Melissa Benoist is very appealing in the lead role. But beyond that, the generally favourable reviews I'm seeing seem to speak more to the (very hopeful) assumptions about the show going forward than what's actually onscreen in the pilot. Visually, it's bright, but pretty characterless. The underground government…

With those flashes of light in some shots evoking the UFO, was anyone else reminded a bit of PTA's use of light flashes in Punch Drunk Love? With the "otherworldly force" element?

Yeah, it just seems like some viewers dig their heels in with regards to a TV program, and no matter what said show does from that point on, it'll always be viewed in a negative, condescending light.

"I mean, this show is nowhere near perfect. But sometimes I feel like
this comments section can't see what's clearly in front of its face, or
is coming at this show completely the wrong direction.

I don't know. I rather enjoy some of the actors/characters (Gordon, Bullock, Penguin, Leslie, Falcone, Alfred, aspects of Jerome, etc.) from time-to-time. Not everything in the world is "awesome" or "sucks": there are plenty of degrees in between. And not every show needs to be subtle in its approach to be…

Whatever this show's faults on a plot and/or character/acting level, its cinematography and art direction are tremendous. So if one is willing to accept it on its (clearly) intended level — that being "hammy melodrama" — it's plenty watchable. But, by all means, continue to obsess over plot, as though that's the…