AS the first woman-led teleserye on ABS-CBN holding the top prime-time spot in more than a decade (Ang Probinsyano ran for seven years, which replaced Nathaniel, which in turn replaced Dream Dad, which in turn replaced Hawak Kamay), Mars Ravelo’s Darna lands on the airwaves with a glorious purpose of feminism. Narda Custodio (played by newcomer Jane de Leon) is the show’s protagonist—a loving daughter to her mother Leonor (Iza Calzado) and younger brother Ding (Zaijan Jaranilla). Every day, she trains with her mother, acquiring self-defense skills with her mom who is also an EMT nurse, thinking that she just has to do this because she is the “ate” and a whole gamut of responsibility is placed upon her.
Unknown to her, Leonor is the first Darna who came to Earth from her planet of origin Marte. As a Darna, she must protect a white, mythical stone that when she swallows it, gives the protector superpowers against evil forces.
In the first few episodes, we see glimpses of Narda’s character—reluctant, sometimes rebellious young woman who’d rather do young woman things with her “Maritess” best friend than train with her mom or pick up her younger brother from school. All are puzzle pieces to figuring out who she is now, on her way to becoming the hero she is destined to be.
It is pretty obvious yet still refreshing, especially on Philippine TV, that Darna follows the classic superhero arc in which a good, smart, strong protagonist battles evil and her inner struggle in a way that’s been familiar to audiences, no thanks to the many superhero movies that have inundated us in recent years. Of course, a lot happens to make Narda accept her task as the new protector of the white stone (including the death of her mom) and in that moment when Narda finally takes on the responsibility to be the new Darna, she says, “Dahil ang pinaka-malaking kasalanan ay kapag may kakayahan kang tumulong, wala ka namang ginawa.” Narda/Darna makes us realize that real power does not stem from a mystical, magical stone. It comes from empowering oneself to take on our responsibilities and embracing our destiny.
De Leon as Narda is tremendous throughout. She’s got star-power and charisma to burn. If Darna is going to be one of the driving forces of the Mars Ravelo world to be brought alive by ABS-CBN, then the universe is in good hands.
Mars Ravelo’s Darna is directed Chito S. Roño, Avel Sunpongco, and Benedict Mique, and produced by ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production unit and airs weekdays, 8 pm, on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, CineMo, and TV5. It is also available to watch via Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and The Filipino Channel.