Superman & Lois S1 (2021) Review

 

Superman & Lois S1 (2021)

Superman & Lois follows Clark, Lois, and their two teenage sons, Jordan and Johnathon, as they make the move to to Smallville, where Jordan manifests powers of his own while a mysterious Kryptonian emerges, threatening to bring about the end of the world, with Superman at his side. 

When I heard about this initially, I was apprehensive, due to the CW’s track record of utterly butchering superhero shows (and Superman) in the past. Most worries washed away however with the first episode on, as it not only was a competent stab at Supes, but it also gave us the closest thing we’ve had to Christopher Reeve’s Superman since Reeve himself. I’d say the big element that helps this succeed in some ways is it’s linear story that does a solid job of staying on track (no monster/villain of the week type episodes), only deviating to tell smaller parts of the larger narrative. 

While the story itself is nothing to write home about, it does give us some nice surprises and moments, particularly the appearance of John Henry Irons aka Steel (doing his best Doom Guy), who I honestly never thought we’d see hit the screen again of Shaq’s stab at the character in ‘97. The decision to include Lois and Clarks kids also adds a surprisingly nice family element at times, but like any teen CW property, it adds a shit ton of angst and unnecessary drama that quickly wears you down. And while, when the story shifts back to Superman, it’s always great, I can’t help but feel he’s always playing down to his opponents, coming off as shockingly weak for a guy who’s been donning the cape for over 20 years. 

The visual style of the show though pulls heavily from the likes of Man of Steel, while narratively pulling from things like the Donner films in tone and feel. It adds a very cinematic quality to the show, that, along with some rather impressive special effects, doesn’t leave the show feeling like the B-series on a small network that it is. 

We get a fairly solid cast, starring Adam Rayner, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Jordan Elsass, Alex Garfin, Dylan Walsh, Wolé Parks, Elizabeth Tulloch, and Tyler Hoechlin. Hoechlin has come a long way from his Teen Wolf days and honestly, I love him as both Superman and Clark. He brings a nice balance of maturity, hope, and fatherhood to a very crucial role and he really captures the essence of the character. 

Superman & Lois, directed by Todd Helbing, is a big step in the right direction for the CW, and while it does drag a little thanks to a heavy helping of needless drama, the show really understands the subtle nuances of Superman and his role within a family, with Lois by his side. 

7.9/10