Supergirl: Every character ranked from worst to best

Supergirl -- “Kara” -- Image Number: SPG620a_0310r -- Pictured (L-R): Chris Wood as Mon-El, Melissa Benoist as Supergirl, Azie Tesfai as Guardian, Chyler Leigh as Sentinal and David Harewood as J'onn J'onzz -- Photo: Colin Bentley/The CW -- © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved. /

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13. Lex Luthor

It’s crazy to think that it once felt like Supergirl would never introduce Lex Luthor to the show. He’s Superman’s archenemy and one of the most infamous DC Comics characters of all time; you would have been forgiven for thinking he was on the list of characters the Arrowverse was forbidden from using. But somehow, someway, it happened.

Jon Cryer brought him to life, showing up in the show’s fourth season for a three-episode arc. All it took was one scene to know that it was casting genius. Lex Luthor is a madman, but he’s also oddly eccentric. He’s intimidating but also gimmicky. Cryer nailed all of this with ease, with his larger-than-life performance as Lex instantly solidifying him as one of the best actors to ever portray him.

The show’s use of the character varied. He was incredible in season 4, but Supergirl‘s overreliance on Lex did dilute him a little in seasons 5 and 6. But Cryer’s commitment to the role made him a constant delight nonetheless. He was whimsical and unhinged at the same time, and that right there highlights how both he and the show nailed Lex’s characterization.

When we think of the best Lex Luthors, Jon Cryer’s outing will be very high on that list.

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