On Supergirl, in its 100th episode, the Girl of Steel found the courage to accept that she's not responsible for the actions of others. At that point, she showed the most significant personal growth in five seasons, realizing she was free to concentrate on being the best superhero she can be. That giant leap for Supergirl wasn’t matched by corresponding progress for her alter-ego Kara Danvers, whose stalled momentum can be easily rectified in the show's sixth and final season.
When she was taken under the tutelage of Cat Grant in season 1, Kara’s professional aspirations first entered the spotlight. Cat Grant encouraged her to stand up for herself and to go after the career she wanted. Kara decided she wanted to be a reporter like her cousin, Clark, and season 2 saw this dream come to life, as the young journalist was shown the ropes of excellent, responsible reporting by veteran newsman Snapper Carr. Sadly, Snapper's time at Catco was brief. In season 3, Kara was free to pursue stories that interested her, with the approval of new editor-in-chief James Olsen.
Season 4 of Supergirl showed the character utilizing the journalist skills Cat and Snapper sharpened to document the various schemes of Lex Luthor, a story which would earn Kara Danvers a Pulitzer early in season 5. Yet, once she had received her award, the show seemed to forget that Kara was a journalist at all. The editorial direction of Catco was subsequently hijacked, further separating her from her chosen profession. Whatever Kara does in the final season, her identity as a journalist should take center stage. Catco, while giving Kara many opportunities has started to stifle her individual voice. She's past the point where she needs that boss/employee dynamic to cause conflict or incite growth; the door is open for Kara to leave Catco and explore freelance work.
To reflect reality, Catco could downsize its newsroom, leaving Kara with the primary option of working as a freelance journalist after her departure. Supergirl is a show that has never shied away from tackling real-world issues, it would be only natural to echo what is happening in newsrooms across the country. The impact to Kara’s story overall could only be positive. Kara would be her own boss. She would have to hold herself accountable for maintaining her journalistic integrity, a powerful next step in her character development.
Kara has watched those closest to her, Alex and J'onn, question their career choices and make bold decisions to go in new directions, so it is only natural for her to ponder a different path for herself. Deciding such a step would also present the opportunity for heartfelt conversations with Alex about the risks and benefits of career changes, another timely issue for the show to cover. Once again, the Danvers sisters would support each other at a life crossroads. Kara’s freelance work would also still leave room for collaborations with her former Catco colleagues Nia and William. One other benefit of being her own boss is that Kara would no longer have to rely on flimsy excuses or elaborate fibs to conceal her transformation into Supergirl when she was needed.
With Supergirl poised to quickly wrap up its Luthor and Leviathan arcs, Kara’s career evolution can begin early in the final season. Kara herself hasn't changed much over the show nor has she needed to, but this direction for the character will allow her to push the limits of what she believes she can do with her abilities, not only as Supergirl but as a journalist and an individual. Without Catco as her safety net, Kara Danvers can spread her wings and fly. What better way for her to end her journey than by starting a new one.