Wait… where did that crow bar come from? Jason?
Supergirl episode 14, Truth, Justice, and the American Way, starts with a solemn farewell to Astra. Then, the DEO are alerted to the kidnap and decapitation of Fort Rozz’s prisoners that where hiding amongst humans. The DEO zone in on two cops as the suspects but instead of an arrest, Supergirl is kidnapped. Meanwhile, Cat Grant has hired another rather nosey assistant (Siobhan Smythe) to ‘help’ Kara with her job.
This episode marks the introduction for a new villain, Silver Banshee. Apart from the typical superhuman speed, agility, and strength, the Silver Banshee has some ear splitting screams. In addition, she has the ability to understand any language after only hearing a few words. This leads her to befriending Supergirl with her ability to speak Kryptonian in the New 52. Although currently not aligning with the ‘friendship’ story line, it would be interesting to see if the Supergirl writers keep with who her father is in the comics. Nearly everyone in the Arrow universe has a criminal father. Why not Supergirl?
Another hint to the comic book world is the frightened faces of Henshaw and Alex as they realise their target might be an alien bounty hunter. Then, with one line… “You don’t think…” Who else could these terrified agents be speaking of but Lobo. Although nearly referenced, Lobo is not the criminal alien. It is, instead, the Master Jailer.
Within the comics, Master Jailer was mostly associated with Superboy and Superman. He was also the creator of different prisons and traps for Superman and various villains. His transition to the screen was well thought out with him being a guard instead of the creator. He even brought a powerful and invented challenge to Supergirl with his chain like weapons.
The confrontation between Supergirl and the Master Jailer was one of the best yet. Although each block of fighting started with Master Jailer Launching the chains and Supergirl catching the ends, it created an interesting change to the basic punch, duck, and dodge. All her off screen training with Alex seems to be paying off. Supergirl held her ground and showed off some amazing moves compared to her pilot. However, with the second confrontation she was easily kidnapped.
It’s interesting to take note of the title: Truth, Justice, and the American Way. What’s more American than freedom? But a common feature that has been unchallenged is the DEO and S.T.A.R. Labs appointing themselves as judge, jury, and warden for both aliens and meta humans. In fact, how is that ok? At what point does one have too much power? It took James and another inspirational (yet very dark) speech from Cat Grant to point this out. Is this a well-planned episode colliding with today’s news? Or is it coincidence that just today I heard of President Obama continuing his efforts to shut down Guantanamo Bay?
Quote of the Episode: I wanted to catch a corrupt cop ever since we binge watched The Wire. (Supergirl)