Powerless

NBCUniversal

                         For some reason network spring schedules have become the place for quirky, funny comedies to die. Bubble cohorts Trial & Error and Great News have hopefully bright futures, but the DC comedy Powerless seems destined for the boot, since NBC announced a couple of weeks ago that they were pulling the show’s last three episodes and replacing them with Superstore re-runs. While I remained unaware of this show’s existence, or the amazing concept of its production, for much of its run, once I found out about it I binged all nine released episodes in quick succession. The show’s pilot was strong, and set up a truly great ensemble comedy with Vanessa Hudgens in the lead. Not only was this a truly enervating, original show, but the execution showed the strength in showrunners Justin Halpern ($h*! My Dad Says) and Patrick Schumacker (Surviving Jack) abilities.

    Here’s the premise: In a world of superheroes and villains, ordinary citizens are constantly subjected to dangerous situations and transgressions. Hudgens character, Emily, is in charge of a group in R&D for a security company that protects these citizens from attacks. Right!?!?!? It’s awesome. Added that Warner Bros. DC has created its first live action comedy, and makes reference to all its heroes throughout, this is a sitcom that has a lot going for it. What probably turned a lot of people off was that its concept isn’t traditional, and without background context it looks like a mundane office comedy. It also doesn’t help that most of the show isn’t really about superheroes, but about the ordinary citizens that they protect.

    The cast is absolutely hilarious. Though Hudgens hasn’t acted in a sitcom, or any real comedy before, she impressively helms the entire show with grace and acuity. Tudyk is, of course, a stand out as the boss, Bruce Wayne’s cousin Van Wayne, an egomaniacal narcissist with delusions of grandeur. Ron Funches and Danny Pudi provide able and hilarious comic relief, and Christina Kirk, as the caustically cynical Jackie, is a true breakout star. All the goods are there, so what’s the problem? That age old issue: ratings. People just haven’t been tuning in to the gang’s antics this season, though I reiterate that it’s hard for people to watch a show without knowing what it’s about. Though NBC did a great job pushing Trial & Error via native advertising, the most advertising I have seen for this show was a two minute clip that played in the electronics department at Target, and it had very little to do with the actual show.

    Why is this a premature move on NBC’s part? Powerless is a show that builds, and could easily have a loving fan base if it was given time to breathe. It has appeal for quirky comedy lovers (present), comics lovers, fans of CW DC hybrids like Supergirl and Arrow, and fans of Alan Tudyk, which let’s face, it is everyone at this point. NBC hasn’t completely annihilated the show’s chances of renewal but it’s not looking good. I urge anyone who likes ensemble comedies, superheroes, or weird concept television shows to find this show and watch it, because we don’t need another laugh out loud comedy to get the axe.