The re-launched DC Universe by James Gunn is still finding its roots and tying its earliest properties together with minor crossovers and overlapping characters. ‘Superman’ established the mood, ‘Creature Commandos’ planted the seeds of future villains, and ‘Peacemaker’ season 2 is already banking on the presence of the Man of Steel to drive its plot.
Now, the new ‘DC Crime’ series is making the universe even bigger, and surprisingly, doing something the Superman film did not fully invest in: making the world of journalism at The Daily Planet real.
‘DC Crime’ Can Provide The Daily Planet The Screen Time It Deserves
‘DC Crime’ is a mockumentary-style true-crime series that features Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and American Vandal creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault as showrunners. It will include the revival of Gorilla Grodd (teased in Creature Commandos), and initial information indicates that the series will be inclined towards comedy, crime-solving, and newsroom anarchy. However, more than its concept, the show is something that the DCU needs. It’s an opportunity to make the human aspect of the Superman universe stronger.
Related: DC Finally Explains The Childhood That Twisted The Joker Forever
It can focus on character interaction and fix the most neglected aspect of the film, the Daily Planet staff. One of the most significant institutions in DC mythology is the Daily Planet. It is the place where Clark Kent develops his personality outside the cape. ‘Superman‘ by James Gunn has gathered an incredible cast: The chemistry and potential were clearly there. However, there was barely any screentime. The Daily Planet crew was presented with enthusiasm but soon pushed to the background, with the film focusing on Lex Luthor, world-destroying threats, and multiverse-level narration.
Lois and Jimmy did have good investigative scenes; Jimmy even managed to become a breakout character. However, the rest of the newsroom was an afterthought. One or two lines, and then vanishing into the background. The last Mr. Terrific ship scene provided a glimpse of what might have been. ‘DC Crime’ can open that, finally. Although Jimmy Olsen is the star, a docuseries-type format enables the supporting cast to shine
Journalism Can Finally Matter In The Bigger DCU
The underutilization of the Planet had one side effect: the reduced depiction of Clark Kent’s life without the cape. Clark is only shown with Lois and his parents; we hardly ever see him as a journalist, which is a pity, as Superman’s duality is one of the strongest elements of the character. However, the DCU has already demonstrated that it is not scared of sprinkling major characters throughout TV.
In case you missed it: Gorilla Grodd’s DCU Debut May Secretly Set Up The Flash’s Perfect Comeback
Lex Luthor was introduced in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Amanda Waller and the Creature Commandos are free to cross mediums. The crossover rules are loose, and they are meant to be. So, Clark in ‘DC Crime’ is not a bad idea. He works with Jimmy, and he’s a part of the Daily Planet. His detective nature suits the true-crime format. And when Gorilla Grodd is rampaging through Metropolis, Superman would certainly appear.
He does not require a big part, only a presence to make the world a better place and demonstrate to the audience what Clark Kent spends his days doing. Watching Clark grapple with deadlines, negotiate with Perry’s demands, or try to be an undercover journalist would provide fans with something they haven’t seen before. In the meantime, ‘Man of Tomorrow‘ is developing into a Lex-and-Superman-focused narrative.
