written by Cara Russell

SPOILER WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT

This jaunt into another four-way crossover starts off with a GIANT FREAKING SWASTIKA in NAZI AMERICA, so I think I can be forgiven if my expectations were lower than usual. However, even with Supergirl‘s time slot being overrun to spend precious time on Flash‘s main plot (Barry and Iris’ wedding), much time is spent addressing the chief concerns of Kara and Alex’s recent failures in romance, and they use the West-Allen wedding invitation as another sisterly road trip to lift their spirits – and in doing so, avoid having them entirely sidelined in their own show. Kara gets to hang out with more ladies without having to hide her secret identity, and Alex cuts loose and finds alcohol and a rebound fling (while guilt-tripping herself about her lapses in self-control).

We’re also treated to an epic smackdown when the wedding itself is crashed by a party of Nazi stormtroopers, complete with a couple of arrow-slingers and a super-powered blonde of questionable origins. The ladies of all crews tear the skirts of their (gorgeously chosen) dresses and throw down, while the gents pull their own weapons from god-knows-where in their tailored suits. When Kara knocks out the flying blonde, the Nazis make a hasty exit while leaving one of their archers (knocked out by Alex and her fling, Sara Lance/White Canary) behind.

While I’m still not thrilled with these crossovers (being someone who typically watches Supergirl and only Supergirl) I’m glad to see that so far she’s much less a set piece who punches things on command this time around. There are also more moments that appeal in a general “wow” factor which are accessible. However, it looks like you’ll still need to watch Arrow for the relevant exposition, if you’re not familiar with the comics lore this crossover pulls from (in short, Nazis are bad and they’re not content to take over one Earth).

-Cara

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CRISIS ON EARTH-X PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4

Supergirl airs Monday nights at 8 Eastern/7 Central on the CW. Cara can be reached on Twitter at @virtualcara.