I've personally always loved the implication in a small number of comic runs that everyone in Smallville always knew Clark was Superman since he was running around as Superboy, but no one ever dared to say it out loud because Smallville was always a tight knit community that looks out for their own and they live by the motto of minding their own damn business
I have long wanted this exact storyline to be explicitly shown, in comics, TV, whatever. The idea that the people of Smallville figured it out early, but respected the Kents as a family and appreciated Clark keeping them safe so much that they collectively respected his privacy out of deference and respect… it really would cement the concept of Clark as just another regular guy, pillar of his community, just doing what he can to help.
I thought it might be interesting to find out that everyone in Smallville already knew Clark was Superman, but because he was also one of them they never outed him.
I think this was hinted at in Man of Steel…some of the looks shared by people in Smallville when he goes back and is fighting Zod…they were very telling.
I wasn't big into Superman before Tyler Hoechlin took over the role. But in _Superman and Lois_ you don't look at Superman and see an alien with godlike powers. You look at him and feel _safe._ That is what makes it such a good show in my opinion.
If you wanna look at a comic book that views superman in a similar light (there's a ton of this kind of superman in comics compared to adaptation) Superman Blue & Red is a great book. It's an anthology series with the art consisting of only blue & red. There's some beautiful stories, especially in the last 2 issues.
I see people talking about the diner scene complaining that Clark could have protected his identity in any number of ways, such as just nudging the bullet so it looked like the shot missed, or faking taking it in the shoulder or something, and they're clearly missing the point. Yeah, Clark *could* have protected his identity, but he pretty obviously knew that and *chose* not to. He realised the damage that his secret was causing to others at this point and decided it wasn't okay to keep facilitating that kind of harm. By revealing himself in that situation, he was being the Superman that we want him to be; the man who puts the needs of others first, even when it's a problem for him. Gods I love Superman.
I love how Clark just had all the time in the world. Going by Superman's comic feats, that bullet could have gone even slower to Clark's eyes, but he took a moment to contemplate, then had to muster up the courage to do what he knew he wanted to do.
@@Iliadic - Yeah, the slow motion really made it clear that Clark considered every possible way he could deal with this, and its consequences. I loved that.
I think Clark could’ve gotten out of it in a very simple way, but of course it would’ve ruined the plot line. When the gun was being pointed at him, he should’ve said “One of two things is going to happen here. You’re either going to commit murder, or piss off the most powerful being on the planet. Either way it doesn’t end well for you. Do you really want to go through with this? “
The one thing I have to admire about S&L is where other series and films have focused on Superman's impact upon the world, this series chose to focus upon the world's impact on Superman-- and how being physically invulnerable doesn't equate to emotional invulnerability. Please note the STAKES of this episode... The world wasn't on the line. Nobody was going to die if he stuck to the deception. And yet, as you point out-- the best story of the series came from this quiet and subdued moment in small town Smallville with a disgruntled neighbor. This, and the episodes dealing with Lois' bout with cancer have been some of the most compelling Superman stories offered.
I completely agree. He had Clark Kent nailed the first time he appeared in Supergirl, and did pretty good in the early scenes as Superman, but really nailed it for me was the first scene with John Jones / Hank Henshaw. At that moment I was hoping they would make a Superman Series, but after the last season of Supergirl I was a bit worried about how it would come off. Thankfully the writers for the most part did very good. In this S&L his portrayal is the best since Christopher Reeve's, and this season ties him with Reeve's portrayal. David Corenswet is going to have his work cut out for him to surpass Tyler
"Clark Kent is who I really am. Superman is what I can do." I forget which episode of Lois & Clark he says that, but it stuck with me. And Steve, seriously, thank you for your deep dive into Superman & Lois. I like this look at the characters, too.
That's why I hate the idea of Superman publicly exposing his identity; it basically kills Clark, turning him into Superman full time. Even if he tries to remain just good old Clark everyone is still going to react to him knowing he is Superman. Plus it implies that having a private life is "keeping a dirty secret."
i think John bryne was the comic writer who first pushed that. i remember it was said the opposite was true for batman. with superman, superman was the disguise. with batman,, bruce wayne is the disguise.
@@AaronLitz They have an episode during the Bizzarro arc of Superman and Lois where they show their version of the Bizzarro world is Superman full time. It apparently works, but also negatively affects the relationship of his Lois (which leads to their divorce ultimately). It's really worth watching!
That line has stuck with me all these years, too. I loved it when it aired, because that was the whole point of Lois and Clark - the man is Clark Kent, a farmers' kid from Kansas. He has these powers and makes a habit of using them to save the world, but that never changes who he is at heart. It's my favorite take on Superman.
@@AaronLitz thing is, Superman is his uniform, Clark Kent is the real person. And not "bumpy and insecure" Clark Kent, but "goofy, nerdy, confident and good guy" Clark Kent, THAT'S the core of Superman. If he wasn't raised by the Kents, on the humble town of Smallville, Superman wouldn't be the Superman we know, Superman is informed by who Clark Kent is, the only thing that dies is the fake image of himself Clark creates to make himself invisible. The last scene of the episode is proof of it, he isn't Superman to the people on Smallville even without the glasses, he IS Clark Kent. And even with the scenes of Lois, already in the know of Clark's double life, he is goofy by nature.
One of the most amazing aspects of the episode for me as a person who works in the film and tv industry is that in the interview scene they used the actual crew of the show as the crew for the interview. They wanted to give the crew some time in the spotlight because this has been a hard show to film and most of their crew has been with them since the beginning and this was a chance to give them some on screen credit. I don't work on this show but I have a couple friends who do and they've said wonderful things about Gregory Smith who directs the show and this was just a wonderful moment in an already amazing episode.
I love whenever they do that on movies/shows (they did something similar on The Flash movie to give actual screen time to Ezra's body double who would get his face replaced for younger Barry Allen). And as a filmmaker, I like to do that too lol.
"Um, It took a lot of work to keep that secret. And, um, you'd be surprised what a pair of glasses will do." My favorite line of this episode. Also, Diner scene where he first reveals himself, such a great scene to watch, so well done.
Something about that is just so compelling. Superman is nigh-invincible, and he just waits. He slowly takes off his glasses, sets them on the booth beside him, and looks at the bullet. I can't say in words what the scene felt like, it was just *amazing*.
Another scene that really made me think was Lois having the talk with the boys about Clark's childhood. His powers manifesting while he was almost still a toddler, Ma and Pa drilled it into him right from the start at that oh so impressionable age that he must keep it all a secret, otherwise, they would come and take him away. Imagine the discussions the Kents had worrying aloud about all the horrific possibilities that he'd be subjected to if he was taken into custody. Scenarios that a very young Clark overheard with that super hearing. Dealing with all that at such a young age, it's easy to see the trauma packed down deep in his every waking day of his life. I've immensely enjoyed this show from the start and yep, this ep was the cherry on top--so far.
I doubt it,amigo,Gunn has his version of SUPES he wants on the screen,then the studio wants certain things in that film also. After all they're fronting 100s of millions for the film. I don't think they care about what certain fans want in a Superman movie,because they have to appeal to so many different takes on a Supes film.
I think we'll see a lot of similarities. Of course we won't see Superman as a family man in a long time in the DCU but it'll probably tackle very similar themes and arcs from this episode, which is definitely my favorite of the whole show now. Something James Gunn's said or implied in all interviews is that they'll tackle Clark's loneliness, as a hero, as a reporter and as an alien immigrant. He has friends both in the Daily Planet and other heroes, but none of them really know him fully (like this episode shows, he has to push them away and keep himself secret on both fronts) and he has no one for his Kryptonian side. But then Krypto comes in, Kara comes in, and maybe he lets Lois and Jimmy into his life fully too.
Warner Brothers has struggled to get the Superman movies right since Superman II, so I sincerely hope they are paying attention because this show has been the best Superman content in a very long time!
@@lex_rodriguez to an extent maybe but JG’s taking a lot of inspiration from both classic and modern iterations. He’s cited a lot of stuff, and so have David Corenswet and Nicholas Holt. Mostly Pre-Rebirth but JG did cite Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s Action Comics run (with Daniel Sampere’s art from Warworld Rising) too, and that’s super recent.
This episode really speaks to me. As a gay man who didn’t come out until adulthood, I know very well that keeping even an important secret costs you something. It’s deeply isolating. And those habits of holding back and wondering what truth people can handle can take a lifetime to unlearn. I’m glad the show spent several episodes laying the groundwork for this great episode.
I have to come back and say this somewhere. Apart from this beautiful metaphor, this show has had terrible LGBT representation. They took a bi character from the comics and made him into two straight twins. Jon’s two coming out scenes in the comics with Lois and Superman were beautiful. And the only bi rep we do get is Sarah kissing a girl offscreen at summer camp, playing into tropes about bisexuals cheating. Not a good look for an offshoot of the Arrowverse.
Phenomenal analysis, thanks. The reveal is all the more impactful because of the reason this version of Superman/Clark Kent is my favorite. Tyler Hoechlin does a great job portraying Clark and Superman as the same person. It never seems that Clark is an exaggerated, goofy act. It's believable that Clark, though somewhat awkward and geeky at times, is also Superman. In a flashback with Lois after she learns his secret, he admits that he can be a nerd. He only apologizes in the diner for the deception -- not for being inauthentic.
And with the boys realizing just how lonely their father's life is regarding friends teeing up the Jimmy thread. AND this being the first time we've seen Jimmy in the series. It really hit.
@@ademon4908 not really 20 years later, Lois already knew who he was. Maybe it's around the time Lex started his jail time which would be around 17 years.
I absolutely agree, this is by far the best episode of Superman & Lois. What's interesting is that this episode does not focus on Superman flying around and using his powers, but rather it focuses on the "human condition". Some of the best movies and television have always been those that focus on the "human condition".
The restaurant reveal scene was my favorite, but when the slow-mo shot of the bullet heading toward Superman showed the bullet from a rear angle I saw it had a green core. I thought, "Oh, it's a Kryptonite bullet and it will clip him in the shoulder or something." Instead they made the braver choice. Yeah, it's only a few episodes until the end of the series so the writers and producers probably figured what the hell, let's just throw a lot in here, but it was still outstanding.
Well articulated analysis and critique of this episode. I feel sure this week’s story positively touched a lot of different people in different ways. I know I felt peaceful after watching it.
I loved the scene where Lois admonished the boys a little bit by telling them they had no idea how much Clark had personally lost and missed out on over the years by keeping the secret. I also appreciated how that loss was personified by Jimmy, missing from the show all these years because he was also missing from Clark’s life. Beautiful storytelling, and fantastic analysis, Steve!
Totally and completely agree. I was riveted by this one from the opening moments. Unbelievably powerful. I'm planning on waiting till the weekend, giving myself a couple of day to reflect, then watching it again. Not hyperbole to call it personal drama at its highest form.
Something I did always like about Man of Steel, even if the movie was not as well received, was that everyone in Smallville kinda knows Clark and Superman are one and the same. Nobody comes right out and says it but their behavior and body language is very telling that they strongly suspect he is
I have loved this series since the pilot. I love how well Clark and Lois are written, as well as their chemistry. I especially loved them during the breast cancer storyline last season. Watching a man who is practically a god feel helpless and drowning in grief over his wife's condition hit hard - especially because my mom died of breast cancer back in 2021. It gave me a love/hate relationship with that story arc. I love it because it was well written, bold and powerful, but I hate it because going through that with the Kents destroyed me. But overall I love this show for having this much heart and soul.
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The first episode aired less than a year after my mom died only hours after having a phone call with her. Imagine that seeing the first scene.
Really sorry for your losses y'all, losing anyone is hard, but losing your mother always hits harder. I'm sure wherever they are, they are proud of you. Hope y'all take care and be safe.
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@@ivanagustinortiz5237 add that I'm atheist and I'm sure there is no afterlife. There's no "we'll meet again".
A splendid assessment all around. The only thing I have to add is that Douglas Smith's scruffy, wild-eyed, slightly feral guy was the BEST live-action Jimmy Olsen casting I have ever seen.
From the moment you got to really get to know him on Supergirl, Tyler Hoechlin has been my favorite TV Superman. Well, non-animated TV. I love his show--these creators get the character, and Tyler does too. This episode was amazing--it was right up there with Clark telling Jimmy in the comics that he was Superman and having Jimmy string him along for a couple panels before telling Supes that he had known for a while. It's up there with him showing Perry, and Perry hugging him. I love this show. I will sorely miss it.
This became my favorite episode of Superman & Lois. So much to say. Something the show didn't touch on much until this episode, Clark's secret identity as Superman does bring him a lot of loneliness. Something we see in comics a lot and My Adventures with Superman actually touched on. He had to push away friends, from his best pals like Jimmy to Lois before they married. It also made it so in a way he can never truly be himself except for when he's with those who know him fully. This episode tackled that head on and so much more. Now I could go on about how like Lex this version of Jimmy is good but isn't fully accurate either or start ranting about how this was done and undone twice in less than 10 years recently in comics, but at the end of the day this is what's important: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Clark Kent to represent us kids and nerds like they were who struggled with getting out our shells, getting confidence, standing up for themselves, making friends and finding love. He's "just a regular guy". But inside that regular guy was a super man, someone who could make a difference. Like he could be in any of us.
I loved everything about this episode and you summed it up so well. Two small things I loved - the beginning when Denise just raises her eyebrows at him like, "you gonna get that plane or what?" And Lois turning around with hand to her heart after sending him off to meet up with Jimmy. So many great moments!
Everything about it hits the mark for me, right down to moments like Clark covering for Jordan when he's in pain in the middle of a crowd, and has to take the kids eye lasers which hurt Supes, down to conversations feeling like conversations such as Lois and Clark talking over kryptonite weapons and Lois basically reluctantly says "I respect you feel they need to exist, but I still hate it" and not just "Oh hey you were right kudos we are the superman" It is well written (mostly, some issues here and there) well cast, well directed and paced. Thanks to this show, I finally understand why people love Superman, and it's 99% because of Clark.
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@@Bananahammock681 even the issues are fine. Live is not perfect after all.
He's the best Clark Kent. Hands down. He's not just acting like a dork, he is a dork. He's wholesome and he's real. He's not an act. But his Superman also feels real. I don't think Reeve's earnestness as Superman or ability to transform back and forth between Superman and Clark can be beaten, but Tyler's Clark feels like the realest Clark I've seen and by the way, it's insane just how good the decision making is in this show. In an average CW show, Lois would have used Doomsday to frame Lex in front of his daughter, instead she appealed to Doomsday heart from a place of honesty. The way Superman reveals his identity, it's something that's never done. It has to be earned and this show earned it. The writing has always been good and it's a shame that the show hasn't gotten the attention it deserved. It feels like a show that people are going to discover in streaming over the next few years.
With reduced budget and episode count this season, reducing the screentime of recurring characters, the writers were basically forced to tie up loose ends and make every episode count. And boy, they delivered.
EXACTLY. I HATE how much shit the cast and crew all went through because of bigger business decisions that were completely out of their hands.........but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't FINALLY getting the show I've been patiently waiting three long years for.
When Clark and the boys went to that kids house and basically gaslit him convincing him he was mistaken or crazy. That really felt like something Clark wouldn’t do. It felt gross that he was putting his secret above this kids mental health and sense or reality. I was so relived it ended the way it did and he stopped actively lying to their friends and neighbors.
I love that basically the *boys were really uncomfortable about it, but Clark was way used to gaslight people, as he pretty much did with Jimmy during the flashbacks.
That's the thing. He felt bad about it too, but as far as Clark knows, the *only* people who know his secret are his extremely close friends and family, and even then it took him *years* to tell them. It took him 16 years to tell his own *sons* that he was Superman. This Clark is far more alone than a lot of the others. A lot of the time shows, for example, like Smallville, will have Clark tell people or people figure it out, and sometimes if they know it's not exactly up to Clark. S&L's Clark has been keeping a secret from basically everyone except Lois and her dad the entire time. Lois even brings this up *in* the episode. He doesn't know anything else. So, while yes it does seem out of character, it's one of those "in-character out-of-character" moments where it's a contradiction, but it still makes sense.
You've convinced me to check out Superman and Lois, which beforehand was a show I'd just completely dismissed as 'another superhero show'. Thanks for that, Steve, and thanks for changing my mind about superheroes, and thanks for doing what you do. 😀
I watch this show and feel good about life. The character dynamics, the dialogue, the wholesomeness, the honesty and the fact they dont shy away from rough subject matter.... Its a great show
If we can have THE BATMAN and THE BRAVE & THE BOLD in theaters, we can have SUPERMAN & LOIS on the small screen and James Gunn's Superman film on the big screen.
I have to say "The Red Dress" episode in season 3 ranks up there. Here's the most powerful person on the planet, and there's literally nothing he can do but show up for Lois when she's taking chemotherapy. You can see his love and frustration.
Been through something similar, and yeah. (cf Deadpool re: El cancer.) I didn't have frustratingly ineffective superpowers, though. Rougher on Clark. And well played by all.
For me, Superman and Star Trek have always been two great tastes that were pretty much in parallel. Examples of hope for a finer world, and the inspiration to make it that way. And both challenged by ethical quandaries and esoteric radiation to depower them when needed.
This series really nailed the persona of Clark Kent. He’s just a guy who loves life, and loves people. He realizes when he’s Superman, he has to be very careful that people trust him. But he is really deep down, just a really friendly guy trying to help people. Other incarnations of Superman have Clark being a persona that hides his real identity. In this show, it’s Clark that is the real person and Superman is the identity. For years I’ve thought of Superman as three people. Superman is the identity that he shows to the world, and he hast to be the Boy Scout and above reproach to avoid having humanity fearhim. Clark Kent is just the guise that he puts on so he can interact with everyone in a normal way. And Kal El was his true self, that he could only reveal to a couple people like Lois, Bruce, and Diana. As Kal EL he could express his honest frustrations and anger in life, but Superman and Clarke could never do that. But I think the show does a much better job of what I had envisioned.
It coming so late in the run kind of reminds me of “Midnight” from the fourth series of Doctor Who. The showrunner, Russell T. Davies, said he’d had the script and concept in his back pocket for years and really wanted to do it, but was worried about how it would be received, so he did it when he and everyone else already knew he was leaving the show. And it’s one of the most critically acclaimed episodes of the revival era. Just goes to show that sometimes we need to give more faith to our audiences and trust they’ll be receptive to those big swings.
I've loved this version of Superman since he guest appeared in Supergirl, and was very excited when it was announced that they would make a Superman series with Tyler. And true, it has had some ups and downs, but overall I thing it's been so very enjoyable. I love the actors and actresses in this show, especially Tyler and Elizabeth, they've brought new depths to the characters we know and love. And this episode is everything I could ever dream, it could have been the series finale and I would have been happy. That little scene at the end, after he's done the interview, when he gets dressed and debates whether to put on his glasses or not, and then leaves them at the dresser... no words, but it's so powerful!
The Secret Identity conundrum has been an issue with Spiderman from the beginning... which is part of the reason I always have and always will prefer him to Supes.
Hey Steve, I love these Superman video. I love it when people understand him. Some of the best comics in existence is when people realize that Clark is just a guy. He does what he thinks is right and he isn't always right. He makes mistakes, even though many think of him as a Mcguffin and golden boy. He is just someone who is doing his best with what he has.
This episode also resonates with LGBTQ+ people who come out later in life. I know that this iteration of Superman is not queer, but the whole idea of keeping a secret until it's no longer tenable, is something a lot of queers go through. Superman & Lois begins by rejecting the initial core trope of Clark Kent, the nebbishy, assimilated immigrant, who can't get the time of day from the woman he loves, also simultaneously being her dream man when he, as Superman, shows what he can do. We move from unrequited love, unjustly unrequited love, as a necessary feature of the character, to something closer to queer experience. Family secrets. Something the world can't know. Having some friends in the know, and a whole community that suspects. And finally just deciding that this is too hard for you and too unfair for other people, and then letting them know who you really are. This is how we all would love truth, justice, and the American way to be. Sometimes, especially in the lives of queer Americans, it is.
This is exactly what I thought. It's an excellent example of narrative metaphor used to speak to an experience that so many people can have in many different ways.
Superman is all about inclusion and allegories. So, I thought "this is like the quentisential coming out story" while watching the episode, plus Jon's bi in the comics, these characters have social conscience and that's why they work so well.
The sadness of the episode is outstanding and core to Tyler’s portrayal. I think it’s why his performance overall has so much depth because he undercuts it constantly internally with a sense of profound loss. The cast and creative team were firing on all cylinders.
Great presentation! Thank you! I hope there was at least a little vignette, or there will be before the series ends, where that kid who was so terribly wronged by the Kent family lie - to the point where his own mother threw him under the bus in front of Clark and the kids - gets justice. Gets an apology. Gets acknowledged at least by his mother as having been right, and having been wronged. PS: sorry to do this to you, but what you've described is a classic, truly outstanding redemption story. ;-)
This show turned into a genuine joy. Sure it's got some teen schlock like the infamous "I cheated on you and you have to be friends with the girl I cheated with" nonsense, but when it focuses on Clark, Lois (who actually talk with each other, not just at until one caves, love their chemistry in this show) and the boys I find myself enjoying it more than the super aspects. Except when he saved that sub, that was incredible.
I did an internet search JUST to see if anyone else out there felt the same way about this episode. Your video was excellent and I agree with everything you expressed. S&L has had good bones from the beginning. Had a little ick here and there, but I’m very pleased that it seems they are sticking the landing. Once again, great video. Thanks 👍🏽
Not only do you appreciate and get why this is such a fantastic episode of Superman and Lois, what it means to the character and the fans… but you have a box set of Angel on your shelf? Mad respect. ✊
Steve, I just saw every episode of Superman and Lois this season, including the one you reviewed. It was everything you said it was! I've always liked this show, and I didn't know it had returned until I saw your review. I once again see why I liked this show. Thanks!
I haven't gotten to the series yet, but I'm up to speed on a lot of the plot beats and have seen scenes as UA-cam shorts, etc I think something that makes an episode like this hit so strong is how straight they play the secret identity. The scene where they tell Lois' dad the truth was stand-out. Nothing flashy, no winking nods. He just takes off the glasses "Well I'll be damned."
I’m am so glad you made this video, it weirds me out how often I think we’d actually be best friends in real life and then you make another video to drive that home. I was born in 83 and we share very similar views on star trek and then recently I realized we have very similar political views and then you drop this video. I’ve loved this show from the jump. It’s a brilliant concept, “how do we take Superman, who’s been around for 90 years and over a 1000 main number issued comics and make him fresh and compelling without doing a Terry Matalas style memberberry binge and purge marathon?” They humanized him in an incredibly relatable way and kept that hopeful optimism cheesiness of the Reeves iteration. The cornerstone of the Superman mythos is that no matter what, Clark saves Lois, so to watch Superman find his way to accept the fact that his wife may die of cancer in season 3 was incredible story telling. I am so glad you’re talking about this show, thx for the video, I love your stuff.
I have loved Superman for quite some time George Reeves reruns in the 1960s. But I got goosebumps when I saw him standing in that diner as Superman. He made his identity know to his lifelong friends in his hometown. They deserved that truth more than anyone. I thought it was a great piece of TV and I was so happy to watch it unfold. Now I will be delirious with excitement if the Green Arrow is in the Finale since he started the Arrowverse and we get to hear him say "Lex Luther you have failed this City". 🙂
Astro City by Busiek, Anderson, and Ross have a great first issue about their faux Superman, the Samaritan, who is sort in the flashback period that Steve talks about, when he hasnt told anybody who he really is, and he regrets being unable to have any relationships and is alone, and spends most of time in costume because thats the "right" use of his time. Another great take on the same central conflict to the archetype
I don't usually take much time to find out whos writing or directing shows i watch nowadays. Mainly because it saves me any grief if someone turns out to be not so good a person. That whole diatribe aside, whoever is on the team for this show genuinely love Superman, and you can tell they went to great lengths to not make a "good onscreen Superman" they collaborate with the actors to make a GOOD SUPERMAN. He comes off as sincere, with strong morals, and even stronger desire to maintain them. He's written as a good man, and a great Superman.
Agreed, I have also been watching it from the beginning and had watched all of Supergirl. The diner scene brought tears to my eyes as I could see in the look he gave Lois that they were not able to have a discussion about it before he changed and revealed himself. I loved this episode. I said at the end of Supergirl and now, I wish we had gotten a season or two to explore what the world is like for them now that there is no secret anymore. In Supergirl they made that the last moment of the whole series, here we get three episodes.
I absolutely love this series. I have a lot of issues with it, this season included, but it understands the core of Clark/Superman so so well. And when it hits it HITS.
I originally left this series during season 2 because there was still too much going on with the Arrowvers and I did not have the time to get through another show. With it being on its own now the show has gotten much better. I am also watching through with my first time through Smallville.
I agree about the two lead actors fitting so perfectly into their roles, and the first season of Superman and Lois was outstanding. It sidestepped cliches that CW shows usually going running head-first into while building real family dynamics and characters. I don't think they're maintained the quality of that first season, but the episode you've discussed here felt very real. Here's to a strong finish.
The dinner scene was wonderfully done, and another of my favorite scenes is when Clark hesitates whether to wear his glasses or not after he revealed the secret, something he has done his entire life and he doesn't need to do it anymore. Overall, a very good episode. A solid episode from beginning to end. BTW, great episodes: The pilot was great, episode 11 from season 1 was great (the first flashback), the red dress episode was great, the final episode of season 3 was great (the doomsday battle clifthanger), and this one.
I'm not really a fan of superman, or superheroes in general, but I'm always here for these videos because you have way of really zeroing in on the most interesting elements. Kinda makes me feel like I'm a kid again -- back when I *was* really into Superman. Anyway, your spiel about the fundamental contradiction in Superman's character got me thinking about a really cool story idea -- though knowing how long Superman has been flying around, and how many reboots and AUs there surely are, nevermind fanfics, it's very likely it's already been done. Here's the thing: what if Superman *wasn't* lying about his identity? Like, ever? What if he never actually had a secret identity, and people just assumed he did? Any time someone asks him, "Hey, Clark... are you superman?" He just goes, "Yeah." Only hardly anyone ever asks that question, and when they do, they're close enough to him that they don't care to spread it around. Imagine a story about Lex Luthor or some other villain struggling to uncover Superman's "secret identity," investigating, cajoling, surveilling... finally confronting Clark Kent with the intent to blackmail him... only for for Clark to smile, dismiss him, and point out that he was never hiding anything in the first place. Just a thought.
Similar but not quite to your idea, there have been one or two story beats to that effect (that I'm familiar with). One where he talks about how he plays up the bumbling everyman aspect of Clark in order to emphasize the differences but also because why would someone (ordinarily) put so much effort into being a buffoon. A second where Luther does figure it out but can't understand why Superman would pretend to be Clark (again, a bumbling everyman) and rejects the conclusion.
I loved that actress when she was in GRIMM. And, on the behalf of late bloomers who may be yet to bloom, I love your interpretation of Super Man turning over a new leaf in order to improve his life.
I love the idea of surfacing a feature of the character so familiar we barely think about it and exploring what it would really mean. I’d love a story someday about Superman’s triage process: All the lesser crimes and disasters he’s aware of but must consciously choose to ignore in order to spend any time in the guise of Clark Kent, and the guilt he feels about that.
I think that was kind of implied in this episode where he skips out of the final championship match. It is sort of implied that Clark skipped the match but then had to hope that no superman level events were required that they. But if there was, Clark may have had to make the choice to not intervene so that Jimmy couldn't confirm his suspicions about Clark being superman. I don't think the writers wanted to get into that too much (Clark choosing not to intervene with some kinda superman level events), but to me, the writers gave us just enough to leave us with that implication.
@@blackoutemzz2674 Having to hide oneself for the fear of your true self being so divisive and hated by some people that it puts your loved ones in danger? The small groups of people in the know while you are isolated from everyone else? being so worried about revealing your true self that you make a choice to cut off a friendship rather than take the chance you'll be found out? There's a reason people used superman as a gay icon in the 80s/90s even if its less common now. The All american, very masculine man would be called upon, literally enter a phonebooth or other small area, and come out as his true self in a colorful, spandex costume... I mean, these are very apparent and obvious through lines. idk if they were intentional or not, but its very much not new for a superman property to do this.
Clark's secret was Jonathan and Martha Kent's secret before that, now being exposed it show others at "Superman's kids" and "Superman's wife" it's a pretty big deal actually. It's probably the best representation of Superman on a show, make the dude being a family man was the best idea, having the guy kicking ass and the minute after being a worried concerned dad about his kid learning powers or making weird superhero stuff is great.
How can we get Superman and Lois nominated for an Emmy? Actors and/or writers should be recognized for this show. The job Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch have done with this show has been phenomenal. Maybe a nod like that would convince The CW (or some other network) to keep the show alive for another season or two.
this is a great show! I love the actors too..never liked any other Lois' until this one and Tyler is the best superman in my opinion. Perfect portrayal of how Superman should be. Kind , good person, just wants to help people ... just overall likeable.
I've personally always loved the implication in a small number of comic runs that everyone in Smallville always knew Clark was Superman since he was running around as Superboy, but no one ever dared to say it out loud because Smallville was always a tight knit community that looks out for their own and they live by the motto of minding their own damn business
That and the fact the government would probably force them out of the place
I have long wanted this exact storyline to be explicitly shown, in comics, TV, whatever. The idea that the people of Smallville figured it out early, but respected the Kents as a family and appreciated Clark keeping them safe so much that they collectively respected his privacy out of deference and respect… it really would cement the concept of Clark as just another regular guy, pillar of his community, just doing what he can to help.
I think most of his rouge gallery knows it, but they get away with more crimin' when Superman is just Clark Kent for a bit each day
I thought it might be interesting to find out that everyone in Smallville already knew Clark was Superman, but because he was also one of them they never outed him.
I think this was hinted at in Man of Steel…some of the looks shared by people in Smallville when he goes back and is fighting Zod…they were very telling.
I wasn't big into Superman before Tyler Hoechlin took over the role. But in _Superman and Lois_ you don't look at Superman and see an alien with godlike powers. You look at him and feel _safe._ That is what makes it such a good show in my opinion.
I believe that was the intention...even when he did guess spots on supergirl. But I've seen the changes of his character over the years.
That's a great take, I agree.
If you wanna look at a comic book that views superman in a similar light (there's a ton of this kind of superman in comics compared to adaptation) Superman Blue & Red is a great book. It's an anthology series with the art consisting of only blue & red. There's some beautiful stories, especially in the last 2 issues.
I see people talking about the diner scene complaining that Clark could have protected his identity in any number of ways, such as just nudging the bullet so it looked like the shot missed, or faking taking it in the shoulder or something, and they're clearly missing the point. Yeah, Clark *could* have protected his identity, but he pretty obviously knew that and *chose* not to. He realised the damage that his secret was causing to others at this point and decided it wasn't okay to keep facilitating that kind of harm. By revealing himself in that situation, he was being the Superman that we want him to be; the man who puts the needs of others first, even when it's a problem for him.
Gods I love Superman.
Exactly I don't get how people don't realise that.
@@blackoutemzz2674 Sadly, a great number of people are media illiterate.
I love how Clark just had all the time in the world. Going by Superman's comic feats, that bullet could have gone even slower to Clark's eyes, but he took a moment to contemplate, then had to muster up the courage to do what he knew he wanted to do.
@@Iliadic - Yeah, the slow motion really made it clear that Clark considered every possible way he could deal with this, and its consequences. I loved that.
I think Clark could’ve gotten out of it in a very simple way, but of course it would’ve ruined the plot line. When the gun was being pointed at him, he should’ve said “One of two things is going to happen here. You’re either going to commit murder, or piss off the most powerful being on the planet. Either way it doesn’t end well for you. Do you really want to go through with this? “
The one thing I have to admire about S&L is where other series and films have focused on Superman's impact upon the world, this series chose to focus upon the world's impact on Superman-- and how being physically invulnerable doesn't equate to emotional invulnerability.
Please note the STAKES of this episode... The world wasn't on the line. Nobody was going to die if he stuck to the deception. And yet, as you point out-- the best story of the series came from this quiet and subdued moment in small town Smallville with a disgruntled neighbor.
This, and the episodes dealing with Lois' bout with cancer have been some of the most compelling Superman stories offered.
There has never been a better presentation of Clark Kent in any media, this dude is killing it.
I completely agree. He had Clark Kent nailed the first time he appeared in Supergirl, and did pretty good in the early scenes as Superman, but really nailed it for me was the first scene with John Jones / Hank Henshaw. At that moment I was hoping they would make a Superman Series, but after the last season of Supergirl I was a bit worried about how it would come off. Thankfully the writers for the most part did very good. In this S&L his portrayal is the best since Christopher Reeve's, and this season ties him with Reeve's portrayal. David Corenswet is going to have his work cut out for him to surpass Tyler
@@NewYork975 Absolutely.
"Clark Kent is who I really am. Superman is what I can do." I forget which episode of Lois & Clark he says that, but it stuck with me. And Steve, seriously, thank you for your deep dive into Superman & Lois. I like this look at the characters, too.
That's why I hate the idea of Superman publicly exposing his identity; it basically kills Clark, turning him into Superman full time. Even if he tries to remain just good old Clark everyone is still going to react to him knowing he is Superman. Plus it implies that having a private life is "keeping a dirty secret."
i think John bryne was the comic writer who first pushed that. i remember it was said the opposite was true for batman. with superman, superman was the disguise. with batman,, bruce wayne is the disguise.
@@AaronLitz They have an episode during the Bizzarro arc of Superman and Lois where they show their version of the Bizzarro world is Superman full time. It apparently works, but also negatively affects the relationship of his Lois (which leads to their divorce ultimately). It's really worth watching!
That line has stuck with me all these years, too. I loved it when it aired, because that was the whole point of Lois and Clark - the man is Clark Kent, a farmers' kid from Kansas. He has these powers and makes a habit of using them to save the world, but that never changes who he is at heart.
It's my favorite take on Superman.
@@AaronLitz thing is, Superman is his uniform, Clark Kent is the real person. And not "bumpy and insecure" Clark Kent, but "goofy, nerdy, confident and good guy" Clark Kent, THAT'S the core of Superman. If he wasn't raised by the Kents, on the humble town of Smallville, Superman wouldn't be the Superman we know, Superman is informed by who Clark Kent is, the only thing that dies is the fake image of himself Clark creates to make himself invisible.
The last scene of the episode is proof of it, he isn't Superman to the people on Smallville even without the glasses, he IS Clark Kent. And even with the scenes of Lois, already in the know of Clark's double life, he is goofy by nature.
One of the most amazing aspects of the episode for me as a person who works in the film and tv industry is that in the interview scene they used the actual crew of the show as the crew for the interview.
They wanted to give the crew some time in the spotlight because this has been a hard show to film and most of their crew has been with them since the beginning and this was a chance to give them some on screen credit.
I don't work on this show but I have a couple friends who do and they've said wonderful things about Gregory Smith who directs the show and this was just a wonderful moment in an already amazing episode.
I thought that was the case. Great to see it confirmed.
I love whenever they do that on movies/shows (they did something similar on The Flash movie to give actual screen time to Ezra's body double who would get his face replaced for younger Barry Allen). And as a filmmaker, I like to do that too lol.
A huge thank you from all of us to them. They outdid themselves. Cast, crew and creative.
"Um, It took a lot of work to keep that secret. And, um, you'd be surprised what a pair of glasses will do."
My favorite line of this episode. Also, Diner scene where he first reveals himself, such a great scene to watch, so well done.
His coming out was one of the best bullet time scenes I've seen. Not action, just him staring and contemplating.
💯
Something about that is just so compelling. Superman is nigh-invincible, and he just waits. He slowly takes off his glasses, sets them on the booth beside him, and looks at the bullet. I can't say in words what the scene felt like, it was just *amazing*.
@@IliadicI literally cheered out loud
Another scene that really made me think was Lois having the talk with the boys about Clark's childhood. His powers manifesting while he was almost still a toddler, Ma and Pa drilled it into him right from the start at that oh so impressionable age that he must keep it all a secret, otherwise, they would come and take him away. Imagine the discussions the Kents had worrying aloud about all the horrific possibilities that he'd be subjected to if he was taken into custody. Scenarios that a very young Clark overheard with that super hearing. Dealing with all that at such a young age, it's easy to see the trauma packed down deep in his every waking day of his life. I've immensely enjoyed this show from the start and yep, this ep was the cherry on top--so far.
Everyone in the diner jumps for cover and Lois doesn't flinch. Great little detail.
She has that freezing look on her face saying "whatever you choose to do Clark I will support your decision"
@Fl0d3r beyond that, she knows her husband, she knows exactly what he's going to do and is awaiting the consequences.
@stuffbenlikes yeah not all the details are great
I hope James Gunn has been taking notes. This is how you do a Superman.
I doubt it,amigo,Gunn has his version of SUPES he wants on the screen,then the studio wants certain things in that film also. After all they're fronting 100s of millions for the film. I don't think they care about what certain fans want in a Superman movie,because they have to appeal to so many different takes on a Supes film.
I think we'll see a lot of similarities. Of course we won't see Superman as a family man in a long time in the DCU but it'll probably tackle very similar themes and arcs from this episode, which is definitely my favorite of the whole show now. Something James Gunn's said or implied in all interviews is that they'll tackle Clark's loneliness, as a hero, as a reporter and as an alien immigrant. He has friends both in the Daily Planet and other heroes, but none of them really know him fully (like this episode shows, he has to push them away and keep himself secret on both fronts) and he has no one for his Kryptonian side. But then Krypto comes in, Kara comes in, and maybe he lets Lois and Jimmy into his life fully too.
Warner Brothers has struggled to get the Superman movies right since Superman II, so I sincerely hope they are paying attention because this show has been the best Superman content in a very long time!
I think this is how you do a MODERN Superman. Gunn will more than likely do a throwback.
@@lex_rodriguez to an extent maybe but JG’s taking a lot of inspiration from both classic and modern iterations. He’s cited a lot of stuff, and so have David Corenswet and Nicholas Holt. Mostly Pre-Rebirth but JG did cite Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s Action Comics run (with Daniel Sampere’s art from Warworld Rising) too, and that’s super recent.
This episode really speaks to me. As a gay man who didn’t come out until adulthood, I know very well that keeping even an important secret costs you something. It’s deeply isolating. And those habits of holding back and wondering what truth people can handle can take a lifetime to unlearn. I’m glad the show spent several episodes laying the groundwork for this great episode.
While watching the episode I thought "this is like the quentisential coming out story allegory".
Yeh, confronting the loss of coming out in addition to the unending loss of being closeted is profound.
🏳️🌈 ❤
I have to come back and say this somewhere. Apart from this beautiful metaphor, this show has had terrible LGBT representation. They took a bi character from the comics and made him into two straight twins. Jon’s two coming out scenes in the comics with Lois and Superman were beautiful. And the only bi rep we do get is Sarah kissing a girl offscreen at summer camp, playing into tropes about bisexuals cheating. Not a good look for an offshoot of the Arrowverse.
This is a drastically underrated series. We love it so much.
Agreed
Phenomenal analysis, thanks. The reveal is all the more impactful because of the reason this version of Superman/Clark Kent is my favorite. Tyler Hoechlin does a great job portraying Clark and Superman as the same person. It never seems that Clark is an exaggerated, goofy act. It's believable that Clark, though somewhat awkward and geeky at times, is also Superman. In a flashback with Lois after she learns his secret, he admits that he can be a nerd. He only apologizes in the diner for the deception -- not for being inauthentic.
The Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen storyline was gutting. So happy when it resolved happily.
And with the boys realizing just how lonely their father's life is regarding friends teeing up the Jimmy thread. AND this being the first time we've seen Jimmy in the series. It really hit.
And 20 years later he can be friends with him. That’s the only part I didn’t like
@@ademon4908 not really 20 years later, Lois already knew who he was. Maybe it's around the time Lex started his jail time which would be around 17 years.
@@Rick-c5s the saddest thing any Jimmy Olsen ever said.
I absolutely agree, this is by far the best episode of Superman & Lois. What's interesting is that this episode does not focus on Superman flying around and using his powers, but rather it focuses on the "human condition". Some of the best movies and television have always been those that focus on the "human condition".
You've actually made me want to watch a new show, which very rarely happens. Thanks Steve.
that reveal scene feels like watching Chris Reeve take off his glasses and stand up straight when Supes let Lois in on the secret.
The restaurant reveal scene was my favorite, but when the slow-mo shot of the bullet heading toward Superman showed the bullet from a rear angle I saw it had a green core. I thought, "Oh, it's a Kryptonite bullet and it will clip him in the shoulder or something." Instead they made the braver choice. Yeah, it's only a few episodes until the end of the series so the writers and producers probably figured what the hell, let's just throw a lot in here, but it was still outstanding.
I met Curt Swan in a Comic Shop and shook his hand.
THAT HAND! WoW!
Well articulated analysis and critique of this episode. I feel sure this week’s story positively touched a lot of different people in different ways. I know I felt peaceful after watching it.
I loved the scene where Lois admonished the boys a little bit by telling them they had no idea how much Clark had personally lost and missed out on over the years by keeping the secret. I also appreciated how that loss was personified by Jimmy, missing from the show all these years because he was also missing from Clark’s life. Beautiful storytelling, and fantastic analysis, Steve!
Totally and completely agree. I was riveted by this one from the opening moments. Unbelievably powerful. I'm planning on waiting till the weekend, giving myself a couple of day to reflect, then watching it again. Not hyperbole to call it personal drama at its highest form.
Something I did always like about Man of Steel, even if the movie was not as well received, was that everyone in Smallville kinda knows Clark and Superman are one and the same. Nobody comes right out and says it but their behavior and body language is very telling that they strongly suspect he is
I have loved this series since the pilot. I love how well Clark and Lois are written, as well as their chemistry. I especially loved them during the breast cancer storyline last season. Watching a man who is practically a god feel helpless and drowning in grief over his wife's condition hit hard - especially because my mom died of breast cancer back in 2021. It gave me a love/hate relationship with that story arc. I love it because it was well written, bold and powerful, but I hate it because going through that with the Kents destroyed me. But overall I love this show for having this much heart and soul.
The first episode aired less than a year after my mom died only hours after having a phone call with her. Imagine that seeing the first scene.
Really sorry for your losses y'all, losing anyone is hard, but losing your mother always hits harder. I'm sure wherever they are, they are proud of you. Hope y'all take care and be safe.
@@ivanagustinortiz5237 add that I'm atheist and I'm sure there is no afterlife. There's no "we'll meet again".
A splendid assessment all around. The only thing I have to add is that Douglas Smith's scruffy, wild-eyed, slightly feral guy was the BEST live-action Jimmy Olsen casting I have ever seen.
“I’m not Superman, you’re crazy! You need therapy, this is sick!”
From the moment you got to really get to know him on Supergirl, Tyler Hoechlin has been my favorite TV Superman. Well, non-animated TV. I love his show--these creators get the character, and Tyler does too. This episode was amazing--it was right up there with Clark telling Jimmy in the comics that he was Superman and having Jimmy string him along for a couple panels before telling Supes that he had known for a while. It's up there with him showing Perry, and Perry hugging him.
I love this show. I will sorely miss it.
This became my favorite episode of Superman & Lois. So much to say. Something the show didn't touch on much until this episode, Clark's secret identity as Superman does bring him a lot of loneliness. Something we see in comics a lot and My Adventures with Superman actually touched on. He had to push away friends, from his best pals like Jimmy to Lois before they married. It also made it so in a way he can never truly be himself except for when he's with those who know him fully. This episode tackled that head on and so much more.
Now I could go on about how like Lex this version of Jimmy is good but isn't fully accurate either or start ranting about how this was done and undone twice in less than 10 years recently in comics, but at the end of the day this is what's important: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Clark Kent to represent us kids and nerds like they were who struggled with getting out our shells, getting confidence, standing up for themselves, making friends and finding love. He's "just a regular guy". But inside that regular guy was a super man, someone who could make a difference. Like he could be in any of us.
I loved everything about this episode and you summed it up so well. Two small things I loved - the beginning when Denise just raises her eyebrows at him like, "you gonna get that plane or what?" And Lois turning around with hand to her heart after sending him off to meet up with Jimmy. So many great moments!
i love how this superman is so human, it's so good as a series tv show with low budget doing such a great character. i'll miss this show forever
Everything about it hits the mark for me, right down to moments like Clark covering for Jordan when he's in pain in the middle of a crowd, and has to take the kids eye lasers which hurt Supes, down to conversations feeling like conversations such as Lois and Clark talking over kryptonite weapons and Lois basically reluctantly says "I respect you feel they need to exist, but I still hate it" and not just "Oh hey you were right kudos we are the superman"
It is well written (mostly, some issues here and there) well cast, well directed and paced. Thanks to this show, I finally understand why people love Superman, and it's 99% because of Clark.
@@Bananahammock681 even the issues are fine. Live is not perfect after all.
He's the best Clark Kent. Hands down. He's not just acting like a dork, he is a dork. He's wholesome and he's real. He's not an act. But his Superman also feels real. I don't think Reeve's earnestness as Superman or ability to transform back and forth between Superman and Clark can be beaten, but Tyler's Clark feels like the realest Clark I've seen and by the way, it's insane just how good the decision making is in this show. In an average CW show, Lois would have used Doomsday to frame Lex in front of his daughter, instead she appealed to Doomsday heart from a place of honesty. The way Superman reveals his identity, it's something that's never done. It has to be earned and this show earned it.
The writing has always been good and it's a shame that the show hasn't gotten the attention it deserved. It feels like a show that people are going to discover in streaming over the next few years.
With reduced budget and episode count this season, reducing the screentime of recurring characters, the writers were basically forced to tie up loose ends and make every episode count. And boy, they delivered.
Unlike the flash
Even then it isn't all smooth sailing, but that makes me appreciate each episode and the ones where they get the W hit that much harder because of it.
EXACTLY. I HATE how much shit the cast and crew all went through because of bigger business decisions that were completely out of their hands.........but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't FINALLY getting the show I've been patiently waiting three long years for.
When Clark and the boys went to that kids house and basically gaslit him convincing him he was mistaken or crazy. That really felt like something Clark wouldn’t do. It felt gross that he was putting his secret above this kids mental health and sense or reality.
I was so relived it ended the way it did and he stopped actively lying to their friends and neighbors.
I love that basically the *boys were really uncomfortable about it, but Clark was way used to gaslight people, as he pretty much did with Jimmy during the flashbacks.
That's the thing. He felt bad about it too, but as far as Clark knows, the *only* people who know his secret are his extremely close friends and family, and even then it took him *years* to tell them. It took him 16 years to tell his own *sons* that he was Superman.
This Clark is far more alone than a lot of the others. A lot of the time shows, for example, like Smallville, will have Clark tell people or people figure it out, and sometimes if they know it's not exactly up to Clark.
S&L's Clark has been keeping a secret from basically everyone except Lois and her dad the entire time. Lois even brings this up *in* the episode. He doesn't know anything else.
So, while yes it does seem out of character, it's one of those "in-character out-of-character" moments where it's a contradiction, but it still makes sense.
A superb episode and this was the best Jimmy Olsen since Superman the movie.
This show deserves award nominations.
You've convinced me to check out Superman and Lois, which beforehand was a show I'd just completely dismissed as 'another superhero show'. Thanks for that, Steve, and thanks for changing my mind about superheroes, and thanks for doing what you do. 😀
I watch this show and feel good about life. The character dynamics, the dialogue, the wholesomeness, the honesty and the fact they dont shy away from rough subject matter.... Its a great show
These actors are great as Superman and Lois
If we can have THE BATMAN and THE BRAVE & THE BOLD in theaters, we can have SUPERMAN & LOIS on the small screen and James Gunn's Superman film on the big screen.
“Lance Hunt wears glasses. Captain Amazing doesn’t wear glasses.”
"Don't be ridiculous. He wouldn't be able to see!"
What i like about your commentary is if you know, you know.
My ocular implant seems to be malfunctioning. Thank you ❤
"It's never too late..." I'm going to remember that.
I have to say "The Red Dress" episode in season 3 ranks up there. Here's the most powerful person on the planet, and there's literally nothing he can do but show up for Lois when she's taking chemotherapy. You can see his love and frustration.
Been through something similar, and yeah. (cf Deadpool re: El cancer.)
I didn't have frustratingly ineffective superpowers, though. Rougher on Clark.
And well played by all.
For me, Superman and Star Trek have always been two great tastes that were pretty much in parallel. Examples of hope for a finer world, and the inspiration to make it that way. And both challenged by ethical quandaries and esoteric radiation to depower them when needed.
This series really nailed the persona of Clark Kent. He’s just a guy who loves life, and loves people. He realizes when he’s Superman, he has to be very careful that people trust him. But he is really deep down, just a really friendly guy trying to help people. Other incarnations of Superman have Clark being a persona that hides his real identity. In this show, it’s Clark that is the real person and Superman is the identity. For years I’ve thought of Superman as three people. Superman is the identity that he shows to the world, and he hast to be the Boy Scout and above reproach to avoid having humanity fearhim. Clark Kent is just the guise that he puts on so he can interact with everyone in a normal way. And Kal El was his true self, that he could only reveal to a couple people like Lois, Bruce, and Diana. As Kal EL he could express his honest frustrations and anger in life, but Superman and Clarke could never do that. But I think the show does a much better job of what I had envisioned.
I’m so glad you posted this vid. I had forgotten that the final season was airing and I’ve been looking for a show to fill my free time 😂
It coming so late in the run kind of reminds me of “Midnight” from the fourth series of Doctor Who.
The showrunner, Russell T. Davies, said he’d had the script and concept in his back pocket for years and really wanted to do it, but was worried about how it would be received, so he did it when he and everyone else already knew he was leaving the show.
And it’s one of the most critically acclaimed episodes of the revival era.
Just goes to show that sometimes we need to give more faith to our audiences and trust they’ll be receptive to those big swings.
I've loved this version of Superman since he guest appeared in Supergirl, and was very excited when it was announced that they would make a Superman series with Tyler. And true, it has had some ups and downs, but overall I thing it's been so very enjoyable. I love the actors and actresses in this show, especially Tyler and Elizabeth, they've brought new depths to the characters we know and love. And this episode is everything I could ever dream, it could have been the series finale and I would have been happy. That little scene at the end, after he's done the interview, when he gets dressed and debates whether to put on his glasses or not, and then leaves them at the dresser... no words, but it's so powerful!
Man i will miss this show when it end. This season been perfect and i am not ready for the last 3
The Secret Identity conundrum has been an issue with Spiderman from the beginning... which is part of the reason I always have and always will prefer him to Supes.
I do find the whole "Peter Parker would stand out as unfortunate in a plot by Sophocles" trope wearing.
Hey Steve, I love these Superman video. I love it when people understand him.
Some of the best comics in existence is when people realize that Clark is just a guy. He does what he thinks is right and he isn't always right.
He makes mistakes, even though many think of him as a Mcguffin and golden boy.
He is just someone who is doing his best with what he has.
This episode also resonates with LGBTQ+ people who come out later in life. I know that this iteration of Superman is not queer, but the whole idea of keeping a secret until it's no longer tenable, is something a lot of queers go through. Superman & Lois begins by rejecting the initial core trope of Clark Kent, the nebbishy, assimilated immigrant, who can't get the time of day from the woman he loves, also simultaneously being her dream man when he, as Superman, shows what he can do. We move from unrequited love, unjustly unrequited love, as a necessary feature of the character, to something closer to queer experience. Family secrets. Something the world can't know. Having some friends in the know, and a whole community that suspects. And finally just deciding that this is too hard for you and too unfair for other people, and then letting them know who you really are. This is how we all would love truth, justice, and the American way to be. Sometimes, especially in the lives of queer Americans, it is.
This is exactly what I thought. It's an excellent example of narrative metaphor used to speak to an experience that so many people can have in many different ways.
Sometimes metaphors don't work, but in this case it really resonated.
I don't really care about this stuff but it's interesting to hear. Superman and Lois is the best adaptation of Superman ever.
Superman is all about inclusion and allegories. So, I thought "this is like the quentisential coming out story" while watching the episode, plus Jon's bi in the comics, these characters have social conscience and that's why they work so well.
The sadness of the episode is outstanding and core to Tyler’s portrayal. I think it’s why his performance overall has so much depth because he undercuts it constantly internally with a sense of profound loss. The cast and creative team were firing on all cylinders.
I'm glad they made this episode a wholesome one, without much of lex or negativity. A refresher of the importance of family values.
I also love the baseball references (well, softball anyway) given tyler hoechlins background
Great presentation! Thank you!
I hope there was at least a little vignette, or there will be before the series ends, where that kid who was so terribly wronged by the Kent family lie - to the point where his own mother threw him under the bus in front of Clark and the kids - gets justice. Gets an apology. Gets acknowledged at least by his mother as having been right, and having been wronged.
PS: sorry to do this to you, but what you've described is a classic, truly outstanding redemption story. ;-)
you're such a good story teller, i wanna watch it now, had not even heard of it before!
This episode was absolutely brilliant. I absolutely love this show. My Adventures with Superman is also great.
This show turned into a genuine joy. Sure it's got some teen schlock like the infamous "I cheated on you and you have to be friends with the girl I cheated with" nonsense, but when it focuses on Clark, Lois (who actually talk with each other, not just at until one caves, love their chemistry in this show) and the boys I find myself enjoying it more than the super aspects. Except when he saved that sub, that was incredible.
Yeah that was an odd thing but weirder things have happened.
I did an internet search JUST to see if anyone else out there felt the same way about this episode. Your video was excellent and I agree with everything you expressed. S&L has had good bones from the beginning. Had a little ick here and there, but I’m very pleased that it seems they are sticking the landing. Once again, great video. Thanks 👍🏽
Not only do you appreciate and get why this is such a fantastic episode of Superman and Lois, what it means to the character and the fans… but you have a box set of Angel on your shelf? Mad respect. ✊
Steve, I just saw every episode of Superman and Lois this season, including the one you reviewed. It was everything you said it was! I've always liked this show, and I didn't know it had returned until I saw your review. I once again see why I liked this show. Thanks!
I haven't gotten to the series yet, but I'm up to speed on a lot of the plot beats and have seen scenes as UA-cam shorts, etc
I think something that makes an episode like this hit so strong is how straight they play the secret identity. The scene where they tell Lois' dad the truth was stand-out. Nothing flashy, no winking nods. He just takes off the glasses
"Well I'll be damned."
I’m am so glad you made this video, it weirds me out how often I think we’d actually be best friends in real life and then you make another video to drive that home. I was born in 83 and we share very similar views on star trek and then recently I realized we have very similar political views and then you drop this video. I’ve loved this show from the jump. It’s a brilliant concept, “how do we take Superman, who’s been around for 90 years and over a 1000 main number issued comics and make him fresh and compelling without doing a Terry Matalas style memberberry binge and purge marathon?” They humanized him in an incredibly relatable way and kept that hopeful optimism cheesiness of the Reeves iteration. The cornerstone of the Superman mythos is that no matter what, Clark saves Lois, so to watch Superman find his way to accept the fact that his wife may die of cancer in season 3 was incredible story telling. I am so glad you’re talking about this show, thx for the video, I love your stuff.
I have loved Superman for quite some time George Reeves reruns in the 1960s. But I got goosebumps when I saw him standing in that diner as Superman. He made his identity know to his lifelong friends in his hometown. They deserved that truth more than anyone. I thought it was a great piece of TV and I was so happy to watch it unfold. Now I will be delirious with excitement if the Green Arrow is in the Finale since he started the Arrowverse and we get to hear him say "Lex Luther you have failed this City". 🙂
Astro City by Busiek, Anderson, and Ross have a great first issue about their faux Superman, the Samaritan, who is sort in the flashback period that Steve talks about, when he hasnt told anybody who he really is, and he regrets being unable to have any relationships and is alone, and spends most of time in costume because thats the "right" use of his time. Another great take on the same central conflict to the archetype
I don't usually take much time to find out whos writing or directing shows i watch nowadays. Mainly because it saves me any grief if someone turns out to be not so good a person. That whole diatribe aside, whoever is on the team for this show genuinely love Superman, and you can tell they went to great lengths to not make a "good onscreen Superman" they collaborate with the actors to make a GOOD SUPERMAN. He comes off as sincere, with strong morals, and even stronger desire to maintain them. He's written as a good man, and a great Superman.
Tyler Hoechlin is a fantastic Clark Kent and Superman. He nails the essences of the characters.
Damn, I'm just stunned that the CW hasn't fucked it up the way they did all of the other Arrowverse shows
Agreed, I have also been watching it from the beginning and had watched all of Supergirl. The diner scene brought tears to my eyes as I could see in the look he gave Lois that they were not able to have a discussion about it before he changed and revealed himself. I loved this episode. I said at the end of Supergirl and now, I wish we had gotten a season or two to explore what the world is like for them now that there is no secret anymore. In Supergirl they made that the last moment of the whole series, here we get three episodes.
I absolutely love this series. I have a lot of issues with it, this season included, but it understands the core of Clark/Superman so so well. And when it hits it HITS.
I originally left this series during season 2 because there was still too much going on with the Arrowvers and I did not have the time to get through another show. With it being on its own now the show has gotten much better. I am also watching through with my first time through Smallville.
I agree about the two lead actors fitting so perfectly into their roles, and the first season of Superman and Lois was outstanding. It sidestepped cliches that CW shows usually going running head-first into while building real family dynamics and characters. I don't think they're maintained the quality of that first season, but the episode you've discussed here felt very real. Here's to a strong finish.
The dinner scene was wonderfully done, and another of my favorite scenes is when Clark hesitates whether to wear his glasses or not after he revealed the secret, something he has done his entire life and he doesn't need to do it anymore.
Overall, a very good episode. A solid episode from beginning to end.
BTW, great episodes: The pilot was great, episode 11 from season 1 was great (the first flashback), the red dress episode was great, the final episode of season 3 was great (the doomsday battle clifthanger), and this one.
I'm not really a fan of superman, or superheroes in general, but I'm always here for these videos because you have way of really zeroing in on the most interesting elements. Kinda makes me feel like I'm a kid again -- back when I *was* really into Superman.
Anyway, your spiel about the fundamental contradiction in Superman's character got me thinking about a really cool story idea -- though knowing how long Superman has been flying around, and how many reboots and AUs there surely are, nevermind fanfics, it's very likely it's already been done. Here's the thing: what if Superman *wasn't* lying about his identity? Like, ever? What if he never actually had a secret identity, and people just assumed he did? Any time someone asks him, "Hey, Clark... are you superman?" He just goes, "Yeah." Only hardly anyone ever asks that question, and when they do, they're close enough to him that they don't care to spread it around.
Imagine a story about Lex Luthor or some other villain struggling to uncover Superman's "secret identity," investigating, cajoling, surveilling... finally confronting Clark Kent with the intent to blackmail him... only for for Clark to smile, dismiss him, and point out that he was never hiding anything in the first place.
Just a thought.
Similar but not quite to your idea, there have been one or two story beats to that effect (that I'm familiar with). One where he talks about how he plays up the bumbling everyman aspect of Clark in order to emphasize the differences but also because why would someone (ordinarily) put so much effort into being a buffoon. A second where Luther does figure it out but can't understand why Superman would pretend to be Clark (again, a bumbling everyman) and rejects the conclusion.
The diner scene was my favorite. It also validated Clark as a regular guy regardless of his powers.
Agree, this was the first time I’ve seen an episode of a show that I had to tell non-Superman fans about. That’s when you know it was that good.
I loved that actress when she was in GRIMM.
And, on the behalf of late bloomers who may be yet to bloom, I love your interpretation of Super Man turning over a new leaf in order to improve his life.
I haven't watched this show. However, on your recommendation I'm almost through the first season. Dig it! Thanks!
Really loved the episode. Fantastic analysis!
I've been waiting for you to talking about Superman and Lois forever!!! (Well, since it started.)
A great series and a FANTASTIC Episode. I fully agree with you
Damn! He owes that kid a massive apology. Openly gaslighting him to his mom and letting him catch shit for it.
Excellent episode!!
I love the idea of surfacing a feature of the character so familiar we barely think about it and exploring what it would really mean. I’d love a story someday about Superman’s triage process: All the lesser crimes and disasters he’s aware of but must consciously choose to ignore in order to spend any time in the guise of Clark Kent, and the guilt he feels about that.
I think that was kind of implied in this episode where he skips out of the final championship match. It is sort of implied that Clark skipped the match but then had to hope that no superman level events were required that they. But if there was, Clark may have had to make the choice to not intervene so that Jimmy couldn't confirm his suspicions about Clark being superman.
I don't think the writers wanted to get into that too much (Clark choosing not to intervene with some kinda superman level events), but to me, the writers gave us just enough to leave us with that implication.
Thanks for this..❤
Tyler and the rest of the cast on that show are top notch. And Tyler really makes a great Chris Reeve successor ;)
Totally agree Steve. There were no bad scenes in that episode. Solid episode in a STELLAR series. I'm going to hate seeing it come to a close.
That scene was perfect
There's a gay/trans allegory in those last episodes even if it was unintentional. loved the show.
Idc about this stuff. But what does it have to do with the show?
@@blackoutemzz2674 Having to hide oneself for the fear of your true self being so divisive and hated by some people that it puts your loved ones in danger?
The small groups of people in the know while you are isolated from everyone else?
being so worried about revealing your true self that you make a choice to cut off a friendship rather than take the chance you'll be found out?
There's a reason people used superman as a gay icon in the 80s/90s even if its less common now.
The All american, very masculine man would be called upon, literally enter a phonebooth or other small area, and come out as his true self in a colorful, spandex costume...
I mean, these are very apparent and obvious through lines. idk if they were intentional or not, but its very much not new for a superman property to do this.
Clark's secret was Jonathan and Martha Kent's secret before that, now being exposed it show others at "Superman's kids" and "Superman's wife" it's a pretty big deal actually.
It's probably the best representation of Superman on a show, make the dude being a family man was the best idea, having the guy kicking ass and the minute after being a worried concerned dad about his kid learning powers or making weird superhero stuff is great.
I cried on about 4 scenes this episode. 😂. What a beautiful show.
i love this kind of content
I’m a big fan of the show. I loved the big reveal in the restaurant scene. I was cheering
Saw the diner scene just yesteday. Awesome scene❤
The scene where the kid who got called a liar by his mom got affirmation when watching Clark's TV interview was brief, but also a good scene.
How can we get Superman and Lois nominated for an Emmy? Actors and/or writers should be recognized for this show. The job Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch have done with this show has been phenomenal. Maybe a nod like that would convince The CW (or some other network) to keep the show alive for another season or two.
Just wrapped up the episode. Phenomenal!! This might be the best season. Hoping it sticks the landing
this is a great show! I love the actors too..never liked any other Lois' until this one and Tyler is the best superman in my opinion. Perfect portrayal of how Superman should be. Kind , good person, just wants to help people ... just overall likeable.