“Reality Bytes”
Written by: Dana Horgan & Jay Faerber
Directed by: Armen V. Kevorkian

Starring: Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, Katie Mcgrath, David Harewood, Jesse Wrath, Nicole Maines, Jon Cryer, Azie Tesfai, Staz Nair, Julie Gonzalo

Synopsis: Nia’s roommate is attacked by a man targeting Dreamer; Dreamer refuses to give into the man’s threats and puts herself in the line of fire to stop him; Alex, J’onn and Kelly attempt to rescue a man stuck inside a virtual reality escape room”

This week’s episode had a strong message against hatred and prejudice and it delivered it incredibly well. Nia Nal is a transgender superhero, the first oncreen which is a big deal for the LGBTQ community. Even more powerful is the fact that the actress Nicole Maines is a transgender actress, again the first on screen. A story obviously close to her heart which plays into an incredible performance, arguably her best to date and the best Dreamer centric episode. 

reality bytes

THE POWER TO CHANGE

The internet has created a world of anonymity which allows people to spread hatred without any repercussions. If you had the powers to do something about this, what would you do? How far would you go? These are the challenges Dreamer faces this week. 

Nicole Maines gives an emotionally charged performance this week which sucks you into the story and really makes you think about the hardships and challenges people from the LGBTQ community go through on a daily basis. A special mention to Nia’s flatmate Yvette played by another trans actress Roxy Wood. Yvette is very much a larger than life character who loves to party but Roxy shifts her performance half way through the episode showing incredible range. To go from a party animal in one moment to a broken down emotional wreck in the next is a talent not to be ignored. Yvette has a tough time this week but I hope it’s not the last we see of her.

CONCLUSION

Supergirl, Alex, J’onn and Brainy all played supporting roles this week. They fuelled the different stories but didn’t steal the limelight which was firmly placed on Nia and her story. I thoroughly enjoyed this week’s episode which was a break from the main storylines of the season. The benefit to side stories like this means next week when we return to chasing down Leviathan and keeping an eye on Lex will feel fresher.