I was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events in this week’s episode of Supergirl“ Far From the Tree”. As even though it was a Martian dense storyline there were issues featured that allowed the audience to connect on a different level. We saw long-lost fathers attempting to re-connect with their children; J'onn and his shaken beliefs, Maggie and her unapproving family. Alex and Maggie celebrating their next steps; Wedding bells just around the corner. Along with Kara showing her unpredictable side; ruthlessly taking lives without a second thought.

It definitely has been an episode of change and redirection, but for what purpose?

Real life issues in an unrealistic storyline

This episode held a very emotional and hard-hitting storyline, exploring two very damaging and dysfunctional parents and their relationships with their children.

On one hand, we were shown the resurfacing connection between J’onn J’onzz and his long-lost father Myr’nn J’onzz, who he presumed slaughtered along with his family years ago. On the other hand, we have Maggie trying to re-kindle her relationship with her abandoning father, and how she will never be what he wants her to be. Playing on the issues of absent parents and their effects on a character’s emotions, creating a more personal and relatable connection with the audience.

As a viewer, my investment to the characters of season 3 increased dramatically throughout this episode as we learn more about the back stories of both J’onn and Maggie.

Although, I was surprised to see a Martian orientated episode without a focus around the relationship between J’onn and M’gann’s in terms of their blooming romance established in season 2.

Who is Maggie?

Another reason for this episode’s success has to be the establishment of Maggie as a main character. We as a viewer now have a more in-depth and detailed picture of her history and childhood, helping us to connect and understand why she is the way that she is.

I also appreciate how the writers of the show didn’t try and force a happy ending out of Maggie and her father’s situation. It hasn’t been the case of sweeping their past under the rug and forgetting about it. Instead, their relationship needs more time and development in order to be fixed, which again allows more of an audience connection to their situation as its relatable.

The change that is Kara Danvers

It must be noted that Monday's episode was one that was very Kara-lite, which may not be a bad thing.

It’s allowed other characters to be developed and showcased whilst perhaps giving the writers of the show time to prep for Kara’s next big thing.

Although, Kara was a little absent from the spotlight when she did appear we saw a darker side than expected, which could be a build up from her depressive state. It was very strange to see Supergirl act so heartlessly towards the White Martians situation as in the last couple of scenes, she is seen killing an entire group without even flinching, which I never thought possible. Gone are the days I wouldn’t even imagine Kara resorting to such violence unless it was absolutely necessary. This scene was jaw-dropping as there was no addressing what she had just done. Kara is normally the character who finds a more humane alternative and wouldn’t dream of taking a life, perhaps not anymore.

What’s next?

The ending of this episode left space for a huge extension on the Martian storyline as we learn that the White-Martian resistance is growing and war is breaking out. Which side will win? What will be the cost? Another interesting development is what direction Kara is heading in without Mon-El in the picture. Is she becoming more heartless and irrational? Is she trying to lose parts of her humanity to deal with her loss? All I can say is its exciting times in the world of DC.
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