As a cinephile with over three decades of comic book-inspired television viewing under my belt, I must say that the death of Superman in “Superman & Lois” Season 4 has truly left me reeling. The raw emotion and sheer impact of Kal-El’s (Tyler Hoechlin) demise at the hands of Doomsday was a poignant reminder of the early 90s comics that first broke my heart over the Man of Steel’s passing.
Warning! The Following Contains SPOILERS from Superman & Lois Season 4.
In a new universe devoid of the Man of Steel, we find ourselves. The heartrending demise of Kal-El/Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin) at the hands of Doomsday marked the emotional start of Season 4 for Superman & Lois just a week ago. Co-showrunner Todd Helbing is now discussing the shocking and poignant death of Superman in an interview with TV Insider.
We had discussed that concept some time back, and during the planning for Season 3’s finale, we decided to execute it. As we realized we only had ten episodes remaining, it seemed like the ideal narrative to unfold. We often draw inspiration from the comics and iconic storylines, and this time, we wanted to incorporate our unique take on Superman & Lois. With 43 hours of character development behind us, we have a solid foundation for our audience to engage with.
For approximately three decades now, the teams responsible for four Superman comics (namely Superman: Man of Steel, Adventures of Superman, Superman, and Action Comics) that chronicled the tale of the Last Son of Krypton in the early 90s, chose to bring an end to the cherished Kryptonian within the opening pages of Superman #75 (1992). As Helbing explained during an interview, they wanted to present this storyline with due care and innovation while making it as emotionally resonant as possible. Similarly, in a recent episode on The CW, they decided to reimagine Superman’s death in a similar manner.
As we approach the final chapter, there’s a sense of openness due to its conclusion. Therefore, our strategy has been to pack in as much narrative depth, unexpected plot developments, and emotional impact as possible during these last episodes, in a way that hopefully rewards our loyal fans for their long-term support.
How Will Superman Return to Life?
The final episodes of “Superman & Lois” have indeed met the high expectations set by Brad Schwartz, President of Entertainment at The CW, with many calling them “amazing.” However, since Doomsday has taken the life of Kal-El (Hoechlin), the question arises: how will Superman be resurrected? At present, Lois (Bitsie Tulloch), Jordan (Alex Garfin) and Jon (Michael Bishop) can only communicate with a hologram left behind by their father at the Fortress of Solitude following the Man of Steel’s passing. So, the question remains: how will Superman return to life? During the same interview, co-showrunner Brent Fletcher did discuss Superman’s revival, but he was careful not to reveal any tantalizing spoilers. According to Fletcher’s comments to TV Insider, he stated:
We had extensive discussions about this matter. If we choose to take such an action, there’s a question of timing – how long should he remain deceased, so that the consequences are truly felt. If we were to end his life, we want the experience to be meaningful and well-earned, not just a quick revival. Therefore, it seemed important that we spend time with his family first, allowing them to experience the loss deeply. If he were to return, if we decide to bring him back, the method of resurrection should be complex, emotional, and warranted, so that the act feels significant and not casual.
In the world of comic books, the storyline “The Reign of the Supermen” comes after the events of “Funeral for a Friend” and “Death of Superman”. During this period, four characters – Steel, Superboy, the Eradicator, and Cyborg Superman – each claimed to be Superman, trying to fill the void left by the loss of Metropolis’s guardian. As for the TV series “Superman & Lois”, it remains uncertain if it will incorporate these aspects when Superman returns to The CW. However, during a recent interview, Fletcher hinted at their unique portrayal of Superman’s return home in the future.
Instead of resorting to quick fixes or magic spells, those significant discussions are essential because you want the return to feel genuine, earned through effort rather than instantaneously restored. In making a major decision, one should always weigh the potential outcomes and avoid shortcuts, ensuring that every step taken, including his death and resurrection, is carefully considered. Therefore, we strive to avoid taking any shortcuts in this process.
Apart from Kal-El’s demise and Doomsday’s looming presence, the impending arrival of Brainiac adds yet another compelling motive for viewers to catch the final acts of Superman & Lois. Don’t miss new episodes airing every Monday at 8 p.m. ET, and stream them for free on The CW’s app or website the next day.
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2024-10-14 02:02