‘Supergirl’ is casting Superman … or at least a younger version of him

Apparently, “Supergirl” just could not resist finding a way to include Kal-El, even if it is not going to be in the present.

As first reported by TVLine, the show is casting someone to play a teenage version of the character, which is before he was running around with the famous cape and the House of El stamped upon his chest. The purpose of this seems to be to establish some sort of consistent through-line between him and Kara Zor-El a.k.a. Kara Danvers.

Here’s the main issue with this story: We liked that the show kept this character a mystery sort of like the Mayor on “Parks and Recreation” or, at least for a while, the Big Giant Head on “3rd Rock from the Sun.” Sometimes there are people who you don’t really need to see on TV in order for them to be a part of the story. We’re not so annoyed about this because there are Superman movies out there, or because this show was billed as being more about her. Instead, it’s just that we already had “Smallville.” What else do we need about young Superman? We know that Kal-El is out there, and in many ways, that should be enough.

Then again, maybe someone out there clearly feels like this is going to be a way to bring a little bit more attention t a show that is becoming somewhat of a ratings letdown over the past few weeks. After being originally thought of as a potential ratings smash, “Supergirl” has since fallen on tougher times in the numbers and scored a 1.5 in the 18-49 demographic this past episode. This is even with episodes of “The Flash” over on The CW.

Are you surprised by this news? Let us know, and head over here to get some further TV news on everything we cover, sent right over in your direction via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: CBS.)