Kara starts this series as an adorably geeky screw up apparently with self esteem issues (gotta score that 18-35 demo) who doesn’t use her powers at all? Not even in private? It makes no sense on the surface. The whole “wanting a normal life” throwaway line just doesn’t cover it IMHO.

Can the writers come up with a reason? Sure. It’s a comic book show. ANYTHING can be fixed. But it must be complete and profound. Otherwise, the whole character of nerdy but adorable Kara developing into strong, confident all powerful Supergirl is just a too contrived fantasy for the CW demo. (Yeah yeah….ALL superhero stories are contrived, but there are contrivances, and then there is straight up blatant manipulation.)

Oh, and the “no Superman” thing is going to wear out really fast unless they give a really really good reason why he isn’t stopping by to say hi. The whole “she has to learn it on her own” tack they might go down doesn’t cut it. She’s not learning how to ride a freakin’ bike here. She has the strength of a god and she has lasers coming out of her eyes. If a 24 year old woman suddenly wanted to learn how to shoot a machine gun, wouldn’t you want someone around who KNEW how to shoot a machine gun to show her the ropes? Its public safety.

Does Superman have to show up? No. Just give a reason why he doesn’t. A good reason. Actually, considering the power levels involved here, make that a VERY good reason. And sooner rather than later.