Naomi Review: Pilot (Season 1 Episode 1)
Naomi Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” ushers us into a new superhero era with a grounded outing that showcases Kaci Walfall’s endearing charm as the titular character.
It’s easy to judge a series based on the pilot episode harshly. Still, most shows utilize that first showing to establish characters, introduce the story, and bring the seasonal antagonist into the fold. Naomi‘s debut isn’t the best hour of TV in history; however, it’s entertaining, engaging, and groundbreaking.
NAOMI: We all look at the world through our own lens, but looking isn’t the same thing as seeing.
Naomi breaks the mold with a Black female superhero leading the charge, the likes of which we’ve yet to see on television. She’s not a supporting character — she has top billing. Not only that, but she’s the adopted daughter of an interracial couple who supports her potentially queer identity.
Naomi champions that kind of parental support system out of the gate, and it’s refreshing. It also gently reminds its viewers that it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out; part of the journey in life is finding yourself.
NAOMI: But the best part? He’s adopted, which means he’s extra special because adopted kids are chosen. Just like me.
While some folks might decry the show for “checking off boxes,” this is just the beauty of representation. This series gracefully showcases a tapestry of diversity that’s true to life. It’s part of the storytelling and opens up a world of possibility for marginalized communities who deserve to have a voice.
Kaci Walfall imbues the endlessly endearing Naomi with charm, intelligence, and empathy. The show makes sure we know who she is and firmly solidifies her as a character so that we root for her. Meanwhile, the supporting cast takes a backseat in the development department, but we’ll probably see more from them as the season progresses.
Cranston Johnson is a magnetic, electrifying presence as the mysterious Zumbado. You cannot look away when he is on screen.
Naomi‘s pacing is somewhat inconsistent and struggles to find its footing until the halfway mark. That said, the show tries to punctuate those emotional, action-packed beats between the moments of calm to moderate success.
ZUMBADO: You’re either clueless, full of yourself, or you’re just not ready to face the truth. Probably all three.
The saccharine, corny dialogue occasionally feels forced, but that’s perhaps the hallmark of a CW show. This series is still a program geared toward teens, after all. Naomi builds on the intrigue surrounding Walfall’s character and leaves us with more questions than answers, even if we ask the right ones. It harbors a lot of promise and potential to make substantial waves in the DC universe.
Stray Observations:
- Matt Camden’s all grown up! It’s nice to see Barry Watson in a prominent role outside of 7th Heaven. Here’s hoping Naomi gives him plenty of material in which he can sink his teeth.
- The Superman appearance is a grand flourish, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to see more notable DC characters inhabit this world? Perhaps some Arrowverse crossovers are in Naomi‘s future.
- Oh, to be young and attractive and have three young and attractive people pining for you. Seriously, everyone on this show is a beauty.
- It cannot be overstated how thrilling it is to have a Black female superhero. It’s about damn time.
What did you think of this episode of Naomi? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Naomi airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.