During their San Diego Comic-Con press room, Supergirl star Melissa Benoist and Executive Producer Sarah Schechter chatted with us about the show’s upcoming fifth season. Here’s what they shared about Benoist’s directorial debut, and stormy seas ahead for Kara and Lena’s friendship.
Watch the Season 5 premiere of Supergirl tonight at 9/8c on The CW in the US, and at 9pm ET/PT on Showcase in Canada, and check out all of our Supergirl coverage here.
Melissa, you’re going to be directing in Season 5. What have you learned from the crew and previous directors that you will take into your work as a director?
Benoist: Our show is so massive to produce. It really is a monster. I loved our crews already, but seeing how everyone interacts and what it takes to get all the moving parts oiled and running well, it’s a massive effort. I’m so proud to work with people I do. That’s been the biggest lesson for me. Every actor should shadow even if they’re not going to direct.
Looking back at Season 4, which storylines really had an impact on you?
Benoist: Red Daughter was one some of the most fun I’ve had on the show. It was something so different. Exploring the idea of indoctrination, and how people come to believe what they believe so devoutly was really fascinating. And Kara standing up to President Baker felt good.
Supergirl has always cleverly commented on real life news and events. Is there any subject matter you’d like to see Kara take on as a journalist?
Benoist: Kara will inevitably always be digging to expose truth, and speak truth to power and fight for what’s right.
Schechter: [Our producers] Robert and Jessica and Greg really think journalists are heroes, especially the ones that really work hard to expose the truth, shine a light on suffering and celebrate humanity. Those are all things that we want to do with the show on a weekly basis. It’s very fortunate that that this is [Kara’s] day job because it allows us to do that pretty seamlessly.
What can you tease about Kara and Lena’s friendship?
Benoist: Rough times ahead. Choppy waters. Storms on the horizon. That’s what we can tease.
Photo Courtesy of The CW
