A Teenage Superman Will Be Coming To ‘Supergirl’ On CBS
The new DC Comics TV seriesSupergirlhad some strong opening ratings when it debuted, making it the most watched new series premiere of the fall. However, ratings have fallen since then, though not drastically enough for it to be canceled, at least not yet. NowSupergirlmay spend some time with her Kryptonian cousin in a future episode, but not exactly how you think.
Fans will get to see a teenageSupermanonSupergirlin order to show the bond that the two superpowered aliens have. However, there may be some logistical problems with how this scenario will play out on the show.
TV Linehas the news thatSupergirlis looking for a 13-year old actor with “future leading man looks” to play young Kal-El in a series of flashbacks that will establish the relationship between the two in the 13th episode of the season. However, as the opening of each episode explains, Kara was sent to Earth to protect her cousin and watch over him as he grew. But instead, her ship was knocked off course, stranding her in The Phantom Zone while Kal-El grew into Superman. That means when Kal-El was 13, Kara wouldn’t be anywhere near Superman.
So how will a 13-year old Kal-El and a teenage Kara be able to bond in a series of flashbacks? Well, this is a comic book series after all, so anything is possible, but the writers will definitely have some explaining to do.
Personally, I have foundSupergirlto be mostly enjoyable, and this is coming from somebody who couldn’t really get intoArroworThe Flash. I’ve seen the first few episodes of each, and I understand the shows have gotten better since their respective premieres, but it just wasn’t for me. Devin Faraci atBirth.Death.Moviesrecently explained what makesSupergirlwork better thanMan of Steel, and I believe that’s a big part of what is appealing about the show:
“On CBS’SupergirlKara Zor-El has the exact same motivation as her cousin. All that she wants to do – the only goal she has – is to make the world a better place. Her home planet is gone and she is dedicated to making sure that her adopted world is safe, secure and improving. That’s why she’s working at CatCo, because she thinks this media empire can give her the platform to change the world. She is counseled by her adoptive sister to hide her Kryptonian light under a bushel, but it doesn’t come naturally for Kara, and as soon as there’s an opportunity for her to go out and make a difference – as a plane threatens to crash into National City – she immediately runs off and helps. There are no second thoughts, no considerations of a secret identity, only the immediate, instant and innate need to help people.
He continues:
“…the truly important difference is thatSupergirlis about a superhero who wants to be a superhero, about a woman embracing her ability to effect change. Future episodes may see Kara Zor-El questioning this – you have to find drama somewhere, and a hero dissatisfied is good drama – but the show made a point to begin with a hero who wants to be a hero.”
Add the fact thatMelissa Benoistso perfectly fits into the role of Kara, and this is a show that I’m going to stick with for awhile, hoping that it keeps an audience big enough to sustain it in network television. After all, if a completely bonkers show likeGothamcan stick around, there should be plenty of room for Supergirl as well.
However, one looming issue seems to be the presence of Superman, just a phone call away if there’s ever any trouble. A blurry, shadowy version of Supes showed up to help chase away Reactron in a recent episode, and it kind of takes away from letting Supergirl do her job. Sure, she’s still learning, but with Superman always around, people are constantly waiting for him to show up. Maybe he needs to go off on a mission for a few years so Supergirl can really take charge.
Supergirlalso starsMehcad Brooksas James Olsen,Laura Benantias Alura Zor-El,Calista Flockhartas Cat Grant,Chyler Leighas Alexandra “Alex” Danvers,Jeremy Jordanas Winslow “Winn” Schott,Jenna Dewan Tatumas Lucy Lane (sister of Lois),David Harewoodas Hank Henshaw,Peter Facinellias Maxwell Lord, andDean CainandHelen Slateas Kara’s foster parents.
