Supergirl season 4, episode 14 review: Stand and Deliver

Supergirl is between a rock and a hard place with Ben Lockwood’s rise and the emergence of Manchester Black and the Elite.

Manchester Black (David Ajala) escaped from Kara Danvers/ Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) with his own rogue team, the Elite. While these erstwhile friends were battling it out, Ben Lockwood/ Agent Liberty (Sam Witwer) was given the opportunity of a lifetime by President Baker – he was made the new Director of the Bureau of Alien Affairs! In this week’s episode of Supergirl, tensions between humans and aliens reaches a new high after Lockwood makes a shocking announcement to the American public.

Knowing that the Elite will seek revenge upon Lockwood, Supergirl, J’onn J’onnz (David Harewood), and Dreamer/ Nia Nal (Nicole Maines) try to take the fight to them, using Dreamer’s powers. But time is running out – Lockwood has proposed a rally, and the Elite must be defeated to ensure the people’s safety.

Supergirl — “Stand and Deliver” — Image Number: SPG414A_0306b.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers and Sam Witwer as Ben Lockwood/Agent Liberty — Photo: Jeff Weddell/The CW — © 2019 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Alex Danvers Has a Crisis of Conscience

Alex Danvers (Chyler Leigh) gave up her memory of Supergirl’s true identity to protect her sister. While that should have hampered her character growth in the latter half of this season, she continues to be a compelling character facing and besting many a crisis.

In this episode of Supergirl, Alex is given an unpalatable task – protect the life of a person she hates. The writers humanize the story of aliens and superheroes once again by making the analogy of Alex’s situation akin to that of any working person. You’ve got a job, and you have to do it, sometimes irrespective of your own principles. Alex doesn’t take it lying down, but she also sees the bigger picture – that her actions will eventually help people. As Kara aptly tells her, she’s a hero and has to make the tough decisions that come with that title.

Nia Nal – the Reporter, the Dreamer, the Sidekick

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Nia Nal’s character arc could have easily become one-dimensional, but she’s a vibrant and endearing person who grows more likeable with each episode. Ever since Nia embraced her full potential as Dreamer, she has been adamant to become the best superhero possible.

This doesn’t mean she can’t be fun or funny, however. It’s amazing how often we see young male characters spout pop culture references and academic knowledge of superhero life (think Peter Parker in the MCU); finally, that character trait is extended to a female character. Nia is hilarious in this episode, embodying the average person’s reaction to everything she encounters. She’s such a realistic audience stand-in, and it helps that Nia is played with exuberance and enthusiasm by Nicole Maines. Here’s hoping Nia sticks around for the next season of Supergirl as well.

Supergirl — “Stand and Deliver” — Image Number: SPG414B_0297b.jpg — Pictured (L-R): David Harewood as Hank Henshaw/JÕonn JÕonzz and Melissa Benoist as Kara/Supergirl — Photo: Jeff Weddell/The CW — © 2019 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

J’onn J’onzz versus Manchester Black

J’onn and Manchester have had a unique connection this season. They came together to save and then mourn their mutual friend, Fiona. Ever since then, J’onn and Manchester’s paths and ideologies couldn’t have differed more.

The show has been eking out the confrontations between the two characters, and every time, Manchester has bested J’onn, leaving the Martian Manhunter to question his newfound principles. As Manchester continues to become more resourceful and conniving, one wonders if he has finally broken J’onn’s resolve. And does that mean Manchester has already won?

Super Sentiments

• Is James Olsen (Mehcad Brooks) ever going to confront the truth about Lena Luthor’s (Katie McGrath) suspect financial records? He appears to have been convinced that everything she’s doing is above board, but he can’t allow the wool to be pulled over his eyes forever.
• Seeing James back in photographer mode was a highlight of this episode. It went back to his comic book origins and showcased how sometimes, the heroes of the day are the ones on the sidelines championing the positive side of humanity.
• At a time when journalistic integrity is being questioned everyday, this episode of Supergirl blatantly extols the power of the press. This show knows no bounds in its bold attempt to reflect the struggles of the real world.
• Something has been bothering Lena for several episodes. And with her brother’s imminent arrival, it will be great to see how her arc comes to fruition.

As we wait for Lex Luthor’s arrival in the next episode of Supergirl, there are still plenty of plot threads to resolve, especially after the denouement in this episode. What does it mean, and how will it affect our heroes?