Reviewed by Colin Jacobson (September 28, 2022)
While most DC Comics-based TV series opt for well-established characters, Naomi revolved around a role who only came into existence three years before the show’s debut. Perhaps this contributed to the fact Naomi lasted only one season, as maybe fans prefer better-known properties.
This three-Blu-ray set provides all 13 episodes from Naomi’s one and only season. The plot synopses come from IMDB.
Don’t Believe Everything You Think: “Naomi McDuffie's (Kaci Walfall) closest friends join her to help uncover who or what's behind the unexpected event that has their small military town buzzing and left her with strange new fainting spells.”
At least in the early going, the most intriguing aspect of Naomi stems from the fact it takes place in a world where people believe Superman – and presumably other superheroes – to be fictional. Much of the plot in “Think” comes from an appearance in town from Supes and the belief that this exists as a staged stunt, not actual super-heroics.
This changes quickly, as “Think” doesn’t dilly-dally in terms of its reveals. A first episode like this exists to set up characters/themes, and “Think” does so in a reasonably efficient and intriguing manner.
Unidentified Flying Object: “Naomi enlists her friends to dig deeper into the mystery surrounding unexplained occurrences in Port Oswego. Naomi's parents Jennifer (Mouzam Makkar) and Greg (Barry Watson) are caught off guard by Naomi's interrogations. Another ominous encounter with Zumbado (Cranston Johnson) leaves Naomi shaken.”
While “Object” pushes along the main narrative, it appears to signal that viewers shouldn’t expect much – or maybe any - of the usual superheroic action for a while. “Object” creates enough momentum to keep us with it, but I admit it feels like the show will need something more visceral before too long to maintain audience investment.
Zero to Sixty: “Naomi gets guidance from Dee about harnessing her powers, while juggling everyday life as a teenager. Naomi's obsession with uncovering answers has her engaging in dangerous behavior. Zumbado seeks out the help of an old friend.”
A story of a superhero who struggles to balance high school life and powers offers nothing new. Nonetheless, the concept comes with continued potential.
As the series progresses, though, it tends to lose steam in that regard. In “Zero”, a lot of the complications feel contrived, and the Zumbado side also comes across as less than compelling. This season maintains plenty of time to rebound, but three episodes in, it seems to be in decline.
Enigma: “Naomi discovers more about her past, but must come to terms with the secrets that were kept from her. As Naomi continues her training, she finds the courage to confront Zumbado. Naomi faces competition for at school for class president.”
So far the issue with Naomi stems from the awkwardness with which it joins its two sides. We get half Archie comics and half Matrix, without a clean link between the two. Despite some revelations, “Enigma” continues the lackluster season progression.
Shadow Ridge: “With Naomi still shaken by her terrifying encounter with the bounty hunter (Aaron Farb), Dee (Alexander Wraith) continues training her on controlling her thoughts and emotions and, therefore, her powers. The class sets off on an exciting weeklong camping excursion.”
Given that Naomi and Nathan go to a screening of The Matrix here, I guess my view of that film’s influence was on the mark. At least those involved here will admit the connection.
The rest of “Ridge” opts for a horror movie vibe with the teens at camp. This feels out of nowhere and not very interesting, so “Ridge” becomes another less than compelling show.
Homecoming: “The tension between Nathan (Daniel Puig) and Anthony (Will Meyers) escalates when Anthony feels the Homecoming tradition is being disrespected by a military kid. Naomi discovers a potential new source of information. Zumbado has a run-in with Greg and Jennifer.”
Does “Homecoming” right the ship after a string of lackluster episodes? Unfortunately, it doesn’t, as Naomi still can’t link its high school soap opera and its superhero intrigue in a winning way. I just don’t care about Naomi’s boy issues – or much of anything else that happens.
I Am Not a Used Car Salesman: “When Naomi faces dire circumstances, she is forced to seek help from Zumbado.”
With “Car”, a supposed “bad guy” shows more noble purposes. This offers the most predictable character shift imaginable, as no one should feel surprised by this telegraphed changeup.
This illustrates the biggest issue with the series: it lacks creativity and it doesn’t compensate with involving characters or situations. We feel stuck in neutral as the show dollops out banal “revelations” that don’t ever muster a lot of real drama.
Fellowship of the Disc: “Naomi must take special care to protect her identity after Jacob (Aidan Gemme) shares obscure information with her and Annabelle (Mary-Charles Jones).”
With generally slow development, the series appears to feel the need to toss contrived moments into the proceedings, and that occurs with “Disc”. The episode works overtime to convince us that we find real movement and drama but the end result just feels unconvincing.
Keep Your Friends Close: “New information leads Naomi to believe there is another alien in her midst. A visit from Cmdr. Steel (Brian Brightman) prompts Dee and Zumbado to make an unexpected visit to the McDuffie home in the middle of the anniversary party.”
Another episode replete with revelations. Another episode that lacks real impact.
At least “Close” spices up the presentation, as it displays some of the principals in an after-the-fact interview situation. Nonetheless, this curveball doesn’t enliven the contrived proceedings – and we wind up with yet another less-than-shocking “revelation”.
Fallout: “In the aftermath of Naomi discovering who Greg and Jen really are and that they've been lying about it her entire life, Naomi sets out on her own to dig deeper for the truth only to discover how many people have been keeping secrets from her.”
Perhaps “Fallout” would become more interesting if the aforementioned “surprises” were actually… surprising. This leads to some exposition and stabs at thrills but these continue to feel banal and feeble.
Worst Prom Ever: “Naomi and Annabelle are looking forward to a perfect prom night with Nathan, Jacob and their entire junior class -- but things rarely go as planned for a teenage superhero.”
With only three episodes left, should I expect “Ever” to miraculously redeem the season? No, as it continues to suffer from the same issues that have plagued much of the season. That means overwrought teen drama mixed with limp superhero intrigue.
Ready or Not: “After having visions from her brief time on Earth-29, Naomi seeks the advice of her protectors. Naomi receives a special gift from Akira and sets off on a road trip with Annabelle to search for a specific place from a new vision.”
With our penultimate episode, it seems unlikely that Naomi will finally achieve greatness – or even pretty goodness. Arguably the series’ biggest issue stems from the extremely slow journey on which it sends its lead character.
Essentially the whole season acts as Naomi’s “origin story”, and that’s way too long. A better-constructed show would’ve gotten her into “superhero mode” by episode four at the latest, but here we are 12 shows in and we’re stuck in neutral. Maybe the final episode will finally get us there, though the wholly silly ending to “Ready” fails to fill me with hope.
Who Am I?: “Naomi must make a decision to protect those she loves most, but in the end, Naomi needs those closest to her to battle a powerful being that has been hunting her since birth.”
The season – and the series – finish here, and I can’t say I greet the ending with sadness. I went into Naomi with hopes that it’d create a fresh new superhero saga, and the fairly intriguing first episode, matters became erratic and less than compelling.
“Who” tries to send out the series with a bang – though the episode’s ending implies those involved expected a second season. While not the cliffhangiest of cliffhangers, the final scene clearly points toward continued adventures.
When I recently reviewed the series finales of Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman, I felt disappointed those shows wouldn’t continue. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same from the quick demise of Naomi.
In theory, a series that uses an entire season as an “origin story” sounds intriguing. As done here, though, the end result progresses at a painfully slow pace that doesn’t get balanced by quality character and narrative development.
Perhaps a second season would’ve allowed Naomi to expand and grow. The first – and only – season doesn’t live up to the property’s potential, however.