On the season premiere of Superman & Lois, the Kent Family makes a huge life decision with Clark relocating everyone from Metropolis to his hometown of Smallville. In the new setting, he makes a renewed effort to be a better father but the move doesn’t reduce any of the drama in his life. A new mysterious stranger is sabotaging nuclear power plants and has a vendetta against Superman, a wealthy mogul is looking to exploit the desperate people of Smallville, and one of his sons begins to exhibit superpowers.
To help better explain his son’s powers, Clark takes Jordan to the Fortress of Solitude. It is some nice fan service to visit such an iconic location and we get Robert the Bruce himself, Angus McFayden playing Jor-El. The wonder and joy Jordan experiences learning about his history is really cool to witness as he finds a way to connect with his father. For casual fans or newbies, the scenes also serve as a good way to catch up on the superhero’s backstory. Although, it is peculiar that Jonathan is left out because this is his history too and it points to Clark’s poor parenting decisions by playing favorites again.
Jonathan could use the extra support. He’s already jealous for not being invited but then he’s bullied at school for Jordan’s previous actions. He finds himself in the unfamiliar position of not fitting in and misses having the safety net of his sibling around. When they’re reunited there are some tender brotherly moments that highlight their closeness despite their differences.
Meanwhile, Lois investigates Morgan Edge and writes a hard-hitting exposé for the Daily Planet. Unfortunately, Edge is also the new owner of the paper and he predictably edits the piece to fit his narrative. This is another instance where the character’s behavior doesn’t track with who they are. Lois is a celebrated veteran reporter and it’s really foolish to think the article would run as is in Morgan’s outlet. I understand it builds to her boss moment when she hands in her resignation letter, but the impact of the scene is lessened by her own naiveté.
Lois also makes the misstep of calling out Edge at the town hall meeting. She’s already viewed with skeptical eyes because of her outsider status and now she jeopardizes a much-needed economic boost to Smallville. I know she has good intentions and is probably right, but it seems like such an amateurish move to be played in public in that manner. On the flipside, there is some pointed social commentary when Kyle Cushing admits to selling out the town for a fraction of what Edge can offer. After all, a piece of something is still better than nothing.
Elsewhere, Alex Luthor continues his crusade against Kal-El (he refuses to call him Superman). We receive a bit more of his past and motivations including a link to a Samuel Lane. There’s a fascinating play when he reaches out to Clark’s father in law for an unlikely alliance. At this point, it doesn’t seem likely that the general will switch sides but his relationship with the Man of Steel is definitely strained. Maybe a few more disagreements could change his mind.
“Heritage” is another inconsistent episode with intriguing developments but is bogged down by out of character behavior from the titular characters.
Episodes of Superman & Lois air Tuesday nights on The CW.
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