Supergirl’s Flaws in Retrospect: 10 Harsh Realities from the 2015 Series

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Supergirl was a popular superhero series on The CW, but it wasn’t perfect. Joining shows like The Flash and Batwoman, it became an important part of DC’s shared Arrowverse universe during the show’s run. While Melissa Benoist’s performance as Kara Zor-El, also known as Kara Danvers, was memorable, the show faced some challenges that unfortunately limited its potential.

After six seasons, Supergirl joined the growing list of canceled superhero shows in 2021. It originally aired on CBS before moving to The CW for its remaining seasons. While the series wasn’t a strict adaptation of the comic books, some of the changes actually improved the show’s dramatic storytelling. However, watching it again after the series finale highlights its flaws more than ever.

10. Kara Was Often A Genderbent Clark Kent

Her Unique Character Traits Got Lost In Translation

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Over the years, the character of Kara Zor-El has been reimagined in comics, but the way Kara Danvers hides her identity in the TV show Supergirl often felt very similar to Clark Kent’s approach. Like Superman, she uses glasses as her main disguise and pretends to be clumsy at work—except instead of working for Perry White, she’s an assistant to the powerful media executive Cat Grant (played by Calista Flockhart).

While Clark Kent and Kara’s jobs have some differences, they aren’t significant enough to allow Kara—or Supergirl—to truly stand on her own. Supergirl often feels like a simple gender swap of Superman, lacking a unique identity beyond her friendly public image and determined superhero look.

9. The DEO De-Centered Kara Too Much

Making It A Team Effort Detracted From Her Powers

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In the first episode of Supergirl, a key challenge arises when it’s revealed that Kara’s adoptive sister, Alex, works for a government agency called the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO). The DEO monitors alien life, including Kara and her cousin Superman. Despite this initial conflict, Kara eventually teams up with the DEO to defend Earth from alien invaders.

Making Supergirl answer to a government agency instead of following her own instincts actually made her character less compelling. Instead of being a truly independent hero, she was held back by red tape and office politics, even when facing critical, life-threatening situations. While teamwork can be valuable, it was a mistake to have Kara immediately become a tool of the government.

8. Alex Did Not Treat Kara Like A Sister

She Even Used Kryptonite Instead Of Words

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While many TV shows feature close-knit sisters, Alex and Kara definitely don’t fit that mold. From the start, they had a strained relationship, particularly surrounding Kara’s life as Supergirl. Whether it was shooting her with kryptonite or keeping secrets about their mother, Alex repeatedly disappointed Kara.

Alex didn’t need to be perfect, and sibling relationships are always a bit difficult. However, even in season six, her flaws were clear, like when she started a fight with Kara simply because Kara was trying to help her daughter learn to control her powers. While Alex certainly had her heroic moments, it often seemed like her love for Kara depended on certain conditions being met.

7. The Superfriends Heroes Were Unnecessary

If Anything, They Could Have Had Their Own Spinoff

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In addition to the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO), Supergirl developed its own team of heroes called the Superfriends. Many of the show’s main characters eventually became superheroes, including Alex (as Sentinel), James Olsen (played by Mehcad Brooks, as Guardian), and Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath). However, despite some creative character designs and abilities, the Superfriends ultimately felt like an unnecessary part of the show.

As a big fan of superhero shows, I always thought Superfriends had a strange effect. While it was cool to see some lesser-known heroes get their moment, it kind of lost sight of what made the show special, and it definitely sidelined Supergirl. I mean, Kara didn’t need to be completely alone, but making her just one of the team felt like a step backwards. It took away from her role as the protector of National City and honestly, it weakened her character. She’s so much stronger when she’s the primary hero people rely on.

6. The Potential Of Lena And Kara’s Relationship Was Ignored

Supercorp Was A Ship That Sadly Never Sailed

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The friendship between Kara and Lena was a central part of Supergirl, and many viewers sensed a strong romantic connection between them. From the beginning, their chemistry was undeniable, and fans loved whenever they shared screen time – the pairing was popularly known as “Supercorp.” However, the show ultimately kept their relationship platonic.

As a big fan of romance, I always thought Lena and Kara had incredible chemistry – they would have been the perfect enemies-to-lovers couple! It felt like it could have really boosted ratings for Supergirl, too. What made it even more exciting was Alex coming out as queer, which opened the door for Lena and Kara to even be a possibility. But honestly, it was so disappointing that the show ended with them both still single! Even years later, though, the ‘Supercorp’ fandom is still incredibly passionate, and that really speaks to how much people loved their connection and wanted to see them together.

5. Some Of The Supergirl Action Sequences Were Hard To Defend

The CW Had Realistic Limitations In 2015

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Like all shows with special effects, the technology in superhero and sci-fi series quickly starts to look dated. What once seemed cutting-edge – whether it was computer-generated imagery, practical effects, or how things were filmed – now appears basic compared to today’s standards. Even big-budget movies from just a few years ago can feel old-fashioned when we watch them now.

It’s understandable that the action scenes in Supergirl don’t look as polished today, considering the show originally aired in 2015. Things like the obvious CGI fire, stiff fight choreography, and visual effects clearly show its age, but that’s something every superhero show eventually experiences as technology improves.

4. The Show Couldn’t Celebrate Supergirl Without Disparaging Superman

Both Cousins Should Have Been Allowed To Thrive

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As a huge fan of both Superman and Supergirl, I’ve always been fascinated by their connection. It’s a really rich part of comic book history! But honestly, the Supergirl TV show really dropped the ball. Instead of exploring that special relationship, it felt like Superman was just there to make Kara shine, which was a letdown. They kept using Kal-El to boost Supergirl’s story, even if it didn’t make sense for their family dynamic. It really hurt the potential of their bond, and as a viewer, it was frustrating to see.

The question of whether Supergirl is more powerful than Superman has been a long-standing discussion among fans. However, the show didn’t need to diminish Superman’s abilities to establish Supergirl as a strong hero. The way the show portrayed Superman was also a bit strange – whenever National City faced major dangers, he was never around to help.

3. Kara & Mon-El’s Relationship Made No Sense

In Retrospect, It Was A Toxic Pairing

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In season 2 of Supergirl, when Mon-El (Chris Wood) joins the show, he initially comes across as unlikeable. His immature, ‘frat boy’ behavior and obvious disrespect towards women made it difficult for viewers to support his quick romance with Kara, particularly because he didn’t seem to value her or her superhero persona, Supergirl.

The show initially presented Mon-El as a troubled character for Kara to help, but their romance felt unnecessary and detracted from the main storyline. Even after Kara calls him out on his actions in season 3 – which were just the beginning of his problematic behavior – her continued interest in him remains confusing.

2. Supergirl’s Feminism Was Sometimes Surface-Level

The Show Had More Nuanced Potential

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The CW’s Supergirl frequently explored political themes, but looking back, its portrayal of feminism feels somewhat weak. While a female superhero is inherently empowering, the show often told us about female empowerment instead of showing it. Whenever Kara or Cat launched into speeches about girl power, the story lost its subtlety and complexity.

It’s good that Supergirl tried to address important issues, even if its approach felt a bit direct. By 2025, simply talking about these topics is expected. The show could have been even stronger with more nuanced and complex stories, but even basic explorations of feminist ideas were still worthwhile.

1. Kara Didn’t Get A Happy Ending

The Hero Ends Up Alone

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As a longtime fan of Supergirl, I always felt Kara’s journey was about two core things: learning to truly accept herself and finding someone to share her life with. The finale definitely delivered on the self-acceptance front with her finally going public with her identity. But it was a little bittersweet seeing her end up without a partner. While a happy ending doesn’t need romance, Kara specifically talked about wanting a connection with someone, and it felt a little sad that she didn’t get that in the end – she and Lena were the only ones who didn’t find love.

As a huge fan, I was really disappointed with how Kara’s story wrapped up. For most of the series, and even in the finale, it didn’t really feel like her story. We see characters not getting happy endings all the time, but it’s rare when it’s the character the show is named after. And honestly, it felt a bit lazy how all the struggles she had with revealing herself as Supergirl just disappeared. It made her ending feel both unsatisfying and, frankly, not believable.

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2025-10-26 20:23