Supergirl: Mr. and Mrs. Mxyzptlk
February 22, 2017 12:46 PM - Season 2, Episode 13 - Subscribe
An intergalactic stalker shows up and demands Kara's hand in marriage. Meanwhile, Alex, Maggie, J'onn, and Winn all have feelings about Valentine's Day. James is absent.
AV Club recap
IGN recap/review
The episode scored 2.24 million viewers and a 0.7/3 for the live ratings.
AV Club recap
IGN recap/review
The episode scored 2.24 million viewers and a 0.7/3 for the live ratings.
I feel like this had higher production values than usual and it was TOTALLY worth it. Totally, totally worth it. The Hamilton bit made me belly laugh, and that's a first for Supergirl.
i'm so happy kara got to be awesome
notes from tumblr:
"What a downgrade from 'Kara Danvers you are my hero' to 'You are my kryptonite'
Kara deserves better than this shit"
like, i just cannot believe that they're setting up Mon-el and Kara long-term. I'm actually starting to enjoy their scenes together, like they're finally developing chemistry. But like. It's not a coincidence that they have a creepy stalker romance in the same episode where Mon-el and Kara level up their relationship.
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 1:19 PM on February 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
i'm so happy kara got to be awesome
notes from tumblr:
"What a downgrade from 'Kara Danvers you are my hero' to 'You are my kryptonite'
Kara deserves better than this shit"
like, i just cannot believe that they're setting up Mon-el and Kara long-term. I'm actually starting to enjoy their scenes together, like they're finally developing chemistry. But like. It's not a coincidence that they have a creepy stalker romance in the same episode where Mon-el and Kara level up their relationship.
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 1:19 PM on February 22, 2017 [1 favorite]
Hm. Didn't like this one much.
Stuff:
* I think Mxy's supposed to be funny, but no dice.
The whole 'omnipotent stalker' thing was more disturbing than whatever they were going for for me, (unless that was their intention). I really prefer the iteration of Mxy that just wants to make trouble. The only part of it I liked was Kara's resolution to the problem - getting rid of Mon-El and tricking Mxy into typing the code in felt like an appropriate win. I always likes it when she talks or thinks her way out of a problem over punching.
* Mon-El is a jerk, and the relationship is a misstep.
Irritating as the James/Kara/Lucy stuff was last season, watching Mon-El be a big dumb lunkhead is definitely worse. I maintain that the show would be better if Supergirl weren't romantically involved with anyone. I'd rather she were busy saving the day and forming her own Justice League. (Or, if they *must* pair her off, definitely Lena Luthor over Mon-El. Way more chemistry there, at the very least.)
* I was a little disappointed by the Maggie/Alex drama, but they pulled it through.
That all felt like manufactured drama to me - Alex should've just talked to Maggie to start, and I didn't really like Kara's advice about 'have you ever considered just changing.' The ending was all right though, and I feel like it's a fairly minor misstep in an otherwise generally good relationship.
* Winn and Lyra was pretty good.
This was probably the only romance subplot that worked for me in the whole thing, although it's distracting just how much Lyra looks like she accidentally wandered in from a Buffy the Vampire Slayer rerun.
So... yeah. CW DC shows are bad at relationship stuff, and while this wasn't the sort of horrorshow The Flash has become in that regard, I still mostly wish they'd stick to comic book antics. They're better at them.
posted by mordax at 1:20 PM on February 22, 2017
Stuff:
* I think Mxy's supposed to be funny, but no dice.
The whole 'omnipotent stalker' thing was more disturbing than whatever they were going for for me, (unless that was their intention). I really prefer the iteration of Mxy that just wants to make trouble. The only part of it I liked was Kara's resolution to the problem - getting rid of Mon-El and tricking Mxy into typing the code in felt like an appropriate win. I always likes it when she talks or thinks her way out of a problem over punching.
* Mon-El is a jerk, and the relationship is a misstep.
Irritating as the James/Kara/Lucy stuff was last season, watching Mon-El be a big dumb lunkhead is definitely worse. I maintain that the show would be better if Supergirl weren't romantically involved with anyone. I'd rather she were busy saving the day and forming her own Justice League. (Or, if they *must* pair her off, definitely Lena Luthor over Mon-El. Way more chemistry there, at the very least.)
* I was a little disappointed by the Maggie/Alex drama, but they pulled it through.
That all felt like manufactured drama to me - Alex should've just talked to Maggie to start, and I didn't really like Kara's advice about 'have you ever considered just changing.' The ending was all right though, and I feel like it's a fairly minor misstep in an otherwise generally good relationship.
* Winn and Lyra was pretty good.
This was probably the only romance subplot that worked for me in the whole thing, although it's distracting just how much Lyra looks like she accidentally wandered in from a Buffy the Vampire Slayer rerun.
So... yeah. CW DC shows are bad at relationship stuff, and while this wasn't the sort of horrorshow The Flash has become in that regard, I still mostly wish they'd stick to comic book antics. They're better at them.
posted by mordax at 1:20 PM on February 22, 2017
I have openly admitted in the past that I kind of like Mon-El. Can I take it back? Such conflicting feelings about this episode. As much as I am over the forced Karamel romance, MixMySpitandLick was even more annoying than moody, mopey, dudebro jerkoff Mon-El. Kara, honey, James is still available, think about it.....
The Winn and Lyra scenes were unnecessary and uninteresting. Wish they had given that 5 minutes to Alex and Maggie. Or 5 minutes of Winn interacting with somebody already on the show. Do we need another character? No, we really don't. And as much as I found Cat Grant to be overbearing and unsympathetic, what I wouldn't give right now to hear her school Kara on How to Properly Choose a Romantic Partner Who Is Worthy of Your Love and Avoid Wasting Time With Self-Centered Jerks.
posted by pjsky at 2:43 PM on February 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
The Winn and Lyra scenes were unnecessary and uninteresting. Wish they had given that 5 minutes to Alex and Maggie. Or 5 minutes of Winn interacting with somebody already on the show. Do we need another character? No, we really don't. And as much as I found Cat Grant to be overbearing and unsympathetic, what I wouldn't give right now to hear her school Kara on How to Properly Choose a Romantic Partner Who Is Worthy of Your Love and Avoid Wasting Time With Self-Centered Jerks.
posted by pjsky at 2:43 PM on February 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
This show has lost its oomph or something this season. Last episode I literally fell asleep while watching, and this one just bored me to tears.
It has really developed CWitis hasn't it? Let's cast a young, attractive type in the role of a teeny tiny grey-haired imp. Sure. Let's make all the plots revolve around young luuuv. Fine. Whatever.
It's not even that I have too much of a problem with Mon-El. He's fine in the TV-boyfriend scheme of things. I like Maggie, even though I thought she was awful this episode. Somehow all of the characters are just annoying in some way, even Kara who is giving off a kind of smug vibe.
I'm holding out hope that the musical crossover will bring this back to life, although I'm not willing to bet a single penny that will actually happen.
posted by sardonyx at 2:53 PM on February 22, 2017
It has really developed CWitis hasn't it? Let's cast a young, attractive type in the role of a teeny tiny grey-haired imp. Sure. Let's make all the plots revolve around young luuuv. Fine. Whatever.
It's not even that I have too much of a problem with Mon-El. He's fine in the TV-boyfriend scheme of things. I like Maggie, even though I thought she was awful this episode. Somehow all of the characters are just annoying in some way, even Kara who is giving off a kind of smug vibe.
I'm holding out hope that the musical crossover will bring this back to life, although I'm not willing to bet a single penny that will actually happen.
posted by sardonyx at 2:53 PM on February 22, 2017
What a miscalculation by the writers. Mon El's jealousy freakout was so alarming that I was sure they were going to use it as a reason for Kara not to get further into a relationship with him. They could have had Mon El working to reveal Mxyzptlk as the trickster he is without turning him into a jealous rage-machine. I was not on board with the relationship to begin with, now it's even worse.
When they were in their Hamilton costumes (they really half-assed that Hamilton gag too, btw) it occurred to me that Mxyzptlk could be Trelaine from Star Trek.
I think Winn is being played.
Maggie and Alex is the only relationship in this show that holds my interest. It seems like the show is sliding into the Berlanti Slump that hits (no later than) Season 2 of his shows. It's as though they have the attitude that hey, it's only a comic book, why bother? It's mildly insulting to viewers who realize that genre shows and good writing are not inherently mutually exclusive.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 3:14 PM on February 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
When they were in their Hamilton costumes (they really half-assed that Hamilton gag too, btw) it occurred to me that Mxyzptlk could be Trelaine from Star Trek.
I think Winn is being played.
Maggie and Alex is the only relationship in this show that holds my interest. It seems like the show is sliding into the Berlanti Slump that hits (no later than) Season 2 of his shows. It's as though they have the attitude that hey, it's only a comic book, why bother? It's mildly insulting to viewers who realize that genre shows and good writing are not inherently mutually exclusive.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 3:14 PM on February 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
The actress who plays Lyra also played Danaerys Targaryen in the original (unaired) pilot for Game of Thrones.
I know other people had issues with Mon-El's jealousy. I did too, but even more so I had issues with how much during the episode Kara reacted in heteronormative female ways toward a partner she didn't want (Mixy). Trying to give him the subtle brush off etc. etc. I felt she was not forceful enough.
posted by rednikki at 8:45 PM on February 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
I know other people had issues with Mon-El's jealousy. I did too, but even more so I had issues with how much during the episode Kara reacted in heteronormative female ways toward a partner she didn't want (Mixy). Trying to give him the subtle brush off etc. etc. I felt she was not forceful enough.
posted by rednikki at 8:45 PM on February 22, 2017 [2 favorites]
Yep, Tamsin Merchant was the original Dany! That would have been an interesting choice.
posted by Justinian at 2:18 AM on February 23, 2017
posted by Justinian at 2:18 AM on February 23, 2017
* I think Mxy's supposed to be funny, but no dice.
The whole 'omnipotent stalker' thing was more disturbing than whatever they were going for for me, (unless that was their intention).
In one of the greatest Superman stories of all time, Mxyzptlk took a somewhat darker turn, and ever since, a lot of writers have given him more of an edge.
posted by Etrigan at 6:27 AM on February 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
The whole 'omnipotent stalker' thing was more disturbing than whatever they were going for for me, (unless that was their intention).
In one of the greatest Superman stories of all time, Mxyzptlk took a somewhat darker turn, and ever since, a lot of writers have given him more of an edge.
posted by Etrigan at 6:27 AM on February 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Sounds like a lot of you are having CWitis and getting tired of the show already.
I didn't love the episode, mostly because Mon-El and Kara are boring and uninspired. I also expected the jealousy streak to be reason enough for her to dumb him. His apology speech was so forgettable I forgot what he said, just that she turned around and was like "oh I lied to get away from you to go save the world". Which was unnecessary because she could've just flew off to the Fortress since he can't follow 'cause he can't fly.
The best part of the show is still Alex and Maggie.
That all felt like manufactured drama to me - Alex should've just talked to Maggie to start, and I didn't really like Kara's advice about 'have you ever considered just changing.' The ending was all right though, and I feel like it's a fairly minor misstep in an otherwise generally good relationship.
But see, that was what felt real. It happens around me all the time with people I know, people swallowing their words and try to do a gesture instead to have it blow up in their face, but then they talk about it like adults and get honest advice from friends and resolve their conflicts. I think that's more refreshing than actual manufactured drama other shows create.
posted by numaner at 11:42 AM on February 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
I didn't love the episode, mostly because Mon-El and Kara are boring and uninspired. I also expected the jealousy streak to be reason enough for her to dumb him. His apology speech was so forgettable I forgot what he said, just that she turned around and was like "oh I lied to get away from you to go save the world". Which was unnecessary because she could've just flew off to the Fortress since he can't follow 'cause he can't fly.
The best part of the show is still Alex and Maggie.
That all felt like manufactured drama to me - Alex should've just talked to Maggie to start, and I didn't really like Kara's advice about 'have you ever considered just changing.' The ending was all right though, and I feel like it's a fairly minor misstep in an otherwise generally good relationship.
But see, that was what felt real. It happens around me all the time with people I know, people swallowing their words and try to do a gesture instead to have it blow up in their face, but then they talk about it like adults and get honest advice from friends and resolve their conflicts. I think that's more refreshing than actual manufactured drama other shows create.
posted by numaner at 11:42 AM on February 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
I find it hard to believe that Alex would be a super Valentine's fan, somehow.
I concur that "you are my Kryptonite" is a terrible line to say to a Kryptonian. Terrible.
I dunno...on the one hand I do enjoy the actor playing Mon-El; on the other hand he's kinda written like a frat bro. And having Kara get a magical stalker to be his rival is...not the best plot. Mr. M was actually great to watch, if creepy as fuck, but lord knows that's not the best plot.
On the other hand, Kara's outsmarting Mr. M. by getting him to spell his name backwards in Kryptonian to stop a bomb was delightful.
I'm fine with Winn getting an alien girlfriend, but her forehead makeup is not flattering to her. I felt sorry for the actrses.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:26 PM on February 24, 2017
I concur that "you are my Kryptonite" is a terrible line to say to a Kryptonian. Terrible.
I dunno...on the one hand I do enjoy the actor playing Mon-El; on the other hand he's kinda written like a frat bro. And having Kara get a magical stalker to be his rival is...not the best plot. Mr. M was actually great to watch, if creepy as fuck, but lord knows that's not the best plot.
On the other hand, Kara's outsmarting Mr. M. by getting him to spell his name backwards in Kryptonian to stop a bomb was delightful.
I'm fine with Winn getting an alien girlfriend, but her forehead makeup is not flattering to her. I felt sorry for the actrses.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:26 PM on February 24, 2017
I kept hearing Kara say "Mrs. Piddle Ix" and it was distracting.
posted by cooker girl at 6:33 PM on February 24, 2017
posted by cooker girl at 6:33 PM on February 24, 2017
I just realized yesterday that Agent Vasquez is played by the same actor who plays Agent Piper on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I think she's a portal between universes.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 7:01 PM on February 24, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 7:01 PM on February 24, 2017 [1 favorite]
In one of the greatest Superman stories of all time, Mxyzptlk took a somewhat darker turn, and ever since, a lot of writers have given him more of an edge.
I really like that one, but the meta dynamics are different - I found the romantic angle really squicky. I might have felt differently if I trusted the writers more, but the Mon-El subplot doesn't inspire me with much confidence in them.
But see, that was what felt real. It happens around me all the time with people I know, people swallowing their words and try to do a gesture instead to have it blow up in their face, but then they talk about it like adults and get honest advice from friends and resolve their conflicts
That's fair. I haven't seen a ton of that since high school, but I have read plenty of Ask Mefi.
posted by mordax at 9:56 AM on February 25, 2017
I really like that one, but the meta dynamics are different - I found the romantic angle really squicky. I might have felt differently if I trusted the writers more, but the Mon-El subplot doesn't inspire me with much confidence in them.
But see, that was what felt real. It happens around me all the time with people I know, people swallowing their words and try to do a gesture instead to have it blow up in their face, but then they talk about it like adults and get honest advice from friends and resolve their conflicts
That's fair. I haven't seen a ton of that since high school, but I have read plenty of Ask Mefi.
posted by mordax at 9:56 AM on February 25, 2017
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posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:14 PM on February 22, 2017