ABS-CBN’s Darna establishes a balance between paying tribute to the Pinay superhero’s origins and its intent to make its take on a well-known classic as gutsy, and more reflective of modern society.
Actors: Jane de Leon, Janella Salvador, Joshua Garcia, Rio Locsin, Zaijian Jaranilla, Paolo Gumabao, Simon Ibarra, Young JV, Richard Quan, Yogo Singh, LA Santos, Joj Agpangan, Viveika Rabanes, Marvin yap, Zeppi Borromeo, Acao, Marc Manicad, Levi ignacio, Dawn Chang, Iza Calzado
Genre: Action, Superhero, Fantasy
Premise: When fragments of a green crystal scatter in the city and turn people into destructive monsters, Narda embraces her destiny as Darna—the mighty protector of the powerful stone from Planet Marte. (iWantTFC)
Running Time: 35 minutes
Director: Chito Roño
Time slot: Weeknights, 8:00 PM
Why You Should See It:
Ever since Mars Ravelo first conceived her in the 1930s and had her adventures started getting published in the 1940s, Darna has relentlessly become a formidable icon not just in local entertainment, but in the socio-political scene, as well, with its symbolic stature as a woman of justice, hope, and strength, for Filipinos.
Considered to be the most popular and most celebrated Filipino superhero of all time, Darna soars to the highest when her feminist identity did shine at her most relatable when she assumes the role of being an emblem of equality.
Thrilling, riveting, and marked by pure badass Calzado’s brief stint as the legendary superhero feels like an everlasting moment that will survive further milestones in the series. It does not surprise that this early, many are wondering if a prequel series, with her reprising her role, is possible shortly.
In Darna, the forces of evil are not necessarily the aliens meant to inflict sinister harm to humanity. They are also human-made, born out of greed for power, wealth, and influence. Chito Roño’s masterful direction allows the series’ sheer muscular intensity and emotional refinements to meld beautifully and tangibly with its socio-political overtones.
It makes the series a gutsy take on a well-known classic, as it shows no fear of touching on matters involving politics.
That effort is most palpable through Regina (Janella Salvador), who targets the so-called social cancers that get and keep society rotten. Regina, however, is a juxtaposition of two identities that are worlds apart, the other being her alter-ego, Valentina, in whom Darna will find her greatest nemesis in.
As for De Leon, new heights are just waiting for her to soar in the coming episodes. It is too early to say yet, whether or not– her take will fare well, let alone surpass, the past TV Darnas. That said, one can say how massively prepared she is, judging her already blistering action sequences without donning the red costume and the iconic emblem. As early as the second episode, she has showcased some unexpected acting chops already, which we can only expect to get even better as the show progresses.
De Leon naturally inhabits that sense of sincerity, fierceness, stance, and elegance that has been the compelling force that drives Darna to surge forward and upward as a formidable icon of hope and justice.
Visual effects can still be massively improved, although it is worth noting that what the series can showcase is already a mile ahead of the usual as far as the local setting is concerned. Appreciating the visual wonders of Darna, perhaps, can be better appreciated when you realize that much of it is taken and made possible through ABS-CBN’s state-of-the-art production complex in Bulacan, or the ABS-CBN Soundstage.
Darna now airs weeknight, after Suntok Sa Buwan on TV5, and after TV Patrol on A2Z, and Kapamilya Channel. The series also streams via Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC online. Watch the official full trailer below:
