The 44.1 percent AGB Nielsen Mega Manila rating that GMA-7’s “Darna” got on its pilot episode aired last Aug. 10 may even escalate when lead star Marian Rivera makes her appearance in the daily primetime series by end of the week.

This is according to a source that Manila Bulletin Online spoke with on Aug. 12 who added that Marian will first appear as the grown-up Narda, the Pinay superhero’s human alter ego, and then as Darna herself.

It was the trend observed on the first GMA 7-produced “Darna” in April 2005, starring Angel Locsin.

Angel's "Darna" debuted with a rating of 47.1 percent then soared to 52.1 percent by the fourth episode, when the actress first donned the famous two-piece costume.

Back then, Angel’s “Darna” was the undisputed winner in the ratings game unlike Marian’s “Darna” which is strongly challenged by two programs from GMA-7’s rival network, ABS-CBN.

In the AGB Nielsen Mega Manila overnight ratings for Aug. 10, Channel 2’s “Tayong Dalawa” was a far second to “Darna” at 32.3 percent.

However, in the Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) nationwide ratings, “May Bukas Pa” was ahead (albeit marginally) with 37.6 percent versus “Darna’s” 37.5 percent.

“May Bukas Pa,” an inspirational series featuring child star Zaijian Jaranilla, might give stiffer competition to “Darna” as Comedy King Dolphy guest s in that Kapamilya show this week.

"Darna”'s advantage lies on it being a well-loved comic character created by Mars Ravelo that has been immortalized many times on film, TV and stage.

And aside from Marian, there will be a slew of sexy villains to test Darna’s powers. Iwa Moto plays Darna’s arch rival, Valentina; Ehra Madrigal is Babaeng Lawin; Francine Prieto, Babaeng Tuod; Maggie Wilson, Babeng Linta; and Nadine Samonte, Babaeng Impakta.

One thing’s for sure: “Darna” has undeniably secured the star status of Marian.

Although her last TV project, “Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang,” had a dismal pilot rating of 32.9 percent last February, Marian's previous  series “Marimar” and “Dyesebel” debuted with a rating of 36.6 and 44.9, respectively.

Interestingly, “Darna” is  Marian's first TV project without her perennial screen partner and rumored boyfriend, Dingdong Dantes.