Darna

This series was highly marketed as "this generation's Darna". It's interesting because, with Philippines' recent elections, this generation is probably the most politically aware generation in the Philippines since the EDSA revolution. This led me to believe that this generation's Darna would delve deep into the various dilemmas that society (especially Philippine society) faces today and what causes these illnesses in the society. Similar to the Darna komiks of old.

In the first 2 weeks, I thought it would deliver. But the plot soon went downhill. The story is veering towards something akin to a Philippine romance teleserye instead of a superhero show.

Season 1 CGI was unrealistic and poor but I can notice that It improved in season 2. They keep making the story a loop, Valentina kills people to be more powerful, attacks Darna, Valentina gets hurt and escape and kills more people to attack Darna again but yet gets defeated and escapes once again.

I feel like their disrespecting the show and the characters because of the random storyline. It was poorly written and directed. Everytime Darna fights, it's always slo-mo. Did she even practice fighting BTS? All she does is punch, kick and use her powers she only focus on her poses. Darna also lacks common sense.

An inconsistent reason is when Darna steps on Valentina's snakes to hurt her but when polices shoot the snakes, Valentina doesn't get hurt? This makes no sense. Burgo is said to be a very powerful alien leader but with only 1 solidier (ishna)? There are too much extras, it's very unrealistic and unessesary.

Although the cast clearly put effort in their acting, it can only do so much on a lack luster script with cringey dialogue and contrived scenes. The set design also feels like a high budget school play and can definitely be identified when it's being shot in a studio.

I strongly dislike this show not because of the cringe CGI effects which is understood but the material itself is really unfaithful from its original comics story. I feel offended as a reader. Inconsistency of Darna's costume is another issue for me. And that villains so called "EXTRAS" is not my cup of the tea. Maybe they just wanted to take people away from our traditional viewing experiences before (Yes, we had two versions already done for the last decades).

Despite of that, thanks for the actors who played their roles seriously - this is the good side. Jane De Leon is good pick for new Darna, Janella Salvador has charismatic appeal on portraying the most rival enemy of Darna but again, Unfaithful and Inconsistent made me not to watch the show already.

The reimagine version of Narda is by far the best among all adaptations. How she is characterized in this series provided her story with a richer context. The pacing is gentle and well written. While this version is far different from how Mars Ravelo originally visioned it way back in the (30s) 50s, the change is significant to the current generation. The different take to Valentina's character is also phenomenal. Jane de Leon is marvelous as Darna/Narda while Iza Calzado gave justice as the first Darna. Overall its good but I'll give it an impressive 9 out of ten because there's always room for improvement.