Supergirl Season 4 Episode 19 ‘American Dreamer’

Story by: Dana Horgan Written by: Daniel Beaty & Jess Kardos

Directed by: David Harewood

Staring: Starring: Starring: Melissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh, Katie Mcgrath, Sam Witwer, David Harewood, Jesse Wrath, Nicole Maines, April Parker Jones

Official synopsis “Kara doggedly works as a reporter to clear Supergirl’s name; Dreamer picks up the slack as National City’s protector, which leads to a showdown with Ben Lockwood; James takes drastic measures to relieve his PTSD.”

A true detective masterpiece this week on Supergirl. Who better to have brought this episode to life, than the Martian Manhunter himself David Harewood. As far as directorial debuts go, David should feel very proud of what he achieved. Credit is due to the writing team who wrote a very deep and emotional story. The true beauty of this story though was how the different story arcs entwined with each other and the conflicts they cause.

AMERICAN WOMAN

As the episode title suggests, Nia Nal AKA Dreamer (Nicole Maines) was the main focus this week. With the children of liberty on the rampage for aliens following their deputisation last week by the president, Dreamer is leading the fight alone to protect alien refugees. We get to see Dreamer using her powers like never before. She has been working with Brainy and learnt to manage and manipulate her abilities as a weapon.

As dreamer clashes with the children of liberty over and over one particular scene really stood out. A delightful action sequence in Al’s bar, brilliantly accompanied by Lenny Kravitz American Woman over the top was a genuine joy to watch.

SUPER JAMES

Still struggling with the Haren-el in his system, James Olsen (Mehcad Brooks) needs all his friends and family to help understand whats happening to his body. As we learn more about James’s deep seeded, emotional issues, we further develop the relationship between him and his sister. This is something that will play a larger role next season i’m sure with Kelly (Azie Tesfai) being added as a series regular.

It is this journey that releases more of James powers. Super strength, Super hearing and vision are making James more and more like his best friend Superman. Will James return as a superpowered Guardian next season? Will he become a new Superman? Or will these powers be too much for him and send him down a dark path? Im hopeful for some good James Olsen stories in season 5 after taking a back seat for large parts of season 4.

Supergirl

CASTING SUCCESS

With Nia Nal taking the limelight this week it stood out how good an appointment Nicole Mianes was to the role. As a trans actress playing a trans character there was the risk for this to be seen as just a statement of inclusion. Maines has proved any doubters wrong with performances that seem to be getting stronger and stronger. This weeks episode cementing her place on the show as a character who can stand side by side with Supergirl.

This made me realise how strong the casting has been this season. David Ayala was a brilliant Manchester Black. He maybe came to an untimely death, but it would be good to see him back on the show somehow. Sam Witwer, who I will be the first to admit did not win me over straight away as Agent Liberty. As Ben Lockwood, especially since his release from prison though, he has turned that around. He has become a fantastic addition to the show and starting to deliver some real menacing performances. Last but by no means least Jon Cryer’s appointment as Lex Luthor. Not many people greeted this with open arms, but following two incredibly strong performances he received nothing but praise. His return to the screen is the most eagerly anticipated element to the final few episodes this season.