#sg thoughts

While waiting on a challenged call, she glances at Lena and pulls her shirt up to wipe her face, not breaking eye contact. 

@hrwinter​​‘s tennis au is a treat

Mmkay so I’ve got thoughts:

Overall, I really liked this ep. (I’m seeing that some of you guys decidedly did not, but  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯   what can I say I’m probably always going to like this show)

- Okay first, I’m really impressed with the writers and whoever created/greenlighted the gun control storyline- not because the conclusions they came to were groundbreaking (I, frankly, wish we could all get on the same page about this irl) but because I really didn’t expect a show like this to take such a clear stance on what is a very divisive issue. This is a show within the Arrowverse, where two of it’s heroes (Wild Dog & Diggle on Arrow) use handguns as their main weapons. Oliver uses a guns as well. And you’ve got other “heroes” like the Punisher on Netflix (who, yes, is an anti-hero) who uses guns extensively to exact his brand of justice. 

Gun violence seems to just generally be part of the fabric of these shows. And while Supergirl sometimes has more fantasy, what with aliens being on Earth 38, and the tech that Winn and Lena dream up- I still think it’s incredibly commendable that they said, “hey, you know what? we don’t need that for good storytelling.” (or, even better, “this is important and we’re going to address it on this platform.”)

For the amount of time they had, I think it was handled with impressive finesse. I would’ve liked to explore more of Lena’s point (she has a gun to defend herself against the many, many attempts on her life, used it when Corben came after her and ultimately saved Alex’s life) but, again, I get why they couldn’t (time). There was the potential for a really interesting discourse between she and James and even though we didn’t get to see that, I appreciated that they had a civil conversation where they realized they disagree but it was handled with maturity. (We could all follow that example, yeah?)

OH OH and, like @unnecessary-database brilliantly pointed out, the DEO actually has been changing- it would appear to be canon that they’re no longer holding random aliens without due process and so this step to non-lethal weaponry is in line with changes that have been happening in the background (prisoners, government oversight, etc.).  It also just practically makes a ton of sense: when you’ve got someone like Winn working for you, and access to alien tech, why NOT switch to non-lethal force? Alex clearly thought her alien weapon was better (although, she was also really excited about that stick, too,  so...)

Anyway, long ramble to say I was really impressed by how they handled this storyline and that they even did it at all.

- ok, JAMES. My man! How great is it to watch his character this season?? I’m so excited that he’s found his footing, his voice. Second season was rough for James but the writers are doing him justice now and Mehcad has been outstanding. Also how great is it to see him be more part of the DEO and interacting with J’onn??? (YOU get a Space Dad! and YOU get a Space Dad! EVERYBODY GETS A SPACE DAD!)

- J’onn put trackers on their weapons after Winn’s mom stole one. *eye roll* I lol’ed out loud bc it’s like they actually acknowledged how ludicrous that was. Oh DEO, you still have work to do. (Anyone else flashing back to all the people who waltz into STAR labs on the Flash and how the characters make fun of the lack of security?)

- Mon-el: guys, I ship Supercorp all the way, but I have to admit, he’s grown on me this season. Still unbearable at times but it’s not as painful now and I’m appreciative of that. 

- EVE TESSMACHER ok what is going on with Eve???? I love that she’s back and we’re getting more screen time but I’m also suspicious that she’s going to turn evil or something. Anytime a minor character gets pulled in and given more to do I assume the writers have ulterior motives... 

BUT I love that she’s uber smart and no one knew (except probably Kara, who found her and recommended her strongly to Cat and probably saw a lot of herself in her: brilliant, has the potential to do so much but also needs to pay the bills, capable of handling the crazy that is Catco). So whatever reason we’re getting more Eve, I love it. But also *side eye*

- Kara leaving “on assignment” lol classic Supes move.

- I thought the stuff in Argo was just okay. Moving the plot along and building suspense, and only kind of addressing all that Kara would be going through. But again, it’s a 45-minute show so I’m just watching Melissa’s face and reading all the emotion and turmoil and even though it’s not in the script, she’s selling me on the joy of reuniting with lost friends and family while also struggling to assimilate and process it all. 

Kara makes a pattern. Lex, Lillian, Kara. All people Lena thought she knew. All people who have proven that her own judgement of character is unsound, untrustworthy.

It follows that she can’t really know who she is helping and who she is hurting. All she has ever wanted to do was help, and now even that is unattainable.

Kara Danvers has to look away from surprised faces when she introduces her sister. It hurts that they do not see all the similarities she has tenderly crafted. People constantly ask her, “Where are you from?” She dodges these questions with a polite smile and a burning at the back of her throat, not sure if the heat comes from pride or from grief. Some days she answers “What are you?” with, “I’m an alien,” and receives awkward, expectant laughter.

An Asian Supergirl has to fight twice as hard for the title of “American Hero.” She hears double meaning in the sneers of aggressors calling her a dirty, alien immigrant.