‘SUPERGIRL,’ SEASON ONE PILOT (2015)

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As is bound to happen every new TV pilot season, I have again tried one too many new shows, and as is bound to follow that, am again finding myself obsessed with one too many. With the successful launch of superheroes owning our small screen, CBS decides to get in on the action with their own. This one keeps to the tradition of the superhero mettle while branching out and appealing to a new audience. supergirl season one pilot

Supergirl, Season One Pilot (2015) TV Review

Everyone knows the story of Superman. The story no one knows is that of Kara Zor-El. Many years ago, she’s sent to earth to protect her young cousin. But something went wrong. Years later instead of being the protector, she became the protected. In need of family and some growing up, Clark placed her with the Danvers who raised her as their own. Now, all grown up, Kara (Melissa Benoist) works for a newspaper publication that is, essentially struggling. As assistant to its boss (Calista Flockhart), Kara’s life is one string of coffee runs after another. But she wants to do more with her life. That chance comes when the plane her sister, Alex (Chyler Leigh) is in nearly blows up. Leaping without thinking, Kara uses the powers she keeps carefully hidden to lead it safely to the water.  

Overnight, Supergirl becomes a media sensation. No one knows who she is or what she is, but everyone is inspired. Freaking out and confused over her sister’s reaction, Kara decides to confide in someone – not to mention she’s mad she wasn’t dubbed “Superwoman.” She elects her best friend Winn (Jeremy Jordan) about her powers unaware that the new guy, Jimmy Olson (Mehcad Brooks) also knows Kara’s secret.  

Considering the explosion of popularity superheroes now enjoy (following in the footsteps of Tobey McGuire’s Spider-Man and Iron Man), it was only a matter of time before more network TV jumped on the small screen bandwagon. (ABC and CW currently have the small screen cornered on comic book adaptations.) While this pilot was lighthearted and fun, I don’t know that it reached the potential it may have or that some of its DC Comics counterparts have. Oddly enough the one thing I picked up about this series is that it was… well, sometimes “silly.” Why I’d notice this I don’t know. Especially considering I relish the more lighthearted side of things (notably so in superhero universes), but to me there is a difference between silliness and a good lighthearted banter. I think what this pilot expressed, is great promise.  

TV REVIEW | Blindspot Episode One, Pilot (2015)

‘SUPERGIRL,’ SEASON ONE PILOT (2015) #TVarchives Share on X

But onto more thoughts because, guys, as you’re sure to know, I do have thoughts. *wink* I did LOVE this pilot. Don’t let any of my minor quibbles convince you otherwise. What I adore most is Kara. Her character might seem cliché considering all of the nerdy girls we meet on our televisions, but I don’t care. She’s got a bit of a Felicity Smoak (Arrow) vibe going for her yet is still her own unique person. When I was watching this, one of the first things that popped into my head was The Devil Wears Prada. Because of Kara’s job, there is definitely a similar ambiance to the classic (my word because in my book it is) workplace comedy.  

The one thing I wish for this show is that it doesn’t travel down dark paths. Much as I understand the writer’s “need” to push their characters, by doing so, they don’t need to drain us of all the sunshine and happiness. If this show succeeds (and it has great potential), I want it to retain the sunshine of its leading character. The cast is all really quite good; Melissa does a great job of affecting a naïve yet excited character (as if she’s really seeing the world of the first time), looking to take on this new mantle. There are also some fun surprises in the pilot that I didn’t anticipate. The special effects are better than most.

Wrapping this up, I’m not a particularly big advocate of feminist rights, but it’s fun to watch a female superhero. Kara has a kind of Barry Allen struggle ahead of her in the sense of her being unsure of her role. Whereas someone like Oliver Queen starts out with some daemons. There are some cute sparks going on between a trio of the characters suggesting the script considers a love triangle. We’ll see how that turns out. No matter what, I loved Supergirl. I suspect I’ll keep up with it for a few episodes at the very least and see where it goes. The possibilities for this show could be endless and the fact that its heroine has an innate sense to protect with a moral compass makes it complete. Beyond this, all that’s left to say is, the pilot is indeed… super.

Have you watched Supergirl? If so, let me know what you thought. If not, are you planning on watching it? I’d love to chat about this fun new series with you all.