#when a couple of years ago i apologized in advance for a person i'd become after new dragon age. yeah i clearly foresaw that outcome

[mourn-and-watch]

[buddha-in-disguise]

I'm not going to review the season finale in quite the same way as I've usually written something afterwards. I'm ultra tired due to distinct lack of sleep. So it is more truncated than I'd intended. Also unedited so advance apologies if something makes no sense or is misspelled etc.

The episode was facing the challenge of not only being edited after COVID-19 shut down production, but what was intended to be the penultimate episode became the finale. So I'm trying to take that into consideration.

First part in Kara's loft. It was choppy. Don't get me wrong, I had nothing against the humour, or the scenes in general. Although they missed the glaring opportunity to place a "flew here on a bus," moment! It felt pretty disappointing they didn't recognise what has become an iconic line within the SG fandom, and made it even more iconic.

Before the bus though, back at the loft, considering that Lena had literally only just arrived at Kara's, with all that entails, it felt completely out of place for that context. Did it have been overwhelming heavy at that point? Absolutely not. But it was too close to slapstick at times for me and internally I was cringing. I admit, I'm not sure where they could've put it in, but perhaps if they'd just lowered it a fraction, made it a little more subtle a couple of times, it would've helped for me.

Some of the dialogue (especially early on) was also all over the place for me. It did get better as the episode wore on, but I wonder how much was the need to redo parts of the episode because of COVID-19? Unless they think to put an episode as intended in a future season DVD (perhaps S6 DVD), or someone gives us full details via an interview we will probably never know.

Which brought me to one piece of dialogue that I wish they'd not put in at all!

In 5.18, as I've spoken about a lot on Twitter especially, the way Lex screams into Lena's face, and Lena's flinch, and how that had been me 20 odd years ago. They then had the line as Lena talks to Kara; "Go ahead. Scream at me if you have to, I know I deserve it."

I know for many, they'd just see it as a line to use, but .... for many of us who have suffered abuse, who recognised (& in some instances were triggered) by last weeks episode, to not have acknowledged why that line was so problematic is worrying. It heavily suggests they're not going to address Lena's trauma and abuse because they really don't understand it (& again, if anyone believes she didn't suffer trauma and abuse, but accept others in SG do, go away with your bias from my page), but considering they haven't addressed much of Kara's trauma, particularly watching Argo destroyed again, being stuck for months during Crisis like they were, etc - then I guess it isn't a surprise.

But it is uncomfortable as hell to watch a line like that glossed over.

Overall though, I did enjoy the episode. Once that 1st half was over, especially (baring a few moments, including watching Alex do her badass Mission Impossible meet Cirque du Soleil moment because that was awesome) it felt much more like SG of previous seasons. So that was great.

Watching Lena as she watched Alex and Kara hug behind her was so emotional. Watching siblings love unconditionally. Something she thought she had with Lex, only to realise he hadn't changed at all. Lena didn't need to say anything, as once again Katie's acting brought all the emotion Lena was feeling to the fore.

Having Lena and Alex mirror they choice of words in regards Kara was pretty iconic. Then having Alex whisper, "Jinx." really made it work.

Seeing Dreamer in her element, including some great lines again. "I can't believe you left to fight Earth, Wind & Fire without us." "Guess they didn't take the bait? Maybe you should've been meaner?" As they begin the fight with J'onn, M'gann Alex and Dreamer - Alex to Dreamer: "You ready?" Dreamer. "Nope." Alex. "Me neither." Dreamer at her best imo.

Kelly going all, damn my girlfriend is hot & I want sex right now despite the circumstances was pretty cute and funny.

The Kara and Lena monologues being in unison. Now that was pretty amazing and one of the best parts of the whole episode imo.. But again, you feel as if they're matching Lena and Kara together with those scenes as a couple.

Lena not only protecting Kara, but stopped Andrea from going down a dark path as Acrata. Was also great.

Last frame of Lillian. Does it turn out she is the head of Leviathan? Because again they laid out more than once the leader was a woman. It has been noted several times now in different episodes. I was hoping Lena's biological mother, considering she knew of the legend of Acrata, but it is now looking more likely this reincarnation of Lillian is who it is, unless it is a character we've not been introduced to, but I highly doubt that.

The 2nd half of the episode was what we missed so much this season. In fact aspects throughout the episode were missing for too much this season.

This includes the women being the focal point of it. Brainy though absolutely rightly taking a strong subplot to what else was going on. J'onn ably supported by M'gann. M'gann who managed to advise Nia on embracing her dreams and not trying to avoid part of them. Dansen actually working together and both being badass in their own way (after all, this is something I've advocated for much of the season, & while fantastic to see, it never should've taken this long. Now where have we heard that before?)

But we still have glaring unanswered questions that I can't imagine would've been answered in 5.20.

Every indication since 5.17 is Kelly knows Kara is Supergirl. Yet we don't know for certain, because they've failed to show us how or when. I've said before, considering every other person who knows Kara is Supergirl, we had them tripping over themselves to explain to the audience how it happened. I'm pretty annoyed that we as the audience don't get given the same courtesy with Kelly. This is why so many of us feel short changed on some characters this season. The really aggravating thing is would only take a few lines to clear it up!

Now onto Alex. This ties in with J'onn. Where are they getting the money to survive? Did J'onn manage to accumulate enough over all the years he was on Earth to finance everything & pay Alex a wage? No clue.

Also, are Kelly & Alex living together? Or do they have keys to each others apartments? Yes, Kelly was at Alex's in 5.17 so the answer is pretty much yes, but nothing has been said! We knew more about Brainy & Nia's living arrangements from 5a than we do Kelly & Alex.

Kara's trauma. Lena's abuse & trauma. See above.

Lastly, the one most I know want (except a few vocally against), leaning towards Supercorp becoming canon. Again for another season, we end up with the, 'Maybe they'll do it next season.' being said. Particularly as in 5a they really went all out on Supercorp parallels to Clois and at times Dansen, plus even a little on Brainia. But unless something pretty fundamental changes behind the scenes, they're going to recognise what their biggest draw is, keep baiting but never fully go into it. And that is what I fear the most. When you've got media, even non-Supergirl fans saying it, but the show refusing to acknowledge it - that could be their legacy, and it will not look good or have a lot of fans look back kindly on them for it.

The 4 seasons it took for Lena to find out Kara was Supergirl was, in the end, terribly executed. This waxing and waning as well of; is Lena good or bad? Will she follow in the Luthor footsteps?

She is flawed. She's made some pretty awful mistakes. But now they're said she is good. She isn't evil or a villain. So now that line they've drawn needs to stay there! No more ambiguity on her character being a villain.

But you know what's not good? Feeling you can't trust the show to draw a line under that aspect of the character. That doesn't mean you have to have any one of them not be flawed, or to even cross some lines (they've all done it at some point, some moreso than others, but not one character is innocent).

When the show is now generating that level of mistrust on how they could handle future events, that is a problem.

Season 5 overall (particularly 5b) was absolutely horrendously bad. It had some moments of sheer brilliance (either individual scenes, or some episodes), but the rest was just flat out awful. Irrelevant. Messy. No cohesion. 5b became too much of the Lex Luthor show. Certain character additions were vastly unpopular and definitely caused down turns in viewer numbers (& again, from far more than a section of fandom). As did keeping Lena away from everyone for so long.

To sum up. Season 5 was a disaster.

Season 6 needs to have considerably different direction to even try & pull back some viewers (if they can at all). Distrust is rife.

The worst is no-one in the cast deserved this, especially as they're so talented. Some of the performances, even with how poor much of the season was, have been magnificent. But as the saying goes, you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

I've never been so relieved a season is finally over. We'll watch our favourite episodes for sure, of which there aren't many, but a full rewatch of the season we normally do will not be happening. Some episodes were better off consigned to the trash.

[silverbulletsama]

I'm desperate Nicole. When I found out my grandma and grandpa used to have cancer, then my mama's cancer and now papa's it too, I start to believe that if one day we're able to know exactly what gene fault cause cancer, ppl carrying it shouldn't procreate. I'd fight anyone says it's their right or inhumane. No they don't understand or never will till their loved one diagnosed with cancer. I call them selfish if they know their kids have high risk of inherit fault gene and still they wanna "try"

It’s very difficult for me to answer this question because this is such a sensitive topic and I worry I might upset anyone without meaning to. So I will go ahead and apologize in advance if something I say here upsets anyone: I really do not mean it.

I am also very sorry that you have to go through such a cruel experience. Losing members of your family or watching them suffer while you sit around, unable to do anything is the cruelest thing anyone can go through... and I have personally been through this and it left me with scars that will never, ever heal. This is why I relate to your feelings and I send you the biggest virtual hug out there, in hope that it will, even if slightly, help you feel better... just a little bit. Please know that you are not alone and if you ever feel like you want to talk off-anon, I am more than happy to listen.

That being said, and jumping to your main ask... please know and be sure that no one would ever want their children to witness such a horrible experience. There are many parents who are selfish, yes indeed... but when it comes to Cancer... things are different.

Cancer is a genetic disease. This does not mean that Cancer is hereditary. It means that Cancer is caused by a dysfunction in genes. Cancer may be hereditary in some minor cases (aka transmitted in the family), but in 90% of the cases it is not. 

The problem with Cancer is that... it is inevitable. Research estimates that everyone would eventually get Cancer if they live long enough... but often, people die of other causes much sooner.

Since Cancer is a dysfunction in genes, it is due to mutations that affect multiple genes at the same time. Because those genes are very sensitive, when you mutate them, they stop regulating the cell division in the body, which leads to more mutations going un-repaired, and cancer eventually becomes worse. This is why Cancer is inevitable... it is also why Cancer is a very complicated genetic disease.

Please note that when we say a Cancer is hereditary it can mean two things:-The same Cancer is in the family aka some/all members will eventually have it depending on which genes are involved.-The mutated genes are available in the DNA of the family in one copies. Aka the family doesnt have Cancer but it is highly susceptible to developing Cancer.

Sadly, not until few years ago did Science manage to track down the genes involved in Cancer and figure out the pathways that get messed up. This is why... it is sadly too late for the people of earlier generations. Nonetheless, today, it is easier for families, through genetic counselling, to know if they are susceptible to Cancer and to what extent. It is now easier for them to know beforehand what they are committing themselves to. 

If the same Cancer runs in the family, or if the family is susceptible to Cancer, preventive measurements should be taken before attempting to procure. Of course Science still needs a long way to make this possible.

I don’t want to start an ethical debate about this issue, but from my understanding, people who interbreed (aka marry close relatives) are often subjected to genetic tests to determine if their offspring will get any diseases. This often, in my country at least, decides whether the marriage should occur or not. It’s mostly for blood diseases such as sickle cell disease. However, if the couple realize that there is no way that their children will be born healthy, they are often separated and do not get marry to spare their children the disease.

Since Cancer is highly unpredictable, there is no guarantee that healthy individuals won’t get offspring with the disease. Nonetheless, genetic testing is now able to determine if the children have a high risk of developing Cancer if the parents are susceptible or if a Cancer runs in the family.

Most of the time, ignorance and poverty block the way. Every time a new development in the genetic field arises, it brings about a huge ethical and social debate about the accessibility of the population to the invented methods. Genetic counseling is too expensive. Most of the population can’t seek it. Only the rich can and those are the minority. Since governments still haven’t realized the importance of the field and did not support it financially to make it accessible for everyone, for free... there are hundreds of children born every year with diseases and defects that could have been prevented had the parents sought genetic counselling. I can’t blame the parents much. I follow the party that blames the Governments in that debate.

With the rise of CRISPR as a genetic tool that can alter the genome - and its ability to, one day, cure the diseases that the newly-born children might suffer, by just editing their DNA when they are in the womb, new opportunities arise. This is, however, still unethical at this point. Nonetheless, even if, decades from now, this becomes possible, I highly doubt it that it would help prevent Cancer much. This disease is so complicated that preventing it at birth will not be enough to fend it off forever... sadly, without a way to reverse the mutation effects (that keep building up), there is no way to stop it.

I understand your frustration. Please know that millions of people around the globe share it. You are not alone. I know it’s difficult, but please remember that at the time you were born, and at the time your parents were born... they had no way of knowing... I know this is not enough to give you closure...but please understand that this decision is within a huge ethical, social, and economic debate that... unfortunately, won’t be resolved any soon.