'Supergirl' Recap: 'Crossfire'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

As the second season of Supergirl continues to unfold before our eyes, one thing is becoming inherently clear...this is a show that is going to give everything and anything a try when it comes to storytelling and it's a gambit that continues to pay off week after week, and it's a tradition that extended to last night's episode, 'Crossfire'.  In fact, this week's tale might actually be the series' most ambitious effort to date, combining much of the intelligent storytelling we have been privy to all season long, while throwing back in some action and adventure, and bringing back this season's big bad in Cadmus.

Yes, this episode was loaded to the brim with goodies, and well...let's start with a discussion about Cadmus and the evil deeds they are up to because that plot line served as the setup for something quite magical and positive as only this show can do. Because as it turns out, Cadmus made its move on Supergirl last night, handing out alien weapons to common and everyday criminals in the hopes of doing one thing...turning the good people of National City and the world against the aliens that live amongst them. Never mind the fact that humans were using these weapons to commit crimes, the sheer notion that alien weapons were loose, that aliens even created such devices did the job in spreading fear and disdain toward aliens, and it made Supergirl's job all the more difficult as well, but Cadmus' plan backfired because living in a city with a superhero...sometimes manages to inspire the soul. 

Take for example James, after losing his father's camera in a fight with those exact criminals, something inside him snapped. He was no longer content to be James Olsen the photographer, he realized he needed to do something more for this world, especially considering that he pointed out aloud that his best friends are heroes that constantly save the day while he just watches and our intrepid CatCo CEO felt the need to take matters into his own hands and become a vigilante. In addition to that awesome little twist, we also found out that Lena Luthor is indeed a good gal after all. The favor Kara owed her was recalled and all she wanted was Supergirl to show up to a gala event, so she could help the Girl of Steel take out these ugly weapons and do something good for a change and well...it was a wonderful twist to see people not giving into the fear, finding inspiration in what Supergirl does and fighting back to make their city a safer place. 

Yet while all of this was going on, there was one character that went on a supremely personal journey, one that the show has been skirting around for weeks as Alex finally began to explore her feelings for Maggie Sawyer. Following Maggie's latest breakup, Alex was constantly worrying about the tough as nails detective, doing her best to lift her spirits and since Maggie basically doesn't have a filter she flat out wanted to know if Alex was coming onto her. It was a statement that left Alex constantly questioning herself and while this plot thread was handled in subtle fashion as she came to terms with her sexuality, it was a damn important one to say the least. LGBTQ characters are scarce in television these days and it's refreshing to see that Supergirl is once again addressing something this important in its storytelling and while Alex didn't exactly come out last night, it's clear she has a special place in her heart for Maggie and that's just wonderful.

In the end however, it's safe to call this ambitious episode a success because it delivered on all fronts with its story. The action was flat out amazing and breathtaking, case in point, when Kara had to haul it into the stratosphere to save a police officer from hurtling into earth orbit and I love that suddenly so many characters on the show this season are trying to either find out more about who they are or are trying to become more in life. It's rare to see that kind of push for universal character growth, but considering that this series is constantly trying new things this should come as no surprise and speaking of surprises, we do need to talk about that ending for a moment because I know I'm not the only one whose jaw dropped when we discovered that Lena's mother is the head of Cadmus. It's a reveal that honestly explains so much, specifically why Cadmus is so anti-alien, considering that Lex is in prison courtesy of an alien and it should make the fight against them all the more personal, especially once Lena finds out what mom is up to...until next time.

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