What I’m Watching: Supergirl (Season Premiere)

Supergirl: Season 3, Episode 1 “Girl of Steel” (B+)

This is the first show to return during CW’s week of premieres, and I’m glad to have it back after a full season on the right network following its first year on CBS. I couldn’t remember exactly what happened with Mon-El in the finale, but it was clear that he’s gone and Kara doesn’t think she’s ever going to see him again. The bigger and more surprising change in the dream that she keeps having is the actress portraying her mother. I guess Broadway star Laura Benanti, who won an AFT Award for guest-starring on “The Detour” this past year, is gone in favor of a moderately iconic Superman actress, Erica Durance, who played Lois Lane on “Smallville.” I don’t think she really compares, but it doesn’t bother me much, though the vision of her with a deadlier face at the end of the episode was pretty freaky. “Heroes” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” alum Adrian Pasdar was a superb choice to play Morgan Edge, chewing scenery and trying to destroy the world before getting stranded on a freighter in the middle of the ocean by Supergirl. I was struggling to recognize the actress who played the unexpectedly power-imbued mother, and I was thrilled to learn that it was Odette Annable, who I remember best from a very different show, “Banshee.” I’m excited to see what her role will be going forward. Kara was pissed about James beepering her for a deadline, and it’s a good thing that Lena bought Catco and managed to encourage her to return to work. Alex asking Hank to walk her down the aisle, which almost made him cry, was very sweet. I think we’re in for a great season.