An experimental idea. This site thanks to our wonderful administrators is a haven for fans of the series to express their thoughts. However among this community like all others, there are still prevailing opinions. Sometimes that peer pressure keeps people from admitting how they feel about aspects of the show.
So this post tries to encourage people to overcome that barrier. It is my hope that if we harbor an opinion that is contrary to the majority fan consensus, it may be declared freely in this post free of judgement.
I don't know how many will participate, but here's one of mine for example. I'm taking a risk here because possibly this is a well liked character and my standing in this site might be ruined.
I never really liked the character of Cat Grant. I disagree with the show placing a corporate boss with little concern for the well-being of their employees and the working people as a rolemodel for women and feminism. By placing her as someone for a working girl like Kara to look up to, it is suggested that success as a woman (or a person in general) means gaining financial power, and that there's no empowerment to be found in the working class.
Think of that as what you will but that's one of my long withheld opinions shared. I bet some will heavily disagree but if anyone shares their view here that I don't hold, I will offer no judgement but simply fascination.
- Fedguy
- Supergirl General Discussion
- Tuesday, 11 April 2017
Fedguy: I hope this is the sort of thing you mean.
Not sure how controversial this is, but I thought Melissa's performance of Moon River in the Duet crossover was the outstanding musical element of the show.
First, a brilliant, beautiful song that has stood the test of time. One of my favourites, ever! The other songs in the show were ok, but I suspect will not be around in 50 years time.
Second, and most importantly, the performance was perfection. This was not Melissa Benoist or Marley Rose singing, but a phased and nervous Kara. She was not performing to make a music video as a prelude to a hit record (I suppose that should be disc or download!?) but to fit the part, surroundings and circumstances. In my view, she did that perfectly.
Third, MB looked amazing, but I suspect that won't be that controversial!
Not sure how controversial this is, but I thought Melissa's performance of Moon River in the Duet crossover was the outstanding musical element of the show.
First, a brilliant, beautiful song that has stood the test of time. One of my favourites, ever! The other songs in the show were ok, but I suspect will not be around in 50 years time.
Second, and most importantly, the performance was perfection. This was not Melissa Benoist or Marley Rose singing, but a phased and nervous Kara. She was not performing to make a music video as a prelude to a hit record (I suppose that should be disc or download!?) but to fit the part, surroundings and circumstances. In my view, she did that perfectly.
Third, MB looked amazing, but I suspect that won't be that controversial!
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 1
OK, I'll bite.
1) Not a huge fan of crossovers because instead of enhancing each show or actor's talents, they tend to dilute the overall product. I'm not opposed to the concept of a crossover or two, but they have to be much more cohesive and better planned.
2) Crossover plotlines and the stories themselves seem to be rush jobs and not fully thought through - Case in point; the Supergirl-Flash musical episode. Good idea, but poor end product. Incorrect use of genre and suffered from paper-thin and choppy scripting.
3) Wonky editing and very questionable science (admittedly, we all have to have a healthy measure of a suspension of disbelief when watching the show, but sometimes basic science facts are overlooked for expediency and to move a story along).
4) The writers must keep the story focus on Kara and her journey into becoming a superhero. They must also emphasise the sisterly / friendship relationships more. Although the inclusion of additional allies and villains in S2 has been more-or-less positive, sometimes Kara's story gets lost in the shuffle.
5) The Guardian angle needs to be re-worked because it does not really add to the show and does not reflect or enhance Mehcad's acting abilities. Winn's DEO techie role has been a success so far, but the James / Guardian angle hasn't been properly developed.
6) Less focus on the Kara - Mon-EL relationship and more on the hero mentorship.
7) Bring back Cat Grant for an episode here or there. Her role and one-liners are sorely missed. Whatever your opinion of the female empowerment issue, the inclusion of this character was / is a bonus and not a drawback.
8) Bring back Max Lord and Lucy Lane (at least one episode per season) in some capacity or another. Max Lord would be a worthy foe / ally to the Luthors or Cadmus and Lucy would provide an added counterweight or foil to the James / Guardian angle.
9) Keep Superman's appearance limited in order to keep the show and its overall aim front and centre. He's a good character and a fine actor is portraying him, but from my p.o.v. it's a touch on the overkill side.
10) Stretch the storyline and plot arcs over a series of episodes and not rely so much on a villain of the week to propel the hero / foe tension along.
11) Consistency, consistency, consistency. Plot and story structure need to be tightened from one episode to the next. Admittedly, if there are a series of writers working on the show and each one works on a specific episode within their own style, there will be slight variances in how the episodes are presented / come across to the viewership. This is a given. But, they should not vary so greatly that the episodes, when seen in order, contradict storyline logic and character development. (I.e. why does one character do and say one thing in an episode and then two or three episodes later, do or say something contradictory and seemingly out of character?)
My two cents.
1) Not a huge fan of crossovers because instead of enhancing each show or actor's talents, they tend to dilute the overall product. I'm not opposed to the concept of a crossover or two, but they have to be much more cohesive and better planned.
2) Crossover plotlines and the stories themselves seem to be rush jobs and not fully thought through - Case in point; the Supergirl-Flash musical episode. Good idea, but poor end product. Incorrect use of genre and suffered from paper-thin and choppy scripting.
3) Wonky editing and very questionable science (admittedly, we all have to have a healthy measure of a suspension of disbelief when watching the show, but sometimes basic science facts are overlooked for expediency and to move a story along).
4) The writers must keep the story focus on Kara and her journey into becoming a superhero. They must also emphasise the sisterly / friendship relationships more. Although the inclusion of additional allies and villains in S2 has been more-or-less positive, sometimes Kara's story gets lost in the shuffle.
5) The Guardian angle needs to be re-worked because it does not really add to the show and does not reflect or enhance Mehcad's acting abilities. Winn's DEO techie role has been a success so far, but the James / Guardian angle hasn't been properly developed.
6) Less focus on the Kara - Mon-EL relationship and more on the hero mentorship.
7) Bring back Cat Grant for an episode here or there. Her role and one-liners are sorely missed. Whatever your opinion of the female empowerment issue, the inclusion of this character was / is a bonus and not a drawback.
8) Bring back Max Lord and Lucy Lane (at least one episode per season) in some capacity or another. Max Lord would be a worthy foe / ally to the Luthors or Cadmus and Lucy would provide an added counterweight or foil to the James / Guardian angle.
9) Keep Superman's appearance limited in order to keep the show and its overall aim front and centre. He's a good character and a fine actor is portraying him, but from my p.o.v. it's a touch on the overkill side.
10) Stretch the storyline and plot arcs over a series of episodes and not rely so much on a villain of the week to propel the hero / foe tension along.
11) Consistency, consistency, consistency. Plot and story structure need to be tightened from one episode to the next. Admittedly, if there are a series of writers working on the show and each one works on a specific episode within their own style, there will be slight variances in how the episodes are presented / come across to the viewership. This is a given. But, they should not vary so greatly that the episodes, when seen in order, contradict storyline logic and character development. (I.e. why does one character do and say one thing in an episode and then two or three episodes later, do or say something contradictory and seemingly out of character?)
My two cents.
"The Hits Keep Coming" - Rick Estrin And The Nightcats, from the Download/LP/CD, The Hits Keep Coming. (2024)
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 2
I'm on the same page as Romulus here. So I don't need to add more to the list.
I will say, I most definitely agree with you, Romulus, with Max Lord. I would LOVE to see him go toe-to-toe a few times with Lena, and see how Supergirl/Kara fits in with it. Both Max and Lena have a tendency to be amazing, but also complicated.
And why HASN'T Cat been utilized more? It's not like other actors haven't been able to fly into Vancouver for a week to do episodes, then fly back out. Spoiler Alert so don't read further if you don't want to know.........but........I read that Calista will be returning for the finale.
I will say, I most definitely agree with you, Romulus, with Max Lord. I would LOVE to see him go toe-to-toe a few times with Lena, and see how Supergirl/Kara fits in with it. Both Max and Lena have a tendency to be amazing, but also complicated.
And why HASN'T Cat been utilized more? It's not like other actors haven't been able to fly into Vancouver for a week to do episodes, then fly back out. Spoiler Alert so don't read further if you don't want to know.........but........I read that Calista will be returning for the finale.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 3
I think Rom and Kelly pretty much covered what is on my mind, with one exception. I really do like Mon-El and the romance is in keeping with the comic series of past. I will say he is a spoiled brat and still needs to learn how to really behave with Kara. He's no longer the Prince and he is no longer on a pre-feminist world. He needs to learn and embrace the culture. On the other hand, Kara needs to focus on Alex. Both romances have come at the expense of the sisters. They can have both without sacrificing what really makes the show click. I want to see that return, even if it might mean that they also talk about their respective partners.
While I like Mon-El, I do think that they should have extended the mentorship/friendship longer. The romance could have come in a bit later.
Argo
While I like Mon-El, I do think that they should have extended the mentorship/friendship longer. The romance could have come in a bit later.
Argo
A journey of 1,000 KM, begins with one step.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 4
"Wonky editing and very questionable science (admittedly, we all have to have a healthy measure of a suspension of disbelief when watching the show, but sometimes basic science facts are overlooked for expediency and to move a story along)."
As a science teacher, I agree with this one completely. In fact, it is probably the main reason I started writing my own fan fiction stories. I wanted to see if I could do it while still getting the science right!
My other motivation was a desire to introduce characters that I remembered from the Silver Age Supergirl comics - people that Kara had been friends with while in high school and college. So I figured I'd bring them into her present-day life at CatCo (starting with Dick Malverne).
My other major pet peeve is the inconsistency in the level of Supergirl's powers and vulnerability. It seems that the original idea was to place Kara's "power level" somewhere between the Golden Age and Silver Age Superman. For the most part, that's what has been done. This version of Supergirl is vulnerable to "everyday hazards", provided they are quite a bit more potent than those that would easily prove fatal to humans. And her superstrength seems to be more on the level of Hercules than the extreme levels of the Silver Age Superman. But sometimes, when the plot demands it, the writers do revert to the extraordinary levels of the Silver Age Kara. Perhaps the most egregious example was in the "Childish Things" episode, in which Supergirl could not even fly out a vat of quicksand without freezing it first. (The writers also appeared to incorrectly refer to thermite as an explosive , rather than an incendiary, in that sequence.) But then in the first season finale, we saw Kara fly Fort Rozz into space by herself! And in the second season, she was able to prevent a spaceship from leaving Earth's atmosphere all by herself. Not exactly a consistent portrayal, right? (I've consciously tried to keep Kara's powers on the apparent "intermediate level" of the TV show in my fan fiction stories - which I feel is just about right.)
As a science teacher, I agree with this one completely. In fact, it is probably the main reason I started writing my own fan fiction stories. I wanted to see if I could do it while still getting the science right!
My other motivation was a desire to introduce characters that I remembered from the Silver Age Supergirl comics - people that Kara had been friends with while in high school and college. So I figured I'd bring them into her present-day life at CatCo (starting with Dick Malverne).
My other major pet peeve is the inconsistency in the level of Supergirl's powers and vulnerability. It seems that the original idea was to place Kara's "power level" somewhere between the Golden Age and Silver Age Superman. For the most part, that's what has been done. This version of Supergirl is vulnerable to "everyday hazards", provided they are quite a bit more potent than those that would easily prove fatal to humans. And her superstrength seems to be more on the level of Hercules than the extreme levels of the Silver Age Superman. But sometimes, when the plot demands it, the writers do revert to the extraordinary levels of the Silver Age Kara. Perhaps the most egregious example was in the "Childish Things" episode, in which Supergirl could not even fly out a vat of quicksand without freezing it first. (The writers also appeared to incorrectly refer to thermite as an explosive , rather than an incendiary, in that sequence.) But then in the first season finale, we saw Kara fly Fort Rozz into space by herself! And in the second season, she was able to prevent a spaceship from leaving Earth's atmosphere all by herself. Not exactly a consistent portrayal, right? (I've consciously tried to keep Kara's powers on the apparent "intermediate level" of the TV show in my fan fiction stories - which I feel is just about right.)
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 6
You beat me to it Fedguy darn job getting in the way of my Supergirl time. Where I work after a project or training is finished we sometimes do plus/deltas (delta meaning change in math terms) so it’s basically pluses and minuses. At work there is only one rule. To maintain positivity for every delta a person submits they must submit two or more plusses. I was going to wait for the end of the season to suggest we do plus/deltas. I’ll split my responses in the appropriate threads rather than create a new one.
Delta - How the writers had Mon-El announce to the entire DEO that he and Kara were dating after he agreed to keep it on the down low. I think the scene was supposed to be funny but I for one wasn’t laughing and it really fueled the Mon- El hate. I get for plot purposes the relationship couldn’t be kept a secret but I wish it had come out in a different way. What if say if Alex, Winn, and J’onn had caught them kissing in the basement training room. Cue David Harewoods patented arms crossed glare with an added fatherly “ahha ha hem”. Alex with her arms crossed too but with a sisterly smirk. Winn just averts his eyes turns around and walks away. With Kara initially too embarrassed to speak Mon-El could have said they’re dating. This way everyone at the DEO doesn’t know yet and Mon-El doesn’t look like a jerk. The rest of the dialogue between J’onn, Kara, and Alex could have remained as written and could have been funny under these circumstances.
Delta - How the writers had Mon-El announce to the entire DEO that he and Kara were dating after he agreed to keep it on the down low. I think the scene was supposed to be funny but I for one wasn’t laughing and it really fueled the Mon- El hate. I get for plot purposes the relationship couldn’t be kept a secret but I wish it had come out in a different way. What if say if Alex, Winn, and J’onn had caught them kissing in the basement training room. Cue David Harewoods patented arms crossed glare with an added fatherly “ahha ha hem”. Alex with her arms crossed too but with a sisterly smirk. Winn just averts his eyes turns around and walks away. With Kara initially too embarrassed to speak Mon-El could have said they’re dating. This way everyone at the DEO doesn’t know yet and Mon-El doesn’t look like a jerk. The rest of the dialogue between J’onn, Kara, and Alex could have remained as written and could have been funny under these circumstances.
Hope, Help and Compassion for all
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 7
I really just want to see the focus come back to Kara. I get that the Sanvers storyline has been important to a great many people. But between that, J'onn's subplot with M'gann, Guardian's storyline, and Mon El, Kara as an individual hasn't had any really great stories, this year.
I love that they are on CW, but they haven't done anything fantastic as Season 1's "Red Faced", "For the Girl who has Everything", or "Falling".
I feel the villains have been better, this year. Brenda Strong and Katie McGrath have been fantastic additions to the show. And having fantastic and classic villains like Metallo and Parasite have been awesome. But there are too many protagonists, right now, and Kara isn't getting enough of the focus. Alex, Maggie, J'onn, James, Winn, Mon El. Last year, Kara's experiences with her fellow leads helped her character grow, and become better. This year...just feels like each person's off doing their own thing.
They've got their season 3 renewal. I hope they bring the focus back to Kara in season 3. I still love the show, and the "Supergirl" aspects are still there. But it feels like Kara, and who she is without the suit, has been neglected.
I love that they are on CW, but they haven't done anything fantastic as Season 1's "Red Faced", "For the Girl who has Everything", or "Falling".
I feel the villains have been better, this year. Brenda Strong and Katie McGrath have been fantastic additions to the show. And having fantastic and classic villains like Metallo and Parasite have been awesome. But there are too many protagonists, right now, and Kara isn't getting enough of the focus. Alex, Maggie, J'onn, James, Winn, Mon El. Last year, Kara's experiences with her fellow leads helped her character grow, and become better. This year...just feels like each person's off doing their own thing.
They've got their season 3 renewal. I hope they bring the focus back to Kara in season 3. I still love the show, and the "Supergirl" aspects are still there. But it feels like Kara, and who she is without the suit, has been neglected.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 8
Well, I am not sure if this would be an unpopular opinion or not (most of my unpopular opinions have been shared here and quite volubly too, I think), but, I wish the show would focus on character arcs and well fledged out stories than just on action.
Don't look at just externalities like a villain, but also internal conflicts such as alien vs. human, ideological purity vs. no good option, dealing with the fracturing of an idealised view and so on.
For example, one of the best moments I liked in this season happened in Medusa when Kara learns her father created a virus that could cause genocide and then, J'onn talks to her about it: "Your parents legacy is not death and distruction, Kara Zor El, It is you!". Alas! That was a fleeting bit in an episode which featured a lot of other stuff not least J'onn White Martian storyline that I think was poorly executed.
However, I believe the showrunners and writers have a penchant for fleeting gags and shock-value/drama over character traits or even the show's principles.
Cat suffers from that problem. Their purpose for her was two-fold: a. Deliver the much-needed advise to Kara about "needing to work for results" or "channelling your anger" and b. comedy. Unfortunately, I think many times they focused on comedy to the detriment of the character. An actor less talented or charming than Calista Flockhart and more people would have clued in on just how abusive a boss Cat Grant is (not even calling your employees by their name?, taking your personal issues out on your employees). It may be that TV thinks tough-as-nails and exacting means calling your employees names, and treating them badly (instead of justly) without cause but most employees would disagree. And juxtapose that with the times when Cat acted like a reasonable human being, or was positively heroic (the humans for a day telecast or even when she fought with Lord to prevent collateral damage and then worked with Lord to save the city), and I find her very strange. (Though I do find her entertaining and don't hate her as some do).
The Mon El joke Brierrose mentions is another case where they went for the laugh factor to the detriment of the character.
Oh.. and I also hope they sit down and map out their path for the next few seasons, not just one and stick to it. Read speculative fiction (sci-fi/fantasy) for how they bring obscure elements from season 1 to pass in season 7 or so--though this may be hoping for too much.
Don't look at just externalities like a villain, but also internal conflicts such as alien vs. human, ideological purity vs. no good option, dealing with the fracturing of an idealised view and so on.
For example, one of the best moments I liked in this season happened in Medusa when Kara learns her father created a virus that could cause genocide and then, J'onn talks to her about it: "Your parents legacy is not death and distruction, Kara Zor El, It is you!". Alas! That was a fleeting bit in an episode which featured a lot of other stuff not least J'onn White Martian storyline that I think was poorly executed.
However, I believe the showrunners and writers have a penchant for fleeting gags and shock-value/drama over character traits or even the show's principles.
Cat suffers from that problem. Their purpose for her was two-fold: a. Deliver the much-needed advise to Kara about "needing to work for results" or "channelling your anger" and b. comedy. Unfortunately, I think many times they focused on comedy to the detriment of the character. An actor less talented or charming than Calista Flockhart and more people would have clued in on just how abusive a boss Cat Grant is (not even calling your employees by their name?, taking your personal issues out on your employees). It may be that TV thinks tough-as-nails and exacting means calling your employees names, and treating them badly (instead of justly) without cause but most employees would disagree. And juxtapose that with the times when Cat acted like a reasonable human being, or was positively heroic (the humans for a day telecast or even when she fought with Lord to prevent collateral damage and then worked with Lord to save the city), and I find her very strange. (Though I do find her entertaining and don't hate her as some do).
The Mon El joke Brierrose mentions is another case where they went for the laugh factor to the detriment of the character.
Oh.. and I also hope they sit down and map out their path for the next few seasons, not just one and stick to it. Read speculative fiction (sci-fi/fantasy) for how they bring obscure elements from season 1 to pass in season 7 or so--though this may be hoping for too much.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 9
I'm noticing this thread is getting a larger response than the corresponding positive thread. I want to challenge everyone if they already haven't to post something positive to balance the negative.
Hope, Help and Compassion for all
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 10
Perfect post, Kdogg. Nailed it
And, Brierrose...LOVED your way of announcing the Kara/Mon-El relationship WAY better than how it was written!!
And, Brierrose...LOVED your way of announcing the Kara/Mon-El relationship WAY better than how it was written!!
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 11
A major flaw in this season is way too much emphasis on relationships, especially when the story does not advance Kara as a character. I realize the politics/positions that the writers are trying to push but they do not belong in escapist TV shows. If people want politics, there are plenty of cable news outlets to tune to for that on Mondays at 8pm.
Kara should have a relationship of some kind, for now it's Mon El, that helps to show/develop her "human" side. Other than that, the relationships for Winn, J'onn, Alex, etc are given too much emphasis. The show is called "Supergirl" not "Relationships at the DEO".
Kara should have a relationship of some kind, for now it's Mon El, that helps to show/develop her "human" side. Other than that, the relationships for Winn, J'onn, Alex, etc are given too much emphasis. The show is called "Supergirl" not "Relationships at the DEO".
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 12
Don't know if you guys know this but just so we know here, I didn't mean post something you don't like about the show lol, just anything positive or negative that might not be the majority opinion haha.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 13
Don't know if you guys know this but just so we know here, I didn't mean post something you don't like about the show lol, just anything positive or negative that might not be the majority opinion haha.
Ohhhhhhhh... Like.... "The Guardian is the best new addition to the season. His story is riveting."
Got it.
Disclaimer: The above statement in no way expresses the belief of the author of this post. Twas meant for educational purposes only. Also, no animals were hurt in the composing of said statement.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 14
Unpopular opinions about the show. Okay…
When the show eventually ends after 7 seasons, Kara’s romantic partner should not be Mon-El, or James, or Lena, or Brainiac 5. Kara should end up with Winn.
Superman should not have appeared until the final season.
Season 1 was better than season 2 so far. The show should have stayed on CBS for at least 1 more season before they considered moving it to CW.
When the show eventually ends after 7 seasons, Kara’s romantic partner should not be Mon-El, or James, or Lena, or Brainiac 5. Kara should end up with Winn.
Superman should not have appeared until the final season.
Season 1 was better than season 2 so far. The show should have stayed on CBS for at least 1 more season before they considered moving it to CW.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 15
Two of my "unpopular opinions" regarding the show:
1) James' Guardian storyline has been handled fine, even though I do wish we knew for sure what the reasoning is behind Mehcad Brooks being absent for several episodes
2) Mon-El is a great addition to the show this season, and his storyline has been handled supremely well
1) James' Guardian storyline has been handled fine, even though I do wish we knew for sure what the reasoning is behind Mehcad Brooks being absent for several episodes
2) Mon-El is a great addition to the show this season, and his storyline has been handled supremely well
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 16
here's an unpopular opinion....
as supergirl, i think melissa's performance has been spectacular. Even though SG is getting her tail kicked in almost every episode (it's getting old)...
But, as Kara this season, I have never disliked the character more. Melissa delivers Kara as arrogant, righteous, dismissive, preachy at times. Gone is the cool, nerdy, eager to learn Kara of Season 1.
as supergirl, i think melissa's performance has been spectacular. Even though SG is getting her tail kicked in almost every episode (it's getting old)...
But, as Kara this season, I have never disliked the character more. Melissa delivers Kara as arrogant, righteous, dismissive, preachy at times. Gone is the cool, nerdy, eager to learn Kara of Season 1.
- more than a month ago
- Supergirl General Discussion
- # 17
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