#My writing: who's acrata?

[light-miracles]

In recent news, I'm finally writing the last chapter of that SuperRojas wip I started 4 years ago. Better late that never I guess

[from-a-reckless-writer]

some rojascorp mayhaps??

Once upon time, Andrea Rojas would've been the first person she would call about this. Ask her if it would really be a good idea to drop everything and just leave. In her mind's eye, she can already see what Andrea would've said. She would say, yes. And most possibly even tell Lena she'd drop everything too and fly right along with her.

You jump. I jump.

She was sure of it. After all, they did it once before.

So, really it wasn't a surprise when she opens the door and sees Andrea on the doorstep.

"Andrea." The door opens wider and Lena lets her in. "What are you doing here?"

Even though based on the unreadable expression on her face, Lena already has an inkling.

"I overheard my emp-" she clears her throat, waits for Lena to turn and face her. "I overheard Nia and Kara today," Andrea speaks slowly, "You're going to Ireland."

Lena merely raises a questioning brow.

"I-" Andrea fidgets and that's the first time Lena sees that there is something in her hands. A folded piece of paper, it looks like.

Andrea catches her eyes, and says, almost a whisper, "I have something to confess."

Lena inhales deep, crosses her arms.

"Well, let's hear it then."

Andrea takes a step forward, debates putting a hand on Lena but settles for fidgeting with the paper again.

Now upon closer inspection, Lena notices its yellow color, an old parchment and if the inky bleeds are any indication, Lena's suspects it to be some old letter.

This rattles the heart in her chest, for reasons she would not dare name.

Andrea starts to speak again and Lena tears her gaze away from the letter.

"I-I've been investigating Lex," Andrea tells her.

"Seems like that's what everybody is doing these days, or so I heard." Lena's stalling she knows, but who wouldn't? Andrea's serious yet sincere gaze is terrifying. It has been so long since that's been directed at her, and Lena does not want to fall victim again.

Andrea ignores her, continues on, her voice now more sure, most likely the effect of noting Lena's reaction. Andrea knows all too well what she can do after all.

"And in order to do that," she explains, "I had to infiltrate the Luthor Mansion."

As Acrata, Lena adds in her head. She remains as stoic as possible and what Andrea does next almost knocks her.

"Lena," she says, "I really think we should sit down for this."

The rattling has now become pure chaos inside her.

Lena says nothing in response, just turns around again for Andrea to follow. She guides her to the enormous couch. She crosses her legs and Andrea does the same next to her. Lena pointedly avoiding the thing in Andrea's hands.

"So?" Lena prods.

Andrea inhales, swallows, "I went to Lionel's study."

The room springs clear in Lena's mind.

The rows of books; the smell of cigar and grease when Lionel brings his projects home; Lex's diploma framed and hung, Lena's report card pinned next to it. A single family picture. The stiffest Lena has ever felt for the camera.

"And I- I found something."

Lena snaps back to the present.

"It's from your mother."

Andrea looks regal in the open moonlight of her apartment, and God, she thinks, it truly would never be over, would it?

"N-not Lillian." Why Andrea felt the need to clarify that, she wouldn't know. When she's the first person Lena had confided to about how Lillian was never a mother to her.

"A letter," Lena states, her voice is quiet and calm, the opposite of the tempest deep inside.

"Yes," she confirms, "here." Andrea starts to hand her the letter-

"Can you please-" she blurts out suddenly, Andrea halting mid-way.

"Can you please hold my hand? While I-" she inhales deep, "While I read it? Please?"

Andrea only nods, reaches for Lena's hand, wraps around it tightly.

It's the anchor Lena needs, but she would never admit that. It looks like she doesn't need to though. Andrea already knows she's afraid of drowning.

Lena takes the paper gently, afraid that it will crumple the dust the moment her fingers touch it.

The paper is old and yellow. The ink blurred at some parts, drops of something Lena suspects to be alcohol, marring the words. He imagines Lionel reading it for the first time in his study. Did he feel the same churning in his stomach as Lena did now? Was he too drunk to even read it?

God, Lena so badly wishes she was drunk right now.

Andrea squeezes her hand and drags her back.

The writing isn't anything like hers. Each word in capital letters, which should've made it look a bit robotic and too uniform, yet to Lena's eyes it looks elegant. As if the hand that had written took great care in laying down the words.

She reads the first line.

"To my dearest Lionel,

I am sending this directly to the mansion, I apologize in advance. I tried calling. But your assistant, I have to commend her--she gets creative with those excuses--never fails to inform me that you're unavailable. I've also tried your various emails, to no avail. And well, this is my last resort.

All this to say, I know when I'm not wanted anymore. But I do just need to send you this one last letter. If you don't want me in your life anymore, well, who am I to stop you? You're Lionel Luthor.

But I do think you might want to know about your daughter, our daughter. Lionel, we never did make any good decisions together, but I think, our daughter, she's the one good thing to ever come out of this mess.

She's turning two on the 24th. She's perhaps the best thing that could have happened to my life. She's a menace, she started walking early and I've babyproofed the house yet I'm still afraid she'd knock her head somewhere. She's a babbler, and a smart one at that. She's going to do great things, Lionel. I just know it. I'm so proud of her already. She has your eyes. Always green. Always bright. I miss you, I'm not going to lie. Yet, when I hear her laugh, it doesn't hurt so much anymore.

Her name is Lena, in case you've already forgotten. Don't worry, her birth certificate doesn't say Luthor. Lena Kieran, I've decided, would be the safest for her. She will be untraceable. Nobody will manage to link her to you.

Then why name her Lena at all? If she'll never be a Luthor, right? Naming her with an L seems a bit sentimental, I admit. A selfish part of me, I think, is still hoping for you to come back. To see you hold Lena for the first time, matching eyes lighting up. Maybe give her your name.

Someday.

She's the love of my life, Lionel. I would do anything for her. I keep wondering if you would do the same if you met her. If you will ever meet her. I'm afraid, you know? I'm terrified of the day she'll come asking for you. I'm terrified that even though I love her fiercely, it would never be enough. Will my love ever be enough? It never was for you.

But well, I never was one to dwell on sad things, so I'm afraid I have to end it here, Lena will wake soon. And how such a small thing can make so much noise, I don't know.

Goodbye, my love.

If you ever have a change of heart, you know where to find us.

Yours..."

And that was it, Lena realizes, that was the end. It wasn't signed. She turns the paper over frantically, searching for any clue, anything, any sign.

A signature, a name, an initial.

Nothing. There's nothing.

"Where's the- there's no-"

She doesn't realize she's sobbing till Andrea's tearing the paper away from her hands and pulling her close; doesn't realize she's hyperventilating till Andrea's squeezing her tight, tight, tight.

"Lena, you have to breathe. Lena, breathe."

She lets herself be carried away by Andrea, heaving gasps coming out of her lungs.

She's the love of my life.

I would do anything for her.

She'll never be a Luthor.

I'm terrified-

"Lena, Lena," somebody's calling her.

"Lena, you have to look at me. Look at me."

Her eyes focus and Andrea is there, soft and strong and here.

Lena's fully in her lap, one arm wrapped around her, one hand cupping her face.

"Lena, Lena," she keeps saying her name, her palm warm on Lena's cheek, and all Lena can do is nod. Tears are still streaming down her face and if she opens her mouth, she's afraid of what will come out.

So, she nods. She nods and she tries to breathe, tries to follow Andrea's counting.

Her breathing settle, and she can feel the whoosh of relief from Andrea.

"There we go, just breathe, just breathe," she coos, running her fingers through Lena's hair.

"I'm sorry," Andrea tells her, "God, Lena. I'm so sorry, I should not have sprung it on you like that. I'm so stupid. So, so stupid. I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

She says sorry over and over. pressing it to Lena's hair, to Lena's forehead, anywhere within reach.

"T-there's no signature," Lena manages to say, she feels Andrea tense beneath her. "No name. I don't know why- I don't know why I can't remember her name."

Her lips move against Andrea's exposed collarbone, and she wonders if that's the reason something is drumming loud beneath the skin Lena's pressed to.

"She couldn't sign it, I think."

"I think so, too," Andrea agrees quietly.

She was the other woman, of course, she couldn't sign it. It was already an act of bravery to send it to a place where Lillian Luthor resides. Signing it would've meant more than danger.

"You were a kid," Andrea whispers, "You were a kid, Lena. It's okay if you don't remember."

But it's not. Because, because her mother loved her so much and Lena can't even remember her name.

"She said, I wasn't going to be a Luthor, in the letter, she said."

And that, that must mean something, right? That must mean that everyone else is wrong, she's not just a Luthor. She wasn't supposed to be one anyway.

Kieran.

"I'm so sorry, Lena," Andrea says again and Lena's unsure what she's still apologizing for.

"Kieran, Andrea. Kieran. I don't think that's supposed to be my middle name." She pulls away from her place on Andrea's chest to look at her.

She turns around, reaches for the letter discarded on the table. Her hands doesn't tremble much this time.

"Look, there, see," she points at the line, "She said, Lena Kieran. I think, I think that's a surname."

A clue.

A thread to pull on.

A part of her that connects them together.

Andrea stares at her silently, "I think you might be right."

Lena's mind is going a mile a minute now, she would have to research. She would need Brainy's help, a database, she needs access to a database, lists of orphanages, records that Lillian might have hidden about her.

"Lena," Andrea calls, "Slow down."

"I- I wasn't-" A blush rises to her cheeks, "I wasn't doing anything."

"Yes, you were. I can hear you thinking."

She doesn't answer, just slumps back into Andrea again, buries her red face out of sight.

"I'll help you," Andrea murmurs, "I'll help you. You don't have to do it alone. Not anymore."

"Okay," she says, dares to kiss at Andrea's jaw. "Thank you," she breathes against her skin.

There's so much to unpack, so much to do, so much to say.

But it can wait, it can wait.

"You jump, I jump."

[black-coffee-and-sugar]

The Last Gauntlet & Kara

i have... thoughts:

- first off, the episodes were inappropriately named, especially 6x20

- and the way they have made alex so insufferable these past few episodes, like why do they turn everything they touch into garbage

- acrata and andrea in general were so underused this entire season. does she even have 20 mins worth of screentime if you add them all up? she deserved more but good for you julie, collect that pay cheque and give them the bare minimum

- i do like that lena has reached a point in her life where she can advise someone like andrea without it feeling hypocritical

- lena was the only one with a brain cell. can't believe they were actually willing to siphon the sun's energy and fuck over the planet for 6 months. "i'll fix it" fucking how kara

- the way lena was so resigned about kara's reckless plan and she just decided to go to the bridge with kelly and alex. it's almost like she didn't want to be around to witness kara do something so stupid

- lex is just a fucking man. a man with no powers mind you. why is he so hard to beat? why is it that the superfriends, 5/7 who have actually powers, can't beat him and his stupid arm canon? why is he the ultimate big bad instead of the very powerful imp with reality warping abilities?

- most of the first half was just filler if you ask me, unnecessary danvers sister tension, alex being an intolerable asshole, nyxly going from lex loves me to lex is "like my father" and brainy vs the army cuz why the fuck not

- but seriously, alex willfully endangering the ENTIRE WORLD to get esme back when during 6a she gave lena whole lecture about wanting to do the same to save kara. and you know what's worse? at least lena had a guarantee of finding kara, alex had none about getting esme back from lex

- i have to admit, even the esme and nyxly scenes were cute. this child has charisma with everyone

- please explain how one cuts out 5th dimensional magic from a small child with a regular kitchen knife

- but also, all this screentime to a couple NO ONE FUCKING ASKED FOR and it all immediately went to shit. copy and pasting supercorp moments to this troubled het couple and how am i not going to feel attacked by such blatant disrespect

- lillian jumping in front of lex and taking that blast and all i can say is WHY DID THEY NOT GIVE THAT SCENE TO LENA??? her sacrificing herself for fucking lex just diminished it

- i suspected that the writers were gonna pull this "lillian and lex knew about lena's powers all along" out their ass but it was still triggering to me. it was a half-assed explanation as to why lena's powers never manifested before and tbh, her powers weren't as big a deal to the fight against nyxly as it should've been

- as much as i hate the idea of lena losing ANOTHER parent, im glad she got some closure. she's so much lighter now and i love this for her

- still not sure why nyxly and lex became lizard people but kara didn't

- sigh. the legion's unnecessary assistance, especially considering that the super friends were handling shit on their own

- they brought mon-el back for what exactly? to placate karamel fans? all it did was further the truth most of us have already accepted: that he was never and still is not kara's soulmate. but thanks for shouting it out for the kids in the back

- idk if y'all remember but lena did say in 6x03 to lex that he'll self-destruct because of his own hubris. and that's exactly what happened but im loathed to think that the writing is that deep.

- lex deserved a BEATDOWN. phantom zone banishment was too easy

- nyxly deserved a better resolution tho

- william's funeral was somehow even less impactful than his death. why did he have to die exactly?

- that cutaway to lena's foundation and dreamer's outreach center, etc felt so...odd. idk it just felt out of place to me

- calista thank you for agreeing to make an appearance in this dumpster fire. i was so happy to see her version of cat grant again. it's about time someone was firm with kara about her life and her wants and needs

- okay the wedding was beautiful. everyone was beautiful, brainy coming back cuz fuck the future yes i love it!

- also don't think i didn't see lena and winn walking arm in arm!

- kelly and james moments. james walking her down the aisle and im already a mess. kelly looked so breathtaking in that dress

- j'onn officiating, alex and kelly's vows. i did cry, it was perfect ♥️

- nia just snatching that bouquet lol

- i mean we got a brainia kiss which was great but like, after seasons of barely anything romantic, i kinda felt robbed

- so it's implied that j'onn reunites with m'gann at some point but im still salty that the writers basically acted like she doesn't exist

- not even one sam and ruby reference. do they not exist on earth-prime?!?!

- lena as esme's godmother i love it i love it I LOVE IT

- james giving esme a camera. stop it, it's too much. super fam is everything and this child is gonna be so loved and protected

- og super friends scene was nice but the way i was denied any karolsen crumbs. damn, the cw really does hate them don't they?

- and of course, the elephant in the room. the last supercorp scene was nice, emotional, moving. km and mb really tried as per usual. i already knew they wouldn't take that final step and just make them canon (even tho they have nothing to lose if they had). but the way they couldn't even give us an "I love you" between the two of them, holding hands. the hug was nice but nothing we haven't seen already, the commitment to working together with their fam was nice but again, nothing new. the cw had an opportunity to give us more. they chose not to and that is precisely the problem with the final scene

- but can we just talk about this theme of living an "inauthentic life". it's used twice, by alex in her vows and by cat grant when she's talking to kara. and it seems like this is what kara needs to finally do: live her life as her authentic self. she needs to do that first before she can do anything else and it's kinda sad that they waited until the last like 5 mins to do that. didn't feel like a satisfying ending truthfully. even that last glance at supergirl coming out to the world as kara didn't slap as hard as it could have. too little too late

all in all, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either. a handful of touching moments, nostalgia with the og super friends, kara finding peace with her identities. those were nice but not enough this late in the game. i am grateful for what we did get but that doesn't erase the fact that potential was greatly squandered and the queerbaiting continued on without shame. the writing was bad, the character arcs nonexistent and storylines questionable.

its sad that in 2021 homophobia and racism coexist in a show where an interracial lesbian couple got married. and that unfortunately will be part of the cwsg legacy

[kuekyuuq]

Conveniences, files and fingerprints [6x08]

So, now in 6x08 we've got this scene of Andrea as Acrata browsing NC's Luthor Mansion.

In Lex's office, aside from various birthday cards (from his bud Vlad P? among others) and the EXACT reference of the episode (incriminating evidence no Lex Luthor should have on his desk), there's this wonderfully eye-catchy and turned-on light-tablet with files of some of the Superfriends on it. ...the convenience in this scene is mind-boggling.

Okay, friendly reminder that Lena used Myriad on Lex, so he forgot Kara was Supergirl.

Now, what caught my eye on these files:

Apparently Lex and whoever created these files (the DEO?) don't know Alex is Sentinel. Which is funny, considering the other information they have about her on these sheets... including the ones about her former boss. (Or was that pre-crisis? I get things mixed up these days.)

While J'onn's file contains the info that he assumed the identity of Hank Henshaw, it seems to lack the information that he's a shape-shifter (and a Green Martian)

Now.

The Fingerprints.

First of all, there are 2 ways fingerprints can be collected from surfaces. One would be imprints or indents (like when molding clay/wax). And the other occurs on surfaces as residue of moisture and grease on a finger pad - a negative image left by what's between the ridges, whirls and loops that make the familiar fingerprint image.

..They've got several prints from J'onn, which makes sense, maybe... as in his file-appropriate Hank Henshaw form he hardly wears gloves. In his green and suit-up version, tho, he wears gloves. So, my question is, if his shape-shifting is accurate down to the fingerprints, then congrats, they have Hank's prints, but not the Martian Manhunter's? The joy of identifying your shape-shifter suspect you've got in custody...

The shot only showed one of Sentinel's fingerprints being recovered... which almost surprised me, as Alex is not very consistent in wearing her (magnetic) gloves in the field, nor if they cover her fingers or not.

And then, there's Supergirl.

Who never wears gloves.

But then again, the 4 prints they've got are not very clear ones.

Which begs so many questions...

Is that because Kryptonians don't have fingerprints? No swirls and ridges, but much smoother / uniform - yet still as textual / grip'y?

Is that because she doesn't normally build up sweat and grease under the yellow sun to leave behind 'negative image prints'?

Is her grabbing things that leave entire indents of her hands so forceful that the metals melt to a degree under that pressure she doesn't leave behind finger-pad indents?

Those could be good explanations, right?

Except, the show never gave any indication...

She's been close to other humans - e.g.: Cat's son Adam; they kissed, held hands... if Kara had 'alien' finger-pads, would he not have noticed? Or Lena, during one of their pre-reveal hand-holding-sessions?

The common residue-fingerprints also occur by outside contamination - to illustrate: Kara eating pot-stickers with her bare hands should result in her leaving behind prints on the next smooth surface she touches. Her shaking hands, fighting in dusty conditions.... and then touching ANYTHING else... Is it really that hard to check a scene, match with any onlookers uploaded web-video and find her prints? (Why this hasn't been done yet by anyone to figure out her identity is baffling. But so are glasses and a ponytail... so, yeah.)

Wouldn't a Kryptonian's unyielding skin indent most any surface with their prints if not constantly incredibly careful?

...how would have Lena's alien-detection-device reacted to Kara's finger-pads? I always assumed it was about the item reading heat-signature and somehow genetics on a general level. But does that mean aliens generally have different pads altogether? (which actually made sense)

So. Does Kara not leave fingerprints? 'Cept for some blurry outline smudges?

If so, why?

Really. I am asking. For science.

(Also for fanfic-reasons, because apparently fanfic-authors like to write their stories much more coherent and (internally) canonically accurate than the show's writers themselves do.)

No, seriously. The whole fingerprint topic always interested me. Now, the show did 'something' with it. So 'something' about Kara's fingerprints should be canon now. C'mon, show! Give me answers!

Lastly, in a shot that features people's files and their fingerprints, Acrata herself touches surfaces without any fingerprint-preventions XD

[shin23lee]

Not that controversial opinions

I really wish they didn't do that. Please let Kelly just be herself. She's already an accomplished psychologist and a veteran. She doesn't need to take up a superhero mantel. She's already a badass by herself good god.

Also, about Alex. I've seen it last season but I still don't like that costume design. Who thought that was a good idea! Where did her red hair go! Her DEO Director outfit is top-tier! If you want to make it feel like she moved on from the DEO at least make it look not...that. I can't describe how much that just doesn't work, aesthetically. The lil blue braid just looks awkward and screams "im an afterthought so that i look different than my civilian look!". Still, good god that eye makeup just...wow, no. If you can afford Acrata that one eye mask thing (also, I think a lil bit of black eyeshadow would do Acrata wonders), then surely you can do one for Alex.

The moment between J'onn and Alex. Sweet! Also she's Sentinel now. And...for some reason, J'onn has a button prepared for her already? Where—

Jon Cryer as Lex Luthor is great. Great casting. But too much of a good thing is annoying.

Maybe if the CW spent time on humanizing their heroes instead of superhero-ing them and adding other time-consuming characters, maybe the writing of the show would be more consistent. Coherent. Super. Where did the idea of "you don't need a cape to be a hero" go? The Superfriends would seem much distant to the actual human/alien lives at stake when too much of them already become "super".

Humanize your characters. Let them be themselves and make it enough. This is one of the vital things to do when writing stories in screenplay classes. I cannot believe this.

[handlewithkara]

Redoing my titles + writers spec

So, with the new information, I’m trying to update my spoiler speculations accordingly. 

13 - The Gauntlet: Dana Horgan (story) & Jay Faerber & Brooke Pohl I had this down as a Lena/Andrea and maybe the point where Lex re-enters the picture. Lena/Andrea is still a possibility but so far it doesn’t look like Lex is back yet unless they are hiding him really well. 

This is also contains the test of course. If it really totem = a person, and courage = Alex that could fit with my take that Faerber was involved in writing Welcome Back Kara. 

14 - Magical Thinking: Derek Simon & Karen Maser Well, it at least confirms a very small thing about my theory that writers like to bring back stuff they introduced, with Karen Maser being the one who introduced Esme and who now brings her back for this episode. 

Derek Simon has written a bunch of strong Lena action girl episodes ( most notably Trinity ) or strong Lena contributes episodes (like Man of Steel) so I kind of assumed that his influence would be dominant. (note that both Derek Simon and Karen Maser are co-executive producers though I think Maser has been one for longer). 

I guess there is a chance that this is another Kelly centric episode where Kelly = humanity? Or it is more Lena centric with Lena = destiny? Or it’s destiny, but destiny is one of the few totems Nyxly manages to get? 

15 - Hope for Tomorrow:  Robert L. Rovner (story) &  Emilio Ortega Aldrich & Nicki Holcomb Now that we know about the totems we know that this is likely about the totem of Hope and naturally Hope = Kara. I guess it makes sense that this warrants attention from the big guy Rovner.  Other than that I had this tentatively scribbled down for maybe Brainy or Nia stuff based on the writers, but we really know very little about the episode. 

16 - Nightmares In National City: Rob Wright & Jess Kardos

Based on the title I would assume that this is about the Dream totem and hence would expect this to be Nia focused. Which would fit with the writers, they also wrote the prom episodes which were rather Nia heavy in addition to Kara and Alex heavy. 

Okay, originally there was a rumor that 17 would be called Truth and Consequences and 18 would be Believe In A Thing Called Love. 

Later the writers guild of america site was updated to have 17 as I Believe In A Thing Called Love with Dana Horgan &  Nicki Holcomb as writers. It should be noted that the WGA has wrong information on it, it has two episodes called Lost Souls rather than having the correct info on Prom Again. 

Personally, I still think that: 

Truth and Consequences is a perfect Lena/Andrea/William title. And either of them would be a really interesting choice for the truth totem. Also Dana Horgan to me strikes me as a though not exclusively so but still fairly Lena centric writer. So to me the perfect combination would be 17 + Truth and Consequences + Dana Horgan and Nicki Holcomb as writers + it’s about the truth totem. 

With 18 being about the totem of love, maybe containing a Dansen engagement, which means that Kelly or Dansen (or even little Esme!) would be love and somebody else could be/would be humanity (maybe Lena as humanity in 14? though that seems a bit weird to me if they just made her a witch, wouldn’t declared normal person Kelly be a better representative for humanity?). Though I guess it’s possible that it could be Brainy’s love for Nia? Or J’onn’s love for Kara and Alex? Or if you are true Karamel believer you could hope that that’s where Mon-El returns. 

But I have to at least entertain that my “OMG, Truth and Consequences is a perfect title for a potential Lena or Lena&Andrea episode” issues are not indulged. and really 17 is Love and 18 is Truth. One thing that could come of it would be what if they shot stuff heavily out of order near the end and the “love” is a Dansen wedding or engagement and the “consequences” is the death and funeral of William, explaining why Alex is wearing a ring at the funeral? (I still think that episode 20 is way too stuffed to contain a big battle AND a funeral AND a wedding AND various wrap up scenes AND a big speech AND potentially the reintroduction of guest characters, so shooting stuff out of order with the special guest stars like James makes a ton of sense to me, like have a wedding or engagement party in 18 and James is present for it) 

But yes, I can also entertain that 17 = Love = Lena centric beacuse of Dana Horgan. 

That would leave William or Andrea as the most likely candidates for truth in episode 18. (I still really like the concept of William passes the test of Truth, dies a hero’s death and passes the totem on to Andrea who feels so humbled by his sacrifice that she becomes a better person) But with us not knowing who wrote it there isn’t really much to go on except a potential title and the concept that there has to be a truth token and me thinking that truth fits those characters the best (Wlilam tries to find the truth, Lena of course was very hurt by truth being kept from her, Andrea is William’s boss and just recently had some lines about truths and secrets) 

There are also rumors that episode 19 is called Last Gauntlet. So this would presumably be where they retrieve the last totem. Based on the episode title game, it would have to be either destiny and humanity. My main instinct was that humanity would be considered most important and would be last. But I guess it could also be destiny if Kelly = humanity = episdode 14. 

What this leaves out is the return of Lex. We know he is back in 19. 

I originally had him penned down for him showing his presence again in episode 13 because of 

1.) the writers involved  2.) It would make a lot of sense to bring Lena and Wiliam in contact for 14 3.) Melissa mentioned that the return of Lex would play a role in Kara and Lena letting bygones be bygones and we know they work together in 14. 

But unless they are hiding him intentionally from the spoilers for surprise reasons, it doesn’t seem likely to me anymore. Since we now know that Lena’s ritual in 2 has something to do with Nyxly not Lex. I guess it’s possible that Lena and Kara have a different disagreement later in the season that then is put aside due to the return of Lex? Death of William? Misuse of power? Lena withholding information on Acrata? 

Anyway, if it is not 13 where Lex start working from the shadows, my second guess would be 17 because of Horgan. Or 15 because of Rovner (since his presence implies important episode). Which would make some sense if like teaming up with Lex causes Nyxly to become more powerful, allowing her to unleash a NIghtmare On National City.  I don’t really buy that they can add him back that late into the plot as just 19. I feel like at the very least you would have to feel his presence whether Lex himself is present (like in the garbage island episode) for it to feel satisfying that he is the one in the big last battle. But with how they gave Nyxly a different sidekick I guess there is less need for him, since she already has a sidekick who acts as her guide to this world and who she can explain her plans to. 

@peggystormborn there is a rumor that the title of the last episode could be “Kara”, made me think of you and your neither Kara Danvers nor Kara Zor-El nor Supergirl, just Kara theories. 

[eileenbr]

SUPERGIRL 6X18

So I'm watching Supergirl 6x18 and I'll be writing the reactions I'm having.

Umm nothing really good or bad yet. Although William was right to get mad at Andrea, I don't blame him this time.

Nooo leave my Brainy bby alone😭

Ughh, the cgi hurts my eyes 😫

Alex telling Kara not to tell her how to raise her child??? The child she just adopted?? The child who's suffering the same things Kara did?? Girl, she didn't have bad intentions when she told you that, why would you get that mad?... Also, with that conversation it seems they gonna make Kara live as Kara Zor-El and not Danvers, It seems obvious now and I'm not sure how to feel about it.

Oh yes, the greatest love story Nyxly and Lex, pfff, glad the bad guys can find love but the main character doesn't 🙄

Aww Lena giving Andrea advice, growth!

Bad cgi again, really bad.

So no totems for Nyxly, okay.

Gooood, Alex apologized, they are in good terms, that's nice. Again the part of not hiding anything about their identity, seems they are setting Kara to be full Kara Zor-El on earth (which probably makes sense with the corage gauntlet).

Ugh, again Nyxly and Lex, too much. They are already in love, both, in just 2 episodes.

Bachelorette partyyy, how fancyyy haha. Nooo Brainy, don't cryyy... Wow Lena's dance, in love... Hahaha Kara's dance, goofy as always 😂... Whyyy, why can't brainia be happy together, why do they have to suffer :(

Oh no, Lex entered the tower, please don't do anything to Esme.... Okay so W chose to record a video instead of calling a superfriend?? Maybe a videocall to them?? Damn... Oh no, Nyxly found Esme... Okay Nyxly sexy voice, of course I would believe her as well... Sooo this is the way William will die:s

Nooo their Bachelorette party being ruined, damn these people can't be happy for a second.

Oh no, I have to say it kind of made me sad watching William die, I mean, I've never liked his character and many times he was just there doing nothing but hinder, and yes he should've called a superfriend now they are also his friends instead of recording a video, but killing him makes no sense, and he was kind of tender this episode with Esme (I appreciate it), and it's gonna be another trauma for them, specially my girl Kara who always blames herself for the bad things that happens in that city or the world.

Oh God, what was this episode?! This season?! I can't take this anymore, I've never been happier this show is ending as much as I am rn.

I'm gonna be really objective here. I really hope they find a way to make Brainy stay in this time, I would love if Kara finds her perfect partner and no, I don't think that should be Mon bc I don't think they could ever have a healthy relationship, I know Mon has wroth (if Crisis didn't change that bc we really don't know yet), however he did it in the future and that's his place, he has a mission there as well as Kara has its own in the present, and her family that means everything to her, and tbh I don't think they are that compatible, it wouldn't make any sense now after everything Kara's been through and her personal growth, but do I think the writers would care about it? NO, at this point I feel they are capable of doing anything, (not in the good way).

Talking about Supercorp, I think any possibility is already dead. Let's be honest, for much that I want it to happen, the writers/show runners have shown 0 interest in it, so I have no faith (hope they prove me wrong but I don't think so).

Andrea Rojas aka Acrata aka a waste of a powerful character. I know it's not a big dc character but that doesn't mean she isn't powerful.

And Dansen, probably the only good thing lately. I hope there won't be any trouble or interruptions during their wedding, that'd be incredibly unfair.

After all, I really don't wanna to watch the finale, I'll wait to see ppl reactions and look for Dansen wedding, Idk, I guess I will see how I feel next week but ugh. I wouldn't be surprised if the make Lena and James a thing again bc as I said, I expect nothing good for this finale.

Thank you for reading this, I'm mad haha.

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

I know it might be too soon but what would be your ideal season 6? Like, if you could write this final season without erasing anything that already happened, how would you have the show end?

It would open with a face off between Supergirl and Lex. In a series of flashbacks, we would learn how Kara’s exposed him in the press as the criminal he is, and the superfriends have been working to clean up the loose ends of his manipulations. 

We learn that Nia found Brainy and brought him back to the tower for recovery. We learn how Lena has helped unravel Lex’s machinations to pinpoint where he’d go when it all came crumbling down around his ears, just as she had in the previous reality. Only this time Lex is confronted with Supergirl in her biosuit, her helmet already closed in anticipation of the kryptonite he likely has on hand.

Lex smirks-- he’s planned for this too, and has stolen his sister’s formula for a supercharged Kryptonite, and enough of it to overwhelm even the shields Lena’s installed in the biosuit. But where Lex is happy to trade a witty repartee with the superhero, Supergirl wastes no time. Without a word she charges, and starts swinging. 

Lex barely manages to hold his own, and is increasingly baffled by the hero’s behavior. There’s no plea to rethink his plans, to come clean and accept his punishment. Stranger yet, the Kryptonite only seems to be harming her enough to neutralize her powers, not kill her.

In a desperate bid to gain the edge, Lex detonates one of the kryptonite crystals, turning it into a projectile weapon that cuts through the fabric of her suit and exposes her to the kryptonite directly. Even then, Supergirl only slows long enough to regain her feet before she’s charging again. This time, a blade extends from one gauntlet, and she skewers him right through the chest. The pain takes a backseat to his utter dismay.

��But... you don’t... kill,” he gurgles. 

With her free hand, his killer reaches up and removes her helmet, releasing a cascade of dark hair.

“I do,” Lena responds. Her eyes are cold as she retracts her blade, but she kneels with him as Lex sags to a heap on the floor. 

“Oh,” Lex chuckles, blood bubbling from his lips. “Brava, Lena. Brava...”

And then he dies a second time. This time, there is no Monitor to resurrect him, no hidden gadget to revive him. Lena remains with the body until the rest of the superfriends rush in, their own tasks of the final climax finally completed. 

Kara hesitates, then quietly moves to join Lena next to Lex. She reaches for a pulse, even though she knows she’ll find none. Then she looks at Lena, whose gaze remains fixed on her brother. Only when she reaches for Lena’s hand does Lena rise, escaping her touch and her kindness with a flick of her hair. 

“It’s done.”

The rest of the season is a series of one-off, baddie of the week plots set against a backdrop of Leviathan and the thus far unseen Anointed One. Each episode is integral to the development of at least one character, and in the process we see Alex go back to school to become a medical doctor, specializing in xenobiology; Nia leaves her job at CatCo to become an activist for alien rights; Kara finds a new role at CatCo as Editor in Chief when Andrea steps down to focus on her tech at Obsidian North. 

Most notable among the character development is Lena, who is given considerable screentime to focus on healing her trauma of killing her brother a second time, and learning how to live with the guilt of what she almost did with Non Nocere, what she actually did to Kara. She helps them in their fights and struggles, and finds new meaning in protecting the unprotected. When she fights, she fights with a rapier, not unlike the blade she used to kill Lex.

Lena’s development is most notable because Kara is there with her every step of the way. They talk every single episode, and in the process of guiding Lena to her new light, they finally talk about what happened between them, and Kara again takes responsibility for her role in Lena’s hurt. 

Just as Lena starts to edge away from her past transgressions and starts wondering about what else lays in store for her, we learn that Leviathan is targeting Lena. It’s not clear why-- not until the penultimate episode where she’s abducted by Leviathan and brought to the Anointed One-- who is revealed to be Lena’s mother.

Leviathan is Lena’s birthright. The Acrata medallion was meant to go to her, which would have brought her to Leviathan much sooner. Leviathan can give her everything she ever wished for-- she can effect all the change her heart desires, for good or ill. All she has to do is join them-- join her mother.

When Kara and the superfriends arrive, they find Lena standing beside her mother, resplendent in all the finery befitting the heir to Leviathan. Lena’s mother informs them all that they will have this one chance to leave-- as friends of her daughter, she will spare their lives. 

Kara makes an impassioned plea to Lena, begging her to come with them, not to do this. “This isn’t the mother you remember, Lena. The woman who swung you in her arms in that sunlit meadow is gone. Please, come with us. Please come home.”

Lena strides down the dais, her gaze simultaneously intense yet aloof. Kara stares at her expectantly, only to jump slightly when Lena reaches in and kisses her deeply. When she pulls away, Kara is left dazed and relieved and more than a little confused.

“Took you long enough to get here,” Lena tells her, grinning. She grabs her rapier from where Kara’s hidden it beneath her cape, and rounds on the Leviathan goons who charge them the moment they realize Lena’s betrayed them.

Together, Lena and the superfriends fight the legion of Leviathan stooges, until suddenly Lena finds herself facing off against her mother. Lena doesn’t want to kill her mother, but the superfriends are losing steam, and beginning to falter. They won’t last much longer against Leviathan’s stronger forces. 

While her mother is taunting her, Lena notices the necklace around her neck, bearing a stone the same color as her mother’s dark eyes. In an instant she puts the pieces together. In a move that would make the Olympic fencing team weep, she lances forward and with the tip of her blade snags the chain of the medallion, flipping it up and over her mother’s head, sending it flying. 

With a single, mighty slice of her blade, Lena cleaves the medallion in two before it even hits the ground.

As soon as it’s destroyed the malevolent force inside her mother evaporates, leaving a confused and exhausted woman in its wake. The rest of Leviathan falters, and too falls to the ground, winded. Leviathan is gone.

The last shot of the series is a long one, panning over the main room in the tower. Nia is checking on Brainy, their body language suggesting their romance is repairing itself. Alex is hugging J’onn, and Lena is sitting at her mother’s bedside in the infirmary. As the long pan continues, it focuses in on Lena as she rises from the edge of the bed and makes her way out to the balcony where Kara is standing, gazing up at the night sky.

“Thank you,” Lena says softly as she comes to stand beside her friend. “For coming for me.”

Kara smiles. “Always.”

“Are you okay?” Lena can tell that Kara’s voice is softer than usual, reflective.

“I was just thinking... the past few years, it’s just been one thing after another, you know? I don’t want to--” She stops herself, and redirects. “Just wondering what comes next.”

Lena reaches for her, interlacing their fingers. “Whatever you want.”

“I want to go to Argo,” Kara blurts. She ducks her chin in shame. She’s a hero: heroes shouldn’t want breaks. They don’t do vacations. But Lena’s hand remains firm around hers. “I want to visit my mother.”

Lena nods slowly. “Believe it or not, I can imagine what that feels like.”

Kara huffs a laugh, but then grows almost solemn. Apprehensive. 

“Would... would you come with me? If I asked?”

Lena holds her gaze intently. “If you asked... I would go anywhere.”

This time, instead of ending with Kara launching up into the heavens to fly her lonely course, her feet remain planted on the ground. As the camera pans up and away, the last glimpse we get of her is the rest of the Superfriends coming up to join them in a single, massive hug.

[thatsjustsupergirl]

Saw your post about magical imps being able to shapeshift+ interesting to note that before season 6 began, the showrunners said in an interview (I think it was ET or TVLine) that Mon el won't be coming back. So you know, technically, they might be right. Also, mxy does know about mon el and who he was. Just speculating.

My ideal ending would be a pod crashing on earth, but this time it would carry a fluffy white dog.

this obviously contains spoilers from the drop, so I guess cover your eyes or scroll at super-speed or something if you don’t want to see them!

I am going to disagree on this one — there is no evidence that the presence of whole characters is Not Real given the structure of the scenes they were filming. And that showrunner interview was true at the time they gave it, but. Guidelines around the pandemic have changed since then. Access to vaccines has changed since then. Actor comfort with traveling (particularly in this case, where it’s a working pair with an infant) may have changed since then. We don’t know and it’s none of our business, but that doesn’t mean there is some grand conspiracy of lies or that we can write off reality if we don’t like a particular character.

(I was more referring to some of the Lena set photo content, which could be permanent, but in all likelihood is more similar to when James temporarily had powers in S4, given that the show still has to tie up her piece in the rebooted Acrata storyline — that was connected to her identity as herself vs. a Luthor, which is set as her closing character arc.)

re: your ending: #JUSTICE FOR KRYPTO!!!

My ideal ending would be close to the S1 ending, or the 100th episode ending, which, honestly, is probably what we’re gonna get. (Although I do wonder if we’ll get some flash-forwards, or maybe Nia dream vision teases, of where characters end up in their “happily ever after” moments.)

[c-optimistic]

Well idk if it's the same content in ig and tumblr but I stopped following when I was made aware that (at least on ig) there are no Kelly, no Nia/Dreamer, no Andrea/Acrata, but she did draw twice scenes with William, she drew her favorite scene of the 100th when Kara called Lena a villain. Just a bit sus... So that's why I prefer to follow other artists works.

They are a pretty great artist, I unfollowed on Instagram a while ago because of a couple of comments and posts they made that didn't sit well with me, too much toeing the line of homophobic. But to each their own.

okay. but like, I don’t know what you want from me. are we going around to everyone who has ever reblogged this person’s art and pointing out their taste in characters/ship leaves much to be desired and looks bad? I never write about andrea, and rarely about nia or kelly, does that make me suspicious too? does every fanfic writer or fan art creator have to evenly distribute their work between all the show’s characters? this show has a lot of characters! I wrote james/kara fic I never shared. i’ve got stuff for nia and kelly for fics I'll probably never finish because I'm bad at this and it’s a hobby. I post a lot of the danvers sisters and kara and lena because that’s where the show has a lot of emotional focus is so it’s the most fun for me to write and what you guys most often want to read. it doesn’t mean I don’t love nia with all my heart, that I don’t wish kelly got more screen time, that I don’t still think james/kara was lovely, etc. if this person has done or said something homophobic, tell me. if they’re transphobic, tell me. if they’re racist, tell me. but I need something more than it didn’t sit well with you or that this person has chosen to draw william and not nia. 

[kassies-take]

Thorul Over Luthor (Part 2)

A/N: okay so season 5 episode 6 made this series easier to write. Can I just say that Lena has gone through so much and I feel so bad for her. Katie McGrath did such a good job portraying her. Also reminder that my story takes place on Earth 37

Warning: Physical Abuse, Magic & Death

Lena Luthor x Stepsister!reader

Word Count: 1816

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 

The Legends of Acrata was something Lena keep hidden in one of her little boxes. But if it was something magical, and magic was in her blood then the legends must be true.

She spent the whole night processing this new magical world. It was as if she was in Neverland, where she always dreamed to be and to never grow up. This would’ve been her life, she would’ve never had to have her life tainted, damaged or corrupted by the Luthors. But because it wasn’t she hated and would never forgiven the Luthors for taking her life from her.

Even jet lagged and without an ounce of sleep, Lena has never been more energetic and relaxed since she was adopted by the Luthors. Her mother, her real mother was at her side and she gained a new sister. Despite not knowing much about a good family relationship, she knew she had found it.

The renounced Luthor had only spent one day in Ireland and already managed to sit down with some peace and quiet with homemade breakfast, learn about her upbringings and have a marvelous Irish Breakfast Blend (tea which is actually Katie’s favorite).

“How did you sleep?” Your mother asked.

“Oh I woke up here and there” you smiled as you passed Lena a slice of bread.

“Not you. I was talking about Lena.”

“She didn’t sleep,” you bluntly stated.

“Oh did I wake you?” Lena asked panicky. “If I did I’m so sorry.”

“No, no it’s not you dear. (Y/n) has the power of possession. If she wants to she can make eye contact with you and possess your body, controlling your movements and speech. But when she’s controlling your body, her body is lifeless. You don’t remember a thing.” Your mother explained as if it was normal.

“Right.” Lena nodded as if that was the correct answer. “But that doesn’t explain how she knew I was awake the whole night.”

“(Y/n) uses a small part of possession to be in your head and communicate with you.”

Lena’s eyes widen at her mind being invaded and opened her mouth to say something about it.

“I assure you it is only to communicate, anything else is a maze you unconsciously built to keep away invaders.” You placed your hand on hers.

“Why do you need to possess a part of my brain to communicate with me? You’re already talking to me.”

You and your mother looked at each other before you hid your face in your food as the red haired woman explained.

“Lena, darling. (Y/n) has to connect to part of your brain because she is mute. Her fathe-”

You stood up abruptly and headed out the door for some fresh air. You did not need to relive you past.

“Her father abused her, as you know. He blamed his wife’s death on her and blamed everything on her actually. The day I found out, I walked into the house after I heard some crash noises. When I walked in she was pinned against the wall by her neck, her left leg dangled sickishly about to fall off her knee, her arms were purple and red mixed with bruises and blood, a couple of ribs protruded out of her side and her eyes had so much terror in them that you could tell she thought it was the end.”

Your mother had to take a breath with her hand on her chest for comfort before she continued the story. Lena held a death grip around her fork and her eyes flickered between emerald green and golden orange.

“Her father hadn’t see me walk in the door. He pulled out a pocket knife and slit open her throat before I could use my magic to push him away. I used the spell wáce ierlic to push him against the wall. He was restrained and I ran to (Y/n) as she was bleeding out on the floor, choking on her own blood.” Your mother cleared her throat to force the rest of the story out. “Now I didn’t know many healing spells and the one I knew was crude, Þurhhæle licsar min, it heats the skin to coagulate the blood and cauterize the wound.”

“What kind of father slits his own daughter’s throat. The Luthors were cruel but they weren’t that cruel,” Lena’s eyebrows fused together as her voice raised in anger by each word.

“(Y/n) made a successful recovery but because the knife had damaged her vocal cords and the extreme heat of my spell, she lost her voice.”

“You gave her a part of your powers?” Lena asked with a frown.

“No, it was a biological experiment done on her father years before she was born. It only appeared when her father got up and almost finished the job of killing her. I saw a clear white silhouette exit her body and into his and that’s when I knew.”

Lena was frozen, she felt her throat dry and her whole body numb. What she imagined was horrid, and she thought she had a bad childhood with Lillian as her mother. Lena’s lip quivered as all the other little boxes exploded. She cried, her mother held her and she felt safe and protected. She cried but it was for you and a part of her wanted to protect you more than she wanted to protect herself.

She wiped her tears with the back of her hand as her mother kissed her head in comfort. Lena was able to compose herself quickly but her eyes said otherwise, she got up with tea and headed to the front porch, where you were at.

“I brought tea,” Lena sat down beside you.

You smiled before you reached out and held the cup of tea. “You don’t look good crying.”

Lena scoffed and noticed your lips never moved. “No one looks good crying unless your eyes glisten and you don’t turn red.”

“Myoui Mina is a good example,” Lena heard as you sipped your tea, the name didn’t ring a bell to her (shout out to anyone who does). Anyways, I’m sure being a Luthor was better than a Thorul. Especially cause you never had to deal with my father.”

“Please, the Luthors were anything but angels. I spent most of my life with a double-consciousness, never truly being myself. You’re lucky you had mom to protect you.” Lena said with slight sarcasm.

“I’m lucky that I had my throat slit open?” You teased and raised you eyebrows.

“Well... no. But as a Luthor I did have several assassination attempts.”

“Are you bragging about being killed?”

“No definitely not,” Lena joked.

The two step sisters spent the rest of the morning with a tour of the city and bonding over the fact that they had crappy families. Mid-day arrived and it was time for Lena’s magical lessons.

Lena went back and forth between National City and Ashford. On the weekdays she was a suit wearing CEO and on the weekend she was a jeans wearing sorceress. It when on like that for 8 months. Lena was a fast learner, and when she wasn’t spending time learning spells from her mother she spent it with you on short adventures or snuggling between the two of you watching movies.

Lena had a long day full of snobby men who desperately needed admiration, power and prestige. L-Corp needed this merger with Spheerical Industries, but with Jack gone it seemed harder than possible. Lena twirled her pen around her pointer and middle finger, annoyed with partnering companies.

She didn’t know how she managed to live through the meeting but she was happy to be able to head to Ireland. She already had a bag packed in her office and all she had to do was call her driver.

She headed to the top floor towards her office. When the door slid open she heard the slight commotion coming from Eve.

“I’m sorry, I can’t understand you.” Eve politely smiled.

A small huff came from you as you began to sign again. Eve only gave you a confused face, so you took the pen out of her hand and wrote on your own.

‘I need to talk to Lena,” it read.

“You can’t see Ms. Luthor unless you have an appointment.”

You looked up at the ceiling with an inaudible groan before you wrote on you hand again.

‘I don’t have an appointment. Please! It’s urgent!’

“I’m sorry, whatever it is, you can’t get in without an appointment. Ms. Luthor is in a meeting. I can get your name and have a look at her schedule to set up a meeting with you.”

You ran your hand through your hair and exhaled.

‘My name is (Y/n)Thorul. When is Ms. Luthor next available?’

“Okay Ms. (Y/n) Thorul, Ms. Luthor will be available in-” Eve typed on her keyboard.

“Ms. Luthor is available right now,” Lena frowned. “Eve? What’s going on here?”

“Ms. Thorul wanted to meet with yo-”

“Let Ms. (Y/n) Thorul in whenever you see her, she is my sister after all.” Lena smiled and led you into her office.

“Hey I wasn’t expecting you here, I was about to fly to Ireland after the meeting.” Lena turned her back on you to pour some whiskey for the two of you. “I couldn’t wait to get out of the meeting. Spheerical Industries took a downward turn, but I’m determined to merge with them. Hey do you remember me telling you about Kara? Since you’re in National City maybe we can meet her before we head home.”

You remained quiet and let Lena ramble, you played with your fingers as your vision blurred. No cries were heard but all you wanted to do was scream. Lena finally turned around and froze. She placed the two glasses down and held you in her arms.

“I’ve got you,” Lena whispered as you cried.

‘Can you get Eve in here?’ You signed.

“Yeah, of course.” Lena opened her office door and called Eve to enter.

“Yes, Ms. Luthor?”

For 8 months Lena never seen you use your ability, and today she finally saw it. When Eve entered the office, she made eye contact with you allowing you to use your abilities. Your eyes turned white and a white silhouette exited your body and went into Eve’s. Your body stayed motionless.

Lena watched in amazement as Eve closed the door.

“Lee, I have to say it in words and not through your head. I know you were on your way to Ireland but I needed to tell you before you got there.”

An ominous feeling rose in Lena stomach and she stepped back in realization.

“Mom.... mom passed away.”

Your body regained consciousness as Eve looked around in confusion. “Ms. Luthor you called?”

“Y-Yes get my private jet, now!”

[dcunews]

Emotions are running high, even if the plot isn’t as much

S5 E7 - Tremors Review

★★★☆☆

Supergirl does a lot of things well. It has created a show centered on female empowerment, developed healthy friendships and relationships, but this season feels...off. Like it’s missing a big part of what made it such a unique and strong show in the first place.

Rather, I can’t help but feel that the coming Crisis is holding this show (as well as other DCTV shows) back from getting on with their storylines.

Tremors opens up with unveiling more on Leviathan: they are an ancient (big emphasis on ancient) group, speared by the enigmatic Rama Khan. He’s a curious one, and although the Earth Bender reference made me smile, I can’t really see the big threat they pose.

I’m more curious as to how Margot can just simply walk in and out of a room without so much as a peep, than how this seemingly ancient quintet is planning world domination.

Which seems a bizarre concept for starters. Brainy made a point during his presentation that this group, and Rama Khan, had done a stellar job of avoiding the spotlight and passing his seismic and earthly disruptions as natural forces. So to all of a sudden come out into the spotlight, to control the world no less because Global Warming, seems very uncharacteristic.

Of course, the medallion of Acrata seems very important, although we have yet to uncover its entire mystery, but is it enough to risk global exposure?

That’s not the only let-down. This episode is riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies and it does make me wonder if we should all pitch in to give the writers a board so they can look at all their past plot points and the ages of their characters (such as the wildly mysterious age of a certain Lena Luthor)

For example: After being caught in a Leviathan trap with Rip Roar’s armor (was Russel’s body there too I wonder?), Alex and Brainy suffer some mild injuries - Alex has a mild concussion and one of Brainy’s forehead discs was slightly damaged, though the latter’s injury helps him pinpoint Leviathan’s headquarters.

They go to visit, end up in a dark tunnel, under the watchful eye of Gamemnae and then they just...leave? I know it was a recon mission, but I didn’t see a lot of exploring or information gathered. Plus why would she just let them go like that? Ancient Secret Organization just lets themselves be discovered and? It felt like it was just a way of the writers to say “they’re in National City”, but very sloppily done and inconsistent.

Another thing: Malefic is being kept prisoner, understandably in a cell that dampens his Martian powers to prevent escape. However, J’onn can sense him, feel his brother’s psychic power, and somehow enter his cell, all using his Martian powers that definitely should not work in a cell trying to keep a Martian in it.

Make sense to anyone else?

As if all of that wasn’t enough, then we reach the emotional climax of the episode.

Not going to lie, this was an episode of emotional unburdening, and both Melissa Benoist and Katie McGrath deserve a standing ovation for their acting.

After defeating Rama Khan (or at least getting him to go away so that Kara and Lena could continue their plot) Kara goes to find Lena, where lo and behold, she has Myriad in hand!

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m having a really hard time trying to understand how this entire caper was going to go down in Lena’s head.

From the beginning of the episode, we knew Lena was going to try to find a way to get a weapon to disperse her evil-but-not-really-if-you-squint mind controlling Project Non Nocere, but from her conversation with Eve/Hope, she was looking for one of Lex’s old projects, so to stumble on Myriad and decide on that rather than one of Lex’s many minuscule weapons (such as the tiny gun so he could hide under a wig) seems a bit peculiar, because in the jacket she’s in, there’s no place to hide the spiky round metal object.

And what was she planning to do then? Walk back to National City with Myriad in hand? I know she had a portal watch, but how was she going to explain it to Kara that she just up and left? Similarly, how could she have possibly known that Leviathan would come at just the moment to afford her the time to go grab it and escape with it? For a genius, that wasn’t very smart of Lena.

But nonetheless, it opens up to the waterworks and the absolute heartbreak that Lena experienced. And Kara takes it all, probably thinks she deserves it. And Lena does make a few compelling points. Now we have to wonder how it will all get resolved, in time for the Crisis.

Continuing with the emotional diatribes, J’onn and Malefic’s should come with a whiplash warning. After the latter’s bitter hatred for his brothers for eons, to all of a sudden have one mental read-through and decide “huh, my brother actually has a heart, maybe I should forgive him” seemed to get resolved way too quickly. Not that it wouldn’t be cool to have Malefic and J’onn fighting side by side, it just felt like it was wrapped up in a bow way too neatly and quickly for the vitriol that Malefic had been spewing for the past episodes. Hell, he agreed to work with Lena because he thought he would get to hurt and kill J’onn, and still had a mind to do that 5 minutes before J’onn kneeled. That’s not something you get over in one mental read, no matter how repentant J’onn might be.

But we have yet to see if maybe Malefic is doing a fake-out to get out of there because he doesn’t like the brand of crazy Lena’s drinking.

The last emotional conversation is with Alex and Kelly. Now, the distinct idea I’m getting here is that this show’s writers are either terrible at writing relationships, or they love putting their couples through the emotional ringer. And I’m not sure which one I prefer.

Of course, writing a queer romance can’t be all happiness, but it just feels like they want to shoehorn a problem into every single one of Alex’s relationships. With Maggie it was their disagreement on having a child (which BTW, for being such a powerful reason to break up an engagement over, it’s been 2 seasons and there is still no child?), and now it’s Kelly’s PTSD over losing Alex to a battle.

Now, I think Kelly’s reason is powerful and should be talked about, but I’m surprised it’s only coming up now? I’m sure Kelly was well aware of what Alex does, and she’s been in some tough scrapes lately before now, but it’s peculiar that it’s a plot point now, after Alex admits that maybe her feelings for Kelly are much deeper than she anticipated.

And while Alex’s reassurances are sweet and comforting, I can’t help but feel that Alex is in the wrong, and as a therapist, Kelly should have put the brakes on it.

For Alex to compare her own problems and trauma with her breakup with Maggie and her issues with child adoption, to Kelly losing her fiancee who died in the battlefield seems wildly disproportionate. It’s like Alex saying “I got over my sadness over my bad luck, so you can get over your PTSD some day as well, and we can do it together.”

Overall, this episode does tug at the heartstrings, but fails to hold its own in the midst of all of the converging plot points that are about to happen. Now we have to wait and see how the next episode, the last before the Crisis, manages to tie this up enough for the Super Friends to stave off the end of the world.

Supergirl returns on December 1st.

[tessatechaitea]

Suicide Squad Most Wanted: El Diablo and Amanda Waller #5

Did Amanda Waller lose weight?

I hate how everybody knows about the Suicide Squad. It renders the whole project meaningless! As soon as people see them, they're all, "Oh yeah. The United States government is up to their usual bullshit again."

Anyway, bad shit goes down, the mission goes to shit, and Amanda Waller winds up drugged and hallucinating that she's lost the entire Squad. It's really the only way any members of the Suicide Squad die anymore. Either Amanda hallucinates it or the computers she has which show their heartbeats go on the fritz so the reader goes, "Oh my god! One of them is dead! I mean, it wasn't an on-panel death and nobody in the Squad ever really dies anymore but the computer shows one did! So I totally believe it!" The Ranking! -1! Get some balls and kill somebody already, DC, or else give Task Force X a new nickname that actually describes the team. Like Cozy Vacation Killing Club.