Supergirl’s Jesse Rath on all things Brainiac-5

Of the Arrowverse shows, it’s a bit ironic that Supergirl with it’s “aliens develop superpowers when exposed to the sun” premise, is the most down-to-Earth (ahem…). But as the show enters its fourth season, none of the other shows are as uplifting, as contemporary, or as downright political, as Supergirl.

Besides the focus on a woman’s perspective and the reality of being a woman in today’s world (or on another Earth, as it may be), Supergirl has also taken on hot-button political issues such as homosexuality, gun control, and racism. This season, the show promises to keep it coming with the introduction of a new character, the first transgendered superhero, Dreamer, played by transgender advocate Nicole Amber Maines.

We sat down with Melissa Benoist (Kara/Supergirl), Mehcad Brooks (James Olsen), Jesse Rath (Brainiac-5), and David Harewood at San Deigo Comic Con to discuss the upcoming season and the significance of some of the social issues into which the show has delved.

We got a few minutes with Jesse, then they moved him off and then brought him right back, so there’s a bit of a jump in the video but we had plenty of time to chat. Here are the highlights:

• He’s been promoted to a season regular
• Brainy will struggle somewhat with 21st century tech (or lack of it)
• He doesn’t think a relationship between Brainy and Supergirl is necessarily in the cards right now – the goal isn’t to replace Winn or Mon-El and Supergirl has other priorities right now
• He has an origin story in mind for Brainy and he’s discussed it with the show’s writer
• Brainy has emotions, but they are based on logic
• He’s done a ton of research about Brainy in the comics
• Brainy might not be as safe in the 21st century as he thinks he is

Supergirl premieres on Sunday, October 14th at 8/7c on The CW