Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Cast: Melissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh, Katie McGrath, Jesse Rath, Sam Witwer, Nicole Maines, April Parker Jones, David Harewood, Jon Cryer, Rhona Mitra, Robert Baker, Anthony Konechny, Bruce Boxleitner, Andrea Brooks, Sarah Smyth, Graham Verchere, David Ajala, Donna Benedicto, Jessica Meraz, Azie Tesfai, Lynda Carter, Brenda Strong, Tiya Sircar, Vincent Gale, Cardi Wong, Fulvio Cecere, Xander Berkeley, John Wesley Shipp, La Monica Garrett, Stephen Amell, David Ramsey, Carlos Valdes, Danielle Panabaker, Grant Gustin, Jeremy Davies, Ruby Rose, Carl Lumbly.
It was arguably always going to be the case that at some point one of the great villains of the whole encompassing graphic novel history would turn up in a series of Supergirl and create havoc, bring a sense of continuality to the arc and to be revealed as the master of puppets to which his name, Lex Luthor, demands of such a complete experience.
The Krypton family affair would not be complete without the influence and hatred of the Luthor brood, and until now fans have had to be content with the mother-daughter team up provided by Brenda Strong and Katie McGrath respectively, and no matter how great these two actors have been in their roles, the dynamic and history of the character of their son and brother deserves to be recognised, justifies being brought to life in the series.
There have been many performances captured on screen of the evil genius/power mad business magnate, but it should be perhaps noted that, except for Gene Hackman in the Christopher Reeves films, they have not caught the imagination of the viewer. Even Mr. Hackman’s performance could be considered diluted, being portrayed as nothing more than the comedic foil, with no sense of menace except for the practice of extortion.
For the part in the fourth season and continuing the trail he has blazed in other Arrow Universe, Jon Cryer can surely be seen as the finest example of what Lex Luthor, post the Silver Age of the comics, stands for. A genius, perhaps the most human on the planet, and yet one absolutely consumed with power and hatred, a volatile mix which brings out the very best in Melissa Benoist as she takes on the dual role of Supergirl/Kara Danvers, and Red Daughter.
In fact, the role of the Kaznian discovered duplicate of Supergirl is one that really pushes Ms. Benoist as an actor, not only investing in the duality of the main role in which she has brought a sense of much needed significance and importance to the character which has at times been undervalued when compared to Superman, but also by showing the fragility and vulnerability of the fractured mind when on screen as the antagonist Red Daughter.
The series also deserves incredible praise in the casting of Nicole Maines as trangender superhero Nia Nal/Dreamer. Some will suggest courage in such an appointment, others will take the unfortunate stance of not understanding, or even flat out refusal to accept, how important such casting is in the realm of television; and in Nicole Maines they have an actor who has brought depth and youthful appreciation in her own cause for educating people that the transgender community fully deserve to have a hero who is dynamic and also can show the sense of inclusion in society that we all need to recognise is the only way to stop suspicion and hatred of any minority.
A series that inspires and entertains, Supergirl’s fourth season is perhaps the most exciting and well-written of them so far. A treat of the television adaption of one of the more underrated graphic novel heroes.
Ian D. Hall