The MVP: Chyler Leigh’s Alex Danvers Was the Heart of The CW’s Supergirl

Editor’s Note: Welcome to The MVP, a column where we celebrate the best performances TV has to offer. Whether it be through heart-wrenching outbursts, powerful looks, or perfectly-timed comedy, TV’s most memorable moments are made by the medium’s greatest players—top-billed or otherwise. Join us as we dive deep on our favorite TV performances, past and present:

Ten years ago, Supergirl took flight on CBS—and, later, The CW—launching into a flawed but respectable six-season run. Frankly, it’s undeniable that star Melissa Benoist consistently delivered fantastic and skillful performances, elevating both the occasionally lackluster material and the Girl of Steel herself. However, it was Chyler Leigh’s oft-overlooked and underappreciated Alex Danvers who ultimately became the heart of the superhero drama, forever changing how the audience thought of the decades-old hero. From the beginning, Kara and Alex’s sisterhood—rather than Kara’s superheroics—was the foundation of Supergirl, consistently providing the story’s most emotional, raw, and pivotal moments. (“Take the grass!”) It’s hard to imagine anyone behind the scenes could’ve ever expected how successful this character would become, or the impact she would have on the superhero genre at large.

To give Kara a sister had the potential to crash and burn, considering her entire story revolves around living with the incredible loss of all of her family and friends on Krypton, is something Clark never has to deal with. Offering Kara a familial support system like the Kents were for Clark was a substantial departure, but it was fascinating to see how it was still warped by the extreme loss she had experienced. Even when Supergirl struggled to write stories for Alex as an individual, her relationships stayed strong and were as crucial to the story as Kara’s cape.

 Obviously, the most notable example is with Kara, a love that gave both women the strength, compassion, and courage to continue their battles time and time again. While Supergirl was on the air, there was a lot of chatter among fans about Kara finding “her Lois,” specifically concerning Kara’s (potential) romantic relationships. Everyone wanted Kara to experience the same unconditional love and support that Lois and Clark offer to each other; they just couldn’t see she already had such a relationship, because it was a platonic love between sisters. 

In many ways, Alex is Kara’s own version of Lois. Alex knew her sister in a way that no one else ever could, having a firsthand glimpse into what lay behind the curtain of her double life and a vast knowledge of her hopes, dreams, and fears. Alex helped Kara not only find her place on a strange planet but also find herself as both a hero and a woman. Together, they created a new family and fought to make the world a better place, even when their ideas clashed about how to handle a situation.

Similarly, Alex’s relationship with the Martian Manhunter, J’onn J’onnz (David Harewood), further helped to tie everything and everyone together. It was Alex’s role within the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO) that built a partnership with Supergirl, leading to both of the ladies developing their own beautiful father-daughter dynamic with J’onn. (That said, Kara and J’onn’s dynamic paled in comparison to their respective connections to Alex.) 

Though she was not Supergirl’s eponymous lead, Alex was nevertheless the heart of the show. Her relationships are what allowed the series to come alive, offering a comforting, human take on the idea that hope prevails and there’s always someone looking to help. This central role was also reflected in her romantic relationships, first with Maggie Sawyer (Floriana Lima) and then Kelly Olsen (Azie Tesfai), which were also the primary and featured romances for much of the show’s run. While Arrow’s Sara Lance (Caity Lotz) was the first main LGBTQ+ character in the Arrowverse, Alex’s heartfelt journey out of the closet in Supergirl season 2, meant the show was the first to give such a central focus to an LGBTQ+ romance. The importance of exploring Alex’s sexuality and relationships cannot be understated, nor can the importance of using the series finale to deliver Alex and Kelly’s wedding and coming together as a family with their adopted daughter, Esme (Mila Jones). 

She may have been an original character created specifically for this adaptation, but there was no Supergirl without Alex Danvers. Alex opened the world for Kara and the audience. She was the bridge that brought nearly everything together — save for Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath) on one of her family’s many yachts underneath. Though the universe was no stranger to diversity and representation before, to have a character as fundamental as co-lead Alex Danvers join the LGBTQ+ community opened the door even more and allowed more people to find a safe space within, which was further emphasized by Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman. 

No other take on the character would have done her nearly as much justice as Kara and Alex’s relationship did. It is one of the most profound and positive accomplishments of the late Arrowverse, and arguably one of the best relationships ever crafted for the Girl of Steel across any medium. Creating Alex and developing this relationship refreshed the hero and brought out a different side to her, which should never be forgotten or diminished. With a Supergirl-centric film slated for a 2026 release, it’s inconceivable to think of another version of Kara taking flight without Alex. Frankly, Alex should have already become a mainstay for Supergirl as her legacy continues, just as Lois is for Clark.

Jay Snow is a freelance writer and TV critic. For more of his thoughts on television and to find his other work, follow him on Bluesky: @snowyjay.

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