From the beginning, Supergirl has been known as a socially conscious series willing to incorporate real-life politics into its main plot. Though it moved away from this a bit once acquired by The CW, the show has amped up the social commentary in its sixth and final season. Princess Nyxlygsptlnz, a magical Imp from the 5th Dimension serving as the main antagonist for the second half of Season 6, is an example of this mixing of social commentary with fantastical stories.
Once part of the royal family of the 5th Dimension, Nyxly was banished by her father, the Mad King Brpxz, after attempting a coup with her brother. What started as an attempt to rid the kingdom of an evil tyrant ended with Nyxly forced into the Phantom Zone and her brother adored by their father for his ferocity. Nyxly's vendetta spawns as a result of the patriarchy she was raised in. The writers do an excellent job drawing attention to the problems with a patriarchy and how it hurts women.
The treatment of Nyxly's brother following the coup is a perfect example of male privilege. Nyxly was punished for what her father likely saw as her not "staying in her place," while he was proud of his son for taking the initiative in trying to become king. Although her methods of taking revenge on anyone and everyone isn't the correct response, Nyxly has every right to be angry with her father's unequal treatment of his male and female children.
This focus on inequality within patriarchies goes with the overall theme of Supergirl tackling societal issues instead of focusing on taking one bad guy down at a time. Nyxly is a threat that the Superfriends will have to stop, but she is only a symptom of a larger problem. Societal inequality created Nyxly and will continue to create more Nyxlys if inequality like the patriarchy isn't fixed. Season 6 touched on this earlier with its focus on ex-convicts trying to restart their lives. Episode 10, "Still I Rise," Supergirl helps the recently released Orlando Davis secure a home by convincing the city counsel to not sell an apartment building reserved for low income housing.
Tackling major societal issues is one way Supergirl has brought the story of super heroics into the modern age. In a world dealing with the inequalities of society, people are looking to heroes that stand up for something other than beating up bad guys. Among the heroes of today, Supergirl has succeeded in being a role model willing to take on real issues everyday people deal with.
Nyxly's journey explores the complexities of society by presenting a complicated character with a jaded past continuing the cycle of pain by inflicting harm on others. Nyxly is fully at fault for her actions, but the circumstances that led up to her imprisonment are a result of an unfair system and the harm caused by her father's beliefs. Society's failure in treating Nyxly and her brother equally is something many women can unfortunately relate to, making it an important message that shows after Supergirl will have to explore.