The latest promo for NBC's workplace comedy, Powerless, proves Batman isn't the only superhero their taking shots at. While two figures – presumably Jack O’ Lantern and Crimson Fox – battle outside, Vanessa Hudgens’ (High School Musical) character wonders aloud: “What’s that up in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane?” Allowing Danny Pudi’s (Community) character to deliver the punchline: “You seriously can’t tell the difference between a bird and a plane?”
Powerless is set within the DC Comics Universe and centers around the lives of ordinary people in a world overflowing with superpowered heroes and villains. The sitcom follows Hudgens as Emily Locke – the new director of research & development for Wayne Security, a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises. The company specializes in products to make defenseless bystanders feel safer, and avoid becoming collateral damage.
In addition to direct connections to the DC Universe, the sitcom also includes subtle nods. Including the Kane and Fingers Pub, a reference to Batman creators Bob Kane and Bill Finger, and discussions on Wonder Woman’s level of divinity.
Also starring Alan Tudyk (Firefly), Ron Funches (Undateable), and Christina Kirk (A to Z), Powerless premieres Thursday, February 2, 2017, at 8:30 PM on NBC.