Ep 1. Wayne or Lose

In the premiere episode of Powerless, titled "Wayne or Lose," viewers are introduced to the quirky and ambitious team at Wayne Security, a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises. The team, led by the enthusiastic and driven Emily Locke (Vanessa Hudgens), is tasked with creating inventions that can help protect everyday citizens from the ever-present threat of superheroes and their nemesis villains.

As the episode begins, Emily takes on her new role as Director of Research and Development, eager to make a positive impact on the world. However, her excitement is quickly dulled by the realization that her new colleagues are underwhelmed and complacent, having grown accustomed to their place in the superhero world. Her co-workers include Teddy (Danny Pudi), the resident gadget guru who is resigned to his thankless job, and Ron (Ron Funches), a clueless and lovable employee who is more concerned with his fantasy football league than his work.

The main plot of the episode revolves around Emily's determination to create a new device that can help protect against the collateral damage caused by superhero battles. Her initial pitch is met with skepticism and ridicule from her team, who believe that Emily's goal is impossible. However, Emily's persistence and innovative thinking lead her to come up with a unique invention that catches the attention of a powerful executive at Wayne Enterprises.

As Emily and her team work to perfect their invention, they must also contend with the arrival of a new boss, Van Wayne (Alan Tudyk), a distant cousin of Bruce Wayne who is eager to assert his authority and make a name for himself at Wayne Enterprises. Van is portrayed as a brash and self-centered executive who cares more about his own reputation than the well-being of his employees. His presence adds a new layer of tension to an already fraught work environment.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a mix of slapstick humor and clever writing that pokes fun at the superhero genre while also celebrating its potential. The show's irreverent tone is reminiscent of shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, which makes for an enjoyable and entertaining viewing experience.

Overall, "Wayne or Lose" serves as a strong introduction to the world of Powerless and its quirky cast of characters. The episode sets up several interesting plotlines for future episodes, including Emily's ongoing mission to make a difference at Wayne Security and Van's attempts to assert his authority. With an engaging premise and a talented cast, Powerless has the potential to become the next must-watch comedy series.