Supergirl punches back at drama and the dreaded Parasite in episode 6. Photo/SuperHeroHype
Last week’s Supergirl dug deeper into the classics of the comics, offering up some more old Super favorites and again with a few fresh, yet familiar, twists.
In episode six, entitled “Changing,” an archaeological discovery of a long dead wolf infects scientist Rudy Jones with a (yes, longtime fans will know where this is headed) parasitic life-form, which gives him the power to drain energy out of those he touches. Not wasting any time, he uses his new ability to go on a crusade against enemies of his cause, and to sap Kara’s strength dry.
Turns occur for others in the supporting cast as a consequence to Rudy’s mayhem. Kara continues to push Mon-El hard into using his powers for good, with mixed results. James, on the opposite side of that coin, has better luck donning a suit and springing into action to help — only nobody knows except him and Winn.
Alex, in the meantime and independent of the new clear and present danger, continues her soul searching over Maggie Sawyer. She confides in Kara and they have various sisterly heart-to-hearts throughout the episode, ranging in emotions from shock to acceptance to joy, and ultimately disappointment and heartache.
Chyler Leigh delivers her finest performance of the season so far, and possibly of the entire series. She honestly steals it in the more sober moments.
Such moments break up the tension, which there is a lot of, complementary to the technical choices they make, like lighting. “Changing” is lit in a high-contrast style more characteristic of Arrow. Shadows are so prevalent, you half expect Oliver Queen or a certain Dark Knight to swoop in.
Supergirl is not unlike another top trendsetting show: Buffy. Photo/TV Tropes
But the borrowing doesn’t stop there. Parasite’s origin story (a departure of sorts from the comics: Rudy Jones was no scientist) pays homage quite a bit to John Carpenter’s The Thing with some Slither thrown in. The entity that mutates Rudy is a leach-like creature hiding in a wolf’s corpse in a polar ice station where there are no survivors.
Tonally, Supergirl lately also mirrors another popular supernatural melodrama with a strong central heroine: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A growing cast of creatures aside, the show possesses a similar wit and sensitivity toward human relations.
Supergirl should be careful about going to the well too often in terms of paying tribute and being inspired. It could come across as desperate, but not if they keep consistent strong characters and performances.
