Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Supergirl Reaction: Episodes 1-4

This fall saw the origins of Supergirl on the new CBS show. Since the show is flying high with action, adorkableness, and, well, aliens, we've decided to join together to give our reactions to this new super-powered lady. Here's what we thought of the first four episodes of Supergirl.


Spoilers below for the first four episodes of CBS's Supergirl. 

Andrea Wiesner

Pilot Episode-
Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVE THIS!!!

Episodes 2 "Stronger Together" and 3 "Fight or Flight"- 
These tend to run together a bit for me, but I do remember thinking "Winn is such a fanboy, and I love it!"


Episode 4 "Livewire"-
So full of meaningful family moments and cute Winn moments!!

Overall-
I really am grateful to have such a good (and adorkable!!) role model for young girls out there!

Jaime Heller
When Supergirl aired its pilot episode, I waited a week to watch it. To be honest, I was terrified it would disappoint me, which was reflected in people's initial comments and reactions. I thought this show would be everything the superhero world needed but would fail. I was wrong.

I watched the first episode with my heart soaring the entire time. Kara Danvers is the perfect female hero to blaze a new trail in the superhero world. While the first episode had its moments of cliche or cheese (Come on, it's an origin story, it's going to be reminiscent of other stories), I loved every moment of it. The cast, the characters, the strength and heart of our new hero brought the show to life in the same way Smallville told us the origin story of Superman.


The next few episodes followed that same trail. Kara tries to save her city: she fails, she learns, she grows. New threats are brought into the show, following the vein of escaped aliens from the Phantom Zone. (I'm just grateful the baddies aren't insane people affected by kryptonite during meteor showers. Looking at you, Smallville). There promises to be some interesting plot twists and story arcs throughout this season. (Hank Henshaw, people! That's Cyborg Superman!)

I love the dynamics between Kara and the other characters. She's dorky and relatable. I found myself laughing, squealing, and fist-pumping. Winn is definitely a favorite (His fanboying over Clark Kent being Superman is my favorite moment so far), though I can't help but swoon over Jimmy--James--Olsen too. This love triangle will kill me. I love Kara's relationship with her sister. I'm glad it's the forefront of the show, even more so than Kara's love life. I think it's about time we get a healthy, loving sister relationship spotlighted on TV.


Overall, I think the show is fun. It's light-hearted, bursting with color and fun. But it also deals with serious issues in a perfect balance. I think this is one show I'll be keeping my eyes on. Because the world definitely needs Supergirl to soar. 

(Also, I'm eternally grateful this show portrays Kara in the standard red, blue, and yellow color scheme. So can we stop selling Supergirl T-shirts in pink and white? Please?)

Sky Destrian
When I first saw the Supergirl trailer, I was excited. I was also touched. In the day and age where amazing superhero TV shows are popping up all over the place, I’ve been waiting to see a female superhero get her own show. And now that day has finally come.

I watched the first two episodes, and I’m even more excited now that Kara Danvers (or Kara Zor-El) has her show out in the world.

First off, let’s talk about Kara herself. She is awkward, adorkable, sensitive, caring, empathetic—and yet she is still totally badass. Basically, she’s a well-rounded female character, and she’s well-written and well-acted. (Mad props, Melissa Benoist. Mad props.)



Kara also has an amazing supporting cast, particularly Winn and James, both of whom Kara has chemistry with immediately. (I’m going to enjoy this love triangle, but it may also hurt me deeply. I especially loved her chemistry with James. #shipping) Both Winn and James have the potential to grow into so much more. And they’re funny, too, which helps.
Winn: Wait, so the Super-Friends are back?
Kara: We’re not calling ourselves that. 
 I even find myself liking Cat Grant, who has one of the most quotable, stunning lines thus far.
“And what do you think is so bad about “Girl”? Huh? I'm a girl. And your boss, and powerful, and rich, and hot and smart. So if you perceive “Supergirl” as anything less than excellent, isn’t the real problem you?”
There’s also Kara’s adoptive sister, Alex, who is another kind of badass, even without being from Krypton. Alex and Kara’s relationship is what has been driving the show forward, and it’s honestly really touching to me. Powerful females and their relationships with each other cannot be underestimated.



There were also a few faces I recognized—David Harewood (who plays Hank Henshaw) starred on BBC’s Robin Hood, and the news reporter we see in episode two is Perd Hapley from Parks and Recreation, a cameo which made my day.

I like the plot line involving the DEO and the alien villains escaped from prison. Even though it’s slightly weird, I enjoy a good evil twin plot line once in a while. And what’s up with Hank Henshaw’s eyes? (The news is not good; in the comics, Hank Henshaw is a villain.) To sum it all up, I think Supergirl is off to a good start with plenty of material to fill the first season.

Another thing I noted is that the series very much retains a Superman-like feeling. It reminds me of the original film with Christopher Reeve, which is a very good thing. Supergirl is sticking close to its roots, and it’s living up to the Superman name (and the House of El).



(Also, though this possibility is slim, am I alone in hoping Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl can have one giant crossover? Another hope I have is for Superman himself to make a cameo, a prospect which I am nervous and yet totally excited about.)

In summary, Supergirl is… well, super. It’s actually pretty darn amazing. I know Supergirl will probably get criticism, whether it’s for being too cheesy or too naïve or too optimistic. And yes, Supergirl is not perfect. But here’s the thing: it’s still trying to figure itself out. Most shows have a period where they’re still trying to get off the ground—even some of the best shows have rocky beginnings. So while I found some aspects cheesy, such as the CGI and some of the writing, I still find myself fangirling. I absolutely can’t get over how incredible it is that this show is on television. It is smart, witty, brave, heroic—it’s everything that Kara Danvers already is and more. Forget CGI, cool effects, or good supervillains. This show has heart. More than that, this show has an opportunity to show girls that they have the heart of a hero. What could be better than that?


 What do you think of Supergirl so far? Let us know in the comments your reactions!

0 comments:

Post a Comment