For me it was a very long and ultimately frustrating season.
The Good
- The primary strength of the show has been and continues to be the stellar main cast. They elevate whatever material is given to them. On and off camera they seem utterly committed to their roles. Obviously, they struck gold with Melissa, but it might be the best ensemble cast in the Arrowverse so far. The only negative is that it has continued to expand, as with Flash and Arrow.
- Guest casting this year was really impressive as well. Snagging Sean Astin and Cara Buono in particular speaks to how attractive the show is to actors. Mitch Pileggi delivered a powerful presence as Rama Khan. Phil LaMarr was also a standout.
- The technology theme was overall a plus, I think. Not as heavy-handed politically as last year, but it was still relevant. Examples of technology's potential to harm and help and the ways it can be twisted were generally effective. The worst I can say is that here and there, the writers struggled a bit to say something of value, becoming trite or moralistic.
- I particularly enjoyed J'onn's pre-Crisis arc.
The Bad
- The biggest flaw this year was much the same as last season--it just took too long to get anywhere. For too much of the year, Leviathan's goals and motivations were painfully vague. Part of this was probably due to the Crisis build up.
- Speaking of Crisis, I liked the crossover, but I am not a fan of the changes made in the post-Crisis world. I don't like that the main characters are largely strangers to the world they live in. The Department of Extranormal Operations becoming a subsidiary of Lex Luthor's company made zero sense.
- I've said it elsewhere, but the show has evolved from "Supergirl," though "Supergirl and Friends," and now to "Supergirl's Friends." Dead horse re-pummeled, I shall move on.
- I think somewhere along the line, the show decided to take itself way too seriously. Yes, there are moments of goofiness, but the sense of fun that was almost palpable early on has given way to occasional pop culture references thrown in a stew of malaise.
- You know what this show needs?
Even more costumed vigilantes.
The Meh
Things I could take or leave:
Lena's arc
William
Kelly
The destruction of the DEO
Conclusion
Last year, I said nailing the ending was just enough to make Season 4 worthwhile.
This time, no resolution would have been enough to save the season. I simply quit caring. There is zero chance of me buying the blu-ray.
The Future
Obviously, I hate the show, right? At this point, in all honesty, a little, yeah. To my mind, a fan of a character can only be poked with a stick so many times before becoming resentful.
I saw
Brierrose use the term "hate watching" in the news feed comments. That is a point of concern for me--and the last thing I want or intend to do. Toward the end of Arrow's 7th season, I just had enough. During the "Previously on Arrow" recap, of an episode, I decided I didn't want to do it anymore. I turned off the television and never looked back until COIE. I didn't miss it. Unless there is a change in trajectory, I expect that will happen at some point next season. I will take it episode by episode. I'll be sad if it happens, because it was my favorite by a country mile.
My hope is that the break gives them a chance to formulate something a little more towards the fun/aspirational end of the spectrum.
Maybe Trump will lose the general election and the writers will take the stick out of their collective butt.
