Review: Supergirl
DANGER! SPOILERS BELOW!
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This show has the same potential that Kara Zor-El has as a superhero. The pilot did not reach the full heights that I came in hoping to see, but that is why it is a pilot. There is a lot of good for the show, a few plot holes that we are supposed to ignore and because I sometimes read spoilers know a little too much to enjoy the pilot on its own.
NPR has dueling reviews today, both with valid points. David Bianculli correctly points out that the most vivid character is that of Cat Grant, played by Calista Flockhart. It may be due to the fact that we have seen this character before in many incarnations, including as Bianculli notes, The Devil Wears Prada. I am eager to see how Winn Schott evolves from love-struck-guy to her Q after his excellent work on her costume, even if there is a cape.
And let's not forget the handsome and oh-so-grown up James Olsen. He reveals (I told ya, spoilers, yo!) at the end of the pilot that Superman (whom is never actually named. I guess that costs more money than "Supergirl" has in its budget.) sent him to National City to watch out for Kara as she decides to move into the family business.
This is where I still am not buying that 1) Clark and Kara hadn't met since she landed and that 2) He knew exactly when Kara would have her epiphany.
I agree with Eric Deggans that this is a good start to the retelling of the Supergirl mythology. We have our Kryptonite, villains from Krypton and a a fast-talking smug boss to make our hero feel insignificant! And while we're talking about the villains, why can't they just call them Kryptonians and not "aliens"? I'm gonna assume that this show will dive into the immigration debate for the better. I hope. Please gawd, let it be that! Cause I hate the way Big Government Dude says "aliens."
A sign of progress may be that I was tired with the comments about someone underestimating Kara because "she's a girl." I hope the writers get past making that point cause, duh...we get it. She's a not a man. I prefer to focus on the weakness she has because she's a rookie superhero.
If you are into superheroes, I think you'll like this. If you are looking for a good show to watch with your kids, I think this will be a fun one. Supergirl isn't taking itself too seriously. It is far from the current Superman movies, but rather has a touch of the wit that made Buffy smart to watch. But rising to Joss' standard is a high one, so I forgive them for not hitting that super high note, even if Kara can fly.
Did you watch? What are your thoughts?
