Powerless

"Powerless" is an American television series created by Ben Queen for NBC. Originated from the universe of DC Comics, this is a superhero-themed sitcom that ran for one season from February 2017 to April 2017. This quirky, inventive show mines comic hilarity from the superhero genre, but in a distinctive and unique way.

Contrary to typical superhero storylines, the show does not center on the revered superheroes, but instead focuses on the plight of regular citizens living in a world populated with super-beings. Set in the fictitious Charm City, it offers the point of view of the individuals caught up in the various battles between superheroes and super-villains that take place off-screen within the DC universe.

The story revolves around Emily Locke, portrayed by Vanessa Hudgens, who lands her dream job as Director of Research & Development for Wayne Security, a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises. She is an exceedingly cheerful and optimistic person who loves her job and is determined to make a difference. Transitioning from her ordinary life in a small town to the superhero-filled metropolis, the show does an excellent job highlighting her nuances and adapting struggles.

"Powerless" intelligently portrays Wayne Security's unique business model, specializing in products that make daily life safer for those residing among super-powered beings. From invulnerable umbrellas to exploding smartphone alerts for approaching supervillains, the products introduced in the series are lumps of creative humor making the ordinary citizens feel a little less powerless.

The story not only sheds light on the life of Emily Locke, but also explores her relationships with the new team she leads. This ensemble includes her self-centered boss Van Wayne, Bruce Wayne's cousin, played by Alan Tudyk. Other notable personalities include Danny Pudi as the resourceful yet carefree Teddy, Christina Kirk as Jackie, the pragmatic and acerbic assistant to Van, and Ron Funches personifying the quirky engineer, Ron.

"Powerless" finds its humor in the trials and tribulations of an office environment, with its interplay of unique personalities. Add to that ludicrous product invention trials, sarcastic comments, and the imminent threat of superheroes crashing through the walls or villain ambushes attacking, and you get a unique, unprecedented spin on the superhero genre.

The beauty of "Powerless" lies in its comic exploration of the superhero world's everyday minutiae, highlighting the less glamorous, more practical side of living with superheroes around. From daily inconvenience like train delays due to superhero battles to the implied peril of walking around with a hot cup of coffee, the series sprinkles an imaginative twist on otherwise mundane realities we otherwise wouldn’t give a second thought.

While it may primarily be seen as a comedy, the show also underlines themes of empowerment, ambition, and the constant struggle in a corporate setting in a constructive way; every episode suggests that ‘normal’ people have the power to save the day, even if they don’t wear capes.

"Powerless" expertly balances workplace comedy with the superhero world's flamboyant charm, striking a fresh chord within the genre. Each episode adds a new layer of amusement, often featuring cameo appearances and references from a diverse array of characters from the wider DC universe. Furthermore, there is an ongoing buzz of constant potential danger that amplifies the anticipation and rounds off the humor.

Concludingly, "Powerless" is a cheeky amalgamation of sitcom and superhero lore that merits a watch. It warmly welcomes fans of DC Comics to see a different perspective and equally entertains those who are new to the genre with its refreshing take on the everyday trials of 'normal' people living in an extraordinary, super-powered world. It is a feather-light, fun-filled laugh riot that valiantly tries to communicate that you don't always need superheroes to save the day; sometimes, just being human is super enough.