6 essential episodes to help you catch up with 'Supergirl'

Supergirl is flying over to The CW after a freshman run on CBS, and in Season 2, we'll see Kara (Melissa Benoist) joining forces with her cousin, Superman (Tyler Hoechlin), to prove that great bone structure and aerodynamics run in the family.

If you missed the Girl of Steel's debut last season but don't have time for a full binge, we've compiled a list of six essential episodes to help you catch up before the Oct. 10 premiere -- the first season is now available on Netflix as part of The CW's new streaming deal with the company.

Up, up and away!

Episode 101: "Pilot"

As The Sound of Music taught us, the very beginning is a very good place to start -- you can pick up all the backstory on Kara's journey to Earth after the destruction of Krypton, and see the inciting incident that prompts her to become a hero. The premiere also introduces us to all the important people in Kara's life: her adoptive sister, Alex (Chyler Leigh), who works for the Department of Extra-Normal Operations; her best friend Winn (Jeremy Jordan); her boss and mentor Cat Grant (Calista Flockhart); and the object of her affection, James "Jimmy" Olsen (Mehcad Brooks), as well as the season's antagonists, Astra (Laura Benanti) and Non (Chris Vance).

Episode 111: "Strange Visitor from Another Planet"

After episode 7 revealed that Alex's DEO boss, Hank Henshaw (David Harewood), is actually beloved DC Comics character J'onn J'onzz, aka Martian Manhunter, this episode digs into the heartbreaking backstory behind J'onn's presence on earth. Not only is the hour important to the show's mythology, it also helps solidify the bonds between Kara, Alex and J'onn, and proves to be a timely allegory of our current political climate. If you're a fan of Martian Manhunter and have some spare time, episodes 7, 11 and 17 make a great trilogy for the character. If not, you can watch J'onn's big reveal from episode 7 below.

Episode 113 - "For the Girl Who Has Everything"

A twist on one of the most iconic Superman comic book stories of all time (Alan Moore's "For the Man Who Has Everything"), this installment sees Kara struggling to reconcile her sense of loneliness and isolation with her duties as Supergirl. The episode features a couple of big character moments, but what makes it truly effective is the focus on family, once again emphasizing the hope and optimism that make the series so emotionally resonant.

Episode 116 - "Falling"

Perhaps the best episode of the season as a whole, "Falling" deftly balances action, humor and character evolution as Kara comes into contact with Red Kryptonite, which removes her inhibitions and brings all of her worst impulses to the surface. The episode allows Melissa Benoist to explore new, rebellious shades of her normally strait-laced character, and it's just as much fun watching Kara let loose as it must've been for the actress to tackle it.

Episode 118 - "Worlds Finest"

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"Falling" may be the most well-constructed episode of the season, but "Worlds Finest" is undoubtedly the most fun, as The Flash's Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) accidentally speeds into Kara's universe for a crossover episode that will leave even the most jaded comics fan grinning with glee. (Yes, both Benoist and Gustin are Glee alums, so that pun was very much intended.) Similar to the previous crossover episodes The CW has facilitated between its comic book properties, "Worlds Finest" is a joyful distillation of everything we love about superheroes, and the humor and heart on display are the perfect antidote to the dour and dismal tone of Batman v. Superman.

Episode 120 - "Better Angels"

After brainwashing the inhabitants of National City -- including Superman and Alex -- with a plan known as Myriad, Non tries to defeat Supergirl and enslave humanity, using the Kryptonian technology to pit Alex against Kara in a heartbreaking battle. But what Non perceives as human weakness proves to be a strength, as Kara figures out a fitting way to save the day in the season finale. As a bonus, the episode ends with a cliffhanger that will pique your curiosity for what's to come in Season 2.

Supergirl airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on The CW.