WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the pilot episode of the CW's Naomi.
One of the most intriguing things about the CW's Naomi is how it once more positions the network to dive into the teen aspect of being a superhero. Apart from Stargirl, the network's shows have mostly been tailored for adults, as seen in the Arrowverse. Interestingly, as the first episode unfolded and some subtle notes were dropped, what's pretty clear is that Naomi has an LGBT arc to focus on that could fix one of Smallville's biggest setbacks.
Now, the CW has made big strides in terms of diversity and representation recently, with Black Lightning's daughter, Anissa, and of course, Batwoman, exploring their identities as powerful Black women and LGBT figures. It upped the equality factor of these series, but again, they were geared towards adults who knew their identities.
Smallville, though, was about teens now discovering theirs, which is why, in retrospect, it's a bit disappointing no one in Clark's circle was LGBT. Pete, Lana and Chloe were all straight, and apart from the villainous shape-shifter in Tina, who kissed Lana, there wasn't much queer representation. In fact, bar a few throwaway lines about minor characters working at the Daily Planet in Metropolis, the show veered away from this totally, which followed the tone set back in the dusty farm town in the '90s.
From a creative standpoint, though, it's hard not to see teen stories exploring this route, which is why Naomi pursuing this angle feels organic. It popped up with her ducking interest from her ex, Nate, and other guys, instead flirting with Lourdes at the latter's comic book shop. Naomi told her to buzz her whenever she needed with a sly smile, which proved both are crushing on each other. Lourdes was left blushing, compounded by Naomi's parents teasing her about a potential romance.
It was refreshing to see a lead character following this route and her parents being cool with it because let's be real, this wouldn't happen with a young Superman or one of DC's more prominent heroes. Not even in the Titans series has there been much of a queer angle, not even with the Amazons. Thus, Naomi's potential romance with Lourdes, and her having to reveal the truth to her friends and pursuers, would indeed be welcomed for a modern generation of CW viewers exploring their own youth issues.
It's something LGBT teen viewers from the Smallville generation would have loved to see depicted on screen because, ultimately, Clark was an outsider, hiding from the real world. Naomi may well be doing the same soon when she discovers more about her powers, but the fact she already has Lourdes to discuss being an outlier, surrounded by comics of all things, is just serendipitous.
It creates a truly accepting, cosmopolitan dynamic akin to what Marvel's Runaways did with Nico and Karolina, which will certainly act as a lesson for parents and their kids watching on how a teen can be LGBT and a hero at the same time.
Naomi airs on The CW on Tuesdays at 9 pm ET/PT.