Supergirl season 4 episode 16 live stream: Watch online

Supergirl faces off against her cousin’s mortal enemy as Lex Luthor roams free. Catch the action live using Culturess’ handy viewing guide.

Whew. Although we never really thought Supergirl was in danger of killing off James, it was nonetheless a relief to see him survive last week’s episode. Given that this was apparently his 12th stint in the hospital thanks to his previous adventures with Superman, maybe he won’t even sustain much emotional or psychological damage from the ordeal.

“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” wasn’t a total filler episode, though. It offered a reminder of how little we know about James’s life before he came to National City and made us intrigued to learn more. The heightened emotion of the situation drove Nia and Brainy to express their attraction to one another after weeks of tentative flirting. And, of course, it introduced Lex Luthor.

Like Superman’s appearance in season 2, Lex’s introduction to the world of Supergirl put to rest any concerns about the show being overwhelmed by an iconic character. Jon Cryer offered a more grounded (and ultimately more compelling) version of the super-villain than those recently seen in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Superman Returns, embracing his over-the-top nature without turning him into a cartoon. His slippery performance made the climactic twist both surprising and inevitable. Plus, it was clear throughout the episode that Lex occupied a supporting role, serving primarily to illuminate Lena’s internal conflict.

What diabolical scheme is he hatching this time? Read below for an official synopsis of tonight’s episode, titled “The House of L,” courtesy of The CW:

"LEX LUTHOR CONTINUES TO WREAK HAVOC — In the wake of Lex Luthor’s (guest star Jon Cryer) return, the show flashes back to what he’s been doing for the last two years and how his secret machinations and plans have affected Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) and Lena (Katie McGrath)."

To be honest, the sight of Lex waltzing through a gauntlet of dead bodies to the tune of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik was so perfectly macabre that we worry more Lex will be too much of a good thing. Is it wise to introduce another major antagonist so late in the season? Even with Manchester Black (sadly) out of the picture, Supergirl has a lot going on with just seven episodes left.

With that said, the promotional images for the episode suggest that Lex’s scheme involves Red Daughter, meaning the long-teased character will finally become relevant. Either way, the end is nigh.

Carl Seaton directs from a script by Dana Horgan and Eric Carrasco.

"Date: Sunday, March 24Start time: 8 p.m. ESTEpisode: “The House of L”TV Channel: The CWLive Stream: Watch live on Fubo TV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial. You can also watch on The CW website or app."

Supergirl airs as part of The CW’s Sunday night line-up.