Naomi, a new superhero show based on the character introduced by Brian Michael Bendis in DC Comics, premieres January 11th, 2022 on the CW network. Naomi has become a fan-favorite character since her debut in 2019, and based on the quality of the pilot episode, she’s likely to become a favorite character of the Arrowverse.
In many ways, Naomi fits better with CW’s heritage of teen dramas than some of its other DC Shows, given its focus on the titular teenage character. Fans of the comic will find much to like here, as the pilot cleaves closely to its comic book roots, but as an origin story, it’s very accessible to newcomers. The first episode introduces Naomi McDuffie (whose last name is an homage to comics creator Dwayne McDuffie, known for his work writing underrepresented minorities in American comics), a teenage daughter living in military housing with her adoptive parents, who happens to manage the “number three Superman fan site in the world.” Naomi is a comic book fan and Brian the local comic book store where one of her friends, Lourdes, works. Other friends include the excitable Annabelle, ex-boyfriend Nathan, and “townie” Anthony. The friends all come to work together after a mysterious and unexpected Superman “stunt” in town leaves destruction and many unanswered questions in its wake, as superheroes don’t actually exist in their universe. Naomi begins to learn more about her past, including a few surprises guaranteed to entice viewers and bring them back for the next episode.
While the CW is no stranger to teen characters that are compelling enough to hold the interest of adult viewers, including teen superheroes like Stargirl or Lightning, Naomi also benefits from the pedigree of its creators, including Executive Producer Ava DuVernay (nominated for an Academy Award for her film Selma and winner of an Emmy Award for her Netflix TV series When They See Us) and Producer and Writer Jill Blankenship (who produced and wrote for Arrow 2018 – 2020). These two women guide the show to explore more than just typical teenage drama or the expected comic book style heroics and fights, but delve into other subjects including asking the question of what happens after a small town is ravaged during a so-called “stunt” gone wrong, or the relationships between outsiders and residents.
The small-town setting of Port Oswego, Oregon, keeps the show grounded and provides an atmosphere in which most characters know each other. The town has a large military base nearby, which creates the conflict in the social lives between the “military brats” and the townspeople. Small-town settings have become more common in CW’s current suite of DC superhero shows, with Stargirl in Blue Valley and Superman & Lois in Smallville, but it’s an idea that works, as it allows the characters to have grown up with the same people and to have heard stories about others in town. Those stories and whispers, especially about Zumbado (the owner of the local used car lot) and Dee (owner of a small tattoo shop) are integral to Naomi’s journey of discovery in this episode.
Photo: Fernando Decillis/The CW) Fernando Decillis/THE CW
The pilot’s script is tight, moving at a brisk pace but without feeling rushed, and introducing all the key elements necessary to create suspense and excitement. While the focus is on Naomi, each character introduced, from school staff to friends to Naomi’s parents, are given enough time to establish them as unique individuals with their own voice and personality. Standouts include Lourdes (Camila Moreno), who channels teen sarcasm and rebellion very well, and Annabelle (Mary-Charles Jones). Both have a very strong on-screen rapport with Naomi (Kaci Walfall). But, it is Walfall is carries the show with her approach to the character. Walfall portrays Naomi as confident but confused, dutiful but rebellious, and curious yet cautious. It’s a difficult balancing act to pull off, but Walfall’s charismatic performance makes the character believable.
While there is the typical teenage banter and colloquialisms, it doesn’t feel forced but instead comes naturally from the dialogue and, more importantly, from the delivery of the actors. There are some fun and dad-joke worthy moments with Greg (Barry Watson), Naomi’s dad, who awkwardly tries to high-five his daughter and later references a Cold Play concert from 2009 as though it happened in the Dark Ages. These scenes are very relatable, especially to any parents among the viewers who knows what it’s like to weather the tumultuous period of their children growing into teenagers and trying to connect with them and their new interests.
Naomi is a strong entry into CW’s stable of superhero shows, partially due to using a fresh character without all the baggage associated with bigger names like the Flash or Supergirl. The core mystery of Naomi’s past is very captivating, and setting the show in a universe without superheroes helps set Naomi aside from other programs in the genre. But perhaps most compelling is the charisma of actor Kaci Walfall and her unique portrayal of Naomi. Fans of the comics know what exciting things lie in store for this character, and based on the pilot episode is looks like many of those elements will play out in the TV series, giving viewers plenty to look forward to.
Martin
martin@comicattack.net
