Lena Luthor and Kara Danvers’ complex friendship has been a cornerstone of the Supergirl series, marked by unwavering loyalty, deep betrayals, and ultimately, forgiveness. The burning question on many fans’ minds is: When does Lena truly forgive Kara for hiding her identity as Supergirl? The answer lies in Supergirl Season 5, Episode 19, “Immortal Kombat, Part 1.” While simmering tension and initial steps towards reconciliation occur earlier, it’s in this episode where Lena explicitly acknowledges Kara’s apology and accepts her back into her life.
The Tumultuous Journey to Forgiveness
The revelation of Kara’s secret deeply wounded Lena, leading to a prolonged period of animosity and suspicion. Lena felt betrayed by someone she considered her best friend, leading her down a dark path where she sought to control humanity for its own good – a path heavily influenced by the insidious Lex Luthor.
The Deep Root of Betrayal
Lena’s hurt stemmed from a lifetime of being manipulated and lied to, primarily by her brother Lex and her mother, Lillian Luthor. Kara’s secrecy, despite their close bond, reinforced Lena’s inherent distrust and fueled her fear of being a pawn in someone else’s game. The element of trust was fundamentally shattered, creating a chasm between the two friends.
Lena’s Dark Turn and Kara’s Efforts
Driven by this feeling of betrayal, Lena embarked on morally questionable projects, aiming to eradicate humanity’s capacity for ill will through Project Non Nocere. Kara, despite the pain Lena inflicted, remained steadfast in her belief that Lena was fundamentally good and could be redeemed. Kara consistently reached out, offering apologies and expressing her unwavering love and support. These attempts, however, were often met with resistance and further fuelled Lena’s resentment.
“Immortal Kombat, Part 1”: The Turning Point
The culmination of their strained relationship occurs during the events of “Immortal Kombat, Part 1.” Facing a significant threat that requires their combined intellect and abilities, Lena and Kara are forced to work together. This collaboration allows for genuine communication and a sincere exchange of vulnerabilities. Lena witnesses Kara’s unwavering commitment to saving the world and, importantly, to saving Lena herself.
During a pivotal moment, Lena acknowledges Kara’s remorse and accepts her apology. While the healing process is ongoing, this represents a crucial step forward. It signifies a conscious decision by Lena to let go of her anger and allow Kara back into her life, setting the stage for a stronger and more resilient friendship. The forgiveness isn’t immediate or absolute, but it marks the beginning of genuine reconciliation.
Unpacking the Forgiveness: Frequently Asked Questions
To further understand the complexities surrounding Lena’s forgiveness, consider these frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Why did Kara keep her identity a secret from Lena for so long?
Kara’s decision to keep her identity a secret stemmed from a desire to protect Lena. Knowing her family history with Superman, Kara feared that revealing her identity would jeopardize Lena’s safety and lead her down a dangerous path, potentially aligning her with Lex. It was, ironically, an attempt to safeguard their friendship that ultimately caused its fracture.
FAQ 2: What was Project Non Nocere and how did it affect Lena and Kara’s relationship?
Project Non Nocere was Lena’s attempt to create a device that would eliminate harmful impulses from the human brain. While her intentions were initially noble – to create a world free of violence and suffering – the project’s potential for abuse and its disregard for free will deeply concerned Kara. The project became a symbol of the divide between them, highlighting their differing approaches to solving global problems and further eroding trust.
FAQ 3: Was Lena justified in feeling betrayed by Kara?
Lena’s feelings of betrayal were understandable given her past trauma and the depth of her friendship with Kara. The secrecy surrounding Kara’s identity felt like a personal affront, reinforcing Lena’s deep-seated fears of being manipulated. While Kara’s intentions were arguably good, the impact on Lena was significant and undeniably justified her initial reaction.
FAQ 4: What were some of the key scenes leading up to Lena’s forgiveness in “Immortal Kombat, Part 1”?
Leading up to the moment of forgiveness, several scenes were pivotal. The scenes where Lena and Kara were forced to collaborate on a scientific solution, their vulnerable conversations about their fears and insecurities, and the moment when Kara put herself in danger to protect Lena all contributed to Lena’s softening stance. These shared experiences reminded Lena of the good in Kara and the genuine affection they shared.
FAQ 5: How did Lex Luthor manipulate Lena and contribute to her resentment towards Kara?
Lex Luthor played a significant role in exacerbating Lena’s resentment. He fed her insecurities, reinforced her distrust of others, and manipulated her into believing that Kara’s secrecy was proof of her deceitful nature. Lex exploited Lena’s vulnerabilities, twisting her feelings to suit his own agenda of controlling the world and destroying Supergirl.
FAQ 6: Did Lena fully trust Kara immediately after forgiving her in “Immortal Kombat, Part 1”?
No. The forgiveness in “Immortal Kombat, Part 1” was a significant step, but it didn’t erase the hurt and mistrust overnight. While Lena acknowledged Kara’s apology and began to let her guard down, rebuilding their relationship required time, consistent effort, and continued vulnerability from both sides. Trust had to be re-earned.
FAQ 7: How did their reconciliation affect Lena’s overall character arc?
The reconciliation with Kara was crucial to Lena’s character arc. It allowed her to move away from the dark path she was on, embrace her own goodness, and ultimately reject her family’s legacy of villainy. Forgiveness became a catalyst for her personal growth, enabling her to become a true hero in her own right.
FAQ 8: What role did other characters, like Alex Danvers and Brainy, play in their reconciliation?
Characters like Alex Danvers and Brainy served as mediators and sources of support for both Kara and Lena. They consistently reminded each of them of the other’s good qualities and encouraged them to communicate openly and honestly. Their unwavering belief in the strength of their friendship played a vital role in facilitating their reconciliation.
FAQ 9: Were there any other instances of forgiveness between Lena and Kara throughout the series?
While “Immortal Kombat, Part 1” marks the critical moment of acknowledging the past betrayal and offering forgiveness, the relationship continued to evolve. There were instances of Lena needing to forgive Kara again for smaller missteps or disagreements as they navigated their re-established friendship.
FAQ 10: How did the writers portray the complexities of forgiveness and trust in this storyline?
The writers meticulously portrayed the complexities of forgiveness by showcasing the realistic challenges and emotional baggage involved. They didn’t shy away from portraying the hurt, anger, and lingering doubts that accompanied Lena’s journey towards forgiveness. The portrayal resonated with viewers because it mirrored the complexities of real-life relationships.
FAQ 11: What are some of the fan theories surrounding Lena and Kara’s relationship?
Fan theories surrounding Lena and Kara’s relationship, often dubbed “Supercorp,” ranged from hoping for a romantic connection to analyzing the symbolic parallels between their struggles. These theories highlight the strong emotional investment fans had in their relationship and the desire for their bond to transcend the challenges they faced.
FAQ 12: What is the significance of their friendship in the broader context of the Supergirl narrative?
Lena and Kara’s friendship serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of forgiveness, the complexities of trust, and the potential for redemption. It demonstrates that even the deepest wounds can heal with effort, understanding, and unwavering love. Their bond exemplifies the series’ themes of hope, compassion, and the power of human connection.
The Enduring Legacy of Forgiveness
While the path to reconciliation was fraught with challenges, Lena’s forgiveness of Kara in “Immortal Kombat, Part 1” represents a pivotal moment in the Supergirl narrative. It showcases the enduring power of friendship, the possibility of overcoming betrayal, and the transformative potential of forgiveness. The legacy of their bond continues to resonate with fans, reminding them that even in a world of superheroes and extraordinary powers, the most powerful force of all is human connection.