Supergirl’s Melissa Benoist previews Season 4

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. From the beginning, the show has benefited from great casting (the now departed Calista Flockhart leading a media empire, ex-Superman Dean Cain as Kara Zorel’s adopted father, Mehcad Brooks as James Olsen, and of course Melissa Benoist, who truly embodies Supergirl) and a female-centric perspective. While there are plenty of strong male characters, this is one of the few shows, especially in the action/comic book genre where women are front and center. I love the relationships between Kara/Supergirl, her adopted sister, Alex (Chyler Leigh), and their off-and-on frenemy Lena Luther (Katie McGrath).

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 Maines.

We sat down with Benoist, Brooks, Jesse Rath (Brainiac-5), and David Harewood (J’onn J’onzz) 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.

Here are the highlights from our discussion with Melissa:

• Broadway was her childhood dream and she couldn’t pass up her chance
• Kara has bigger issues than love interests, at least for the beginning of the season
• Season 4 starts out with Kara in a good place but lots of issues will of course come up which will mirror what is going on our world
• She’s very proud to be part of a show that is so progressive and she’s excited and thrilled to have Nicole Maines on the show this season
• With regards to her doppleganger viewed at the end of season 3, will be interested to investigate nature vs nuture

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