Taking Flight: SUPERGIRL Ep 203 "Welcome to Earth"

Now that Superman has made his way back to Metropolis, how will SUPERGIRL move forward? Based on this week's episode "Welcome to Earth", it's clear that playtime is over.

***Spoilers Ahead***

This episode touted the appearance of the wonderful Linda Carter, as the President of the United States of America. Seeking equality for aliens who want refuge on Earth (particularly America), she was set to sign a bill into law that would grant them amnesty.

Hmmm...sounds like a well-timed storyline, seemlessly integrated into SUPERGIRL, for the election season.

When she's attacked by an alien, shortly after the man in the Kryptonian pod escaped, Supergirl immediately assumes he's responsible for the crime. Especially when she discovers he's a Daxamite; a race of beings from a neighboring planet of Krypton. Think 'Hatfield's and McCoy's' when trying to learn about how they interacted with each other.

When she found out he was trying to send a distress signal to his home planet, she bears the weight of having to tell him that his planet was decimated by the aftershock of her planet exploding. In the end, Supergirl realizes that judging people without getting to know them first was wrong of her. She extends her friendship and apologizes to the man who called himself "Mon-El". 

The heavy political themes, during an episode that features a female President, aren't too preachy. But they're definitely in your face.

For those of you worried that the show may spout some liberal bias, don't worry, it didn't. The showrunners had characters arguing both sides of amnesty, including Hank Henshaw--who not only is an alien, but has spent many years masquerading as a black man. His comments were probably the most powerful of the episode and held the most weight.

Kara was assigned to interview Lena Luthor about her feelings on amnesty and during the conversation a device was revealed that could detect aliens by the touch of a finger. Kara was offended by the technology and when she attempted to submit the article with her own bias as subtext, her editor, Snapper Carr, rejected it.

He instructed her to deliver facts and report the truth, regardless of her personal feelings on the issue.

Whoa. Talk about art imitating life. The showrunners were clearly full of commentary on the issues facing our country and cleverly disguised it all within the context of their story. The best part is they don't expose themselves as to what side they support. The characters of SUPERGIRL are all conflicted as to what is right and what is wrong.

Both sides are represented.

The episode had some wonderful moments, particularly when Supergirl performed her own Wonder Woman/Linda Carter style spin to put out the flames, after she caught fire. And when Supergirl exclaims her excitement about seeing Air Force One, Madam President gives her a smile and says, "You should see my other jet".

It was total fan service and greatly appreciated at that. Stay tuned, as Linda Carter's character appears to be more than meets the eye. She may have a little bias of her own with the bill she was signing into law.

Jimmy's showdown with Snapper Carr felt a little forced and I feel as though it would've been nice to see him struggle for an episode or two before finally standing up to the hardnosed editor. Olsen's role is changing on the show and I think it's for the better. No longer hampered by the forced love interest for Kara, his story should begin to shine a little more.

Alex found an interesting new partnership blossom with new detective Maggie Sawyer. Fans of the comics will remember her as a Gotham Detective who fell in love with and was briefly engaged to Batwoman. While it's unclear as to how the dynamic between Maggie and Alex will develop, there are some hints that a possible attraction might exist. Maggie's connection to the alien 'underground' populace should come in handy.

Especially now that J'onn J'onzz knows about the secret bar that they all hang out in. Which leads us to the shocking revelation that he's no longer the last surviving martian!

The episode had some great moments and they really pushed the limit of the special effects. Now that Superman has come and gone, it's clear that the show is down to business and expects to deliver solid story with real substance.