I'm not sure how Jimmy Olson was treated badly. I mean he became less important as the show went on but didn't every character sort of have that happen after season 2. They went hard into the Supergirl and Lena friendship to a point where it took away a little from all the characters. Even Alex got sort of sidetracked with a boring "I want babies" arc and then they hooked her up with Olson's boring sister. They took away lots of badass early stuff and never really replaced the impact of Maggie leaving the show.
Jason
As I've explained before, James Olsen, was a largely marginalized token so the showrunners could crow about how diverse the show was, instead of actually
knowing/exploring the unique way in which this James would operate in that world. James' life and identity meant nothing to the showrunners (frankly, they knew absolutely nothing about it), and his characterization was such thin, human wallpaper to the degree that few cared about his departure from the series.
Not once was he written by anyone who would have him act in life as a
black male dealing with issues (on the street, on the job or as Guardian) truly unique to his world view, and that no one other character would have a clue about--much like the oh-so-progressive writers. It was easier to give him a Very Special Episode (and a half) that was utterly devoid of
substance /
awareness about his position/perspective in life, then sweep him under the carpet, since he never represented the issues they really care about. As a black character, he was always in last place--exactly where the white liberal showrunner wanted him, which was an insulting kick in the face to innumerable black viewers I know in person and on social media.
This is in no way comparable to Alex, who is not only remains on the show, but had more character and sociopolitical exploration in any handful of episodes than James Olsen's entire time on the series. The same (where development / understanding / interest were concerned) with Wynn (as a series regular and guest star), and Lena. The message was loud and clear and as i've said in the
Star Wars forum, it bears a number of parallels to John Boyega's bold, truthful complaints about how he (and his character) were treated in the
Star Wars sequels.
Not a coincidence.
I think the issue is that James was written generically. He could have been a white guy, or any other ethnicity.
Exaclty. There was nothing building and addressing his identity as a black male as he moved through episodes, whiile other characters were given development gold tickets from the start, but again, this is what happens when the character was intended to be a token for their credit--not his, or black viewers.
) and also looking forward to Melissa's next acting/singing endeavour, whatever and whenever that may be.
