Supergirl: Every character ranked from worst to best

5. J’onn J’onzz

When we first met the strict DEO director Hank Henshaw in Supergirl‘s pilot episode, none of us expected him to become one of our favorite characters. But oh how he proved us wrong.

Secretly the iconic DC Comics hero Martian Manhunter in disguise, the scene in which he revealed himself to Alex Danvers remains one of the greatest scenes in the show’s whole run. But that would only be the beginning of J’onn J’onzz’s classic moments on the show.

Winn Schott calls him “Papa Bear” for good reason. He might put on something of a tough exterior to do his job, but he loves those that he works with dearly. He’s also been involved in some of the show’s most moving storylines, from his reunion with his father M’yrnn to his vow to become a man of peace.

J’onn has been at the heart of Supergirl since the very beginning, wearing his heart on his sleeve (even if he pulled that sleeve down every once in a while at the DEO) and fighting for his loved ones. The exploration of his Martian history also enriched the show with some of its best storytelling over the years, and David Harewood’s nuanced performance brought such heart to this larger-than-life character.

We’re endlessly grateful to Supergirl for giving us the best portrayal of J’onn J’onzz yet.