First Powerless Promo

We’re currently in a Golden Age for superheroes on television, with just about every major network having at least one live-action comic book-inspired series.

Plus, there’s the Netflix family of Marvel shows: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. NBC, after the failure of Constantine, hasn’t had much going on in this area, but starting February 2, they’re taking a different approach.

Powerless gets away from the hour-long adventure drama. It’s a half-hour sitcom described as “The Office, but with superheroes”, set in a world with DC heroes.

It doesn’t seem to be making fun of the hero genre so much as aiming for similar inspiring tone, only with real people, based on this description:

Emily Locke (Vanessa Hudgens) lands her dream job as Director of Research and Development for Wayne Security in Charm City, home to super heroes and villains and citizens fed up with the collateral damage of their constant fighting. Full of confidence and big ideas, Emily quickly learns that her aspirations far exceed those of her new boss and officemates, so it will be up to her to lead the team toward their full potential and the realization that you don’t need superpowers to be a hero.

Powerless cast members Christina Kirk, Alan Tudyk, Vanessa Hudgens, and Danny Pudi

Powerless cast members Christina Kirk, Alan Tudyk, Vanessa Hudgens, and Danny Pudi

Previously, her role was described as working in an insurance company, so it seems that there’s been some rework during the planning. (Original showrunner Ben Queen left in August, which is likely related.) Supporting cast includes Danny Pudi (so terrific on Community), Ron Funches, Christina Kirk, and geek fave Alan Tudyk (Con Man) as the boss. Here’s the first, short promotional clip, which reminds me, with the crazy products, of Better Off Ted:



3 comments

  • David Oakes

    I will pretty much watch Alan Tudyk and Danny Pudi in anything. (And lord knows I have…) But it will be nice to see Wayne Enterprises not being a complete buzzkill.

    Interesting Google Fact: “Christina Kirk” is a British oil products tanker, currently en route home from Lagos.

  • James Schee

    Saw ad run run during the football game last night. It was kind of clunky, but I’m hopeful the talent will make it all work.

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