Reimagining the Arrowverse: What if Supergirl Aired on CW from the Start?
Introduction
The Arrowverse is a multiverse episodic television series universe that has captivated fans since its inception. One of the intriguing questions is: what if Supergirl (Girl of Steel) had aired on The CW from the beginning? This hypothetical scenario would have significant impacts, altering the trajectory of interconnected narratives and even the very fabric of the Arrowverse universes.
The Multiverse Perspective
Having Supergirl join the Arrowverse from a young age could have reinforced the multiverse concept embedded within the shows. Specifically, this would have implied that Kara Zor-El, as Supergirl, came from a different Earth, essentially sequestering her in her own unconnected Earth devoid of any direct connection to Earth-1, the shared Earth where Barry, Oliver, and other heroes reside.
Would it be the Same or Significantly Different?
The Arrowverse would either remain largely unchanged or undergo significant transformation, depending on the specific setting chosen for Supergirl
If on a Different Earth
Supergirl emerging from a different Earth would imply that she had her own private hero origin story, separate from traditional Arrowverse characters. This situation would have to account for why Kara masks her true identity as Supergirl from the beginning, a scenario made more plausible when she is the first to come to Earth and establish herself without a historical context of existing heroes like Barry or Oliver.
Effects on the Arrowverse
This premise could send a snowball of effects reverberating throughout the Arrowverse. For instance, scenes that originally focused on the legendary Superman being a single point of hope and inspiration for all of Earth 1 would instead involve two supermen leading the way. This dynamic would be complex and could offer a fresh perspective on the challenges and benefits of having a second super-powered hero.
Geographical and Casting Implications
Another factor to consider is whether the Arrowverse casting choices would have been different if Supergirl had aired from the start. Since both shows are filmed in Vancouver, significant changes in casting would be inevitable as not every actor would be willing to relocate for the initial seasons.
Examples of Impact
Key instances where casting would differ include:
Superman: Seeing Superman being active and present on the CW-verse before Ollie and Barry's stories could have led to earlier and more frequent references and crossovers between the series. Supergirl’s North American Cast: A version of Supergirl shot in Los Angeles would have brought a different pool of talent, with actors like Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, and David Harewood. Their acceptance in Vancouver might have influenced their initial involvement in the series.Production and Budget Impact
Adding Supergirl to the Arrowverse's roster would have elevated the budget requirements for VFX and high-action scenes. Even though the CW budget for Supergirl is lower than that at CBS, a segment of budget allocated to Supergirl could provide a higher-quality visual experience, particularly if the show started from the same funding level as The Flash.
Technical Details
If the budget for Supergirl hadn't been lower, we could expect significant improvements in visual effects. Yet, it would still have been required for the production to cope with realistic visual effects within the stipulated budget constraints
Conclusion
Despite the multiverse concept, the hypothetical scenario of Supergirl joining the Arrowverse from the start presents a fascinating scenario for exploration and speculation. This situation would necessitate a rethinking of many existing storylines, characters, and events within the Arrowverse. The resulting changes could be minimal or profound, leading to a universe that is familiar yet entirely new, one worthy of the intrigue and complexity that fans of the Arrowverse have come to expect.