I've rarely criticized Supergirl's writers and producers for their narrative decisions, but the character of Lena - especially their version of her - should not be acting like your typical Luthor just because Kara kept her dual identity from her.
Spoilers Supergirl - Season 5
- Thread starter dahj
- Start date
I've rarely criticized Supergirl's writers and producers for their narrative decisions, but the character of Lena - especially their version of her - should not be acting like your typical Luthor just because Kara kept her dual identity from her.
You're assuming a lot from a few moments glimpsed in a trailer. Her dialogue indicates she's wounded, not evil. From what little we're shown, I think it's entirely in character, and not at all "typical Luthor."
^ You really think it's in-character for Supergirl's version of Lena to punch her best friend in the face?
What show have you been watching?
What show have you been watching?
^ The one where that very thing is apparently going to happen?
Aren't you the one who is usually all about taking whatever a show's or movie's creators say as gospel? Well, the show's creators say this is how Lena would react. And again, I think what little we've seen is entirely believable for the character.
Aren't you the one who is usually all about taking whatever a show's or movie's creators say as gospel? Well, the show's creators say this is how Lena would react. And again, I think what little we've seen is entirely believable for the character.
^ Yes, this is the direction the show has gone/is going, but acknowledging that doesn't mean that I have to agree with the decision.
Katie and Melissa will most likely 'slay' the material they've been given, but I don't think it feels, at this point, like that material is going to have been 'earned' narratively.
Katie and Melissa will most likely 'slay' the material they've been given, but I don't think it feels, at this point, like that material is going to have been 'earned' narratively.
Lena should be more than angry that everyone around her lied. In real world terms, people do far worse for being lied to by those allegedly close to them, so this series cannot (but will--more than likely) tapdance around that just to have a "aww, they're friends" moment somewhere down the line. The characters have barely been believable as friends in the first place, and with SG's throwing her weight around about Lena's research from day one, secret ID revealed or not, Lena has just cause to not only be angry with a number of people, but have some back-end plan to let them know who she really is. That's the kind of threat this series needs.
^ You've been eagerly advocating and anticipating a turn to full-on villainy by Lena since Day One, but I don't see it happening, ever. Nor do I think it's desirable. They get far more mileage out of the character's inner conflicts and moral ambiguities than they would from turning her into a one-dimensional mustache-twirler. Besides, they've already got Cryer killing it as Lex, plus Brenda Strong's delicious turn as Lillian. It's much more interesting to watch Lena struggle against her family's darkness than to have her succumb.
I'm with @The Realist here, she's it's obvious she's going to be pissed at Kara and co. for a while, but I don't see that leading her going full on Luthor supervillain. She can be angry without being evil.
Not really impressed with the new suit. They took the worst change for Superman's suit, and gave it to Supergirl. The lack of red shorts on Superman's suit was not a good thing, and it was fixed in the comics.
Tradition matters, and there is no stylistic change that a writer can come up with that would improve a classic. Her costume was classic.
As for Lena, she does have a right to be upset. She has been very good to these people, and it seems like everyone knew but Lena herself. It would make her feel like an outsider, and given her last name, it makes sense that she would have a chip on her shoulder. It's probably very embarrassing too.
Creatively, I agree with others that she shouldn't go full villain. I don't think she will. If Caitlin Snow didn't go full evil, when she absolutely should have, I doubt Lena does. But her reaction is a worthy arc.
Tradition matters, and there is no stylistic change that a writer can come up with that would improve a classic. Her costume was classic.
As for Lena, she does have a right to be upset. She has been very good to these people, and it seems like everyone knew but Lena herself. It would make her feel like an outsider, and given her last name, it makes sense that she would have a chip on her shoulder. It's probably very embarrassing too.
Creatively, I agree with others that she shouldn't go full villain. I don't think she will. If Caitlin Snow didn't go full evil, when she absolutely should have, I doubt Lena does. But her reaction is a worthy arc.
^ Y'know, Kirk Prime, I have to say that your posts that DON'T stray into political/social/gender issues are intelligent, informed, and a pleasure to read. In other words, when you're not conjuring up bizarre claims of nonexistent male (or Supermale) victimization, you're all right. 
I understand why the writers would want to have Lena be angry, but there's a difference between feeling angry and actively trying to hurt your best friend, and that's where this story appears to be going based on the trailer and is why I find myself disappointed.
I feel the same way about the Supergirl writers and the show in general. When this show isn't political, it's much better. Lex's storyline was terrific last year. I just have zero faith in how they treat Superman, which is why I'm actually not excited about what they are doing in COIE. But let's see what Season 5 brings. Every episode is a clean slate for me.
The fact you have other villains does not mean another character (even one who is related) cannot be one, too. That's like saying, "well, in the comics, Norman Osborn was the Green Goblin, so there's no need for Harry to be a villain too." If Gerry Conway, et al., thought that way, the title would have never benefitted from one its more compelling, tragic runs (following a historic one a year earlier). Aside from that, Lena has her own motivations which some audience members conveniently forget all for the "besties" ideas, betrayal is not something one just sweeps under the carpet after some pat excuse is offered. That alone (not diving deep into what betrayal does to people) is not creatively satisfying or believable, as everyone she knows lied to her (while actively working against her goals).
For almost the entirety of her history, Lena has been a "good guy" in direct contrast to the rest of her family, and so it's not too much to want Supergirl's TV writers not to fall into the trap of making her exactly like the rest of her family just for the sake of creating drama, particularly when they haven't 'earned' that kind of narrative for her in-universe.
From the perspective of the characters, Lena's research and conflicts with Supergirl and Alex did not fall under the profile of a "good guy." She was so shady that James was set to send one of his staff to investigate her--until he backed off going all the way. From the audience's perspective, she's not exactly a "besties" kind of character.
Last edited:
There's a difference between antagonism and villainy and between conflict and evil.
I don't watch the show, but wouldn't that result in a broken hand?
Similar threads
