The pilot to CBS's new highly anticipated television series,
Supergirl, aired earlier this week to impressive ratings that rival even that of
Gotham. It's no surprise that two of the highest rated comic-based shows on television are based around the worlds of DC Comics' most iconic franchises, Batman and Superman, even if neither series properly features either character. However, ratings and quality are two completely different things and, when it comes to the latter,
Supergirl is a mixed bag.
The series does a good job adapting the origin of Supergirl, though it takes more than a few liberties. But despite these liberties, the origin story that we are fed tastes a bit too familiar. Anyone who has seen the Richard Donner classic,
Superman: The Movie, and has read the decades worth of rich continuity will undoubtedly feel at certain times as if they they're rewatching a pilot, even on their first viewing of the pilot. Notable examples of what I am talking about include the tired re-use of a hero announcing their existence to the world by saving a crashing plane (definitely not the safest way to travel if you live in a comic book) or the cliched montage of the hero trying on different proto-costumes (*cough*
Lois and Clark *cough*).
However, the real low note of the episode is not the origin story, but rather the human side of the story. The episode is one half comic book movie and one half generic chick flick, as the series quickly becomes a parody of the mythos when the titular hero isn't wearing a costume. The re-imaginings of certain characters are just laughable. Jimmy Olsen (oh, I'm sorry. JAMES Olsen) is now the charismatic love interest with abs, Winslow Schott is Supergirl's nerdy next door neighbor and resident tech genius, Cat Grant is the strict boss you've seen a million times before in these types of stories, and I'm sure there is more ridiculousness to come. The drama is very typical for a television series that will force more than one member of the audience to give a well deserve face palm. But, then again, the dialogue in the episode as a whole tends to be cringe worthy.
Despite the every day life of
Linda Danvers Kara Danvers, the pilot also has its high notes. The DEO storyline particularly has potential. The procedural-eque storytelling lends itself to much longevity as the DEO and Supergirl work to bring down various extra-normal threats. This also paves an easy way for many familiar supervillains to make their debut, as well as opening the door to many possible guest stars (Batwoman, anyone?). For the pilot however, the villain is quite filler and uninteresting, but that doesn't really matter since they are just introducing the concept to the audience. Besides, we will be seeing much better antagonists as the series moves forward, including Reactron, Livewire, Red Tornado and various powerful extra-terrestrial threats. But what I find unbelievable is how "the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy" crashed on Earth but didn't cause any destruction until just now. Exaggerate much, Mr. Henshaw?
Verdict: 6.8/10
The Supergirl pilot is heavily flawed but presents a surplus of potential, as well as plenty of room for improvement.