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Kara Danvers
Arrowversecharacter
Melissa Benoistas Kara Danvers/Kara Zor-El in a promotional image from season one of the television seriesSupergirl
First appearance
Last appearance
Based on
Adapted by
Portrayed by
In-universe information
Full nameKara Zor-El
SpeciesKryptonian
GenderFemale
TitleSupergirl
Affiliation
Relatives
OriginKrypton

Kara Danvers,also known asKara Zor-Elon her homeworld, is a fictional character in theArrowversefranchise, mainly the television seriesSupergirl.Adapted for television byGreg Berlanti,Ali AdlerandAndrew Kreisberg,the character is based on theDC ComicscharacterKara Zor-El (Supergirl),created byOtto BinderandAl Plastino.Kara is introduced in thepilot episodeas the adopted younger sister ofAlex Danvers.Kara Danvers is portrayed byMelissa Benoistas an adult, andMalina WeissmanandIzabela Vidovicas a teenager.[1][2]After her planet,Krypton,was destroyed, Kara and her cousinSupermancame to Earth. There she became the adopted sister ofAlex Danversand, later, after deciding to use her powers (equal to Superman's) to help others under the persona ofSupergirl,she discovers that her sister is part of theDepartment of Extranormal Operations (DEO),a massive underground anti-alien organization secretly under the control ofthe Martian Manhunter.She is a friend and frequent ally of the superhero speedsterthe Flashand vigilante archerGreen Arrow.

Kara's powers and abilities includesuper strength,superspeed,heat vision,freeze breath,flightand many other powers also achievable by the superhero Superman, who is Kara's cousin; however, like her cousin, she is weakened when she comes into contact withKryptonite,fragments of her home planet Krypton that came toEarthafter its destruction. Benoist has reprised her role in other series that take place in the same franchise, includingThe Flash,Arrow,Legends of TomorrowandBatwoman,via the crossover events "Invasion!","Crisis on Earth-X","Elseworlds"and"Crisis on Infinite Earths".The character's civilian identity, Kara Danvers, is an original creation for the series, and was later integrated into the mainstreamDC ComicsSupergirlcomic book seriestotie-inwith the series in 2016'sDC Rebirth.

Creation and casting

[edit]

For the role of Kara Zor-El / Supergirl, the producers wanted a Caucasian actress aged between 22 and 26 years.[3]In January 2015, it was announced byThe Hollywood ReporterthatMelissa Benoistwould star as the character.[4]Benoist later revealed that auditioning for the part "was a long, drawn-out, three-month process";[5]she was the first actress looked at for the role,[6]althoughClaire HoltandGemma Atkinsonwere also considered.[7][8]ActressElizabeth Lailauditioned for the role.[9]Other performers include her stunt double Jennifer Clarke, who performed stunts for the Supergirl character throughout the entire show.[10]In flashbacks,Malina WeissmanandIzabela Vidovicportray Kara as a teenager and child, respectively. The series reimagines Kara Zor-El as a young adult when becoming a superhero (more similar toLinda Danvers), deviating from hercomic book counterpart,more usually depicted as a teenager. Benoist expressed her excitement over portraying the character, and being able to "[tell] a story about a human being really realizing their potential and their strength".[11]Benoist portrays present-day Kara for all six seasons ofSupergirl.[12]In addition in the third season, she portrays Earth-X doppelganger Overgirl, and in the fourth season, a clone of Kara called Red Daughter.[13]

Characterization

[edit]

For the second season, regarding the end of Kara and James Olsen's relationship,Andrew Kreisbergsaid "We realized that the best scenes between [Kara and James] were just the nice, sweet scenes where they were being friends." He also said that while the theme of thefirst seasonwas "how does Kara become Supergirl?", the theme of the second would be "how does Supergirl become Kara?".[14]Speaking to the ending of Mon-El and Kara's relationship in season four, Jessica Queller compared this separation to that ofHumphrey BogartandIngrid Bergman's characters in the ending ofCasablanca(1942), saying, "They both have destinies in different times as heroes. What they did was the sort-ofCasablancadecision of putting what's most important to them – which is saving the world – first. "[15]For season four, Melissa Benoist joined filming following the conclusion of her run onBroadwayas the star ofBeautiful: The Carole King Musicalon August 4, 2018.[16]Also for that season,Melissa Benoistcommented that, "I think their main premise is that fear itself is a villain, and can hope conquer it? Supergirl stands for hope, so we'll see."[17]Queller concurred, adding that the season would investigate, "How can [Supergirl] be a beacon of hope when she represents what people areafraidof? "[18]

In season five, the series introduces a new Supergirl suit which eschews the red skirt and sheer black pantyhose seen in the older suit in favor of a bodysuit with trousers. Benoist and the showrunners said giving Supergirl pants was something they discussed since the first season.[19]Querl Doxis credited with creating a new microscopic motion-activator for the new suit that attaches to Kara's glasses and unleashes the suit when she whips off the glasses, resulting in Supergirl being fully dressed in her costume.[20]The seventeenth episode of the fifth season marks Benoist's directorial debut.[21]Benoist said the sixth season serves as a "self-exploration" for her character, "looking in the mirror and [contemplating] what her power means because it's almost limitless and it makes her so strong on Earth".[22]

Storylines

[edit]

Supergirl

[edit]

Season 1

[edit]
Main article:Supergirl season 1

Season 2

[edit]
Main article:Supergirl season 2

Season 3

[edit]
Main article:Supergirl season 3

Season 4

[edit]
Main article:Supergirl season 4

Season 5

[edit]
Main article:Supergirl season 5

Season 6

[edit]
Main article:Supergirl season 6

Crossovers

[edit]

As of 2021, Benoist has appeared as Kara Danvers in five Arrowverse shows:Supergirl,The Flash, Arrow,Legends of TomorrowandBatwoman.

Main article:Worlds Finest

In the 2015-16 television season,The Flashaccidentally travels into an alternate Earth while testing a new tachyon enhancement device that was meant to power up his speed. He saves Kara from falling from a building. The Flash introduces himself as Barry Allen and explains about the multiverse to Kara and her friends. Before returning home, Barry helps Kara defeatSilver BansheeandLivewire.

Main article:Invasion! (Arrowverse)

In the 2016-17 television season, Barry and his friendCisco Ramonteleport to Kara's Earth, coined Earth-38 by Cisco, and recruit Kara for an alien invasion led by an extraterrestrial race known as the Dominators on Earth-1. The heroes learn the Dominators plan to kill all metahumans on Earth due to Barry's abilities to alter with the timeline. Barry plans to surrender but the heroes dissuade him from doing so. The heroes discover a bomb from one of the Dominator's ships and destroy it, forcing the Dominators to flee. In March 2017,J'onn J'onzzandMon-Elarrive on Earth-1 with a comatose Kara in hopes that Barry and his team could revive her and warn Barry that one of their escaped prisoners—theMusic Meister—is after him as well. When Meister attacks Barry, he is placed in a shared coma with Kara. In the coma, Barry and Kara are forced in a musical which Meister planned so that Barry and Kara can love their personal loved ones. Kara, J'onn, and Kara return to their Earth. Kara then starts a relationship with Mon-El after.

Main article:Crisis on Earth-X

In the 2017-18 television season, Kara and her sisterAlexare invited to Barry andIris' wedding on Earth-1, however, they are invaded by Nazis from Earth-X led byDark Arrow,Overgirl (Kara's Earth-X doppelgänger) andEobard Thawne / Reverse-Flashfrom Earth-1. The invaders capture Kara, who plan to take her heart and give it to Overgirl, who is dying from disproportionatesolar irradiancein her heart. Dark Arrow plans to use the Prism, powered byS.T.A.R. Labs' particle accelerator, to create artificial red sunlight that can weaken both Karas' invulnerability, allowing Thawne to transplant Kara's heart to Overgirl. Iris andFelicityrescue Kara and return to Earth-1. Dark Arrow and his team lead a force of Earth-X Nazis to invade Earth-1 but are ultimately defeated with Kara carrying a radioactive Overgirl to space where she explodes and dies. FollowingMartin Stein's funeral, Kara and Alex return to Earth-38.

Main article:Elseworlds (Arrowverse)

In the 2018-2019 television series, Dr.John Deeganis given the Book of Destiny by theMonitorto rewrite reality in his vision. When he swaps the lives of Barry and Oliver, the two discover the change in reality and seek Kara, whose Earth is unaffected by the change, on Earth-38 for help. They later run into the vigilanteBatwomanwhile confronting Deegan inGotham City.Eventually, Oliver makes a deal with the Monitor to restore reality back to normal.

Main article:Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)

In the 2019-2020 television series, the multiverse is slowly being erased by theAnti-Monitor.Kara is recruited among other heroes as the chosen Paragons to defeat the Anti-Monitor. When Oliver sacrifices himself to kill the Anti-Monitor, a restored multiverse is put back together combining into one Earth coined "Earth-Prime" including Kara's Earth.

Alternate Earths

[edit]

Overgirl (Earth-X)

[edit]

During theCrisis on Earth-Xcrossover event, one of the main antagonists is the Earth-X Nazi doppelganger of Kara known as Overgirl. She served alongsideDark Arrow,who is revealed to be the Earth-X doppelganger of Oliver Queen. Eventually, during a battle with Kara, Overgirl's solar radiation goes nuclear and Kara carries her into space, where her body explodes, killing her.

Tie-in comics and novels

[edit]

Kara Danvers appears in the show's digital tie-in comic book series,Adventures of Supergirl.in 2017 Kara appeared in a trilogy of novels written by Jo Whittemore aimed at middle-grade readers. The first,Supergirl: Age of Atlantis,was released on November 7, 2017. it features Supergirl dealing with a surge of newly powered people in National City, as well as a mysterious humanoid sea creature captured by the DEO who is seemingly attracted to the new superpowered people. A sequel,Supergirl: Curse of the Ancientswas released on May 1, 2018, with the third novel titleSupergirl: Master of Illusion,released on January 8, 2019.

Reception

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Graeme Virtue ofThe GuardianpraisedSupergirland Melissa Benoist's performance as Kara Danvers.[23]David Sims ofThe Atlanticreviewed the series positively, saying: "A lot of the credit has to go to the casting of Benoist as Kara—she's as perfect a fit asGrant Gustinwas forThe Flash."[24]Brian Lowry ofChicago Tribunecomplimented the casting of the series, stating, "Benoist nails the title role."[25]Evan Valentine ofCollidercalled Benoist's adaptation of the character the "best Supergirl we've seen in live action" because "it managed to capture a sense of fun among the cast that was infectious."[26]Max Nicholson ofIGNpraised both Benoist's performance and the character, saying, "Melissa Benoist [... ] totally encapsulated the lead role and portrayed both the vulnerability of Kara Danvers and the determination ofKara Zor-El,"calling the character" strong, capable, upbeat "despite noting some flaws.[27]In her review forCommon Sense Media,Emily Ashby praised Melissa Benoist and praised Kara Danvers for her qualities and values, writing, "Kara has a lot of great qualities that have nothing to do with her superpowers; she's industrious, self-motivated, and empathetic. Even as a hero, she's not out for recognition. She does what she does because it's what she's meant to do. [...] There are strong themes of self-reliance, embracing destiny, and following your own heart's desire, all portrayed by a very likable, fresh-faced heroine."[28]Some critics have stated the series's Kara as not being distinct enough from Superman, simply being a ¨female Clark Kent¨.[29]

The relationship between the Danvers sisters has been among the things praised about the Supergirl character.[30][31]Kara andAlexwere named as one of "The 10 Greatest Ride or Die TV Siblings" byTV Guide's Keisha Hatchett, who stated: "These two might not come from the same species, but their unconditional love for each other proves that you don't need to share the same blood in order to be sisters. Both have helped each other through a difficult journey to self-acceptance [...] in a fierce display of sisterhood that keeps us coming back each week."[32]

Legacy

[edit]

The identity of Kara Danvers and other aspects from the television series (such as working with the DEO and at Cat Grant's CatCo Worldwide Media) were adapted into the DC continuity during theRebirthevent, in 2016. The miniseriesSupergirl: Woman Of Tomorrowreintroduces Kara as a 21-one-year-old, more mature than on previous iterations in the comics and closer to Kara's portrayal on the series, in which she is a young adult rather than a teenager. By the end ofWoman of Tomorrow,Kara dons a new costume with pants, more similar to Kara Danvers' second costume from the fifth season.[33][34]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2016 Saturn Awards Best Actress on Television Melissa Benoist Nominated [35]
Breakthrough Performance Melissa Benoist Won
2017 Saturn Awards Best Actress on a Television Series Melissa Benoist Won [36]
Teen Choice Awards Choice Action TV Actress Melissa Benoist Won [37]
Choice Liplock Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood Nominated
Choice TV Ship Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood Nominated
2018 Saturn Awards Best Actress on a Television Series Melissa Benoist Nominated [38]
Teen Choice Awards Choice Action TV Actress Melissa Benoist Won [39]
2019 Saturn Awards Best Actress on Television Melissa Benoist Nominated [40]
Teen Choice Awards Choice Action TV Actress Melissa Benoist Nominated [41]
2021 Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Actress in a Superhero Series Melissa Benoist Nominated [42]

References

[edit]
  1. ^Goldberg, Lesley (March 9, 2015)."CBS Casts Young 'Supergirl' (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedFebruary 13,2022.
  2. ^Swift, Andy (September 5, 2017)."Supergirl Recasts Two Key Roles".TVLine.Archived fromthe originalon September 5, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 4,2017.
  3. ^Mitovich, Matt Webb (October 30, 2014)."Meet CBS's Supergirl (andHer Sister), Get Scoop on Kara's Big Entrance ".TVLine.Archivedfrom the original on October 30, 2014.RetrievedOctober 30,2014.
  4. ^Goldberg, Lesley (January 22, 2015)."'Glee,' 'Whiplash' Breakout Set as CBS' 'Supergirl'".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on July 5, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 13,2022.
  5. ^Abrams, Natalie (July 2, 2015)."Supergirl: Melissa Benoist on landing the role of a lifetime, and empowering women".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on July 3, 2015.RetrievedJuly 3,2015.
  6. ^Roy, Jessica (July 12, 2015)."Peter Facinelli Has Joined Supergirl – But Will He Be Good or Evil?".TV Guide.Archivedfrom the original on July 14, 2015.RetrievedJuly 15,2015.
  7. ^Kenneally, Tim (December 1, 2014)."'Vampire Diaries' Star Claire Holt in Contention for CBS's 'Supergirl' Series (Exclusive) ".TheWrap.Archivedfrom the original on December 2, 2014.RetrievedDecember 1,2014.
  8. ^Roffman, Marisa (December 8, 2014)."'The Originals' Boss on the Fallout From the Rebekah Twist ".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on January 2, 2015.RetrievedDecember 8,2014.
  9. ^"'Countdown' Star Elizabeth Lail on 'You' Success and Auditioning for 'Supergirl'".The Hollywood Reporter.November 2, 2019.
  10. ^Tessier, Colin (September 15, 2020)."Supergirl's Stunt Double Looks Exactly Like The Star".Looper.com.RetrievedApril 13,2021.
  11. ^Scott Huver (February 25, 2015)."Melissa Benoist Embraces" Supergirl's "Iconic Qualities & Powerful Humanity".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedFebruary 13,2022.
  12. ^"The CW Network to Launch Its New Season in January 2021".The Futon Critic.May 14, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on May 17, 2020.RetrievedMay 27,2020.
  13. ^Burlingame, Russ (November 30, 2018)."'Supergirl' Star Melissa Benoist Talks Red Daughter ".Comicbook.com.Archivedfrom the original on May 8, 2019.RetrievedMay 8,2019.
  14. ^Thomas, Kaitlin (October 11, 2016)."Supergirl Boss Explains Why Kara and James Are Better as Friends".TV Guide.Archivedfrom the original on February 13, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 11,2018.
  15. ^Swift, Andy (June 19, 2018)."Supergirl's Chris Wood Not Returning for Season 4 – EPs Explain Mon-El's 'Bittersweet' Departure".TVLine.Archivedfrom the original on June 19, 2018.RetrievedNovember 25,2018.
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  17. ^Drum, Nicole (August 7, 2018)."'Supergirl': Melissa Benoist Teases the Start of Filming for Season 4 ".Comicbook.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 8, 2018.RetrievedAugust 8,2018.
  18. ^Gelman, Vlada (July 21, 2018)."Supergirl @ Comic-Con: 'Grounded' Season 4 Brings Back Kara the Reporter".TVLine.Archivedfrom the original on August 17, 2018.RetrievedAugust 9,2018.
  19. ^Agard, Chancellor (July 15, 2019)."Melissa Benoist talks ditching the skirt in new 'Supergirl' suit: 'It's more adult'".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on July 16, 2019.RetrievedJuly 16,2019.
  20. ^Netzley, Sara (October 6, 2019)."'Supergirl' recap: New season, new secrets, new suit ".Entertainment Weekly.RetrievedOctober 7,2019.
  21. ^Agard, Chancellor (July 15, 2019)."Supergirl star Melissa Benoist to make her directorial debut in season 5".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2019.RetrievedJuly 15,2019.
  22. ^Agard, Chancellor (March 29, 2021)."'Supergirl' star Melissa Benoist teases Kara's 'lovely' ending: 'I feel fantastic about it'".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on March 30, 2021.RetrievedMarch 30,2021.
  23. ^"Supergirl review – she's got the Krypton factor".the Guardian.October 29, 2015.RetrievedMarch 23,2022.
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  25. ^Lowry, Brian (October 19, 2015)."'Supergirl' review: Reason to believe this 'girl' can fly ".chicagotribune.com.RetrievedMarch 23,2022.
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  28. ^"Supergirl TV Review | Common Sense Media".www.commonsensemedia.org.RetrievedJuly 5,2022.
  29. ^"'Supergirl's' final season needs to defy expectations, because most seasons have been disappointing ".Hypable.October 22, 2020.RetrievedJuly 19,2022.
  30. ^Agard, Chancellor (May 1, 2017)."Supergirl recap: 'Alex'".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on December 29, 2017.
  31. ^Drum, Nicole (September 7, 2017)."The Danvers Sisters Will Be the Focus of Arrowverse's Next Crossover".Comicbook.com.Archivedfrom the original on May 22, 2018.
  32. ^Hatchett, Keisha (August 16, 2018)."The 10 Greatest Ride or Die TV Siblings".TV Guide.Archivedfrom the original on August 17, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 3,2018.
  33. ^"A New Costume for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (Spoilers)".February 15, 2022.
  34. ^"Supergirl Debuts a Stylish New Costume".June 14, 2022.
  35. ^McClendon, Lamarco (May 11, 2016)."'Better Call Saul', Melissa Benoist, Nichelle Nichols To Be Honored at Saturn Awards ".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on May 12, 2016.RetrievedMay 12,2016.
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  40. ^Mancuso, Vinnie (July 16, 2019)."'Avengers: Endgame', 'Game of Thrones' Lead the 2019 Saturn Awards Nominations ".Collider.Archivedfrom the original on July 16, 2019.RetrievedJuly 17,2019.
  41. ^"Teen Choice Awards 2019: Complete List of Winners and Nominees".Us Weekly.August 12, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on August 12, 2019.RetrievedAugust 13,2019.
  42. ^Hammond, Pete (November 19, 2020)."'Palm Springs', 'Lovecraft Country' Top Movie And Series Nominations For Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards; Netflix Lands 35 Nods ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedDecember 12,2020.
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