Supergirl Season 4 Episode 14 ‘Stand and Deliver’
Written by: Rob Wright & Jess Kardo
Directed by: Andi Armaganian
Starring: Starring: Melissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh, Katie Mcgrath, Sam Witwer, David Harewood, Jesse Wrath, Nicole Maines, April Parker Jones
Official synopsis: “When Lockwood organizes a rally, the aliens decide to peacefully protest; Brainiac and J’onn join the alien march, while Supergirl and Dreamer patrol to keep everyone safe; Hayley assigns Alex a job that clashes with her beliefs.”
As frustrating as the mid-season breaks are, they have certainly come back with a fresh lease of life. Stand and Deliver was yet another strong episode that delivered on story development and action. Last week’s episode ‘What’s so funny about truth, justice and the American way’ raised the bar for the season so far. Stand and Deliver didn’t quite elevate, but certainly maintained the momentum.
THE ELITE
Manchester Black and his super villain team The Elite are once again the main antagonists. I have been a fan of David Ajala and his portrayal of Manchester Black since he joined the show. He continues to deliver a powerful performance who controls every scene he is in. The rest of the Elite don’t excite me as much, however Menagerie is an interesting character who offers a new dynamic. I am getting slightly annoyed with the Hat’s voice. If you want an English/Asian actor then hire and English/Asian actor rather than get an American/Asian actor put on a bad British accent.
Supergirl was ever present again which is nice to see. Alex still unaware that Kara is Supergirl meaning we are seeing more and more of the Supergirl and Alex relationship. Melissa Benoist is an amazing actress who has embodied Supergirl with consistent displays of warmth and compassion. This week was another fine example of this.
POLITICS
In a political heavy episode, Ben Lockwood incites chaos as anti-alien protestors clash with pro Alien protestors. Supergirl tries her best to prevent the violence without the need for her powers. From talking to protestors on both sides and trying to find reason to trying to reason with Manchester Black and Ben Lockwood. Honestly the way she delivers her performance I would find it hard to disagree with anything she says. Fortunately for the progression of the story neither will agree with her and we are treated to some special action sequences. If it wasn’t J’onn J’onzz battling with Manchester Black it was Dreamer taking on Menagerie.
Something that was nice to see was Jimmy Olsen getting back behind the camera. Taking a break from running Catco, Jimmy goes out into the field to photograph the clashing protestors. Jimmy was more present in this episode after having very much a back seat in recent weeks. He even leads to a very intense climax to the episode.
CONCLUSION
This was the third episode in a row that didn’t disappoint. It managed to deliver on all fronts that the CW praise their shows on Heart, Humour and spectacle. Supergirl and Alex delivered some heart-warming and emotional scenes. Brainy who was slightly subdued due to losing his Legion ring last week, still gave us the comedic relief. J’onn back in full Martian Manhuntter mode in an aerial battle with Manchester Black was only part of the spectacle on show here.
The show has done a great delivering 3 great episodes in a row and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop here. Next week’s episode ‘Oh Brother where art thou’ sees the arrival of Jon Cryer’s Lex Luthor. Check out the trailer below.
