Netflix’s attempt at launching a new superhero franchise is dividing viewers big-time

The opening moments of Netflix’s new superhero drama series Jupiter’s Legacy -- which was among the most-watched TV shows this past week on all the major streaming platforms -- present a pastoral scene of idyllic charm. The camera swoops in high and languidly, eventually settling on a group of kids playing a game of chase. “I got you!” “I’m more powerful than you!” “Ha, you missed!” “No. I. Didn’t!” And then the big reveal, the cute youngster we see insisting in vain that she won at the game they were playing proceeds to let out a piercing, supersonic scream, which knocks both boys flat on their back.

Oh hello, it’s a young superhero. I didn’t see you there. Now her eyes are blazing red, and -- wait, what’s this? We then see two large red Superman-style boots land on the ground with a thud. The camera pans up, past the flowing red cape to reveal … now it makes sense. The father superhero. And pretty quickly, all is revealed. Yes, go and groan if you want, this is the umpteenth superhero story you’ve seen on Netflix, or in cinemas for that matter, but Jupiter’s Legacy also attempts something a little different.