What I’m Watching: Supergirl (Season Premiere)

Supergirl: Season 4, Episode 1 “The American Alien” (B+)

There’s a lot to say about this season premiere, which represents a welcome reboot for this show after a drawn-out previous year that was all about a villain who stuck around way too long. There seem to be a handful of potential replacements to be found in this opening hour, which featured plenty of new content. I recognize that this is meant to a science fiction series, and perhaps its most far-out scene was the one that found Kara showing up late to a press conference, getting a question in to the president without any trouble, and even starting a side conversation during her response! The focus on anti-alien sentiment feels far more relevant even if it’s symbolic for nationalism rather than literal. In his new role, Hank, who I’ll continue to call that even though I know that’s not what he’s going by anymore, is getting the opportunity to fight for the causes he believes in, though his number one ally, played by Tiya Sircar from “The Good Place” and “Master of None,” has now met an unfortunate end. Other new cast members include Robert Baker, who played Boone the appetizing Nazi on “Santa Clarita Diet,” and Rhona Mitra, from “Boston Legal” and “Hollow Man,” as the Graves siblings. Mitra in particular had me laughing when she slowly pledged her American allegiance while stifling her British accent. I was looking for Sam Witwer, who showed up on another Superman show, “Smallville,” in a suddenly relevant role a few years in, and it turns out he’s the voice behind the menacing and faceless Agent Liberty. Brainy butting heads with Alex was entertaining, and I’m curious to see how Kara’s new mentee, Nia, will fit in to what’s sure to be an involving and refreshing restart.