“Deux Lex Machina”

Story by : Lindsay Sturman Teleplay by : Katie Rose Rogers & Brooke Pohl

Directed by: Melissa Benoist

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

Synopsis “Lex proceeds to lay an intricate plan to bring Lena closer to him, defeat Leviathan’s latest attack, and pit Supergirl against Leviathan. Meanwhile, how Lex came into power after Crisis is revealed.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic it seems like a lifetime since the last episode. If the six week break taught me one thing its how much I missed Lex Luthor (Jon Cryer). Melissa Benoist achieved her directorial debut with this episode in a heavy Lex Luthor focused story.

SUPERGIRL BEHIND THE LENS

As would expect with Melissa stepping behind the camera, Supergirl played a small part in Deux Lex Machina. A Supergirl episode with very little Supergirl would normally frustrate me. However, not when it allows Jon Cryer to step forward and steal the show.

I was a little concerned early in the episode as we are given a series of flash backs with previously seen footage. As the episode progressed and we move towards current day the new content started to shine. Unsure if the bulking of this episode with stock footage was due to COVID-19 and a reduced amount of production time or if this was a creative decision? Either way Melissa seems to done a good job in steering the Supergirl ship in the right direction. The episode didn’t feel different which is a compliment to our leading lady who has watched this show being made for 5 years now, but from in front of the camera. To be able to step back and retain the same levels of heart and passion is a credit to the multi talented Melissa Benoist.

deux lex machina

THE PLOT THICKENS

This episode is all about Lex and I found the script and story to be brilliant. A post crisis world where Lex Luthor is a hero doesn’t sound right but Deux Lex Machina does a very clever job in unraveling the different layers to Lex’s plan. There is an ongoing sequence throughtout the episode as Lex is playing chess. I found this to be a deliberate metafore to how Lex has been using people like pawns in his National City sized chess board.

One of Lex’s most important pieces on the board has been Eve Tessmacher (Andrea Brooks). Having floated in and out this season Eve was front and centre this week and Lex’s queen. Her character had some great scenes with Lex with some real emotional ups and downs. For this Andrea Brooks deserves praise for a wonderful performance showing incredible range. I hope to see more of the Lex and Eve dynamic in future episodes.

deux lex machina