Superman and Lois Review: A returning character drags down a promising plot in The Ties That Bind

The 2nd episode of Superman and Lois‘s sophomore season has some promising moments. However, the key plot of The Ties That Bind surrounding Superman’s crippling visions is hindered by the return of Tal-Rho.

Jonathan seems to be an afterthought so far this season. Sarah’s continued avoidance of Jordan is frustrating. Luckily, Jordan doesn’t just sit around and mope. He offers to back up his father at Tal-Rho’s fortress in case anything goes down. The Sarah-Natalie chemistry was a pleasant surprise as well.

The strongest storyline in The Ties That Bind involves Lois and Chrissy’s investigation into the earthquake from the season premiere. Since near the end of last season, Chrissy has been more outspoken about Lois’s journalism methods and their tension in this episode over a protected source from an old story Lois wrote is fantastic.

Superman’s visit to his Kryptonian mother Lara is nice. However, the inclusion of Tal-Rho doesn’t dig up any new ground on the relationship. Tal-Rho, unsurprisingly, takes advantage of a weakened Superman. The one positive is the storyline does allow Jordan to stand up to his Tal-Rho and while he doesn’t win the fight. He does better than he did last season.

Despite some of the story issues, the performance by Tyler Hoechlin and directing by Arrowverse alum David Ramsey is impressive.

With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood out in The Ties That Bind. There may be some minor spoilers. Superman and Lois is available to stream on The CW.

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Super Migraines

The episode begins with the Kents and Irons getting ready for the day. All of a sudden, Clark suffers a headache and comes clean to Lois about what’s going on. Later in the episode, Superman is debilitated by a massive migraine while trying to make a save.

The botch save forces Superman to consult with Tal-Rho. Jordan is struggling with Sarah’s continued avoidance. He offers to provide some backup. Clark agrees and heads to Tal-Rho’s fortress.

The version of Lara in Tal-Rho’s fortress is different from Kal-El’s. Tal-Rho spends the bulk of the episode just yelling at Lara and Clark over his mistreatment. Lara explaining that she simply didn’t know about his existence unsurprisingly doesn’t quell his anger.

Eventually, Kal-El suffers another headache in the Fortress. Lara is able to get a better picture of the problem. Tal-Rho uses the distraction to break free of his restraints. A fight ensues between Tal-Rho and Jordan. Tal-Rho is still much stronger, but Jordan does hold up better. Just as Tal-Rho gains the upper hand, Kal-El comes to and lays the smackdown on Tal-Rho.

The storyline is wrapped up with another unsurprising reveal. The headaches are being caused by someone. She provides no more direction. The episode ends with a conversation between brothers. Clark doesn’t trust his half-brother, but he wants to. Here’s hoping they leave Tal-Rho in the cell, off-screen for a long time.

The Ties That Bind are Fraying for Jordan and Sarah

The best element of the Jordan-Sarah relationship drama comes at the end of the episode. Sarah comes clean. She admits to kissing another girl at camp. She insists that it was a big deal. Jordan stands his ground here, which is great. If it wasn’t a big deal, then why did Sarah lie for so long. Jordan doesn’t accept Sarah’s apology and leaves her standing on the Kent patio. Not sure if it’s an official breakup, but it sure seems that way.

The only story of note involving the teens was Sarah getting to know Natalie. There’s definitely some chemistry there, which I wasn’t expecting. Tayler Buck continues to be a bright light as Natalie this season.

Quakes

The tension between Lois and Chrissy is the best storyline continuation from last season. Chrissy raised some valid concerns about Lois’s ethics when it comes to the military and her family.

In The Ties That Bind, an old article Lois wrote on a religious cult is being questioned. Chrissy tries to push for an answer, but Lois evades. They decide to hold to the mine for answers on the earthquake. Dr. Faulkner, the head of the mining operation, stonewalls the dynamic duo. Lois reaches out to John Henry for help.

He resists at first but eventually helps. Using some measurement tools, Lois, John and Clark realize that his headaches are connected to whatever is happening in the mine.

Lois reveals the source was her sister Lucy. The cult nearly got her sister killed, which is why Lois is so protective. Religious cults can be difficult storylines to nail. However, I hope the religious cult storyline comes back as it would present a personal conflict from Lois’s past. Superman and Lois has shined brightest when flashing back to the past, so here’s hoping this is more than just a one-off conflict to create tension between Chrissy and Lois.

Final Thoughts on The Ties That Bind

The Lois and Chrissy storyline shines. However, The Ties That Bind is probably the most disposable episode of the series.