With Kara Zor-El’s trip to the Phantom Zone in its season 6 premiere, Supergirl honors the rich history of the character by recreating an integral part of the original 1984 movie’s plot. The move brings the film and television stories of the Girl of Steel full circle by solidifying their connection. In the original film, a young actress by the name of Helen Slater (who now plays the TV Supergirl’s adoptive mother Eliza Danvers) was given her first major role when she was tapped to play Kara Zo-El/Supergirl. In choosing this storyline to kick off its final season, Supergirl is paying homage to both Slater and the film that started Supergirl’s on-screen journey.

The concept of the Kryptonian Phantom Zone as an intergalactic prison has been used as major plot points in Superman and Supergirl comics and films since its 1961 creation. In the 1984 film on the Girl of Steel, Kara is banished to the Phantom Zone by the evil witch Selena. While there, the young superhero comes into her own thanks to guidance from her beloved teacher, the scientist Zaltar, who had been sent there for crimes involving the Omegahedron. From him, she learns there is a way out of the Zone called the Rift.

Related: Why Supergirl Season 6 Just Sent Kara To The Phantom Zone 

The Arrowverse’s Supergirl has traveled through the Phantom Zone before. Her original journey to Earth was interrupted for 24 years when her ship was knocked off course into the Zone. She was freed that time by Indigo, who sought to escape from her prison. This time, it was a desperate, last-minute attempt by Lex Luthor to kill her that sent Supergirl into the Phantom Zone. However long or short Kara’s stay in the Phantom Zone will be, it is infinitely likely that the show will honor the original Supergirl film by having Kara Zor-El emerge from the ordeal a stronger, wiser superhero.

While it is known that the Phantom Zone will torment Kara’s mind, the show could give Kara their version of a mentor/protector and guide to freedom in some form of her father, Zor-El. Kara could use the opportunity to confront him about his disappointing past such as the creation of the Kryptonian virus that she battled in earlier seasons. After all, Roswell actor Jason Behr has been cast as Kara’s father, described as coming to her aid at a time when things are out of her control.

In yet another nod to the movie, the show could make the key to freeing Supergirl from the Phantom Zone be of some sort of rift. In the movie, the powerless Supergirl regains her strength due to the yellow sun shining through the Rift, and flies to freedom. If the Arrowverse Kara’s friends or she herself can open a Rift in the Phantom Zone, light could reach her and recharge her powers so Supergirl can break free. No matter how she escapes, Supergirl will be changed and tested like never before during her time in the Phantom Zone. Any unresolved fears or regrets from her past or present will be used against her, requiring Kara to overcome each one to survive, promising many powerful moments of growth for the title character.

Supergirl’s season 6 decision to banish Melissa Benoist’s Kara Zor El to the Phantom Zone is a nod of respect to her character’s history. It is fitting that the show honors both the original film and Supergirl co-star Helen Slater in the launch of its final season. Kara Zor El’s Arrowverse journey begins its ending with a story that calls back to the character’s movie roots and uses that same story to set up a thrilling trial of fire through which she will be reborn.

Next: Supergirl Sacrificing Herself In The Season 6 Premiere Doesn't Mean She Will Die