Supergirl Episode 1 Review: The Female Superhero We've Been Waiting For? (Series Premiere)

Sure there are plenty of superheroes on TV these days. But how many of them are women? There are a few on "Agents of SHIELD", "Arrow" and "X Men". Now, how many of those are leads? I can only think of one. Marvel's "Agent Carter" will be entering her second season soon. I really enjoy the show but let's be honest. Captain America's sidekick/love interest doesnt have any real superpowers. There's also "Jessica Jones" (again from MCU) who will arrive on Netflix soon. And we're been waiting on a Wonder Woman series (currently in production I think) F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I may die of old age before it premieres. That's why "Supergirl" is so important.

Some have questioned whether audiences will support a lead female superhero on TV. No one asked me but I think that's crazy talk. TONS of fan girls are itching to see someone like themselves. But we don't want any old show. We want a compelling story, great costumes and fun action scenes. We also want a heroine that can kick ass with the best of the boys. After watching the first episode, I think CBS and "Supergirl" have accomplished just that.

We all know the story of Superman/Kal-El/Clark Kent as told by DC Comics. He was sent as a baby from Krypton before the planet exploded. In this version of the story, his twelve year old cousin Kara Zor-El was to also make the journey to protect the child. But she got stuck in the Phantom Zone and arrived on Earth twenty some years later. Superman was all grown up and saving the world by then (so he didnt need her help).

Kara was raised by a nice family of scientists. Bonus points for the casting of Supergirl's parents. Mother Eliza is former Supergirl herself Helen Slater. Father Jeremiah is former Supmerman Dean Cane from "Smalville"). Kara also has an older sister named Alex. Kara current works as an assistant at CatCo Worldwide media (with both online and print divisions). Her boss is owner Cat Grant (Calista Flockhart). Kara basically gets coffee and snack wraps for Cat. Not much of a job for someone of her skill set.

Alex (Chyler Leigh of "Grey's Anatomy" fame) is flying to Geneva when her plane loses both engines. Kara jumps into action and saves everyone on board. She is no longer anonymous. Alex advises her to keep a low profile but Kara decides helping the people of National City is her purpose in life.

It turns out Kara's mother Alura was a judge back on Krypton. She sentenced a bunch of baddies to a prison ship (Fort Ross) that ended up following Kara to Earth. Aboard are lots of strange creatures with superhuman powers. Alex has been secretly working for a government agency called the Department of Extra-Normal Operations (DEO). Their job is defend Earth against aliens. Chief Henshaw (Alex's boss) does not trust Kara. He refers to her as an "immigrant". Ouch!

Kara battles the evil Vartox and ends up defeating him (after first getting pummeled). Not bad for someone who just started testing her powers. He stabs himself rather than accept defeat.

And we find out at the end of the episode that the "General" of the bad guys is Kara's aunt Astra (and she looks just like her mother).

There is at least one crossover character from "Superman". Jimmy (he likes to be called James now) Olsen is a photographer that transferred from "The Daily Planet" in Metropolis. We later learn he was sent by Superman to keep an eye on Kara.

Favorite Quote:

"Be brave. Be strong. And always be true to yourself."- Mother Aura to Supergirl via a hologram.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). Although I had low expectations, I really enjoyed the first episode. Sure it's cheesy but it's supposed to be. It's about superheroes after all. Melissa Benoist is excellent in the lead role. There are also some funny scenes (as when when Kara and friend Winn try to come up with a suitable costume).

My one main criticism of the show is the whole discussion about the appropriate use of the word "girl". Cat makes a little speech to justify it (which falls flat in my book). Why not just say "well we cant call ya Superwoman cause we have the rights to Supergirl so just roll with it"? No justification necessary.

The premiere won me over. I'm not sure how the rest of the season will go but it's off to a great start.