Okay, here we go.
Anyone who knows me or reads this blog is well aware of my
affection for “Supergirl”.
I have read all the various incarnations of the comic book
since the late 90s, including the current teen-age angst-ridden version in the
New 52. I a huge fan of the underrated and misunderstood 1984 film starring
Helen Slater, and its rousing, majestic soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith.
And as you can tell from the novels I write, I tend to favor
strong female leads in action/adventure roles. So the new “Supergirl” series is
right in the middle of my entertainment sweet spot.
When the original extended six-minute plus trailer debuted
on the internet a few months ago, it set off a storm of controversy in geek
fandom everywhere. The presence of a prominently featured Calista Flockhart, (in
a role similar to what Merry Streep played in “The Devil Meets Prada”), prompted
a fanboy freakout. “It’s too girly”, they cried.
I stayed silent and thought it best to reserve judgement.
Like I said, I have actually read the books and seen the 1984 film many times
and read the terrific novelization and I understand the character. And guess
what? “Supergirl” is not Black Widow, or Black Canary, or Huntress, or
Catwoman, or even Batgirl. She is not dark. She really is a “girly girl”.
But still. I admit I did find the whole “Ally McBeal” meets “The
Devil Wears Prada” vibe of the trailer a bit troublesome. Workplace humor and
girl drama are all well and fine, but I want to see action and adventure—not a
romantic comedy. And this is the story of an alien. So I want to see science
fiction ideas about other aliens and alternate universes and time travel and
all the other super cool stuff that is often in the comics.
Two things I will say already. I love Melissa Benoist. Helen
Slater will always be the gold standard for me. Melissa’s take on the character
is obviously going to be lot lighter, but I love what I have seen of her so
far.
Colleen Atwoood is in my opinion the greatest Hollywood
costume designer of all time and I absolutely love her “Supergirl” suit design.
I will have my full review of the “Supergirl” premiere
episode posted right here in this blog later this week.
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