Melissa Benoist perfectly explains why ‘Supergirl’ is feminist

The first episode of the highly anticipated CBS series Supergirl aired last night, and it seems to be all that people are talking about. The same question keeps coming up again and again: is it a feminist show? Melissa Benoist, who appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, has your answer: Absolutely.

First, there’s that powerful moment in the show that sneakily addresses the real life backlash against the use of the word “girl” vs. “woman.” The character Cat puts critics in their place:

“I stuck a label on the side of this girl. I branded her. … And what do you think is so bad about ‘girl’? I’m a girl. And your boss. And powerful and rich and hot and smart. So if you perceive Supergirl as anything less than excellent — isn’t the problem you?”

The moment wasn’t lost on Stephen Colbert, who references the debate and how the show addressed it. He then asked Benoist if she likes that there’s a feminist association with the show. Her answer? Of course!

“I think it’s great,” Benoist explained. “And I think what’s feminist about it is that it’s for everyone. She has all the same powers [Superman] does.”

And, as Colbert goes on to point out, she’s already inspiring young girls across the country. He used this Instagram photo of Benoist in full superhero costume posing with a crew of young Girl Scouts.

Benoist, has been in the hot seat during the show’s promotional send-up this week addressing everything from Jeb Bush’s awkward comment about her character being “hot” (her response: “I heard about it, but I don’t know what I think about it”)  to the significance of her role as a female superhero (“I would really love to reach young girls, and to be a good role model for them.”)

But last night with Stephen Colbert, she really nailed it when she addressed the all-inclusiveness of feminism. It’s about equality for all—and Benoist clearly is down with that message.

(Image via CBS)