Super

Because I get home too late on Mondays to watch an hour-long show, it appears that Tuesday will become my superhero TV show night: Supergirl from the previous night's recording while we eat dinner, Agents of SHIELD as it airs about an hour later. I'll probably have more to say about the current season of Agents of SHIELD separately (short version is that I like its overall direction, though I have issues with some of their specific choices -- a lot will depend on what happens next week), but for now I want to focus on Supergirl, which I have to say is really great so far.

Those of you who associate me with Marvel fandom may be surprised to learn that Superman was my favorite superhero for many years. I came to superheroes through media other than comics -- cartoons, TV, movies -- and I imprinted on the old Superfriends cartoons and the Christopher Reeve Superman movies. I enjoy his earnestness, his sweetness, his genuine attempts to be a good person. (Given all that, I suppose it's no surprise that I became a Captain America fangirl when I got into Marvel.) So I would probably have given this show a try anyway -- Superman mythos, female hero, what's not to like -- but then the trailer hit, and I got even more excited. A superhero not weighed down by angst or destiny, one who enjoys being a hero while figuring out who she is, a female lead who has important relationships with other women? Sign me up.

( Some thoughts on the first two episodes, with spoilers. )

I understand that the premiere did very well, and that ratings have held steady into the second week -- always a good sign. May we get a whole season and many more, if it stays this good going forward.