Supergirl's Martian Manhunter Becomes a Private Investigator

CBR

Supergirl: Martian Manhunter Takes on a Role Directly From the Comics

By Meagan Damore

Published Jan 21, 2019

In the latest episode of Supergirl, J'onn J'onzz established his post-DEO career.

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for "Suspicious Minds," the mid-season premiere of Supergirl Season 4.

It's official: J'onn J'onzz is now a private eye. In "Suspicious Minds," the mid-season premiere of Supergirl Season 4, J'onn opened his own practice and is ready for business.

Though he didn't take on any real cases in this episode, J'onn did do a favor for Brainiac-5 by agreeing to help Supergirl. The episode also explored a new set: his office. Seeing as J'onn now has his own dedicated set, it's safe to assume he'll be using his office much more in the episodes to come.

"He becomes the guy who, if people can't go to the police, people go to him for help," J'onn actor David Harewood explained during a set visit attended by CBR. "I'm very excited about that because it gives me purpose and a way to solve, a way to help, and a way to investigate... This is what gives me purpose and allows me to use all of the tricks in my back to solve crimes and help people and that's essentially what J'onn has always wanted to do."

"I just love playing this character. I think he's one of the strongest characters in the universe but he doesn't care to use all of his powers," he continued. "He doesn't always wear a cape, he doesn't always wear his superhero outfit and I love that. I love the fact that he just wants to be -- he loves human beings, he loves human nature and love to be amongst people, and observe people, and help people and I think that's really honorable, and he's very humble as well. I love playing that. I love that he's finally worked out a way of helping and of assistance and that will be as a proud detective which is just awesome. I'm very excited."

In the comics, J'onn was a private investigator in the fictional town of Middletown. After he was stranded on Earth, he assumed a human face and the name "John Jones" -- an Anglicization of his Martian name -- and found a new life as a police detective. He also rocked a fedora much like the one he put on at the end of "Paradise Lost," which aired back in November. This moment suggested he would assume a similar role on the series, which came to fruition in "Suspicious Minds."

Airing Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW, Supergirl stars Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers, David Harewood as Martian Manhunter, Mehcad Brooks as Jimmy Olsen and Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers.