CBS recently unveiled their 6-minute “First Look” trailer for “Supergirl,” which is one of their first superhero TV shows ever and a new connective tissue for the ever-expanding DC comics TV universe controlled by by the mind of Greg Berlanti. Yes, “Supergirl” exists alongside established superheroes like the Arrow and Flash, who currently fight crime on the CW (a network owned by the same company as CBS). That doesn’t mean the show will crossover much or even at all with the aforementioned supers, but it could happen at least once.
But the real story is how “Supergirl” will make its mark when it comes to its lead character. Leading up to this trailer, many speculators like me have wondered how they’ll portray the character of Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman. And you know what? They’ve pretty much nailed it. Look, the issue of handling female superheroes for TV and movies is extremely volatile. Just look at the craziness that erupted with Black Widow over the last month.
There’s undoubtedly a lot of people shaking their heads at how DC/CBS is tackling Supergirl (many of them are even women), but I’m not one of them. Specifically, there are some of you out there worried about having a “girly” superhero living in a romantic comedy script. I’ve heard things like, “Well I’m a guy, so this show wasn’t made for me.”
Right, because women everywhere who love comics aren’t used to watching shows not made for them. As a guy who’s used to seeing strong, confident heroes like Black Widow and I guess Black Canary to an extent get their time, I couldn’t be more excited about seeing a younger, less sure of herself girl grow into becoming the unstoppable hero we know she can be.
Why does Supergirl have to be GoGo Tomago? Why can’t she be a little awkward and clumsy like, say, I don’t know, Clark Kent? Yes it’s a little silly, cheesy, and corny. So was “The Flash,” and we all know how that turned out. I’m not someone who easily relates to the struggles of a girl living in the big city trying to overcome self-doubt.
But that’s probably why I’ll end up loving the show. It’s new territory in the sense that the story is being told through a genre I absolutely love with a character I wouldn’t normally find relatable.
Of course, I haven’t seen the show itself yet, so who knows how it’ll actually turn out. I’m a little wary of Jimmy-er-James Olsen being portrayed by this cool and confident professional instead of the bumbling, shy nerd we know from the comics. I’m not crazy about Toyman and Hank Henshaw essentially being the new Harrison Wells/Caitlin Snow (really guys? Can’t we do something different for this show?)
But as for Supergirl herself, I think CBS is onto something, and it’s great news for all of us if other studios start taking notes.
Also
- Any nitpicks I could make about the overall casting is essentially obliterated by the fact that Melissa Benoist (Whiplash) is playing the main character. They nailed it.
- The premise of fighting alien threats a la metahumans in “Flash” is interesting enough. It’s good that Kara will have some challenging opponents along with Metallo.
- Hopefully, this shadow Superman will reveal himself as Dean Cain in the finale (that’s a joke).
- That costume is the 1.0 version (think “Daredevil”). Hold off all complaints until we see the official version.
- Wow, “Gotham” is really starting to look like a missed opportunity at this point.