It's hammertime.

Lima’s introduction to Supergirl has been slightly overshadowed by controversy. But at the core of her contribution is her acting ability. From a critical standpoint, Floriana Lima played Maggie Sawyer very well. We’ll discuss potential storylines and exits later but for what Lima was given, script-wise, direction-wise–she took it and she ran like the wind.

Not only is she intelligent, but her guardedness instantly justifies Alex’s attraction to her. Mostly, it’s the ways her micro-expressions develop that prove essential, because the material definitely isn’t.

Surrendering weakness isn’t permanent. Lima knows this, thus Maggie knows this. In “Supergirl Lives”, before Maggie can slip into routine happiness, there’s instant defence when she questions if it’s okay wearing Alex’s T-shirt. Tiny decisions like that exploit Maggie’s general description: “tough on the exterior, vulnerable on the inside”.

It’s small acting choices that boost her chemistry with Leigh and also the limited depth given to Maggie. That split-second too long gaze at Alex before they finally kiss oozes self-doubt and uncertainty. The pseudo-Terminator mode she almost succeeded in displaying in “Alex” justified her helpless love for Alex rarely winning over her professionalism. And the unmistakeable tremor of her lower-lip and voice in “Far from the Tree”–a deeper insight into years-long heartache than streaming tears ever would’ve been.