Supergirl has gone through various incarnations from comics to the screen over the decades. She's now portrayed by Melissa Benoist in a CBS television series of her own, with Helen Slater (the original movie Supergirl) and Dean Cain ("Lois and Clark'"s Man of Steel), as Kara Zor-El/Kara Danvers' surrogate parents.
Jimmy/James Olsen (Mechad Brooks) is a regular, though no longer employed by the Daily Planet. He now works with young Danvers for Cat Grant (Calista Flockhart), owner of Catco, a massive media corporation, located in National City. Lucy Lane (Jenna Dewan-Tatum), Lois' little sister (and in this instance, Olsen's ex), will make occasional appearances. On the other hand, Danver's surrogate sister, Alex (Chyler Leigh) will act as her inspirational constant.
There seems to be some debate, based on those I've conversed with these past months, as to whether the Girl of Steel should be portrayed in her more recent, sultry mode or in a traditional, golly-gee manner. Personally, I fancy both extremes, but see nothing wrong with the wholesome approach, which the trailer certainly conveys. Playing it by the heartfelt straight-and-narrow is good for family viewing, and really, when all's said and done, that's the most respectful way to depict the character, regardless of the lurid fantasies some of us may harbor for her. (Besides, there's always plenty of Laura Vandervoort "Smallville" footage to savor.)
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the premiere. As I've been doing with DC's live-action Flash, Green Arrow and "Gotham", I'll offer my occasional reflections on the continuing adventures of Kal-El's caring cousin.
(The only thing is: how will the producers continue to handle Superman's indirect presence in the grand scheme of the show? To me, that'll be tricky, but even if they stumble in the attempt, such shouldn't make the ride too less enjoyable.)
Alas, CBS has made the illogical move to air "Supergirl" opposite "Gotham". I guess this won't hurt matters too much, though, for either DC show. It's not like in the old days when the likes of "Lois and Clark" and "seaQuest" were on at the same, darn time. Folks can work around this sort of thing now, and yet it still feels awkward, like some sort of wise-acre move. Oh, well, it is what it is...
ReplyDeleteSwell pilot; reminds me of the '80s/90s Salkind Superboy series. That's a good sign in my estimation. In any event, so far, so good.
ReplyDeletePS: I thought the hint of Superman (as he leads his cousin to Cain and Slater) was beautifully done: majestic an poetic. If the series has continued moments along those lines, I'll be most pleased.
DeleteLiked the second episode of "Supergirl" very much. I also like how the Phantom Zone villains figure into the scene, but heck, who needs any other villains when Cat Grant is around. She's overly mean, in my estimation. Perry White (regardless of the incarnation) may have had a big bark, but he was compassionate and ethical. Grant is callous to the core. I'm really finding it hard to warm up to her, but then maybe that's the reaction the writers want.
ReplyDelete"Livewire" might be my favorite of the series so far. Great confrontational action! It was also nice to see Slater and Cain back in view. Looks like Cain will figure in more significantly now, if the episode's ending is any indication.
ReplyDeleteSaw "How Does She Do It?" on Amazon: an episode postponed due to the horrid Paris attacks. The real gist of the episode, however, caters to how we must often juggle life's priorities. This made the episode instructional, as far as everyday existence is concerned. The theme even tied into the Olsen/Lane subplot.
ReplyDeleteGrant is still too abrasive in my book. Can't warm up to her, try as I may. Her son struck me as a good kid, though. Wonder if he'll reappear in any future episodes.
"Red Faced" is my favorite episode to date. Red Tornado is one fine villain and the main reason the episode soared, but I also liked the anger-issue component. It worked well for character development.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it was nice to see Grant redeem herself (sort of) at episode's end. To keep her rotten all the time doesn't seem a wise choice in my estimation. Make her show some humanity every so often. It certainly can't hurt.
Jemm sure did make an impression on me in "Human for a Day", but whoa--that Martian Manhunter revelation was a euphoric stunner! I wasn't keen, though, on Supergirl losing her powers, even if for a short duration. It made me feel nervous...helpless, but then I guess that was the intent.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and effective portrayal of Non by Chris Vance on "Hostile Takeover". The big fight scene at cliffhanger's end was well choreographed. Too much Grant in this episode, however. It stole from the House of El tensions.
ReplyDelete"Blood Bonds" was a different kind of "Supergirl" episode: more intrigue and interrogation based than usual. In fact, it had a slight "S.H.I.E.L.D." vibe. The Kryptonian background bits were most engrossing, though I'm at a loss as to where all this will go. I hope things don't get too complicated.
ReplyDeleteNon remains a scene-stealer, at least, I'm glad to see.
Toy Man was a fine addition in "Childish Things". Loved the Martian Manhunter flight sequence with Supergirl. Didn't care for the whole male-vs-female relationship stuff, though. Also, the quicksand element, as a means to thwart Supergirl, didn't seem at all credible, but at the same time it at least smacked of "Batman '66" charm. On the whole, though, I'd say a pretty good episode.
ReplyDelete"Strange Visitors..." had the chance to be the best episode yet of "Supergirl", with the White Martian intro. Alas, the endless squabbling among the characters spoiled the event, especially on Grant's end.
ReplyDeleteThe more she's used, the more obnoxious she becomes: a troubling distraction. If she has to stay (and I guess she does), it would be nice to see her evolve, develop: i.e., not be so damn, infuriatingly mean!
"Bizarro" was a neat play upon a familiar Superman myth: not quite as I'd have expected it to be presented, but fascinating nevertheless. That the series is touching upon comic-book lore is more than I could have hoped: reminds me of what they used to do on the ol' "Superboy" series.
ReplyDeleteAnd,hey,how 'bout this potential Flash/Supergirl crossover! Wow!
You know, now that I think about it, Bizarro Supergirl's physical change seemed inspired by such horror entries as "Frankenstein: the True Story" and "The Fly '86". Like Superman's Bizarro, the Supergirl version was dangerous but sympathetic: right on target for the character, in my estimation.
DeleteYou know, now that I think about it, Bizarro Supergirl's physical change seemed inspired by such horror entries as "Frankenstein: the True Story" and "The Fly '86". Like Superman's Bizarro, the Supergirl version was dangerous but sympathetic: right on target for the character, in my estimation.
Delete"Girl Who Has Everything" certainly offered some fine Kryptonian footage in the '80s special-effects vein (a good Astra episode overall), but Grant's supreme obnoxiousness stole much of the episode's thunder. I don't mind seeing personal and/or work relationship filler on the show (it's not unjustified), but when it starts to numb the impact of Supergirl's adventures, I must object.
ReplyDelete"For the Girl Who Has Everything" certainly offered some fine Kryptonian footage in the '80s special-effects vein (a good Astra episode in so many respects), but Grant's supreme obnoxiousness stole much of the episode's thunder. I don't mind seeing personal and/or work relationship filler on the show (it's not unjustified), but when it starts to numb the impact of Supergirl's adventures, I must object. This installment, in particular, would have flowed so much better without the boss/employee distraction. Still, when this entry had the chance to shine, boy, did it ever shine.
ReplyDelete"Solitude"--my favorite episode of the series yet. Vandervoort's Indigo was sexy as heck!!! I know that some folks aren't keen on the Mystique look of the character, but the blue-nude look suits the actress, and man, oh, man, did she ever play up the villainy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it was great to see the Fortress of Solitude and to get the Brainiac background.
Yeah, this was an exceptional entry in so many ways. I could go on and on, but it's just suffice to say that I now yearn for Indigo's return!!!
"Falling" was a good Jekyll/Hyde episode. I didn't really expect much from the bad Supergirl angle, but it was handled quite well and with some fine acting on Benoist's part.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to mention, I evisited "Falling" before catching the latest episode, "Manhunter". The "Superman III" parallels are wonderful, even more so upon repeated sojourns. Love those YouTube/Facebook peanut tributes, as well. Great stuff!
DeleteWatched "Manhunter"--good Dean Cain episode. Was wondering where he was. Now there's got to be some focus on Helen Slater again. It's only right.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the heck out of the Flash/Supergirl crossover, "World's Finest". (See my anticipation and follow-up reflection on such: March '16). Anyway, I do hope CBS/CW does another crossover soon. This was just too darn good to leave as a one-shot. (Anxious now to see the Flash prequel.)
ReplyDelete"Myriad"--good, old-fashioned science fiction. I found it most fulfilling, and hey, more is on the way, as the sister-vs-sister cliffhanger conveyed.
ReplyDeleteCool to see Helen Slater back: long overdue, but better now than later.
"Better Angels" was a great follow-up to "Myriad" and a stupendous finale. The two episodes combined, in their own right, would make an impressive "Supergirl" movie. Fascinating (albeit ambiguous) cliffhanger, but I'm hankering to see what develops next season. (I'm assuming there will be a next season, after all.)
ReplyDeleteGlad that "Supergirl" has moved from CBS to its sister station, CW. This should have been the case from the get-go. We'll at least have the convenience of easy crossovers now, once the basic details are ironed out. Real happy with this turn of events. At least something worked out right.
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