In 2015, The CW introduced Hawkman and Hawkgirl to their universe, signifying a bold leap into the mystical realms of DC Comics. The characters, Carter Hall (Falk Hentschel) and Kendra Saunders (Ciara Renée), made an appearance during a joint episode between The Flash and Arrow, offering richness to a world previously centered on street-level vigilantes and metahumans. As eternal warriors reborn, they offered the opportunity to delve into themes like destiny, self-identity, and heroic lineage. Unfortunately, after almost a decade, their representation in the series has come to symbolize how even promising comic book adaptations can miss their mark, with fans still mourning the untapped potential of these iconic DC characters.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must admit my dismay was seeded right from the start when the creative team decided to fundamentally reshape the relationship dynamic between Hawkman and Hawkgirl. In the original comic books, they were both strong warriors, bound by centuries of reincarnation in an equal partnership. Yet, in the Arrowverse, we find Kendra Saunders, innocently brewing coffee at CC Jitters, oblivious to her destiny as a reborn Egyptian priestess. In stark contrast, Carter Hall was already fully formed, armed with complete knowledge of their shared history and supernatural abilities. This discrepancy created an uneasy power dynamic that cast a shadow over their entire narrative, as Carter persistently urged Kendra to accept her powers and their fated romance, often at the cost of her autonomy.
Lost in Translation: How the Arrowverse Failed Its Winged Warriors
Transforming Hawkman and Hawkgirl from comic books to television in the Arrowverse seems to overlook what truly captivates their audiences. In DC comics, Carter Hall isn’t merely a reborn soldier; he’s an exceptionally knowledgeable archaeologist whose understanding of history transcends centuries, linking the ancient world with the present day. analogously, Kendra Saunders is celebrated for her self-reliance and strategic acumen, and it’s her warrior spirit that sets her apart, rather than her romantic fate.
Reddit user Embarrassed-Zone-361 expresses the disappointment of longtime fans, stating that instead of portraying Kendra Saunders as the strong, self-reliant character she is in the comics, they transformed her into a character whose story primarily revolves around Carter, reducing her to a more passive, glorified damsel.
The clarity of their historic roles as powerful warriors from DC became even more noticeable when both characters joined “Legends of Tomorrow.” The show’s time-travel theme offered an ideal platform to delve into their long history and highlight why they are regarded as some of the greatest heroes in the DC universe. However, the writers focused instead on a romantic triangle involving Kendra, Carter, and Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh), which reduced their characters and lessened the mythical significance of their curse. Instead of portraying their eternal cycle of death and rebirth as a deep tragedy that motivated them to become heroes, it was used merely as a means to generate romantic tension.
The management of Carter’s persona posed significant challenges due to his frequent deaths and resurrections losing significance. With each revival, it seemed less like an examination of their immortal essence and more like a device to underscore Kendra’s predestined journey. A fan observed that Carter’s role evolved into little more than a recurring figure who gave instructions, met a demise, then reappeared. This transformation diminished a multi-dimensional character into a plot tool. Despite the arrival of Vandal Savage (Casper Frederik Crump), their immortal adversary, as the primary antagonist in the first season, the show failed to develop either character beyond their romantic dynamics.
In the series, Carter’s resurrection as Scythian Torvil offered an opportunity to present a unique viewpoint on their endless relationship. It could have been fascinating to see how a new life might carve out its own journey distinct from the fate that had dictated him for thousands of years. However, the writers opted to revert to familiar ground, using this pivotal moment to echo the same predetermined love tale that had begun to feel repetitive. This move perfectly symbolizes how the show often preferred the simplest storyline over the more complex and potentially enriching character progression for Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
Following their exit from “Legends of Tomorrow”, neither character’s story received adequate resolution or further development within the Arrowverse. Their departure, although portrayed as a happy ending, left fans with numerous unanswered questions regarding their heroic roles and influence on the broader universe. Sporadic mentions and brief cameos in subsequent seasons merely highlighted the untapped narrative potential that remained unexploited. This treatment of Hawkman and Hawkgirl serves as a warning about the significance of grasping what makes comic book characters enduring before translating them for television.
At present, you can stream DC’s Legends of Tomorrow on Netflix. Meanwhile, episodes of both The Flash and Arrow that include Hawkman and Hawkgirl can be found on Netflix as well as The CW app.
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2025-02-09 05:10