Episode 11 revisits key moments in the life of Lois and Clark. Not only does Lois and Clark’s relationship take center stage, but Superman’s rise to prominence is shown in more detail than in the Pilot.
When Clark is in Mentropolis, this episode is perfect. In a nice change, Lois is actually more interested in Clark than Superman. She opens Clark’s eyes to problems being overlooked due to the emergence of Superman.
The flashback sequences also show Clark creating the Fortress of Solitude and meeting Jor-El for the first time. While Angus Macfadyen does a great job, it’s tough to connect with Clark’s joy in meeting Jor-El. In the Smallville series, Clark doesn’t meet Jor-El until the season 2 finale. The buildup to that reveal connects at a high emotional level in a way that this sequence in this series simply doesn’t.
The present-day story has one small nice moment between Jordan and Sarah. I also liked the reactions by Jonathan and Lois. Unfortunately, Clark makes a poor decision at the end of the episode. Clark is given an ultimatum and gives into Tal-Rho’s demands. There’s nothing stopping Tal-Rho from going back on his word.
When Superman and Lois focuses on Superman’s connection to humanity it soars. When the show turns the character’s focus to Tal-Rho and his Kryptonian family it falters. Superman and Lois is close to being one of the best seasons of a comic book show. Right not Superman and Lois is neck and neck with The Flash for best debut season of a superhero show. Episodes like this illustrate Superman and Lois still has a ways to go.
With the non-spoiler details out of the way, let’s dive into superhero theatrics, family drama and more in Lois and Clark: The Old Adventures of Superman. Please note there will be minor spoilers. Superman and Lois is airing on The CW and streaming on the CWTV app.
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Taking Flight
The flashbacks begin with the first scene. A young Clark is shown with a red crystal in the arctic. He throws the crystal on the ground in frustration. Suddenly, the Fortress of Solitude emerges.
Clark meets Jor-El for the first time. Jor-El is much more benevolent than Smallville‘s Jor-El. He quickly explains where Clark is from, helps develop Clark’s Superman abilities and reveals Clark’s Kyrptonian name (Kal-el).Kal-el stays with Jor-El for a few years. Jor-El sends Kal-El to learn why he wants to become humanity’s champion.
Clark reunites with Martha and apologizes for leaving after Jonathan’s death. Martha understands why Clark had to leave. He heads to downtown Smallville to reintroduce himself to Lana. She’s at the movies with Kyle. A crestfallen Clark heads back to the Kent farm. Martha shows Clark the Superman costume she made.
While there are some changes, it comes close to Smallville territory a couple of times. Essentially, Superman and Lois try to tell young Clark’s story in less than 10 minutes. Smallville told a similar story over the course of many seasons before Clark arrived in Metropolis. These scenes are well-acted, but there’s just a rushed nature to these scenes.
Lois and Clark: The Adventures of Superman
Clark is trying to find his way around Metropolis. He hears a car wreck occur. He quickly suits up in perfect Superman slow motion. The rescue is the same scene as the pilot. Superman saves a boy from getting trampled by a car. The boy thanks Superman and compliments him on his suit. Superman thanks him and tells the boy his Mom made it for him. In a nice homage, he rushes back to a phone booth and changes back into Clark Kent.
Clark heads to the Daily Planet and convinces Perry White to give him a job. Perry introduces Clark to Lois. All of the reporters are focused on this mystery hero. Lois appreciates what this hero is doing. She points out that this mystery man’s rescues are grabbing all of the headlines. However, there are systemic problems in Metropolis, which aren’t receiving the proper amount of attention. These scenes between Clark and Lois are perfect. The way Bitsie Tulloch exudes excitement when she’s hunting down a story is pitch-perfect Lois.
Superman does eventually save Lois. A masked man with a flamethrower is about to torch Lois when Superman makes the save. The masked man takes out two grenades and throws them in opposite directions. He taunts Superman by saying he can’t save both. Superman uses his heat vision on one grenade and blurs in front of the other grenade absorbing the blast. Lois uses a taser to put down the masked man. Fantastic scene, which shows Superman’s ability to outsmart an enemy.
As good as all of these sequences are, the best scene is an interview between Superman and Lois. Apparently, the world knows Superman is from Krypton, but not how long he has lived on Earth. Lois tries to get Superman to tell where he grew up on Earth. With that information, she’d be able to quickly find his identity. Superman tactfully evades the question. He also does a good job covering for himself by revealing he speaks every language. The ability to speak multiple tongues isn’t a power. He chose to learn those languages in order to understand people and different cultures better. Tyler Hoechlin has never been better as Superman than in this scene. His words and mannerisms capture the nice guy charm that only Superman can exude.
They take a break from the interview. Lois discusses the interview with a producer. The producer believes Superman is into Lois. At this point, Lois doesn’t fully believe the nice guy schtick. Lois tells the producer that she’s in love with Clark, but hasn’t told him yet. Of course, Superman overhears the conversation.
The rest of the flashbacks quickly touches on Lois meeting Martha, his identity, the wedding and pregnancy.
Present Tense
The flashbacks are used to show what Morgan Edge aka Tal-Rho is seeing inside of Superman’s head. Kal-El’s half-brother entered his mind to learn why Kal-El would reduce himself to such mediocrity. The flashbacks start going haywire when the twins are born. Clark notices someone is in his head. In spite of resisting his Kryptonian half-brother, Tal-Rho is able to learn about Kal-El’s sons.
Superman tries to persuade Tal-Rho to leave his sons out of this to no avail. They eventually fight and a weakened Superman is knocked unconscious. Tal-Rho flies off to Smallville. The action here was fantastic.
Sorry if this feels jarring, but it felt just as haphazard in the episode itself. Kyle apologizes to Lois for trusting Morgan Edge. Jordan and Sarah have a nice conversation that results in them being a couple. Lois and Jonathan joke with Jordan a bit on the way back to the farm.
Once back on the farm, Tal-Rho makes a terrifying entrance. Jordan tries to fight back but is no match for Tal-Rho. Before Tal-Rho can attack again, Superman lands between his half-brother and his family. Superman agrees to Tal-Rho’s demands in exchange for keeping his family out of harm’s way. Tal-Rho promises to keep Kal-El’s family safe. Superman whispers “he was right” under his breath to Lois in reference to John Henry Irons. The episode ends with Superman being brainwashed by Tal-Rho’s father.
Unless there’s subterfuge on Superman’s part, I despise this ending. Tal-Rho’s not going to spare anyone in his mission to restore Krypton. Superman is way too smart not to recognize that his will is going to being stripped from him.
Lois and Clark Final Thoughts
The last 15 minutes or so drags the episode down a bit. Threatening the well-being of your family is an overused ultimatum. Superman bowing down to someone with evil intent just doesn’t sit well with me. He has to know by siding with his brother he will have to kill maybe millions of people, which will tear families like his apart in the process.
Endings are important and this one left something to be desire. However, the flashback-heavy portions of the episode were fantastic.
The Review
The Old Adventures of Lois and Clark
PROS
- The flashback scenes in Metropolis are perfect.
- Tyler Hoechlin gives his best performance as Superman.
- The fight between Tal-Rho and Superman was well done.
- Special effects continue to set a new standard for DC tv shows.
CONS
- Superman's decision at the end of the episode left a bad taste in my mouth.
- The flashback scenes in the Fortress and Smallville didn't quite reach the emotional target the show was aiming to hit.
