The Supergirl series premiere introduced the world to a new hero — and this time, a female one.
“One of the things I love about this show is it’s a real celebration of girl power,” Calista Flockhart (Cat Grant) said over the summer. “I was attracted to this show because it’s something that moms and daughters can watch together.”
With the significance of Kara starring in her own series, we look at our top five girl power moments from the episode.
Source
Cat Grant’s ‘girl’ speech
This speech has been polarizing since it debuted in the trailer over the summer, but the simple fact is Supergirl is the character’s name in the comics (plus, Superwoman is a different character). The show had to give an in-universe reason for her to be named as such in the modern day. We think Cat’s speech is the best explanation for a couple of reasons.
First, Kara takes the time to point out that the significance of a female superhero shouldn’t be reduced. That shows that the writers behind the series are aware of the balance they are walking by bringing Supergirl into the modern era.
Second, we love that Cat is reclaiming a word that, for some, can have negative connotations (“You throw like a girl”). While some may try to use “girl” to diminish adult women, the name Supergirl associates them with strength, power, and heroics. And that’s a positive message to take forward.
Source
The costuming montage
In a scene that could be played up to sexualize Kara, the costuming montage focuses more on what will make a practical costume for a superhero. Yes, Kara first comes out in a cutoff shirt and skin tight shorts that evoke some of Kara’s skimpier looks in the comics, but that is quickly discarded for the skirt and top (and eventually cape) she’ll end up with.
Instead, the focus of this montage becomes more about what is aerodynamic (a cape!) and finding bulletproof material (not a normal cape!). It’s topped off by Kara adding her family’s coat of arms to the chest, just like her cousin wears.
Source
‘This is not your planet.’
Supergirl’s first confrontation with the episode’s alien convict of the week, Vartox, featured some overtly sexist overtones for Kara to fight. As Kara stands up proudly despite having taken a hit from Vartox, he tells her that women on his planet bow to men.
“This is not your planet,” Kara replies. And while Kara ends up on the losing end of this particular confrontation, she does eventually get the best of her sexist foe. Girl power indeed.
Source
Alex pushing Kara to victory
In a pilot that is filled with women and is more interested in their relationships than romantic entanglements, it is sisterly encouragement that pushes Kara to defeat Vartox. When Kara seems down and unable to successfully destroy Vartox’s ax, it’s Alex who is able to get Kara to dig deep and succeed.
In fact, Alex goes through her own emotional arc through the episode, as she reveals her top secret job at the DEO to Kara, which leaves Kara feeling understandably betrayed. However, Alex and Kara have a wonderful, heartfelt talk where Alex confesses feeling insecure in the shadow of her super sister. Despite those feelings, Alex wants nothing more for Kara to succeed and to become the hero she is meant to be. The history and love between these two women truly makes Kara’s victory all the sweeter.
Source*
The General’s identity
Okay, hear us out. The big reveal at the end of the episode was that The General, the one the alien convicts from Fort Rozz answer to, is a woman. And not just any woman–she is Kara’s aunt. In fact, she is Kara’s mother’s twin sister.
Women so seldom are allowed to be villains in pop culture, and so often when they are, they are the femme fatale or some sort of seductress. While those are characters worth exploring, they aren’t the only roles women can fall into. Understanding that, The General holds the respect of some pretty bad dudes, and she is fierce in doing it. We love getting to see women playing the entire spectrum of roles available, including villains.
*Okay fine, this gif comes from the “What You Can Expect This Season” trailer.
Supergirl airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on Mondays on CBS.