his time away from National City.

From Calista Flockhart and Helen Slater to Jeremy Jordan and Chris Wood, the returning cast members feel like they never left. They fit right back into the Super Friends’ found family, and it’s a sight to see.

“Kara” leans into the humanity of these characters in the way that many of us wish the entirety of Season 6 would have. Moreover, it shifts the spotlight back to Kara Danvers.

Everything from the dialogue, the score, the lighting, and everything in between is reminiscent of Seasons 1 and 2.

The nostalgia mixed with themes of empowerment, hope, and love makes the second hour of this series finale the more memorable hour.

It takes Supergirl back to its basics before embarking Kara on her most important journey yet — being herself without sacrificing a part of identity.

It’s poignant that a massive realization comes at Alex’s wedding, knowing Alex’s journey to such a momentous occasion. It’s flawless that Cat Grant is the one to talk Kara through her decision.

“Kara” lets every character unashamedly step into their truth, into their power. It’s incredibly touching to see Lena get the closure she needs to move forward as a badass scientist and witch.

The Supercorp scene, when Kara and Lena discuss living as their most authentic selves, is breathtaking. 

It’s bittersweet that Supergirl fumbles the ball by not letting that scene springboard Supercorp’s romantic tension becoming canon.

Though, it is refreshing that the female lead ends this series without a romantic partner and with the primary goal of getting to know herself.

Regardless of how things play out, we should commend Melissa Benoist and Katie McGrath for their impeccable chemistry. 

Alternatively, Supergirl thrives when it remembers Benoist and Chyler Leigh are lightning in a bottle. The Danvers sisters will always be a cornerstone of this show.

“Kara” touches base with them after a season of missed opportunities, and it makes us crave the early years of this show when the Danvers’ Sister Couch Scenes weren’t so few and far between. 

So it’s stunning to watch how their first scene in “The Last Gauntlet” differs from their last in “Kara.” There is so much more joy.

That joy paves the way for the rest of “Kara,” which is all about embracing what we will remember Supergirl for bringing to our lives.

The Paragon of Hope gave us six years of stories that empower and inspire, and now she gets to take her own advice.

The Arrowverse changed for the better with Melissa Benoist’s addition to the superhero family. No one else could have brought Kara Danvers to the small screen better.

It will be odd to adjust to this TV landscape without Kara and the rest of the Super Friends, but we are changed for the better.

We all believe in hope, help, and compassion for all a little more than we did before, and that’s beautiful.

Until next time, el mayarah.

Stray Thoughts

• I would have accepted nothing less than Brainy and Nia living happily ever after.
• J’onn and M’gann have a son!
• I’ll never get tired of hearing Melissa Benoist and Jeremy Jordan sing together.
• There are plenty of fantastic, inspirational quotes in both episodes.
• I wish there were more time to see Lillian and Nyxly go head-to-head again.
• Did anyone else on Earth-Prime see the sun flicker?
• Hiding a weapon in your heel is the Luthor way.
• “You’d think in another life I was a Kryptonian” is SO GOOD.
• The Lena Luthor Foundation and Dreamer’s LGBTQ+ Outreach Center are wonderful glimpses at the future.
• “Sprock logic!”
• J’onn gave Dansen his ship!

What did you think of the series finale of Supergirl? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Supergirl airs on The CW and is currently streaming on Netflix.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Supergirl: 15 Things We Want to See in the Final Season