While I had more important things to deal with last week (the postings were all done quick and early) the trailer for CBS’s upcoming Supergirl television series dropped. Actually, I heard two dropped but this is the only one CBS had up on their YouTube page so we’re going with this one. After seeing the darker outfit I was worried this meant they would emulate Man Of Steel there are times I’m glad to be wrong. But does the trailer suggest this is going to be any good?
[WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR THE PILOT]
This is what I wanted from Man Of Steel. It’s fun. It has action. It has some non-supers on her side. It has a secret identity (which I hope she keeps). This feels like a comic book brought to life instead of some production using the names. I’m glaring at YOU, Gotham!
Just like Snyder’s version of Clark Kent, Kara is trying to find herself, hiding who she really is. However, it seems to be her choice rather than her something her adopted father brow beats her into. I like that Superman wanted Kara to decide to follow in his footsteps. Nobody forces her to be a superhero or not. It’s her choice, which is how it should be. And she has friends who will help her become her own superhero, and they aren’t putting Superman out of the picture (just off to the side so Supergirl can be the focus of her own show).
There are some changes. Cat Grant now runs her own TV station and she’s the old version. I kind of like that. Kara has an adoptive sister now. I like that, too. But then there’s Jimmy Olsen…sorry, James. Like Perry in Man Of Steel they didn’t bother to get someone who looks and acts the part. He’s interesting and could have been given a different name without concern, and regardless of the skin color, if you can do that then don’t name your character after someone your character obviously isn’t. Daredevil (the movie, not the Netflix series) had a black Kingpin, but he was otherwise perfect for the role. It’s not the darker skin or lack of red hair that fails to scream “this is Jimmy Olsen”. I mean it’s part of it but if he properly acted the part I could allow it.
I also wonder why Kara isn’t going by Linda? Linda Lee (Danvers when adopted) has been her secret identity from the start and I don’t know why they bothered changing it. What I do like is the fresh take on the “choosing a costume” moment that has been around since The Meteor Man and Lois & Clark, plus a nod to her pre-52 costume. (Thankfully they didn’t go with her NEW 52 costume.) Maybe the comic version will start wearing that? Please?
You can only glean so much from a trailer, however. When the series finally drops this Fall I’ll be back with my full opinion. But thus far I really like what I see. It’s fun, it has serious and action moments, good characters, and doesn’t hide from its roots like far too many DC post-comic productions. So for the love of Rao, CBS, do NOT screw this one up!
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