I think read that in the first season it aired, there was tons of violence and killings on ‘Superman’ starring George Reeves. They toned it down after that 1st year.
True dat. The first season was the BEST season.
Perhaps. But I don’t think Superman killed anyone in the Golden Age (sometimes he was indifferent to the fate of an evil doer) - plus his legend was being formed at the time. His legend was in the process of making. Now that his legend is part of our culture these new “sophisticated” and gritty writers are trying to remake the legend. As I said, it’s only a reflection of what our culture has become.
You know, the culture that wants us to cheer for serial killers like Dexter and Hannibal?
That’s true (although I don’t think Superman himself was ever the instigator in the carnage). But it definately had more violence and killings. More in line with the old movie-serials that preceded it.
For a real lark, take a look at the 1941 “Captain Marvel” serial, in which our invulnerable hero picks up a villain and tosses him off the top of a skyscraper, along with machine-gunning some baddies in the back as they flee! Even more outlandish is the 1938 “Spider” serial, which the hero blows people away left and right.
I have the first season with George Reeves and yeah it’s pretty violent; lot of shooting and nasty threats. I was especially jolted when a hood calmly hauls off and punches Lois Lane in the face. Kids show indeed!