The latest television adaptation of Darna signifies more than just resurrecting the legendary Pinay heroine created by legendary Filipino graphic novelist Mars Ravelo.
For GMA-7, the return of Darna also signals the network's return to the fantaserye, a genre that they popularized and consequently propelled the Kapuso Network to the summit of the gritty network battle dominated for a long time by its archrival.
In 2005, actress Angel Locsin assumed the role of Darna then soared to the top of the primetime rating contest by raking in a whopping 52.1 percent on its fourth episode. That record stood untouched for almost three years until Marimar (starring Marian Rivera) stripped away the honor by logging in a 52.6 percent grade on March 14, 2008.
When Marimar shattered the record, the so-called fantaserye genre was evidently starting to lose its considerable luster and appeal to the viewing public. To GMA-7's credit, the network obviously understood the declining trend, and as marketing principle suggests, sought measures to offer variety over predictability.
FLYING BACK ON AIR. The past couple of months saw primetime viewing ratings taking a rigid turn. With the competition getting stiffer and stiffer, the Kapuso Network perhaps saw it fit to resort back to a tested winning formula.
On Monday, August 10, Darna will mark her return to primetime viewing.
This time around, Marian Rivera will don the red and gold colors of the beloved Pinay superhero.
Bagging the coveted role can be attributed to Marian's previous success in the primetime TV arena. Marimar, Dyesebel and Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang all fared exceptionally well in terms of figures and viewer acceptance, prompting GMA-7 chairman Atty. Felipe Gozon to label the Filipino-Spanish actress as the "Queen of Primetime."
The pressure of living up to Darna's reputation as one of the iconic figures in Pinoy pop culture can be intimidating to any actress tapped to represent the heroine. Trying to live under the shadow of Darna's previous boobtube success is another chip Marian has to contend from now on.
"Alam ko na isa yun sa mga factor na kailangan, nagri-rate talaga ang show. Pero ang importante sa akin, ako si Darna. Ako ang pinili at ine-enjoy ko talaga siya. At importante sa lahat—mula sa crew, director, artista—magkakasundo. Talagang love namin ang isa't-isa," Marian told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
NEW TWISTS. The latest installment promises to be much better than its predecessor, "with exciting new twists," proudly enthused network executive Wilma Galvante.
Darna tells the story of Narda, an attractive young woman who grows up in an orphanage and lives a happy, quiet and simple life until she becomes the heiress of a stone that gives her super powers.
Narda eventually meets her childhood sweetheart Eduardo (portrayed by Mark Anthony Fernandez) at the same orphanage. Hopes of nurturing romantic relationship between the two went kaput after Narda's friend, Valentina, fell for Eduardo.
Narda then learns that she is the anointed one chosen to save the world from evil forces. Nursing a broken heart, Narda declines because she believes that a simple and crippled woman like her cannot take such a huge responsibility.
Her refusal simultaneously triggers the influx of evil forces in the town area. Narda finally concedes to her fate and accepts her destiny as Darna.
Completing the cast of Narda are Eddie Garcia, Celia Rodriguez, Caridad Sanchez, Rober "Buboy" Villar, Raymart Santiago, Rufa Mae Quinto, Janice de Belen, Rita Avila, Jestoni Alarcon, Ian de Leon, Alfred Vargas, Paolo Contis, Iwa Moto, Ehra Madrigal, Francine Prieto, Nadine Samonte, Maggie Wilson, Ricky Davao, Polo Ravales, Angel Aquino, Gabby Eigenmann, Bearwin Meily, John Apacible, Krissa Mae, Roxanne Barcelo, Renz Valerio, Sweet Ramos and Angeli Nicole Sanoy.
Directing the new series are Dominic Zapata and Don Michael Perez.