Despite being a short, Iza Calzado’s moment in the newest Kapamilya superheroine series–Darna is considered by netizens and personalities as “one for the books,” on Tuesday, August 16.
In episode two of the show, Calzado, who played Leonor, the first Darna, fought the aliens without turning into Darna. Ding (Zaijan Jaranilla), tried to help his mother but was grazed by the death ray of one of the aliens.
When Narda (Jane De Leon) arrived at the scene, Leonor encouraged her to become Darna as she has the magical stone. But her daughter hesitated, consumed by fear, threw it to her mother. At the same time, an enemy had the opportunity to turn Leonor into dust.
Writer Jerry B. Grácio was amazed by Calzado’s acting in episodes one and two. He tweeted, “With such short screen time, Iza Calzado left an indelible mark on the #Darna universe. Saludo kay Leonor!”
With such short screen time, Izza Calzado left an indelible mark on the #Darna universe. Saludo kay Leonor!
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) August 16, 2022
Grácio added, “Si Iza Calzado ang patunay na walang maliit o malaking role, walang maiksi o mahabang exposure kung magaling ang artista.”
Si Iza Calzado ang patunay na walang maliit o malaking role, walang maiksi o mahabang exposure kung magaling ang artista. #Darna
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) August 16, 2022
A netizen lauded the actress’s portrayal, describing it as “one of the best and fiercest Darna portrayals, ever.”
In less than 2 episodes, she delivered one of the best and fiercest DARNA portrayals, EVER. MARKADO.
Congrats Queen Iza Calzado, the ICONIC #FirstDarna!!! pic.twitter.com/70KRtDNlIt
— Miss France Sajorda (@PrincessFrance) August 16, 2022
Twitter personality Ben Bernabe admitted that ABS-CBN made a good move by making Leonor a mother.
“Our mothers are real-life superheroes,” he wrote.
I love that ang Unang Darna is a mother. Our mothers are real-life superheroes. #DarnaTheTVSeries pic.twitter.com/S8jf4Iqm72
— Ben Bernabe (@yogawithben) August 16, 2022
TV personality Karen Bordador had goosebumps watching Calzado in the first two episodes of the series.
Bordador was inspired by the actress finally achieving her 18-year-old dream of playing the superheroine.
Iza Calzado as the first DARNA. 😍 The perfect meaning of In God’s time. She totally slayed! Goosebumps already on the pilot episode. But more so that she was offered the role DARNA 18 yrs ago and lost the role then. It’s never too late for dreams to come true. Inspiring! pic.twitter.com/TfvzGrgWQV
— Karen Bordador (@Karen_Bordador) August 17, 2022
Netizens also commended Calzado’s “out of this world” acting skills as well as her combat ability.
Iza Calzado’s acting skills are on another level, out of this world debahh #Darna #DarnaTheTVSeries #FirstDarna https://t.co/H7EwwiMrRj
— Ako lang ‘to! (@altMEbro) August 16, 2022
OMG! Iza Calzado hand to hand combat skills is so amazing! I love it #DarnaTheTVSeries #Darna#IzaCalzado
— Imagery (@IsaChiesMoiCia) August 16, 2022
One even said that Calzado was worthy of donning the role of the first Darna because of how she delivered. De Leon was also lauded by the netizen as the successor of Leonor.
Done watching Episode 2 of #DarnaTheTVSeries
Iza Calzado proved that she’s also worthy of the role as #FirstDarna
In Episode 2, Jane De Leon proved her worth to portray as Narda. Looking forward to see her don the iconic Darna costume.
— Joken (@jokenkenAR) August 17, 2022
However, a netizen hoped that Calzado could have led the series.
Same with Iza Calzado’s character, I wish “Leonor” could have stayed longer… Sana si Leonor na lang talaga… #FirstDarna
— jcarlos88 (@ReplyCarlos1988) August 16, 2022
In the coming episodes of Darna, Narda has yet to accept that her mother is gone. It also made her determined to be like Leonor, helping and saving people.
