The Complexities of Acting Roles in CW Shows

The concept of what role a particular actor plays beyond the title character can sometimes lead to confusion for audiences and industry insiders alike. This confusion often arises when discussing TV show stars, especially within the convoluted universe of The CW Network. Take the case of the actress who plays Supergirl on Supergirl. This article aims to clarify the roles and statuses of these actors, highlighting the complexities of how they are categorized in different shows.

The Case of Melissa Benoist

Why is Melissa Benoist considered a supporting actress on other CW shows?
Melissa Benoist is perhaps best known for her role as Kara Zor-El, commonly referred to as Supergirl, on the eponymous CW show. However, when she appears in other CW shows such as Arrow, The Flash, or Legends of Tomorrow, her role is often labeled as a supporting actress or a guest star. This may seem counterintuitive, but the reasons behind this categorization are rooted in the inherent structure of these television series.

Standalone vs. Cross-Series Roles

Standalone Shows:
In the case of Supergirl, Melissa Benoist stars as the titular superhero and is indeed the main character. This positioning is reflected in her status as the main star of the series. Information that supports this can be found on notable platforms such as Wikipedia, which proudly lists Benoist as the star of the series. Similarly, IMDB, a widely recognized source for film and television information, also places Benoist at the top of the cast list, underlining her central role in the show.

Cross-Series Appearances:
When Benoist appears on shows like Arrow, The Flash, or Legends of Tomorrow, her role changes to a supporting one or, in some cases, a guest star. This change in status is due to the fact that these shows are centered around their respective titular heroes—Oliver Queen, Barry Allen, and Nate Larner, respectively. While Benoist plays a significant role in these shows, she is not the lead character. Therefore, her involvement is categorized as supporting or guest star status.

Recognition and Categorization

Grant Gustin's Example:
To provide a clearer understanding, consider Grant Gustin, who plays the Flash on Supergirl. Gustin is also not the main star of Supergirl, but we do not hear complaints about his role being reduced. This is because Supergirl remains his primary platform, while his appearances on shows like Reaper would similarly be categorized based on his overall contribution.

Why the Confusion?

Cross-Series Consistency:

Cross-Series Consistency:
One of the primary reasons for this confusion is the varying nature of the characters and their respective shows. Each CW show operates as its own standalone entity, with its own lead character. However, within the same shared universe, actors play interconnected roles. This intertwining nature can lead to mixed perceptions about their roles.

Special Appearances:
It's important to note that special guest appearances or guest roles on different shows are often considered part of an actor's versatile performance rather than detracting from their primary role. For instance, minutes spent on The Flash cannot be weighed against minutes spent on Supergirl. The actor's overall performance and recognition are what matter in the industry.

Clarity and Categorization

Consensus and Industry Standards:
Clear communication and industry standards play a significant role in ensuring that actors and their roles are accurately categorized. Platforms like Wikipedia, IMDB, and other industry influencers need to maintain consistent records and labels. This helps in avoiding misrepresentations and ensures that the public and industry professionals have a clear understanding of each actor's role.

Individual Recognition:
It's crucial to recognize the work of actors in all their roles, rather than limiting their accomplishments to their star status. Supporting and guest roles are not inferior, but rather a testament to the actor's versatility and range.

Conclusion

The categorization of roles within the universe of CW shows is a nuanced process influenced by the structure of each show and the interconnectedness within the shared universe. Whether an actor stars as the main character or appears as a supporting or guest star, their contributions are vital to the success of the series.

Key Takeaways:
- Supergirl's Melissa Benoist is the main star of the CW show, while her appearances in other series are categorized as supporting or guest star roles due to the structure of those shows.

- Consistency in categorization on platforms like Wikipedia and IMDB is essential for accurate representation.

- Recognizing and valuing all roles an actor portrays helps in building a well-rounded reputation and ensures fair industry standards.