This review was made possible by screeners of Episodes 1-2 of Superman & Lois provided by The CW for review purposes. Superman & Lois releases on the CW on March 14th. New episodes release every Tuesday on the CW
These past few months have been uncharted territory for the DC Universe, as the reign of James Gunn and Peter Safran begins with a whole new slate of films and series set within the new DCU. Before that can fully take the reins, those left in the dust remain to finish out their runs. The CW’s Superman & Lois is one of those series, set to return for its third season on the channel and sets up what looks to be quite the season with its first two episodes.
It’s all about… FAMILY
Since the very first episode of Superman & Lois, there has been a strong spotlight on the entire Kent family, being the show’s main dynamic as Clark uproots Lois, Jordan, and Jon back to Smallville, and we watch as this family assimilates into an unknown world that grows closer than ever before.
While theres a bit less Superman in these episodes and a lot more Clark, we’re still, treated to the delightful chemistry between Bitsie Tulloch and Tyler Hoechlin, who do a knockout job of working together as Lois and Clark on multiple different fronts, whether that be as parents, Journalists, or even alongside each other when Clark is suited up, they’ve cemented themselves as fantastic adaptations of Clark Kent and Lois Lane.
The Jonathan-Sized Elephant in The Room
For those who hadn’t heard, or may be walking into this season unknown to the situation the series faced at the beginning of production on Season 3. A familiar face will not be returning to the series. Star Jordan Elsass, known for his role as Jonathan Kent in the series, departed the role citing “personal reasons”, with actor Michael Bishop stepping into the role as one of the Kent twins. It’s safe to say that this recasting may take fans a bit of time to adjust to.
Elsass brought a much different energy and swagger to the jock-type attitude that Jonathan was known for, but Bishop seems to be a much calmer and level-headed version of the character, one that I found a lot less intimidating but still found myself loving. While he seems like a very different person, he still fits right in with the Kents. The other upside of this casting is that Bishop is actually a bit more believable as the son of Lois and Clark and brother to Jordan, played by actor Alex Garfin.
Great Powers and Great Responsibility
Jordan has always been one of the series best and most intriguing characters, as we’ve seen him spread his wings and fly (literally) since arriving in Smallville. While the series has taken a bit of a different approach to Superman’s lineage, with Jordan being an original character and the one to get powers, they’ve done a great job at really exploring this character and this season we really see him put to the test, meeting the limitations to his newfound kryptonian abilities based on the restrictions of his parents, while also having Jordan learn that just because he has these powers, doesn’t mean all how worries are going to fade away.
The Smallville aspect of the show has become increasingly more charming as the series has progressed. Especially as it allows its supporting characters like John Henry Irons, Natalia Irons, Lana Lang, and Kyle Cushing so much room to develop and breathe. The writers nail it and just really humanize this story further with so much appreciation for those who make Smallville feel like a home. Even the villains, without going into details, are so menacing and well-motivated and bring a genuine wave of fear with them everywhere they go, it’s great stuff that’s moved forward with great casting.
‘Superman & Lois’ Season 3 – Final Thoughts
While the CW shows have garnered quite the reputation over the past few years and the recent shuffling of the DC live-action properties has thrown the franchise into a whole new direction, Superman & Lois is a refreshing and charming return to the DC Universe with a heartwarming take on the character’s mythos. With a great leading cast in Hoechlin and Tulloch alongside Garfin and Bishop, the show is something special that people should be checking out. So cast aside that Arrowverse distaste for a second and enjoy a well-made series.
Superman & Lois releases on The CW on March 14th. Episodes will be available to stream on The CW the next day. Check out the trailer below:
