The one word that simply defines Superman and Lois is “surprise.” From the first episode onward, the show stunned and pleased audiences everywhere. It was a love letter to the mythology of DC Comics, even as it subverted expectations in adapting it. That trend continues in the two-part premiere of the show’s fourth and final season. However, far from slowing down as the end approaches, Superman and Lois is picking up speed.
The third season closed with Lex Luthor being released from prison after 17 years. This came after Lois Lane confirmed that the evidence against him was falsified. Lex was far from grateful, however, as it was also Lois’ reporting that brought about his fall from grace.
In retaliation, Luthor ordered Lois Lane to retire from writing or face the consequences. He also created this reality’s version of Doomsday, and set him loose on Smallville. The season ended on a cliffhanger, with Superman redirecting the fight to Earth’s moon in a desperate bid to protect the world. This battle continues throughout the first episode of Superman and Lois season 4, titled “The End & The Beginning.”
The special effects work and CGI continue to amaze me. Indeed, there is one sequence, nearly three minutes long, that is far superior to the Doomsday battle from Batman v Superman. Also, this version of Doomsday more closely resembles the monster from the comics. That being said, the most impressive monster in the Superman and Lois season 4 premiere is Lex Luthor.
Superman and Lois season 4 features Lex Luthor at his most petty
Lex Luthor has been interpreted and reinterpreted by many writers over the years. While he is defined by his greed, there is some debate as to how far he will go to achieve his goals. Is Lex a noble demon with some lines he will not cross? Or would he gladly burn the world to kill Superman and rule over the ashes?
The Lex Luthor of Superman and Lois is definitely the latter sort of man. Played with an eerie calm by Michael Cudlitz, this Luthor has given himself over to revenge in the most petty fashion possible. It is not enough for him to win his battles. He must also make it abundantly clear to his enemies that they have lost.
To that end, he establishes himself in an abandoned hotel overlooking the newspaper offices in Smallville, so he can literally look down on Lois Lane. Apart from finding his estranged daughter, all Lex wants now is to watch Lois suffer as he slowly destroys her life, This battle of wills dominates the two-part premiere, taking up more time than Clark’s battle with Doomsday and hitting far harder. Comparison can be made to Robert DeNiro’s performance in Cape Fear.
Superman and Lois’ greatest strength is its ensemble
The focus on Lois and Lex helps distract from the absence of Superman and Lois’ sizeable ensemble. The CW drastically cut the show’s budget for the final season, limiting the use of characters like Lana Lang and her daughter, Sarah. We do not see either of them until the second half of the premiere, “A World Without.” That title, coupled with the teaser poster showing Superman’s torn cape floating in space, hints at the source material for this season.
Thankfully, while Superman’s presence in the premiere is limited to the action scenes, we do get to see Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent through flashbacks detailing his and Lois’ life together. However, Elizabeth Tulloch proves more than capable of holding the show on her own, showcasing why she is one of the most well-regarded actors to ever play Lois Lane. Alex Garfin and Michael Bishop have less to do as the Kent boys in the first episode, but they perform well and have a more active role in the second half.
The premiere of Superman and Lois season 4 is a welcome return to form. While the show generally manages its unique blend of small-town drama and superheroics well, season 3 felt somewhat bloated under all the continuing subplots. By contrast, season 4 is shaping up to be leaner, meaner, and, well, just plain super,
Grade: 5/5
Superman and Lois Season 4 airs at 8 p.m. ET on The CW and streams the next day,
