An ode to superheroes

In a world where most reality shows feed on the basest of human desires -- greed and selfishness -- there is one show that dares to challenge the status quo. That show is "Who Wants to be a Superhero?"

The show takes 11 contestants, each with their own superhero persona, and puts them through various challenges. Obviously, they can't test who's faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive or who can leap tall buildings in a single bound. They can test who has the character of a superhero, though. The challenges test compassion, courage, quick thinking, perseverance and other traits that superheroes must possess.

It's this that sets the show apart from other unscripted shows. Where most of those shows bring out the worst in people -- lying, backstabbing, cattiness -- this show strives to bring out the best in people. And it does. There are some unforgettable moments that show just how amazing people can be when you give them the opportunity. Several people overcame their fear of heights to save a helpless victim. In another challenge, contestants were tasked with getting across a backyard that had two attack dogs in it. While most contestants either completed the task or gave up in about a minute or two (some lasted only seconds), one woman, through sheer force of will, literally clawed her way through the backyard with both dogs attached to her and shaking her like a rag doll. It took her 15 minutes, but she refused to give up. And I can't even begin to recount the moments of incredible compassion the contestants showed for one another and others, not to mention the truly touching moments born of the contestants' personal lives.

If the show is rerun on the SciFi channel, you should catch it. If not, it comes out on DVD Sept. 21.

In real life, superpowers may not exist. But if they did, these are the people you would want to have them.