Tell-Tale TV Series Premiere Panels: Supergirl

CBS is getting into the super hero game with Supergirl.

The show centers around Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who was a little delayed getting to Earth. She’s been living her life as a normal human being, but she’s always thought about doing more. Her first foray into the superhero ring is to save her sister, Alex. Her first mission was a success, and she’s even caught the public’s attention.

Now, Kara wants to fight the good fight, with a little help from her friends, of course.

Our panelists are:

• Alice Walker, contributing writer for Tell-Tale TV
• Lizzie, senior writer for Tell-Tale TV
• Becky Peters, contributing writer Tell-Tale TV
• Lyra Hale, contributing writer Tell-Tale TV
• Allison Nichols, contributing writer for Tell-Tale TV

Give it to me straight, did you like the premiere?

Allison: I did. The pilot tried to do way too much, though, so everything felt rushed and crammed. There were so many mysteries set up, and one thing after another kept happening. I’m hoping that this was done so that the next episode can just hit the ground running without having to do any groundwork.

Lizzie: Very much so. It was a bit campy, but that was to be expected, and it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. If anything, like Allison, I felt it was a bit much – they had too much to introduce, and I don’t know if it was necessary to give us ALL this information in the first episode, but overall, I really enjoyed it, I liked Kara a lot and I’ll be watching next week for sure.

Lyra: Loved it. Sure it was a bit campy. And sure something’s didn’t make sense, Kara’s hair for example. But it was a good ol’ time! I wrangled up my little sisters and we sat down for their first live female superhero. Kara was cute, smart, funny, dorky, and pretty relatable to a 9 and 10-year-old pair of girls. Let’s hope next week can keep with the momentum. Young girls deserve a role model!

Becky: I adored it. Honestly, I loved the camp. I loved how cutesy and every-girl Kara was. I think it’s really refreshing to see a young superhero on screen who is so emotional and vulnerable in that way. It just goes to show that being stereotypically “girly” in no way detracts from one’s ability to be badass.

Alice: I thought this was a strong start to the series. I think it takes a few episodes for a show to really find its groove – and pilots are notorious for world building. That said, the cast had good chemistry, the action was fun and Kara is darling so the next few weeks should only get better.

What’s the show’s biggest problem?

Allison: That it is trying too hard. The pilot crammed so much in, and if the writers don’t pull back, then it will be overwhelming.

Lizzie: I think the tone, which many people seemed worried about, is perfect. This is not Arrow, and it’s not trying to be. This is a much lighter show, even lighter than The Flash. But it needs to pick one lane and stick to it. Either I’m going to care about Kara’s relationship with Cat, or with Jimmy or with Winn or with her sister or with her parents. See, it’s just too much. They’ve got to figure what’s the one thing that’ll keep people watching and stick to it.

Lyra: Agree with Lizzie. They have so many possibilities with this show. And instead of picking one in this first episode…they kept safe. For the second episode, they need to start picking on those key characters that I will bond with and love with my heart and soul.

Becky: I agree with the lovely ladies above me. There were a lot of relationships and subplots crammed into a single episode. I also agree with Lizzie about the tone of the show. I, personally, hate that people are bashing it for being too cute or whatever the problem is there. It irks me. So, maybe that’s the shows biggest problem: judgmental people writing it off because, for whatever reason, they’re offended by something being lighthearted and fun…and cute…

Alice: It was a busy episode, but I don’t expect that to last long. I think like all of the other superhero shows out there they will have to face transitioning a character from the pages to the screen, balancing mythology and a rich comic book background with new updates and changes for new fans. The only thing that bothered me was how Wynn Schott – ostensibly a reporter/office worker was able to fashion design bullet proof outfits using advanced science and chemisty. That’s…a pretty rare skill.

What’s the show’s greatest strength?

Allison: Kara. If people didn’t immediately lovable, then the show wouldn’t work.

Lizzie: The tone, I think. And Melissa Benoist as Kara. This is a new type of superhero, the type that can inspire young girls. That’s not a small thing at all.And I’m not going to tune in next week because of Cat Grant, or Jimmy Olsen. It’s Kara I care about, Kara I want to see.

Lyra: Kara. The first time I saw her I thought DC was recycling Arrow’s Felicity Smoak. They looked similar and acted similar. I was having a hard time getting past it. But then as the episode continued I stopped seeing someone else. I saw a girl who had discovered that there was an opportunity that she never thought was possible. There’s power and courage in Kara. Sets for a good example for girls!

Becky: Agreed, agreed, agreed. Melissa Benoist is an absolute gem and such a treat to watch. Kara is so, so easy to love and root for. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes and to watch her inspire both boys and girls!

Alice: I agree that Melissa Benoist is fantastic here -and more at ease as Kara than Supergirl – and the show does live and die by her performance.  However, this is an extraordinary supporting cast with Calista Flockhart killing it as the boss from hell and Mahcad Brooks as James (Jimmy is so 1950s) Olsen. Being surrounded by such solid veterans will only improve and expedite  Benoist’s growth.  

Who or what do you want to see more of?

Allison: Jeremy Jordan. My love of him in the Last Five Years might be making me slightly biased, but I adore his character Winn. He’s adorable. Actually, I love all of Kara’s work relationships. They are enjoyable and fun to watch. I hope that we continue to spend time with Kara at her day job.

Lizzie: More family dynamics. We only go to see Kara and her sister, but I’m interested in her parents. I want more Dean Cain, okay? He’s my Superman, and every time he’s on screen, I’m happy.

Lyra: Want to see more of Cat Grant. She’s annoying, rude, and thinks she’s on top of the world. Cat is also extremely smart, knows who to bet on, and knows what works. *grabby hands* Want to see how she changes Kara’s story.

Becky: Jimmy Olsen. I’ve watched one episode and I already adore Kara and Jimmy’s dynamic (and quite possibly ship the heck outta them). So, yeah. More Jimmy, please and thank you.

Alice: Jimmy Olsen’s abs — I mean female empowerment!

Who or what needs to go away and never come back?

Allison: There were so many moments where Kara is underestimated or looked down upon because she’s a girl. Yes, I get what the purpose was, but one moment would have been enough. It ended up becoming an annoyance and made me want to punch people. Yes, she’s a girl, but that doesn’t make her any less badass or awesome.

Lizzie: No one in particular, yet. The Pilot was trying very hard to make us like the good guys, and I mostly did. I liked all of them. I just didn’t care about most of them, if that makes any sense.

Lyra: Kara’s aunt. She needs to skedaddle and never come back. Kara doesn’t need the heartbreak of her mother’s face trying to kill her.

Becky: So…unpopular opinion, here: I honestly don’t really care for Winn all that much. Although there are rumors, due to comic book canon, that there may be dark plans in the works for his character, in which case I’m totally on board with that. Otherwise, however, I’m not feelin’ him at all.

Alice: Becky you’re not alone! I also found Winn to be an unconvincing character. The only real sour note in the episode came from his assuming Kara was a lesbian, which would totally explain why she wasn’t into him. Because lesbians, amiright?  Um, maybe she’s not into you because you’re judgemental and lame? Again, it’s early, but he could use some help.

Favorite quote/moment from the premiere?

Allison: I loved Kara going home and watching the news footage after she saved the plane. It was really adorable, and it showed how excited she is to finally stop hiding and to be who she really is.

Lizzie: “On my planet, females bow before males.” and “This isn’t your planet.” Sure, they were laying the girl-power a bit thick at times, but in a way, even that was different. So I appreciated it.

Lyra: Hands down, the plane rescue. Her reactions were fresh, funny, heroic, with a touch of desperation. Plus, my little sisters were on the edge of their seats yelling how cool she was. Best reaction ever!

Becky: I’m with Lizzie. That was a great moment. If you ask me, we need some heavy duty girl power on TV so I’m all for Kara telling that guy where to shove his planet’s misogynistic customs.

Alice: I agree with Allison, her reaction to the news coverage of the plane rescue. You can’t please everyone!

Did Supergirl win your heart? Leave your thoughts on the premiere in a comment below!