Mon-El’s return to Supergirl is a complex and often debated topic among fans. He doesn’t have a single, definitive return, but rather Mon-El’s re-emergence occurs in the Supergirl season 3 premiere, “Girl of Steel.” However, the circumstances surrounding his return are far from simple and lead to significant narrative developments throughout the season.
The Complicated Return of the Prince of Daxam
The character of Mon-El, portrayed by Chris Wood, became a significant figure in Supergirl season 2. His relationship with Kara Danvers (Supergirl) was a central storyline, making his departure at the end of the season due to lead poisoning – Earth’s atmosphere becoming toxic to Daxamites – all the more heartbreaking. His seemingly permanent farewell left a void that fans eagerly hoped to see filled.
His return in “Girl of Steel” isn’t the triumphant reunion one might expect. Mon-El arrives not as the man Kara knew, but as a changed individual who has spent seven years traveling through time. This altered timeline is crucial to understanding his subsequent actions and the overall narrative arc of season 3. He arrives in a ship with others from the future.
The Time-Traveling Twist
The revelation that Mon-El had traversed through time significantly alters the dynamic. He returns not alone, but as a husband to Imra Ardeen (Saturn Girl), a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. This adds a layer of complexity to his relationship with Kara, forcing her to confront the reality that he has moved on and built a new life. His time-travel experiences have also made him a more mature and strategic leader.
The Legion and the Future Threat
Mon-El’s arrival also heralds the introduction of the Legion of Super-Heroes, hinting at a significant threat looming in the future. The Legion, including Imra and Brainiac 5, are time-travelers who have journeyed to the present to combat this future peril, which is eventually revealed to be the Worldkillers, led by Reign. Mon-El’s presence is therefore not simply a romantic reunion, but a mission to protect the timeline and prevent catastrophic events. He plays a crucial part in training Supergirl against Reign and the other Worldkillers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mon-El’s Return
Here are some commonly asked questions about Mon-El’s return and involvement in Supergirl:
FAQ 1: Why did Mon-El leave Supergirl in the first place?
Mon-El left Earth at the end of season 2 because the atmosphere, saturated with lead, became lethal to Daxamites. Supergirl had to release lead into the atmosphere to stop Daxamite invasion, ultimately dooming Mon-El on Earth. He was forced to leave in a pod, entering a wormhole that propelled him far into the future.
FAQ 2: How long was Mon-El gone before he returned?
While it felt like a short time to Kara, Mon-El was actually gone for seven years, traversing through time and space. These years significantly changed him, shaping his personality and leadership skills.
FAQ 3: Who is Imra Ardeen, and what is her connection to Mon-El?
Imra Ardeen, also known as Saturn Girl, is a powerful telepath and a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. She is Mon-El’s wife in the future, adding a significant complication to his relationship with Kara. Imra is integral to the Legion’s mission to prevent a future catastrophe.
FAQ 4: What is the Legion of Super-Heroes, and why are they in National City?
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a team of time-traveling superheroes from the 31st century. They arrived in National City to stop Reign and the Worldkillers, a group of Kryptonian bio-weapons created to “reign” and reshape the planet according to Kryptonian ideals. Their presence provides crucial support to Supergirl in her battle against this formidable threat.
FAQ 5: How does Kara react to Mon-El’s return and marriage?
Kara’s reaction is understandably complex and emotional. She initially experiences joy and relief at his return, quickly followed by heartbreak and confusion upon learning about his marriage to Imra. Kara must navigate the challenges of accepting his new life while still grappling with her own feelings for him.
FAQ 6: Does Mon-El ever revert back to his season 2 personality?
While Mon-El retains some of his inherent charm, he is noticeably more mature, disciplined, and focused. His experiences in the future have made him a strategic leader, and he prioritizes the mission of the Legion. He doesn’t fully revert to his previous, less serious self.
FAQ 7: What role does Mon-El play in the fight against Reign?
Mon-El’s knowledge of Reign and the Worldkillers from the future proves invaluable in preparing Supergirl for the battles ahead. He helps train her and provides strategic insights, ultimately playing a crucial role in defeating Reign and saving National City.
FAQ 8: Does Mon-El eventually end up back with Kara?
While the romantic tension between Kara and Mon-El is revisited throughout season 3, they do not ultimately end up together. His commitment to Imra and the Legion, coupled with the understanding that their destinies lie on different paths, leads to a bittersweet resolution.
FAQ 9: Why does Mon-El leave again at the end of season 3?
At the end of season 3, Mon-El returns to the future with the Legion of Super-Heroes to continue their fight against future threats. His mission is not complete, and his duty lies with the Legion, cementing his separation from Kara.
FAQ 10: Will Mon-El ever return to Supergirl after season 3?
Mon-El does return in later seasons, notably in season 5. However, these appearances are often brief and tied to specific storylines involving time travel or the Legion. He doesn’t have a permanent, ongoing presence in the later seasons.
FAQ 11: How did Mon-El know to come back to help against the Worldkillers?
The Legion of Super-Heroes are aware of future events and threats. They likely knew about the emergence of the Worldkillers and traveled to the past to assist Supergirl in preventing their reign of terror. This knowledge comes from future technology and understanding of historical timelines.
FAQ 12: What is the ultimate fate of Mon-El and Imra’s relationship?
Mon-El and Imra’s relationship faces significant challenges during their time in the past, particularly with the unresolved feelings between Mon-El and Kara. Their relationship is shown to be strained, and it’s heavily implied that they don’t remain together in the long term within the Legion’s timeline. However, their ultimate fate is not explicitly shown on screen.
The Legacy of Mon-El’s Return
Mon-El’s return to Supergirl in season 3 served as a pivotal moment, introducing complex storylines and challenging the characters’ emotional boundaries. His time-traveling adventures, the arrival of the Legion, and the looming threat of Reign contributed to a richer and more dynamic narrative. While his relationship with Kara didn’t ultimately lead to a happily-ever-after, his presence significantly impacted the trajectory of the series, leaving a lasting legacy that fans continue to discuss and analyze. The character’s evolution from a somewhat immature Daxamite prince to a responsible and selfless leader is a testament to the power of time and experience, even within the realm of superhero fiction. His multiple returns highlight the show’s exploration of time travel and its repercussions on personal relationships and the overarching narrative.