‘Legends of Tomorrow’ can’t have ALL the vintage DC Comics characters! ‘Supergirl’ will welcome another hero from the publisher’s vast roster, The Guardian in next week’s episode.
Portraying the hero, also known as Colonel James Harper, will be genre vet Eddie McClintock, best known for his leading role as Pete Lattimer on ‘Warehouse 13’. McClintock has also popped up on other shows, such as ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, ‘Castle’, ‘The Witches of East End’ and more.
The comic book character, The Guardian, was created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon and he served as the adult mentor of the ragtag Newsboy Legion and also has ties to Project Cadmus and Jimmy Olsen (and as a result, Superman). In the comics, he has also been established as a relative of Roy Harper, a.k.a. Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow. On ‘Young Justice’ he was revealed to be an adult clone of Roy.
‘Supergirl’ is hosting a crossover with ‘The Flash’. Using the character of James Harper, in a slight way, leaves the door open to a potential crossover with ‘Arrow’ as Colton Haynes plays James Harper’s relative Roy on that series.
On ‘Young Justice’ and in the comics, The Guardian identity was adopted by non-powered Titan Mal Duncan, an African American character. In more recent comics, another African American, Jake Jordan has bore the identity. Many fans speculated that the character John Diggle (David Ramsey) would adopt the identity, when it was learned that he would begin wearing a costume with a helmet. (He actually uses the code name Spartan.)
Each version of The Guardian has been known for carrying an indestructible shield, which draws comparisons to Marvel’s Captain America.
Whether or not it pays off in this episode, Project Cadmus has been mentioned on both ‘Arrow’ and ‘The Flash’.
What do you think? Will McClintock’s portrayal of James Harper open the door to bigger things? Or will this be a one-off appearance that we shouldn’t worry too much about?
‘Supergirl’ airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBS.
Source: Cinema Blend
