Monday, August 24, 2015

Hawkman Confirmed as Series Regular for Legends Of Tomorrow

Speculation as to the level of involvement which Hawkman would have in DC's forthcoming Legends Of Tomorrow series seemingly can end now, as Executive Producer Phil Klemmer has stated that Hawkman will be appearing in every episode as a series regular.

Well, huh.

Take it away, Mr, Klemmer:

It doesn't [take away from Hawkgirl's presence], because the way we've imagined them is that they've obviously been reincarnated through the ages together, but the fact that he remembers their previous lives and she doesn't… it gives them very much like a Bogie & Bacall sort of [relationship].

Klemmer also states that the show is specifically avoiding "sentimentality," and while romance is not out of the question, "there'll be more sex than romance."

Well, uh... huh again.

Honestly I'm so muddled by this little piece that I am not even sure what to think.  I was -- and remain -- very excited for Hawkgirl to be a part of this series since, let's face it, Hawkgirl rocks.  And I am excited to have Hawkman be a part of the series as well, because I think the history between the two characters (as explored by Geoff Johns and David Goyer in JSA and Hawkman V.4, also referenced by Klemmer) is ripe for mining in a media adaption featuring the characters.

But some of this TV-producer speak turns me off.  "More sex than romance?" Can't we have them just bash people with weapons and then be tense afterwards? Why does there need to be sex for the Hawks to interact?  Some of the best character work from those early days of Volume 4 was the idea of NOT forcing destiny, with Carter and Kendra working together but not being together. "Partners but not a couple" serves these particular iterations of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, so I am concerned about their relationship being akin to bickering in the field of battle and then angry copulation back in the bedroom.

Then there's the simple fact that this cast is getting outrageously large.  There were a lot of characters involved before, and now we have just added another full-time regular member to said cast. How are all of the various storylines and subplots going to be juggled and still be comprehensible?  Both Arrow and The Flash feature ensemble casts, sure, but their casts are not all powered "name" characters. If Thea Queen or Paco Ramone take something of a back seat in a particular episode, without any major plot developments for them, well, that's alright because they are supporting characters. But this is (ostensibly) a team of heroes, all of whom need to be served by the overall ongoing plot. How in the heck do you keep this many plates spinning on a 44 minute TV show?

This isn't a team book where you can have a single thought balloon or caption to keep a subplot going month to month.

I'm being cynical but these are cynical days.

Of course, that having been said I am still very eager to see Legends of Tomorrow and to get the Winged Wonders on the small screen once more.

So what do you think?  Yea or nay on Hawkman as a series regular?

Monday, August 3, 2015

Report: Hawkman Cast For Arrow, The Flash

Per Newsarama, Variety is reporting that Falk Hentschel (who played Marc Scarlotti AKA Whiplash in one episode of Agents of SHIELD) has been cast as Carter Hall AKA Hawkman for appearances in the upcoming seasons of The CW's DC superhero dramas Arrow and The Flash, as part of a crossover which sets the stage for Legends Of Tomorrow, which of course, features Hawkgirl.  

I did enjoy Hentschel's turn as Whiplash over the fence on SHIELD, and hoped he would make a return in the role.  I think he definitely has the physicality for the part of Carter, but as he did not get much time to speak as the villainous HYDRA asset, I do not know how he will work out for the less-smashy scenes.  I am, unfortunately, not familiar with any of his roles beyond that one. Still, it is very cool that we are getting a new live action Hawkman and Hawkgirl, and I retain my high hopes for the new seasons of Arrow and The Flash, and am very much looking forward to Legends.

What about you?  Do you like this casting, or is this a bust?