Superman & Lois’ Ending Gave Us Something New For The Man Of Steel

As a longtime fan and admirer of Superman, I can wholeheartedly say that “Superman & Lois” was a truly remarkable series that brought new depth and dimension to these iconic characters. The show’s emphasis on family, personal struggles, and the human side of superheroes resonated with me deeply, as it mirrored the real-life experiences of many people juggling everyday responsibilities while striving to make a positive impact in their communities.

Contains spoilers for the series finale of “Superman & Lois”

The news about “Superman & Lois” debuting in 2019 wasn’t unexpected, as fans had longed for another Superman-focused series after Tyler Hoechlin portrayed the character on “Supergirl”. Hoechlin initially captivated audiences in the Season 2 episode titled “The Adventures of Supergirl” back in 2016. He continued to appear across various shows within the Arrowverse universe, and Elizabeth Tulloch played Lois Lane alongside him for seven of those instances.

The situation improved significantly for fans when the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover ended and hinted that Hoechlin and Tulloch’s Clark and Lois would carry on their journey as parents of twin boys, which eventually led to the series titled “Superman & Lois.” Although initially introduced as part of the Arrowverse in 2021, the show soon broke free from its ties to the shared universe and forged its unique path.

Rather than sticking with traditional portrayals, the show introduced fresh iterations of Superman and Lois Lane. These characters opted to return to Smallville, their hometown, to bring up their twin sons, Jordan (Alex Garfin) and Jonathan Kent (Jordan Elsass or Michael Bishop). Once they disclosed their extraterrestrial lineage to the boys, Clark and Lois struggled to juggle teenage parenthood with Superman’s responsibility of safeguarding the planet. “Superman & Lois” stands apart from other shows in this genre, and its series finale, titled “It Went by So Fast,” was particularly exceptional.

The final season pitted Superman and his family against Lex Luthor

Initially when Season 4 of “Superman & Lois” was unveiled, it was disclosed that it would be its concluding season. The popular superhero family drama had found success on The CW, and following years of hints, the finale of Season 3 marked Lex Luthor’s (Michael Cudlitz) appearance. In this new narrative, Lex, driven by anger, harbors an intense hatred towards Lois, as she was responsible for imprisoning him for seventeen years. portrayed as volatile, unpredictable, and highly strategic, his performance offers one of the most compelling depictions of the character yet.

In the Season 4 premiere, Lex uses his ultimate weapon, Doomsday, to take down Superman. After ordering the monster to rip out the hero’s heart, Superman dies. This tragic event leaves Superman’s family to pick up the pieces in a world without their beloved superhero. Starting the “Superman & Lois” story with Superman’s temporary demise and then leading to his ultimate, final death was a compelling choice, as it kept viewers on edge about whether it would be permanent or not.

To put it another way, wrapping up the series with Lex Luthor seemed like an ideal closing note for the CW’s unique journey with Superman. Prior to the Arrowverse, the network’s initial dive into the DC Comics universe was “Smallville,” a prequel to Superman starring young Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). In a sense, it felt fitting that these characters would meet again in this finale, even though the shows don’t share the same storyline continuity.

Superman’s resurrection led to unforeseen consequences

In contrast to the frequent portrayals of “The Death of Superman” in recent times, one remarkable aspect that stands out in “Superman & Lois” is the decision to kill off the superhero himself. Following a brutal encounter with Doomsday, Clark Kent’s heart is damaged beyond repair. His son, Jordan, seeks help at the Fortress of Solitude, but Kryptonian technology fails to revive him. However, General Sam Lane (played by Dylan Walsh) bravely donates his own heart to save Superman, although it’s a human heart. This act leads to Clark’s body gradually becoming more human as the story unfolds, offering a creative means of limiting the character’s abilities.

In contrast to testing Clark’s abilities, the situation pushes him towards becoming more human, which means relying on his super-powered sons and valuing their training. Sam Lane, who gifted Superman his sense of duty for the protection of the world, presents an even greater gift to his son-in-law: a regular life. Although DC Comics has previously depicted powerless Superman stories, “Superman & Lois” goes a step further by removing Clark Kent’s superpowers from him entirely by the series finale, essentially making him human. This twist is unexpected yet fitting for this particular adaptation.

In the end, everyone knows Clark Kent is Superman

Of course, that’s not the only major change that “Superman & Lois” enacts on the Man of Steel’s mythos. While recent comics have made Superman’s identity public (only to put that genie back in the bottle again), Season 4’s “A Regular Guy” outs Clark Kent as Superman in front of all of Smallville. In the next episode, he reveals the truth to the world as well. Though the show had previously explored how celebrity could become a detriment to Superman’s life via Bizarro’s world, things go a bit differently here: The series finale shows that, because of Clark’s superheroics, people are more willing to be involved in his and Lois’ “For All Seasons” charity, allowing them to continue making a positive difference on the world.

In all his live-action portrayals, Superman has never openly disclosed his true identity without it being quickly undone. For instance, Christopher Reeve’s Superman revealed the truth to Lois Lane in “Superman II,” but this revelation was negated by the film’s end. Similarly, on “Smallville,” many people learned of Clark’s powers, but most kept it a secret or forgot about it. Even in the DC Extended Universe, Lois Lane (played by Amy Adams) chose not to expose Henry Cavill’s Superman to the world, despite her own discovery of his identity. However, “Superman & Lois” broke this pattern, demonstrating that Superman narratives do not need to be confined by traditional mythology; they can evolve and grow instead.

Superman & Lois concludes with a powerful flashforward

In “It Went by So Fast,” after Superman overpowers Doomsday and Lex Luthor, “Superman & Lois” delivers something exceptional. At the inception of the series, it began with a recap of Kal-El’s journey to Earth, Clark’s life in Smallville, and his transition to Metropolis where he encountered Lois and took on the Superman persona. At the end of the series, “Superman & Lois” revisits this narrative structure, but instead of focusing on their past, it concentrates on their future.

For nearly three decades following his stint as Superman, Clark Kent spends most of his days living as an ordinary man, cherishing the time spent with his wife, sons, and their expanding families. The series “Superman & Lois” beautifully portrays this phase in a touching, heartwarming manner, stirring deep emotions among fans. We didn’t anticipate that the show would conclude with a lengthy epilogue detailing the rest of Clark’s life, particularly one lasting over ten minutes.

One captivating aspect of this series is its authentic portrayal of aging, as it doesn’t shy away from the tough realities. Characters like Lois succumb to cancer, and even Superman (Clark), now a human, experiences a heart attack, reminiscent of where his father perished. Despite witnessing their children mature, Lois and Clark are denied the chance to experience their grandchildren’s growth. It’s a poignant narrative reflective of life’s hardships, yet it’s this very realism that makes it deeply human. For a series that effortlessly handled supernatural themes, its conclusion carries an incredibly profound human touch.

No live-action adaptation has chronicled Superman’s entire life

Apart from comics, no Superman adaptation has fully portrayed his lifelong journey, from infancy to old age, death, and beyond. But the series “Superman & Lois” offers a leisurely pace, enabling us to witness how Clark and Lois continue to use their lives to assist others, and eventually pass away contentedly, knowing they made the most of their time together.

In the remaining days of Lois’ life, Clark mentions they never spent a moment apart, leading up to his own turn. This segment shows us what Clark’s existence would be like without Lois. Instead of turning into a tyrant or an antagonist (as depicted in some versions), he embraces life to the fullest. He cherishes the final moments with loved ones and meets his end just as countless human beings do. When Clark and Lois are reunited in eternity, it’s evident that even Superman yearns for more in the afterlife. In a touching tribute reminiscent of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the series finale invites reflection on what truly matters in life. The Man of Steel summarizes his findings as, “Joy, hope, forgiveness, wonder, friendship, family, love.” He concludes by saying, “I arrived in this world alone, but when I left it, I had so much. And it was all because of love.” If only every Superman tale could be as emotionally stirring.

Superman & Lois detailed the joys and struggles of parenthood

As a devoted fan, I’d say that overall, “Superman & Lois” has truly pushed the boundaries in Superman storytelling. The series masterfully portrays our iconic heroes evolving and maturing, something rarely explored. Clark and Lois face numerous challenges throughout their lives, but it’s their children that add depth and richness to their narrative. Compared to other live-action Superman projects, “Superman Returns” with its illegitimate son and “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” with its adoption storyline, this series stands out for its thoughtfulness and nuance. While Jon Kent is a character from the comics, Jordan is an original creation of the show, and it’s the boldness of “Superman & Lois” to delve into such complex family dynamics that sets it apart from any other superhero drama to date.

Clark and Lois’ interactions with their sons serve to inspire them to grow into remarkable individuals, a trait they learn from their exceptional parents. In turn, Jordan and Jonathan rise to become heroes in their own right, demonstrating that heroism transcends physical abilities like super-speed. Although Jon initially lacks powers until the last season, he understands that true heroism goes beyond possessing abilities such as being faster than a speeding bullet. This series stands out by showcasing how superheroes can surpass traditional roles and grow beyond established norms, an aspect that is less frequently explored in other Superman media, including comic books.

Real-life issues were just as important as super-powered threats

Due to the emphasis on family and parenting in “Superman & Lois,” it didn’t shy away from dealing with life’s challenging aspects. Beyond averting natural calamities or fighting supervillains, Superman confronts real-world issues such as mental and physical health concerns. In Season 3, Lois learns that she has a particular type of breast cancer, necessitating a mastectomy to reduce future risk. This season not only explores Lois’ personal fight with mortality but also the emotional turmoil her family endures as well.

In the premiere alone, Jordan is identified with social anxiety disorder, causing sporadic panic attacks. This sets the stage for “Superman & Lois” to be much more than just a typical superhero series on action. Indeed, it transcends these boundaries as we delve into the lives of the Kent family and their struggles. But the drama expands beyond them too. Clark’s old friend Lana Lang (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and her husband Kyle Cushing (Erik Valdez) endure a painful divorce throughout the show, demonstrating that reunion isn’t always an option. Despite maintaining their friendship for the sake of their daughters, the series underscores the harsh reality that sometimes healing can’t be achieved.

In other instances, the series delves into deeper plotlines with a touch of comic book style. For instance, during Season 2, Jonathan found himself grappling with his powerlessness, which led him to abuse a drug infused with X-Kryptonite that granted him temporary superpowers. Interestingly, a show centered around Superman offers insights on some of the more challenging aspects humans face in life.

Tyler Hoechlin delivered the best Superman had to offer

One key observation from “Superman & Lois” is that Tyler Hoechlin delivers a remarkable portrayal of Superman, surpassing Christopher Reeve’s iconic performance. Originally known for his role in “Teen Wolf,” Hoechlin showcased his exceptional talent in his own series, embodying Superman as a symbol of hope. Hoechlin masterfully blends Superman’s immense power and resolve with authentic and modern human elements, making these qualities deeply resonant by the finale. Throughout the 53 episodes, we witness various aspects of Clark Kent, from his romantic bond with Lois to his parental affection for his sons, and even moments of anger, such as in Season 4’s “When the Lights Come On,” where he engages in a street fight against Lex Luthor (without using his superpowers, naturally).

In a different wording: Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal of Superman isn’t just about the Big Blue Boy Scout image, but also shows him as a family man, friend, and formidable foe. His brief moments of genuine sorrow after losing his wife at the end and his heartwarming joy upon seeing her in the afterlife are truly impressive. We can’t help but feel our hearts lift when he smiles and feel tears well up when he cries. Hoechlin successfully combines the timeless essence of Superman’s dual identity, as shown by Christopher Reeve, with the contemporary themes of heroism, sacrifice, and love seen in Henry Cavill’s portrayal. We’re sad to see him leave this role.

Elizabeth Tulloch perfectly embodied Lois Lane

It’s only fitting to highlight that Elizabeth Tulloch’s portrayal of Lois Lane in “Superman & Lois” is equally impressive as the title suggests. Previously, she made a striking entrance into the Arrowverse, but this series offers Tulloch’s Lois richer and more profound storylines that would make other Lois Lanes envious with envy. Prior to her, many might argue that Erica Durance from “Smallville” was the best Lois, given her abundance of exciting content across seven seasons. However, due to differences in theme and tone, Tulloch’s portrayal allows us to witness a more layered side of Lois Lane beyond journalism and her affection for Superman.

As a mother, Lois is prepared to confront anyone, including Lex Luthor, Bruno Mannheim, and even Doomsday, for the sake of her family’s safety. Born into a military family, she understands right from wrong and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She won’t hesitate to correct an error in her reporting, even if it results in Lex’s release from prison. Moreover, the depth and intensity that Rachel Brosnahan brings to Lois during her cancer storyline is truly remarkable. Her portrayal of Lois’ determination and strength comes incredibly close to embodying the comic book character. The task of filling the shoes of the actress playing Lois in the DC Universe’s “Superman,” Rachel Brosnahan, is no small feat.

Why was Superman & Lois canceled?

The CW chose to end “Superman & Lois” because Warner Bros. was planning to release a new live-action DC Universe franchise featuring Superman, produced by James Gunn. This meant that two Superman-related productions would be available at the same time, which the CW’s president felt might lead to competition in the marketplace.

Although Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman and Henry Cavill’s portrayals, along with Tom Welling’s Clark Kent and Brandon Routh’s versions, were both active simultaneously, DC Studios is opting for a new approach with the character. As a result, the show “Superman & Lois” had to end earlier than expected (even though James Gunn felt it could continue for another two seasons). Fortunately, the writers were allowed to bring the series to a close in their preferred manner, rather than experiencing an abrupt termination.

Where could Superman & Lois have gone next?

Despite “Superman & Lois” lasting only four seasons instead of the original seven-season plan, co-showrunners Todd Helbing and Brent Fletcher had envisioned a continuation that delved deeper into iconic Superman villains. The character Milton Fine (Nikolai Witschl) was set to transform into Brainiac, and Darkseid might have made an appearance at some point too.

In simpler terms, Helbing confessed that he wasn’t sure if they could get permission to use Darkseid, but they were definitely going to make a strong case for it. It’s possible that Superman and his Kryptonian half-brother Tal-Rho would have reunited later on in the storyline. Despite “Superman & Lois” only running for a short while, it was an incredible journey, unlike any other live-action Superman series in history.

2024-12-07 02:00