Now that’s what I’m talking about. Two weeks ago Supergirl returned from its winter hiatus with its weakest episode to date. Yes, the episode titled “Blood Bonds” did a lot to further the family dynamic between Kara and her Aunt Astra. Astra showed compassion in talking down her husband Non and his group of Supermen from defeating Kara and members of the DEO which included Alex and Hank. So much buildup with the Winter Finale and it fizzled in its return. And don’t get me started with the whole Cat Grant discovering Kara’s true identity during that finale, just to have it reversed albeit cleverly using the powers of the Martian Manhunter. This leads me to Monday night’s episode “Childish Things”. Warning, spoilers ahead…
This was so much more of a Winn-centric episode than anything else. For many comic book fans like myself, knowing that Winn whose full name is Winslow Schott as in the villain Toyman, we wondered if this nice guy with an obvious crush on Kara and who also happens to know her identity, would ultimately become one of her greatest threats. Well, the show runners went in a different direction by making Winn a “Jr” making Winslow Schott Sr. (Henry Czerny), the true Toyman. I love that a supporting character like Winn had his own backstory and showed his fears of following in his father’s footsteps. It showed both a vulnerability and inner strength to Winn’s character.
I thoroughly enjoyed Czerny’s take on Toyman. He was scary in a Hannibal Lecter kind of way due to his calm nature. Villains who are cold and calculating are usually the most menacing. You do however see the “human” side of his character when it comes to the love of his son. To make matters worse for Winn is his confession to Kara about his true feelings after kissing her. It’ll be interesting to see where this goes especially with the Kara/James/Lucy triangle that no one but Cat wants to admit exists.
A major highlight worth keeping an eye on revolves around Hank and his true identity as Martian Manhunter. While using his ability impersonating Maxwell Lord Hank gains access into Lord Tech and stumbled upon a room where a mysterious girl with eyes void of any life was being treated. When a security guard questions Hank’s identity, Hank is forced to use his powers to subdue the guard and wipe his memory clean. This sets up for an interesting character development because in the comics Martian Manhunter has complete control over his powers and here he is very reluctant to use them because of the lack of control.
And finally, just when you thought the episode would end with some simple sister bonding between Kara and Alex, we learn that Maxwell Lord (who is quickly becoming quite a most captivating character) had planted a camera and was spying on Alex and has learned that Kara is actually Supergirl. A nice final touch, to one of the shows strongest episodes to date.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
