Melissa Benoist was first introduced to me as "Marley Rose" on the now defunct "Glee" and I loved her. Not only could she sing, but her acting was enduring. She was innocent & sweet without being fake. Fast forward to 2015 when Greg Berlanti was looking to expand his already large roster of superhero shows (well-written "The Flash," contrived "Arrow," and pending "Legends of Tomorrow") he cast Melissa as Supergirl. This show works, but isn't perfect...keep reading.So the star of the show works. Kara Zor-El was 12 when her baby cousin Kal was sent from Krypton. Kara was sent in a pod after Kal to protect him right as Krypton blew up. Her pod got shoved off course due to the explosion. Floating in outer space the pod finally got on track to Earth but Superman was already a teen. Similar to Kal's journey Kara landed in National City & was discovered by a family. Unlike Kal this family took in the 12 year old knowing she was an alien and raised her alongside their biological daughter Alex. In a bit of brilliant casting Helen Slater (who rose to fame in the 1984 "Supergirl" film) plays Supergirl's adoptive mom Mrs. Danvers and Dean Cain (who played Superman in the 90s series "Lois & Clark") plays Mr. Danvers. All similar but different to Superman.
The similarities come into play when Kara grows up and starts working for Catco Worldwide Media. Very similar to Perry White, whom she worked as his assistant at The Daily Planet, Cat Grant is Miranda Priestly from "The Devil Wears Prada." Cruel to the point where you question why anyone would work for her much like Clark & Perry. And it's hard to stomach Kara working with that abuse day in and out. Also she has a Fortress of Doom like Superman, computer imaging of her mother, and some of the same storylines as Superman. What I do like though is the fresh take on the show. It doesn't void the Superman movies with my husband Henry Cavill, just sort of plays them level (I wish Henry would make a cameo).
Without giving away too many spoilers what I like about the show is if you Wiki it the show stays on course pretty much. Greg is great at introducing characters with known backstories and keeping them true to form (on "Arrow" Dinah Lance was introduced episode one and there was always a question will they change her to Black Canary or not...Greg did). So expect some characters to start off innocent and change drastically (No spoilers again). I also like how they "go there." They answer the question why she's Supergirl as opposed to Superwoman, why Cat is so mean, why Kara is so shy, and multiple other questions you have while watching. Hopefully CBS keeps this show around and gives it time to grow.
For me I like the show. I loved "Smallville" too and will continue to love this show. Greg is hitting it out of the park with "The Flash" as well. Cannot wait for "Legends of Tomorrow" with Hawkman & Hawkgirl. Overall great job, Greg!!! Melissa is perfection as Supergirl.