While fans might be missing Katie McGrath on their screens in Supergirl, the actress is already working on her next big project: John Wick's origin story The Continental (2022). The mini-series details the origins of The Continental Hotel and its position as a haven for everyone in the criminal underworld, and McGrath's character, The Adjudicator, is sure to have some powerful moments.
Longtime fans of McGrath do not doubt that she can pull off the role, as she has a long history of playing powerful, dynamic characters. Supergirl's Lena Luthor worked with and against the heroes, struggling to find independence from her family in a way that suited her morals. The character called out to fans who didn't have the supportive family Kara and Alex did, and her quotes show off the best of her skill, wit, and complexity.
"You Know Where To Find Me. Name’s On The Building."
Supergirl S3, E12, "For Good"
While Lena struggled with her identity throughout the show, particularly given the dark history tied to her family name, she never let that shake her confidence. She knew who she was and was incredibly proud of how far she had come.
This is shown off in this scene, where she used her intelligence to take down both Lillian Luthor and Morgan Edge. Rather than finding a way to stay safe when they get free, she taunts them further, even painting a target on her back, because she knows she's strong enough to continue beating them.
"I’m Just A Woman Trying To Make A Name For Herself Outside Of Her Family."
Supergirl S3, E1, "The Adventures of Supergirl"
When Supergirl began, many fans were skeptical if it could be successful. Due to that anxiety, the showrunners focused on making Kara's story as close to Clark's as possible. That started changing in season two, where both Kara and Lena fought to prove they were more than their last name.
This quote perfectly sums up Lena's personality, because she is constantly undermined by her name. That's as true during her dark periods as it is during her light ones, as Lena fights to right their wrongs and establish a new legacy completely separate from Lex.
"How Could You [Understand]? You’re Not A Luthor."
Supergirl S5, E1, "Event Horizon"
Her determination to not only get back at Kara but also stop all betrayal makes Lena season 5's best character. Though this did lead her to do bad things, her goal was never to hurt people. She wanted to make humanity better, and that cause was noble.
However, she did have her dark moments. In season five, more than ever, Lena embraced what everyone believed to be true of Luthors. When her AI Hope asks why she didn't just out Kara, Lena tells her what being a Luthor means: "We’re scorpions. Someone betrays us, we sting." This mentality led to her more cruel moments, which damaged her relationship with Kara moving forward.
"Everyone Has An Opinion About Me: Ungrateful Daughter, Heroine, B****."
Supergirl S2, E12, "Luthors"
After proving she had been framed for a crime she didn't commit, Lena commiserates with Kara about what everyone thinks of her. While the different titles don't seem to upset her, she wants to be seen in a neutral, if not positive, light.
This moment shows off the way National City responded to her. Working with the Luthors is criminal behavior, but betraying them seems to be just as bad. She had a lot of social pressure put on her, and it would take several more seasons before she learns to accept it.
"Appreciate That We Still Have Friends That Believe In Us."
Supergirl S6, E1, "Rebirth"
Sometimes good people do the wrong thing, but Lena and Brainy are in a particularly difficult position because most people assumed they would be bad from the beginning. When they both ended up working with Lex, no matter their reasoning, it seemed to confirm every bad rumor about them.
But Lena approaches their situation with hope. After a lot of denials, she helps Brainy find a path through his guilt. They were responsible for two of the greatest betrayals on Supergirl, but there's nothing they can do to take it back. So, as Lena says, they need to look to the future and be grateful for friends who give them second chances.
"I’ve Never Stood Behind A Man."
Supergirl S2, E18, "Ace Reporter"
Lena proves herself the comeback queen in this episode. When Beth repeats the adage about strong women standing behind great men, Lena explains that she simply can't understand that perspective, since she'd never stood behind a man.
Supergirl has a lot of quotes that scream "Girl Power," but this is one of the best. Lena may have been introduced as Lex Luthor's sister, but she grew far beyond that label. She had her actions and motivations and refused to accept the idea that any woman should need a man to achieve greatness.
"I’m Not A Villain. You Shouldn’t Have Treated Me Like One."
Supergirl S5, E7, "Tremors"
Kara revealed herself to her friends and family remarkably quickly, but fans had to sit through several seasons of Kara poorly concealing her secret from Lena while claiming to be her best friend. It was heartbreaking, and the only reason for it was that, on some level, Kara still didn't trust Lena.
Yes, there was a conflict between Supergirl and Lena, but telling the truth could've allowed Kara to heal those wounds. Instead, she lied repeatedly, and, rightly so, Lena took that to mean Kara looked at her as a villain. Seeing her break down about the pain of discovering the truth from Lex, it's hard not to take Lena's side.
“When You Finally Own That, You'll Be Great.” “I Am Great”
Lillian and Lena Luthor, Supergirl S3, E12, "For Good"
Lena Luthor is one of the smartest characters on Supergirl, but her family seems convinced that her genius only has value if it's used for nefarious purposes. Lillian, in particular, pushes Lena to consistently be better than she has been by embracing the darkest parts of herself.
For a character with so much self-hatred, it's wonderful to see Lena stand up for herself, telling her mother that she already is great. While fans applauded her strength in this line, her mother has a great one right after: "Why would you want to be Cat Grant when you could be Lena Luthor?"
"You're A Monster. But That Doesn't Mean I Have To Be One Too."
Supergirl S5, E18, "The Missing Link"
It's hard to hate the only person who believed you could achieve greatness, even if he is insane and dangerous. Lena loved Lex at one time, and fully rejecting him meant rejecting the support her child self needed so desperately.
During her separation from Kara, Lena started relying on Lex again, and that pushed her as close as she ever got to a villain arc. But when she sees Lex for who he is and the danger he poses, she makes her redemption arc. She didn't need Lex or Kara to be the hero she was always meant to be.
"I Do Hate You. I Just Love Me More."
Supergirl S6, E3, "Phantom Menaces"
Even after she fully understood the monster Lex had become, Lena was still trapped, as much by her hatred of him as she had been by her desperation for his approval. The lesson she finally learned was that she didn't need to be his nemesis. She needed to remove herself from his life altogether to finally take care of herself.
Through love or hate, Lex had too much power over her until she decided to fully disengage. His games were too dangerous, making it so that Lena brought further harm to herself and others in her obsession. Rather than allowing her hatred for Lex to consume her, she focused on loving herself. This quote sends an important message to survivors of abuse that radical separation is the necessary first step to a healthier way of life.