Superman and Lois: A New Hope

First, I have to say, I love anything with that Kryptonian “S” shield.  I have been a Superman fan for most of my life.  First, watching George Reeves in re-runs of the old 50s show, and then the 70s version played by Christopher Reeve and the animated adventures on The Super friends on Saturday mornings.  I have enjoyed every incarnation of the character.  When Tyler Hoechlin took over the mantle and donned the cape, I was very pleased (I was a fan of his from Teen Wolf…what, it’s a guilty pleasure).  I believe his personification is unique and honest.  But I wasn’t sure what to expect from a show that focuses more on the home life of Clark and Lois as parents to twin teenage boys.  All I can say, is I really enjoyed it.

When a family emergency calls Clark and Lois away from Metropolis to Smallville, they realize that the slower pace life of small town life may just be what their family needs.  But the town is struggling and not the idyllic place Clark remembers.  Add in complicated family dynamics as Clark’s secret identity is revealed to his kids, a militant father-in-law who wants Superman to do his bidding, a mysterious stranger trying to destroy nuclear power plants, and a nefarious millionaire secretly snatching up property in Smallville and you have enough drama for many episodes to come.

I really enjoyed the episode.  The story flowed well.  Pilots can sometimes get bogged down with finding the balance between needed exposition and smooth storytelling.  This episode found a good mix of the two.  We are given hints at things to come as the season progresses, with just enough information to intrigue the viewer without it seeming out of place.  The script had a certain honestly and truth to it and the production values were exceptional with the special affects seamlessly woven into the story.

The production is well cast.  Tyler Hoechlin as the mild mannered reporter and the extremely powerful Superman is very good.  He isn’t quite as meek or goofy as Christopher Reeve.  He plays Clark with a certain amount of confidence but still a large dose of humility.  Elizabeth Tulloch comes across as a strong capable woman who can manager her career as a world famous reporter and be the anchor for the family.  Jordan Elsass and Alex Garfin as Jonathan and Jordan Kent, the twin sons of Lois and Clark, feel like real brothers.  Fighting against each other, but always there for one another.  Jonathan is the popular kid, with the looks and athletic ability, the kid that everything seems to come easy to.  Jordan has severe social anxiety, he feels like a stranger in the world and really has to work at making social connections.  Both parts are played excellently.  Dylan Walsh as General Sam Lane, Lois’ father, who not only knows Clark’s secret identity, but uses it to his advantage in his attempts to keep the world safe.  Rounding out the cast are Emmanuelle Chriqui as Lana Lang and Erik Valdez as Kyle Cushing (Lana’s husband), who provide a link to Clark’s past.