#( — interaction. ⋮ melissa benoist. )

[rowinablx]

How Supercorp and shipping at large, damaged the Arrowverse fandom

This isn't meant to be an attack on any actor or ship in any form from Supergirl, just an analysis of shipping culture and toxic fandom

In the sprawling metropolis of National City, Supergirl soared through the skies, an emblem of hope and justice for all. Yet, beyond the bright lights and soaring capes, a darker narrative began to unfold in the digital realm. The Supercorp fandom, a fervent subset of the Supergirl fanbase, coalesced around the romantic pairing of Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor, two of the show's central characters. Initially a celebration of friendship and the potential for love, the movement grew a sinister underbelly as some of its most vocal members turned toxic. Their insatiable thirst for validation and the desire to impose their narrative onto the show's trajectory began to cast a shadow over the very essence of the show they claimed to cherish. The once harmonious fan community transformed into a battleground where dissent was met with vitriol, and the creators of the show bore the brunt of the harassment.

The Supercorp shippers grew increasingly aggressive as the show progressed without affirming their desired relationship. They bombarded social media with demands for "their" couple to become the central romance, often targeting the show's cast and crew. The intensity of their campaigns grew from hopeful fan art and thoughtfully crafted analyses to vicious personal attacks on those who disagreed with their perspective. The actors, who had once engaged with fans with grace and enthusiasm, began to withdraw from social media, citing the overwhelming negativity. The writers, caught in a crossfire of expectations and creative vision, were vilified for their narrative choices, regardless of the complexity and depth they sought to imbue into their characters. The atmosphere grew so toxic that any deviation from the Supercorp narrative was met with accusations of queerbaiting and betrayal, silencing any nuanced discussion about the show's themes of friendship, redemption, and identity.

When Tyler Hoechlin's Superman, a symbol of truth and moral fortitude, appeared to give his blessing to the burgeoning romance between Kara and Mon-El, the fury of the Supercorp shippers was unleashed like a torrent. They saw it as an affront to their own version of the story, a storyline they had grown so invested in that it had begun to overshadow the very essence of the show. The character they had once revered as a paragon of virtue was now vilified, his every action dissected for signs of "anti-Supercorp" sentiment. Hoechlin, known for his portrayal of the stoic and noble Man of Steel, found himself at the center of a maelstrom, his personal life and professional credibility questioned by a fanbase that had grown to resent his very presence on the show. The backlash was swift and unforgiving, with some going so far as to claim that his portrayal was intentionally sabotaged to diminish the Supercorp narrative.

Melissa Benoist, who brought Kara Danvers to life with a blend of earnestness and charm, faced a similar plight. Her portrayal of the heroine's journey was no longer appreciated for its complexity, but rather scrutinized under the unforgiving lens of the shippers' obsession. When she dared to express excitement over the show's new developments, she was met with a deluge of anger and accusations of being complicit in the "erasure" of the Supercorp relationship. It was a stark contrast to the early days of the show when her interactions with the fandom were characterized by mutual admiration and joyful exchanges. Now, every smile and every word of hers was twisted into a weapon to be used against her, a testament to the tragic transformation of a community that once championed love and inclusivity into one that embraced hostility and division.

The situation came to a boiling point when Jeremy Jordan, known for his role as Winn Schott, dared to perform a light-hearted song at a Comic-Con event, poking fun at the intense shipping culture surrounding the show. The song, which playfully affirmed Kara and Lena's friendship without romantic undertones, was intended to be a moment of levity amidst the intense fan debates. However, the reaction was anything but amusing. The Supercorp shippers took his jest as a declaration of war, and Jordan soon found himself on the receiving end of a barrage of death threats, his inbox flooded with messages that were far from the love and support he had once known from his fanbase. The line between passion and obsession had been crossed, and the consequences were dire for all involved.

Mehcad Brooks, who played James Olsen, became the next target of the Supercorp shippers' wrath when his character entered into a relationship with Lena Luthor. Despite his character's longstanding friendship with Kara and the natural progression of his story arc, the mere existence of a romantic option outside of the Supercorp pairing was seen as an affront. The racial undertones of the backlash against Brooks were impossible to ignore; a Black man daring to pursue a romantic interest with a white character was met with a deluge of racist vitriol. The harassment was relentless, with some fans even going so far as to digitally manipulate images of Brooks to vilify him further. The joy and camaraderie that once defined the Supergirl community had been replaced by a toxic brew of entitlement and hate.

The showrunners, too, were not spared from the wrath of the Supercorp shippers. When James and Lena's relationship grew stronger, the show's creators faced a barrage of accusations that they were "forcing" a narrative to appease a non-existent "anti-Supercorp" agenda. The creators' inboxes were flooded with threats and demands to change the course of the show. The once-celebrated diversity and inclusivity of Supergirl's cast and storylines were now weaponized against them, with the show's very ethos of fighting for justice and equality being twisted into a narrative of oppression and exclusion. The irony was palpable, yet the toxic shippers remained unmoved by the harm they were causing to the very fabric of the fandom they claimed to love.

Chris Wood, who portrayed Mon-El, found himself an unwilling participant in a sordid drama that reached beyond the confines of the screen. As Kara's romantic interest, he became the object of the Supercorp shippers' scorn, with many accusing him of being a homewrecker who had stolen Melissa Benoist away from her ex-husband, Blake Jenner. The accusations grew increasingly personal and spiteful, with some fans even going so far as to claim that Wood was the reason for Benoist's divorce. This spiteful narrative painted Wood as a villainous figure, a heartless usurper who had dared to stand in the way of the "true" love between Kara and Lena. Little did they know that the real-life events were far more complex and tragic than their fictional grievances.

Years later, Melissa Benoist bravely came forward with her harrowing story of abuse at the hands of a former relationship who is believed to have been Blake Jenner. Her revelations sent shockwaves through the fandom, shattering the illusions that had been so meticulously crafted by the Supercorp shippers.

In the aftermath, a disturbing pattern began to emerge as it was discovered that almost immediately following Benoist's public disclosure, certain factions within the Supercorp fandom had twisted her personal tragedy into a twisted narrative that served their own purposes. These shippers took to the digital realm, crafting fanfictions that painted Mon-El, and by extension Chris Wood, as the abuser, rather than the supportive partner and friend he had been in the show. It was a macabre display of how deeply their obsession had distorted their moral compass, using real-life pain to fuel their fictional vendetta against a character they perceived as a threat to their preferred narrative.

The new fanfics spun a sordid tale of Kara, the quintessential heroine, being saved not by her own strength and resilience but by the love of Lena, a narrative that not only trivialized Benoist's experiences but also reinforced harmful stereotypes about women in need of saving by other women. The audacity to appropriate such a sensitive and deeply personal revelation was met with disgust by many, particularly Karamel shippers. Yet, these toxic shippers remained steadfast in their belief that their imagined reality was more important than the actual lives and well-being of the actors who had brought their beloved characters to life.

Chris Wood, now cast as the villain in their warped narratives, faced a new wave of abuse. His social media accounts were inundated with messages that not only vilified him as Mon-El but also claimed that he had been the one responsible for Benoist's suffering. The leap from fiction to reality was a chilling one, and it illustrated the extent to which the Supercorp shippers had lost touch with the distinction between the show and the personal lives of its cast. The once-supportive environment had become a cesspool of projection and spite, with the actors' personal lives being used as fodder for their fanatical fantasies.

In an effort to maintain their sanity and protect themselves from further harm, both Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood made the difficult decision to turn off comments on any Instagram posts that mentioned the other. It was a silent declaration of the boundaries they had to enforce, a digital barricade to shield themselves from the relentless tide of harassment. The vibrant conversations that once filled their social media feeds with excitement and camaraderie had become minefields of toxicity, and the joy they once found in connecting with fans had been tainted beyond recognition, even on posts about their engagement, wedding, pregnancy and birth of their son.

Katie McGrath, who played Lena Luthor, had always been an advocate for fan expression and a vocal supporter of the Supercorp ship, appreciating the passion and creativity of the fandom. However, as the harassment grew, she found herself caught in the crosshairs as well. Her genuine support for Benoist and Wood's relationship was twisted by the toxic faction into a tacit endorsement of the abuse they were facing. The irony was not lost on her; the very essence of the ship she had championed, the love and friendship between Kara and Lena, had been corrupted into a tool for attacking the very people who brought those characters to life.

When McGrath was one of the many Supergirl cast members to model for Wood's mental health help organization, I Don't Mind, it was a gesture of solidarity that highlighted the importance of mental well-being and the need to break down stigmas surrounding mental health. Yet, even this act of kindness and advocacy was not immune to the distortion of the toxic Supercorp shippers. Some fans, blinded by their obsession, claimed that her participation was a covert declaration of love for Wood's character, thereby "betraying" the sanctity of Supercorp. The twisted narrative grew more convoluted as they accused her of using her platform to promote an "anti-Supercorp" agenda and asking if Wood forced McGrath to help campaign, despite the clear intentions of her involvement in the campaign. The very essence of I Don't Mind, which sought to foster an environment of openness and support, was hijacked by a vocal minority who could only see the world through the lens of their own narrow desires.

Jeremy Jordan, who had been a staple of the show since its inception, decided to take a step back from the series after his character, Winn Schott, was written off. The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans, with many questioning the timing and whether it was due to the relentless pressure from the Supercorp shipping community. His exit was not just a loss for the show, but also a symbol of the destructive power of toxic fandom. Jordan had once been a beloved member of the cast, his performances celebrated for their humor and heart. But as the show progressed and the shipping wars intensified, he had become a pawn in a larger, uglier battle that had nothing to do with his own artistic choices or the story he was helping to tell. His departure was a stark reminder that even the most well-intentioned creators and performers could not escape the wrath of those who felt entitled to dictate the course of the narrative.

Chris Wood's exit as Mon-El was perhaps the most contentious of all. His character had been a polarizing figure among fans, with many feeling that his relationship with Kara detracted from the perceived "true love" between her and Lena. As the abuse grew more vicious, it was evident that Wood's experience on the show had been deeply affected. His decision to leave was met with both relief and anger, with some Supercorp shippers claiming victory while others lamented the loss of a character who had grown so much since his introduction. For Wood, the experience had undoubtedly left its mark, a testament to the power of fandom to shape not just the narrative but the lives of those involved in the storytelling.

Mehcad Brooks faced a similar fate when his character, James Olsen, was written out of the show. Despite being a founding member of the cast, Brooks' portrayal of James had often been sidelined in favor of the Supercorp narrative. His character's growth and development were often overshadowed by the fervent desire for Lena and Kara to become romantically involved. When the showrunners allowed James to find love and success outside of the Supercorp dynamic with his relationship with Lena, it was seen by the toxic faction as a betrayal. The joy of his character's evolution was lost in the sea of anger and entitlement. Brooks' exit was not just a loss for the show but a stark reminder of the way in which toxic shipping can diminish the contributions of actors of color, reducing them to mere props in a white-centered romance.

The show's cast and crew, once a tight-knit group who reveled in the love and support of their fanbase, now found themselves navigating a minefield of accusations and hostility. The Supercorp shippers had become a force to be reckoned with, capable of turning any positive interaction into a battleground. The atmosphere at conventions and press events grew tense, as actors and creators alike were forced to tiptoe around the subject of their characters' relationships. The joy of collaborative storytelling and fan interaction had been tainted by the relentless pursuit of a single narrative, leaving a bitterness that was palpable both on and off-screen.

As the final season of Supergirl approached, the anticipation of the Supercorp shippers reached a fever pitch. They were certain that the showrunners would finally succumb to their demands and make their ship a reality. Yet, as the episodes unfolded, it became clear that the show had a different ending in mind. The narrative arc that the writers had been carefully crafting over the years culminated in a finale that saw Kara and Lena's friendship not just endure but flourish. It was a poignant reminder of the show's core message: that love comes in many forms, and that friendship is one of the most powerful and enduring bonds of all.

Everybody lost their minds when Supergirl's series finale didn't give the Supercorp shippers the ending they had so fervently demanded. The fallout was swift and brutal, with the toxic faction of the fandom unleashing a new torrent of abuse and anger. The cast and crew, who had worked tirelessly to bring the story of Kara Danvers to life, were vilified for not bending to the will of a vocal minority of toxicity. The actors who had dedicated years of their careers to the show were vilified, their personal relationships and mental health dragged through the mud by fans who claimed to love them. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a sense of relief among the show's broader fanbase, who had watched with horror as their community had been hijacked by toxicity.

The Supercorp shippers screamed their grief into the digital void, feeling betrayed by the very show they had claimed to champion. The irony was not lost on the rest of the fandom; here was a group that had claimed to fight for representation, yet when it was given to another character in the form of Alex Danvers marrying a woman, it was deemed invalid. The cries for diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion had been weaponized, wielded like a cudgel to bludgeon anyone who didn't adhere to their narrow vision of what that representation should look like. The reality was that Supergirl had been a bastion of LGBTQ+ visibility since its inception, with characters like Alex, Nia Nal and Maggie Sawyer paving the way for more nuanced and complex portrayals of queer relationships in mainstream media. Yet, the Supercorp shippers could only see the world in terms of their own desires, dismissing the value of any narrative that didn't conform to their narrow viewpoint.

In stark contrast, the introduction of Nia Nal, played by the charismatic Nicole Maines, was met with an outpouring of love and acceptance from the majority of the Supergirl fanbase. Nia, a transgender woman with the power of dream manipulation, brought a new dimension to the show's ensemble, embodying hope, strength, and courage in a way that resonated deeply with viewers. Maines, the first transgender superhero to appear on a CW show, became a beacon of representation and a symbol of progress in a genre that had often fallen short in this regard. Her portrayal was met with applause and admiration, not just for her acting chops but for the authenticity she brought to a character that was so much more than a token gesture towards inclusivity.

But not all were as welcoming. On Tumblr, a transphobic radical feminist Supercorp shipper, unable to reconcile their narrow worldview with the show's evolving narrative, lashed out. They posted a blog entry questioning Nia's identity, using hateful language and misgendering her as a "him." The post was a blatant act of disrespect, not just to the character but to the entire transgender community. It was a stark reminder that even within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, there were those who sought to diminish and erase the experiences of others.

Evidently showing that while racism and bullying was okay for Supercorp shippers, transphobia wasn't a card they were willing to play, the backlash against the transphobic blogger was swift and severe. The Supergirl fandom rallied together in defense of Nia Nal and Nicole Maines, using their collective voice to drown out the hate. Fans from all corners of the spectrum, including those who had once shipped Supercorp, banded together in a display of solidarity that was truly inspiring. They recognized the importance of genuine representation and the impact it had on the lives of transgender individuals. The incident served as a stark reminder that while the love for a fictional couple could be intense, it should never come at the cost of real people's identities and experiences.

The IMDb trivia section for the 2021 Mortal Kombat film, in a bizarre twist, had become an unexpected battleground for the Supercorp saga. Twice listed as a "fun fact," Mehcad Brooks' name was associated with being "toxic and rude."

Why is this interesting? Because the Supercorp fandom was shocked when Mechad Brooks snapped at Supercorp shippers on his Instagram when one of them told him to stay away from Katie McGrath. The fandom exploded with accusations of his rudeness, which spread like wildfire across social media. It was a rare moment where a celebrity broke the fourth wall and addressed toxic fandom behavior directly. But what's even more intriguing is the persistence of the narrative. Despite Brooks' portrayal of James Olsen on Supergirl being widely praised for his charm and grace, his name is now tarnished with a label that seems to stick like a stubborn piece of gum on the sole of a shoe. The IMDb trivia section, typically reserved for light-hearted anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tidbits, had been appropriated by a faction of Supercorp shippers to perpetuate their grievances. It was as if they had claimed a piece of internet real estate to broadcast their discontent to the world.

Hayley, known online as Redkrypto, was one of the most notorious Supercorp shippers. Her digital footprint on Tumblr was a minefield of anger and bitterness directed at anyone who dared to support the Karamel or Guardiancorp ships, which involved Kara with other characters. Her blog was a toxic stew of accusations, manipulation, and harassment. She had a knack for turning the most innocuous interactions into fodder for her crusade against perceived threats to her preferred ship. Her followers, a small but vocal group, eagerly lapped up her rhetoric, creating a echo chamber of negativity that spilled over into the wider Supergirl community. The line between critique and bullying had been crossed, and the effects were palpable.

Following the comic con "incident" as discussed above, Jeremy Jordan suffered severe food poisoning following lunch at Chipotle with the rest of the cast and was hospitalized, Redkrypto "joked" that someone who worked at the restaurant was a Supercorp shipper. Whether she was legitimately joking or being serious is unknown but this could've gotten the employee fired if the joke went too far. Hayley's digital crusade had grown so pervasive that even the most innocent of events were now seen through the lens of her toxic worldview.

The situation grew more alarming when Redkrypto took her rhetoric to new lows. In a series of blog posts, she launched a scathing attack on asexual fans, claiming they "belonged in the sewer". The irony of her words was lost on her devoted followers, who echoed her sentiments with a fervor that was both disturbing and disheartening. The Supergirl fandom, which had once been a haven for all, had become a battleground where even sexuality was a point of contention. Her diatribes grew more extreme, as she began to target bisexual fans who dared to date men, insisting they were "straight-washed" and not truly part of the LGBTQ+ community. The division she sowed grew wider, fracturing the once unified fanbase into a fragmented mess of accusations and spite.

The toxic environment that Hayley had created was not limited to social media. Her influence had seeped into the real world, where her words had tangible consequences. Conventions, once a place of refuge for fans to come together and share their love for the show, had become battlegrounds where alliances were drawn in the sand. Panels were no longer about celebrating the show but about interrogating the cast and crew on their personal relationships and narrative choices. The joy of the event was replaced by tension as actors and creators tried to navigate a minefield of hostile questions and accusations, all while maintaining the façade of a happy, inclusive community.

When the final season of Supergirl aired, Hayley's anger grew with each episode that did not bend to her will. Her blog posts grew longer, her words more caustic, and her accusations more personal. The showrunners, actors, and even fellow fans who dared to disagree with her were vilified in a relentless stream of vitriol. It was clear that for Hayley, the ship had become more than just a fictional romance—it was a battleground for her own identity and self-worth. The validation she sought in the arms of her "OTP" had consumed her to the point of obsession, and the realization that she may not get the ending she craved was unbearable.

As the finale approached, Hayley's digital presence grew increasingly erratic. She posted feverishly, crafting elaborate conspiracy theories about the show's narrative choices and the motives of the cast and crew. Her followers grew more desperate, clinging to her every word as if it were a lifeline in a sea of disappointment. The tension grew so thick that even the most devoted Supercorp shippers began to feel the strain, some questioning if the fight was truly worth the cost.

The night of the finale, Hayley's blog remained eerily silent. The anticipation in the fandom was palpable, with fans across the globe waiting for her reaction. As the credits rolled and the reality sank in that Supercorp was not to be, the digital silence was deafening. The Supergirl community held its collective breath, waiting for the storm that was sure to come.

A few Supercorp shippers turned on her for getting their hopes up for years only to watch them crumble before their eyes. Some accused her of being a "sellout," while others claimed she had lost touch with the "true essence" of the fandom. The accusations stung, but Hayley remained steadfast, her resolve to fight for her ship unwavering. Yet, deep down, she couldn't ignore the nagging doubt that whispered she had gone too far, that her obsession had turned from a labor of love into something dark.

Whether her blog was forcibly deleted by Tumblr for the harassment or her ego being damaged for the show not bending to her will, Redkrypto's account was deactivated shortly after the finale. The absence of her toxic voice was a relief to many in the fandom, but the scars she left were not so easily erased.

Part of me feels bad for the shippers who genuinely didn't bully anyone in the cast or crew or fandom and wanted Supercorp to be canon, who had their love story validated. They're the true victims here. They didn't deserve the toxic behavior from Redkrypto and her ilk. The damage done by a few radicals had cast a pall over their innocent love for a TV couple.

But the aftermath of Supercorp's end was a reckoning for many. Fans who had been swept up in the ship war took a step back and reflected on the community they had become. The joy of shipping, of rooting for a couple, had been twisted into something ugly and harmful. The cast and crew had become pawns in a game that had grown out of control, and it was time to dismantle the toxic structures that had been built.

Looking to other fandoms, one could not help but draw parallels to the Olicity and Snowbarry ships. In Arrow, the tumultuous relationship between Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak had once been the epicenter of fan adoration. Yet, as the showrunners wove a narrative that didn't always align with the shippers' desires, a toxic undercurrent emerged. The Olicity fandom, much like Supercorp, had become a force to be reckoned with, their influence extending beyond the confines of fanfiction and into the lives of the actors and creators. The relentless pursuit of their "endgame" led to a frenzy of entitlement, with any deviation from their desired plotline vilified.

Credit to the Olicity fandom, their ship was canon and remained the main couple until the end of the series but at the sacrifice of Laurel Lance and her actress Katie Cassidy's relationship with the show and fandom. The Snowbarry shippers, on the other hand, faced a rollercoaster of emotions with the on-again, off-again romance between Barry Allen and Iris West, hoping that would lead to Barry getting with Caitlin Snow.

In the Arrowverse, the Olicity shippers had their way, often at the cost of the show's narrative coherence. Storylines were manipulated, characters were sidelined, and any potential romantic competition was vilified. The once-promising character of Laurel Lance, who had been an integral part of the show's foundation, was reduced to a tragic plot device to fuel the Olicity relationship. The toxic rhetoric grew so intense that Katie Cassidy, who played Laurel, found herself in the crosshairs of the fandom's rage, her every move scrutinized and criticized, no matter how much she tried to rise above it.

When Laurel was controversially killed off in the show's fourth season, the Olicity shippers celebrated, viewing it as a clear path for their preferred couple. Yet, the fallout from this narrative decision was profound. The Arrow fandom was irrevocably split, with many feeling betrayed by the showrunners for sacrificing a beloved character to serve a romantic plotline. The death of Laurel Lance became a symbol of the toxicity that can fester within a fandom when the desire for a specific romantic pairing overshadows the integrity of the show's storytelling and character development. The subsequent treatment of Katie Cassidy, who was vilified for playing a character that had been written to challenge the Olicity narrative, served as a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of fandom entitlement.

For those who had invested themselves in the Laurel-Oliver relationship, known as "Lauriver" shippers, the loss was particularly acute. Laurel's canonical last words to Oliver, urging him to be with Felicity, felt like a slap in the face. It was a narrative twist that seemed to cater directly to the Olicity fanbase, a knife twisted in the heart of those who had rooted for the original pairing. The anger was swift and decisive; a boycott of the remaining episodes of the season was organized, with hashtags like #NoKatieNoArrow and #NoLaurelNoArrow trending on Twitter as fans rallied around their fallen heroine. The boycott was not just a statement of dissent but a declaration of war, a battle cry against the perceived tyranny of the showrunners.

The CW network, noticing the seismic shift in fan sentiment, stepped in and instructed the Arrow showrunners to bring Laurel back. But the damage had already been done. The trust between the show and its viewers had been shattered, leaving a fractured fanbase in its wake. The showrunners, in an attempt to appease the disenchanted, brought back Katie Cassidy not as the beloved Laurel Lance but as Earth-2's villainous counterpart, Black Siren. The move was met with more fury than relief, as it felt like a cruel twist of fate to those who had invested so much in the original character's journey.

The decision to rebrand Black Siren as the new Black Canary was a strategic one, a move that sought to rekindle the love lost by the Olicity narrative. The transformation was a slow burn, with Katie Cassidy delivering a powerful performance that showcased the character's complexity. Initially, her character remained a villain, a constant thorn in Team Arrow's side, but as the seasons progressed, she began to grapple with the echoes of the Laurel they had lost. The writers delicately wove a narrative of redemption, one that allowed her to embody the essence of the hero they had so fervently loved without betraying the integrity of the original character arc.

Through a series of heart-wrenching episodes, Laurel's doppelgänger faced the consequences of her actions and the weight of her identity. She was forced to confront her past as a villain and the pain she had caused, particularly to Oliver Queen. The dynamic between them grew taut with tension, a dance of regret and resentment that slowly evolved into something more. It was clear that the writers were treading a fine line, not wanting to diminish the memory of Laurel Lance but also eager to give the character a second chance at heroism. The journey was fraught with emotional turmoil, as the fandom watched with bated breath to see if this new iteration of their beloved character could truly atone for her past sins.

The transformation of Black Siren into the new Black Canary was not instantaneous. It was a meticulously crafted arc that showcased the depth of Katie Cassidy's acting and the writers' commitment to redemption. Each episode was a delicate balance of light and shadow, revealing the humanity beneath the hardened exterior. The moments of vulnerability she shared with the team, particularly with her father Quentin Lance, served as a poignant reminder of the love that once existed in her heart. The scenes of her training, her struggle to control her powers and find her moral compass, were a testament to the complexity of the human condition and the endless capacity for change.

What does this have to do with Supercorp? Because it shows what happened when the writers of a show listened to the fandom about a popular ship. It was a cautionary tale that Supergirl's showrunners had to navigate carefully. The aftermath of Laurel's death and the subsequent fan revolt was a stark reminder that the pursuit of "endgame" happiness could come at a steep cost. They had to balance the desire to appease the vocal minority with the need to serve the story and its diverse cast of characters.

In the end, the shipping wars in the Arrowverse proved that the ultimate fate of a couple on a CW show was not the be-all, end-all of a character's story. Characters evolved, relationships grew, and even the most steadfast of ships could change course. The real beauty of these shows was not in the romance but in the friendships, the growth, and the journeys of self-discovery that each character embarked upon. Supergirl, like its sister shows, had a multitude of narratives to explore beyond romance, from Kara's development as a leader to the complexities of Lena's redemption arc.

Maybe the Supercorp fandom will eventually be deader that Clark Kent and Lois Lane after their finale of Superman and Lois, but for now, the wounds are still fresh. The shipping wars had left a gaping chasm in the heart of the Supergirl fandom, one that threatened to swallow any semblance of unity and camaraderie whole. Yet, amidst the ruins of the fractured fanbase, a quiet revolution began to take shape.

Some fans, tired of the toxicity, started to re-evaluate what they truly loved about the show. They turned their focus back to the themes of empowerment, friendship, and family that had drawn them in from the beginning. They found solace in the unbreakable bonds between Kara and Alex, the Danvers sisters' unconditional love serving as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. They celebrated the nuanced portrayal of Lena Luthor's moral compass and her struggle with the weight of her family name. They even dared to explore other relationships, like Kara's blossoming romance with Mon-El and Lena's partnership with James Olsen. It was as if the fog of shipping had lifted, revealing a rich tapestry of narratives that had been obscured by the obsession with one ship.

I conclude that this may have been a tad biased in its stance against the Supercorp toxicity. After all, who doesn't have a favorite pairing or two? But it also argues that the love for a show shouldn't come at the cost of its cast, crew, or fellow fans. So, thank you, dear reader, for wading through this minefield of emotions and emerging unscathed. I hope you've gained a newfound appreciation for the power of shipping and the importance of maintaining a healthy fan community instead of resorting to bullying and death threats.

[shiftymoons]

hey shiftblr <3

i’m cleo (she/her) and i’m finallyyyy on shiftblr

me: i started shifting in 2021 and learned about it from shifttok. i love love love shifting and will talk about it constantly. i’m also an intuitive channeled reader. i also love cats, books, sappy dramatic poetry, and sleeping in on the weekends

my drs: my main drs at the moment are supergirl, marauders era, mcu, better cr/wr, djats/70s fame, cozy lighthouse/tts, boygenius fame, pretty little liars, grey’s anatomy, …

s/o’s: kara danvers, cari fletcher, katie mcgrath, karen sirko, melissa benoist, spencer hastings, jo wilson, reneé rapp, victoria pedretti, …

my friends: my best friends in most of my drs include louis tomlinson, ashlyn rae willson, phoebe bridgers, lena luthor, winn schott, …

dni: id you shift for any of my s/o’s, if you’re a generally horrible person (racist, homophobic, etc etc etc no one wants u here), anti shifter, etc.

byf: i’ll likely just reblog and talk about my s/o’s and friends a lot, but who knows. again, please don’t interact if you shift for my s/o’s!

#shifting experiences: basically any shifting things (minishifts, full shifts, memories, etc)

#s/o’s: yapping about my loves

#original reality: venting, brain dumping, basically anything to do with my original reality

specifc drs: name of dr + dr, ex: #supergirl dr

disclaimer: i have no clue how much i’ll use this account for more than just reblogging, but thought i’d throw this out into the void

thank u for being here <3

[neverscreens]

— MELISSA BENOIST IN THE GIRLS ON THE BUS S01.

Pilot, 487 Screencaps.

She's with Her, 481 Screencaps.

The Audacity of Nope, 431 Screencaps.

Two Americas, 498 Screencaps.

Everything Is Copy, 341 Screencaps.

The Debate, 309 Screencaps.

She Was Against It, Before She Was For It, 296 Screencaps.

Life Is a Highway, 371 Screencaps.

Slouching Towards Brooklyn, 368 Screencaps.

The Everydays, 467 Screencaps.

Like or reblog if it was useful, every interaction shows us that we should keep making screencaps for y'all ♡

[wednesdays-child-full-of-woe]

A Super Con Adventure

Chapter 1: Unveiling the Surprise

Katie McGrath, the talented actress known for her role as Lena Luthor in the hit TV show Supergirl, had a special surprise in store for her daughter. It was a sunny morning when Katie approached her daughter's bedroom with a sparkle in her eyes. She knocked gently on the door and called out, "Sweetheart, are you ready for an adventure?"

The door swung open, revealing a curious and excited young girl named Emily, who looked just like her mother with her striking green eyes. "What kind of adventure, Mom?" Emily asked, her face lit up with anticipation.

Katie beamed, unable to contain her excitement any longer. "We're going to Comic-Con, my dear! And not just any Comic-Con, but the one dedicated to Supergirl."

Emily's eyes widened, and she squealed with delight. "Really? That's amazing! Thank you, Mom!"

Chapter 2: The Super Con Experience

Arriving at the Supergirl-themed Comic-Con, Katie and Emily were immediately swept up in a sea of colorful costumes, passionate fans, and an electrifying atmosphere. They couldn't help but feel the contagious energy that filled the air.

As they explored the convention floor, they encountered fans dressed as their favorite Supergirl characters, including Supergirl herself, Alex Danvers, and even a few villains like Reign and Lex Luthor. Emily's eyes sparkled with joy as she posed for photos with the cosplayers, who were delighted to meet the daughter of their beloved Lena Luthor.

Katie watched her daughter with a mix of pride and admiration. She couldn't help but be reminded of the impact the show had on so many lives, including her own. The love and support from the fans were overwhelming, and she was grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with Emily.

Chapter 3: A Surprise Encounter

As the day progressed, Katie and Emily attended various Supergirl-themed panels and Q&A sessions. They were thrilled to witness the cast members, including Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and interacting with their passionate fans.

During one of the panels, the moderator announced a surprise guest. The crowd erupted with excitement, and Katie and Emily exchanged puzzled glances. The curtains parted, revealing none other than David Harewood, the actor who portrayed J'onn J'onzz, also known as Martian Manhunter, on the show.

David's eyes met Katie's, and a mischievous smile crept across his face. He motioned for Katie and Emily to join him on stage. Gasps and cheers filled the room as they made their way to the front, and the audience erupted with applause.

Chapter 4: A Hero's Embrace

On stage, David Harewood greeted Katie and Emily warmly. "Welcome, ladies! It's an honor to have you both here today," he said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Katie felt her heart swell with gratitude. "Thank you, David. It's incredible to be a part of this amazing Supergirl family, both on and off the screen."

Emily, beaming with excitement, mustered up the courage to speak. "I love Supergirl so much, Mr. Harewood! Can I have a hug?"

David grinned and extended his arms. Emily rushed into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his fatherly energy. It was a moment she would cherish forever.

Chapter 5: Memories to Last a Lifetime

As Comic-Con drew to a close, Katie and Emily returned to their hotel room, exhausted but filled with an overwhelming sense of happiness and belonging. They curled up on the bed, reminiscing about the incredible experiences they had shared that day.

"Mom, thank you for taking me to Comic-Con," Emily whispered, snuggling closer to her mother.

Katie hugged her tightly, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You're my little superhero, Emily. Sharing this adventure with you has been a dream come true."

With hearts full of love and memories etched deep within their souls, Katie and Emily drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a world where heroes and fans alike could come together to create moments of pure joy and inspiration

[afaims100arrowversefavs]

73. The „Glee“ Reunion

Melissa Benoist and Grant Gustin both starred on „Glee“ (however their roles did not really interact much), and come the Musical Crossover Episode both reunited with former Co-Star Darren Criss and their choreographers from that show (Victor Garber also briefly guest starred on „Glee“, but he did never sing on the show). Max Adler did appear on „The Flash“ a season after the Musical-Episode, so there was another „Glee“-Renuion for you, but the big one is the one that counts of course.

[lostparadox]

The Flash Season 9 episode 13 review

Last week, I made a post (https://www.tumblr.com/basilisk06/719046628704731136/its-been-over-a-week-so-i-think-i-can-post) about the final season of the flash. All but one episode, the last one. This will be my review of it. For the record, anything I say will not be used to be hateful towards the show or the crew and actors. I understand certain things that I say here could not have happened due to certain issues but I will say it because this is what I personally feel would have been better.

First off, make the finale longer. Make it like an hour and a half at the very least. The villains interacting in the first scene was amazing (though Godspeed’s actor having a beard makes no sense because when August Heart died by Thawne’s hand, he doesn’t have a beard) The only downsides is that they (minus Eobard and possibly Eddie) didn’t know who Savitar truly was. I read somewhere that Grant Gustin was with Covid when they were filming, but if only they used old footage and voice lines and stunt doubles to make the scene feel good. Also i imagine that the finale would have been better if more villains of the series had appeared. Like smaller speedsters like Trajectory from season 2 and The Rival from Season 3 Flashpoint, to a recently seen villains like Dark Flash/Bloodwork/ Ramsey Rosso and Red Death, Ryan Wilder. The bus metas, to torture Barry from the fact that he couldn’t save them, to the main villains of previous seasons, Devoe the Thinker from season 4, both Cicadas from season 5, Mirror Monarch from season 6 and 7, to Deathstorm from season 8. Hell, even add some of the lower metas and rogue gallery (for some examples of metas and rogues, look up ‘Top 340 on YouTube and pick the video with Superman about live action DC characters) to mess with Barry more. I know they probably didn’t have the budget for all of this, but I feel like it would’ve been better. And and the long awaited and teased Chronarch. Also I wished that they got Matt Letscher to return, and give Thawne some excuse that he could change faces whenever he wanted (to keep that line that he would kill Allegra with the face of her mentor, Nash Wells).

Next, I wish that when the speedsters are running, there lightning is the same color as it was before, but with a red energy encasing it. When the villains reveal themselves, I wish that more heroes returned for the (currently) last fight of the Arrowverse: Melissa Benoist as Supergirl (maybe others from her show too), some of the legends (to help wrap up that show since it ended on a cliffhanger and probably isn’t getting an 8th season), Jordan Fisher as Impulse (scheduling conflicts cause him to be absent from the finale), Keiynan Lonsdale as Kid flash (or better yet, have another actor play a future version in the actual flash suit since Barry is in space dealing with the Chronarch), Violet Beane as Jesse Chamber/ Jesse Quick (say that crisis and the new multiverse Oliver as the Spectre created help her find her way back) Vibe/Cisco Ramon (Carlos said he wanted to return in the finale but couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts), The Elongated Man/ Ralph Dibney ( imagine if we got to see Hartley Sawyer one last time, since his cancellation in season 7, he’s been off the grid) and more.

For the fight, I wish it had been, Impulse(Bart) and XS(Nora) against Savitar, mainly for him to see what he himself took from himself. Zoom against Quick/Jessie Chambers Wells, and Flash/ Dr Jay Garrick, since it would be ironic for him to see a speedster he had a hand in creating be faster than him and be the person he kidnapped and used as leverage to gain Barry’s speed, and Jay to use the ability he learned from his earth-90 counterpart against Zoom to show that strength and speed aren’t the only aspects of a powerful speedster. For Godspeed, I would say Flash/Kid Flash/(Future) Wallace ‘Wally’ West due to them being the faster of the other speedsters. For other villains, the ones I mentioned above, have them fight the heroes I also mentioned above as well, like Cisco, Ralph, and Allegra and Chester against The Reverse Flash, before he runs away to fight Barry.

Eddie (with blue lighting instead of red) and Barry would be fighting, but would be interrupted by Eobard, and Eddie see how he has become just as evil as The Reverse Flash, eventually leading to Eobard betraying Eddie and trying to steal the full power of the negative forces. We’d get to see the three chasing each other in the time stream, and eventually landing in the future, where Barry saves some people, and then we’d see a young Eobard Thawne, hateful at Barry for stealing his fame, or even Barry, allowing the past version of Eobard Thawne to save the crowd, before going back to the chase. Back into the timestream, we’d see the trio arrive in the past, on the night of the Particle Accelerator Explosion, and in order to save himself, we’d see Barry throw lightning, and strike himself, and run back into the fight. Eventually, imagine how yourselves, the villains would all be defeated, and Eddie and Barry would merge the forces like in the actual show (I think that’s how it happened) and the rest of the ending of the actual episode would be the same. Only we’d also see the people Barry struck with lightning in their suits, and then we’d end the show.

[xkandor]

It's the way Kara and Lena are so romantically coded in most of their interactions that gives me the tiniest glimpse of hope that Supercorp might actually be endgame.

[ogdaya]

I know we told Chris we would go to a spa tomorrow - BUT. i need to drink. let’s bail spa and just find a club and day drink by the pool. that’s my amazing plan. back me up. @supermelbenoist​

[lievmultimuses1]

Supergirl // Kara Danvers [x]

Kara was so worried about her cat that she didn’t even notice she was talking to a stranger, great now she had to worry about some guy knowing she was an alien. “My cat, he was able to leave my apartment and i’m just really worried about him.”

@mysterymanjoseph​

[fairyroses]

Melissa & Jesse being adorkable at SDCC ‘19 // part three

[the-angery-sapphic]

So I’m looking through the tags and multiple posts are saying Winn fucked up Lenas character, what happened??

[katiemcgrahhh]

Hi McGrahhh Family!

I'm not too experienced with Tumblr but I'd consider myself savvy enough to be able to work with the answers I get...just wondering, how would you like me to be more interactive with you all? I could do edits, I'm considering writing fanfic, what do you want to see?

(idea: do an advice column as if I were writing as Kara?)

[ghost--ranger]

the truth remains that Chris wouldn’t have half of that fame if he wasn’t with Melissa. that show butchered his character and it ruined his acting career all together. he literally seems to be leeching off Melissa and getting off on the free publicity. there is no reason he should’ve been in those photos as a +1. and that’s that on that.

Periodt

[centaurs-arejerks]

This is why we need to oppress supercorp shippers pt. 1

[maxine-kiy900]

Kara and Barry + Fist Bump!

[youwontcatchmealive]

reigncorp is great reigncorp is pure i would die for reigncorp but what i want and need to see next on sg is Alex and Lena talking post-Reign rampage and Sam is finally free from Reign and is currently recovering in the DEO or L-Corp and Alex addressing the entire thing to Lena and thanking her for doing what she did to save Sam from Reign because she did try to help Sam before but she thinks that it wasn’t enough and is hurt about what Sam had gone through this whole time and was so worried about her and she was thankful that Lena did what she had to do for Sam because she would never know how to live without Sam in her life, and Lena realizing that Alex loves Sam and fully appreciating Alex’s kind words, and Kara being thankful that Lena helped saved the day and not just Sam, what i’m saying is that this is an agentreign with a little supercorp post and i need to witness this scene with my own two (2) eyes or i’ll combust this has been a psa thanks for coming  to my TED talk