WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for the Supergirl episode “Fallout.”


Supergirl has always been interested in exploring the politics of modern America through the lens of super heroics, and the newest season seems poised to become the most politically charged yet. With an eye towards illustrating the empathy and inclusiveness of the American dream, the second episode of the season (titled “Fallout”) explored what that concept means for Kara, and for the show going forward. During a Q&A in Los Angeles, series co-showrunner Robert Rovner expanded on the themes of the episode, and the mission statement of the season as a whole.

This episode, which opens with Supergirl breaking up a potential riot outside the White House by flying down and slamming an American flag into the ground between the two arguing factions, isn’t coy about what it’s trying to say. Neither is Rovner, who spoke about his views on the current political climate. “Our country feels divided, and I think that Supergirl as a character… has always tried to use hope as a weapon to combat hate.”

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Much of the show is informed by recent conflict within the American system, something Rovner says is purposeful. He expanded on the why the writers wanted to explore the politics of the scenario, saying, “We wanted to both try to use that platform to kind of create a dialogue about what’s happening in our nation, and how a character like Supergirl could speak to that.

“We think it’s important to examine what’s going on,” Rovner continued. “Supergirl and Superman have always spoken out about issues... What she’s really speaking about is treating everybody with kindness and accepting people... Even though some of the sides make things divisive, Supergirl is looking for a way to unite people, not divide us.”

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Both Sides

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode comes from the drama James Olsen faces. Meaning well and experiences with how the press works in the modern day, the new CatCo editor-in-chief is concerned with putting out a editorial. While it would carry a great deal of weight, James reasons that by making such a concentrated argument he risks alienating people who already disagree with them. By “seeing both sides”, he argues to new hire Nia that they could sway more hearts than an attempt galvanize, that they just have to be patient.

But the episode highlights repeatedly that sometimes, we don’t get the luxury of waiting. Multiple times in the episode, the story showcases how quickly hate and prejudice and can become self-validated. J’onn finds a rally for Agent Liberty, and watches as a crowd riles themselves up to his words. Brainy is attacked as soon as his human disguise is revealed, and the genius is taken aback by how fast things can turn. Mercy Graves enacts multiple plans throughout the episode, all in the name of attacking the “alien” population.

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It paints an engaging and difficult problem for our heroes to wrestle with as they try their best to unite a people who don’t really want to do all that uniting lately. It raises the question of what would be too much, and what isn’t doing enough. And it matters that by the end of the episode, James has changed his mind. After talking with Nina, seeing an incident of casual prejudice in the work place, and hearing a speech from Supergirl about the hope of changing the world for the better have convinced James Olsen that he can’t just try to play both sides in this debate. Just like Supergirl herself, he has to do something, and the episode ends with him writing the editorial Nina suggested.

Speaking about the editorial Olsen writes, Rovner said "I think he's very happy he's speaking the truth... his relationship with the Children of Liberty is an interesting one that kind of has it's roots in this episode, and it gets more complicated as the season goes."

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One of the defining aspects of the Superman and Supergirl mythos has always been a commitment to truth, justice and the American way. The three were once considered synonymous with one another, but we live in an era of fake news, easy hatred and people in power lying without impunity. Sometimes, people are cruel, hypocritical, fast to judgement and even faster to violence. It flies in the face of that concept, which is something the heroes of the series have to try and hold true to. It makes sense why Supergirl wants to explore Kara trying to contend with a difficult world, but trying to stay true to those hopeful ideals of truth and justice at the core of her.

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Considering how important the politics of the current world play into the events of the episode and the overarching story arc, it makes sense why this would be the through-line for the entire season. When asked if the show was continuing towards more political material, Rovner said “The whole season we’re exploring stuff that is happening in the country, and you know, how Supergirl is dealing with a divided nation and how she can try and heal it. How people can speak up and speak out… It’s woven into the entire season.”

Airing Sundays at 8 pm ET/PT on The CW, Supergirl stars Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers, David Harewood as Martian Manhunter, Mehcad Brooks as Jimmy Olsen, Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers, Nicole Maines as Nia Nal, Jesse Rath as Brainiac 5, and Katie McGrath as Lena Luthor.