Superman & Lois, Season 3 Episode 4: The Battle Even Superman Can’t Fight

Superman & Lois Season 3 is off to a great start with its first four episodes. Its intention of showing the family side of the Man of Steel and letting viewers into his world is well done despite only a few shortcomings.

Episode 1 starts off with the aftermath of defeating Season 2 villain Morgan Edge. With a bigger budget as the series premiere there is a good amount of action set pieces. Superman/Clark Kent (played by Tyler Hoechlin) and Lois Lane (played by Elizabeth Tulloch) have moments of pause from last season’s aftermath. While there is a sense of peace for the two and their sons Jordan (played by Alex Garfin) and Jonathan (now played by Jordan Elsass), a looming unease is felt throughout the personal moments especially as Lois shows concerns for her health. At the end of the episode, there is a reveal of a new villain and audiences are given direction for what this season will likely focus on.

Episode 2 is all about Lois and her health. While there are other side plots happening, it is evident her health is a catalyst for everything moving forward. After stopping an attempt of a doctor from jumping off of a building, Superman shows up right as Lois reveals how life is worth living even when life is hard. It’s revealed she has cancer and it’s done in a way that is respectful to anyone who has been impacted from it. Clark and Lois’ respective actors do a phenomenal job in this moment as their acting truly makes the audiences feel the reality of something not even Superman can defeat.

Episode 3 gives audiences more insight into the side characters–specifically the sons and John Henry Irons (played by Wole Parks). After the events of last season, Irons is struggling existing in a world familiar but not his own. Meanwhile, the sons are facing personal challenges that allow the season to focus on smaller moments rather than steel bending ones.

Episode 4, which aired on April 4, 2023, begins with a forest fire and it’s a well-done moment for Superman and Jordan to flex their powers. After getting a family out of the fire, they make their way back to Smallville and the story revolves about the Kent family, Irons and his sister Natalie (played by Tayler Buck), the villain Bruno Mannheim (played by Chad L. Coleman) and Lana Lang (played by Emmanuelle Chriqui).

There may feel like a lot going on in this episode, however, the structure and pacing kept each piece moving without sacrificing the overarching plot of Clark trying to be there for his sick wife while parenting the two sons. Where I felt the episode was weakest was in the Lana Lang plot. Her whole narrative of struggling with anger felt out of place and almost as though there was a need to keep the character part of the story while not having a specific use for her. It’s no fault of the actress, however, viewers will likely wonder if there is a payoff to Lang’s outburst.

There is a common criticism of CW shows that go past the first couple of seasons that they tend to fall off. For Superman & Lois, this doesn’t feel like the case. The first four episodes have had a good amount of action while showing the human side of the Kent family and others part of their story. Irons being in this universe doesn’t feel like a gimmick and the way in which his connection to Bruno Mannheim and Lois keeps the character relevant without shoehorned into a specific plot. The first four episodes are very enjoyable and the writers handling each episode are clearly making a conscious effort to focus on quality.

The writing is supported by the acting done by the entire cast. Every individual has their own voice and acts like their own person. The sons aren’t a copy paste of either of the parents but have their own natural motivations. Parks, who plays Irons, is a believable genius who is doing his best to make his way in a different world and his interaction with Clark serves as a reminder of the human side of being a hero. Prior to this season it was announced Jonathan Kent would be played by Jordan Elsass after Michael Bishop decided to step down. Elsass has been a good addition to the cast and his portrayal of Jonathan and chemistry of the other actors has kept the season from being negatively impacted.

The production quality of the first four episodes is done well and CGI throughout the episodes are not overdone. Set pieces feel like real parts of Smallville and all technology incorporated in the show is grounded without looking silly or cheap. Clark having to switch to Superman cleverly done to imply the super powered alien has taken flight but let the action take place off screen to not overdo any visuals.