Superman and Lois Episode 2: Heritage

Spoilers Ahead; Stay mad.

After an amazing pilot episode, a two-hour how-to on creating an amazing Superman show, I was nervous for episode two of Superman and Lois. Episode Two, Heritage,  continues the solid foundation created by the first. This episode continues to build the framework in the new status quo. The Kent family all have a lot on their plate, and it’s great to see each character’s story arc fleshing further out within this episode. To put things into perspective, Jordan has superpowers, The Kents have relocated to Smallville, and Lois is investigating Morgan Edge, the businessman who bought out the Daily Planet, fired Clark, and is digging their roots into Smallville. On top of all that, there’s an alternate universe Lex Luthor who wants to kill Superman at any cost. So yeah, there’s a lot to explore. 

This episode gives enough space for every plotline to get some room to move ahead. Clark is giving Jordan the opportunity to understand his Kryptonian heritage. From taking him to the Fortress of Solitude to meeting AI Supercomputer Grandpa, Jor-El; the trouble comes from the fact that Jor-El has tested Jordan and his powers were looking more like a fluke than anything else. Teenagers already don’t feel special so the realization, that his powers and the one thing he may have had over his superstar brother is never coming back, is a heavy blow to the boy’s ego. Meanwhile, Jonathan is dealing with a stereotypical CW plotline. The former superstar freshman, starting QB in Metropolis is now a fish out of water in Smallville, and things are different in the country. Jordan made moves on Sarah, who is dating the current QB, and since Jordan isn’t going to school until we know his powers are in control, Jonathan becomes the main target. Jonathan is becoming one of my favorite characters simply because of how much he has sacrificed for his brother. His friends, his home, his promising football career in Metropolis were all given for Jordan’s sake, and this is a burden he tries to shoulder alone. He reminds me of his dad. It’s amazing how the show writers are able to balance the teen angst and the brotherly love. These two siblings feel like real brothers, supporting one another despite their differences. 

Speaking of dads, Superman is investigating The Stranger, who we now know as Captain Lex Luthor (Wolé Parks). They clash once again, battling in an epic fashion around the world. The effects in this show blow all other CW programs out the water and it’s still amazing to see this from a TV show. This Luthor is unlike the ones we know of, he isn’t a billionaire with jealousy that’s driven him to hate Superman. He is a soldier from an Earth where Superman is everyone’s worst nightmare. A tyrant, hellbent on subjugating humanity, and Lex fought  against this evil Superman with General Lane, Lois’ father. Luthor seeks out General Lane and delivers dog tags, prompting some questioning from the Man Of Steel. General Lane reveals to have a supply of most of the world’s kryptonite, he says for his son in law’s protection. Although, this leaves you with a sense of unease as Lex is looking for that same kryptonite to repair his suit, and resupply for his next battle with our Superman.

However, let’s not forget that Lois is in the show title, and this episode definitely shows us that despite all the superhero plot lines, that it can come right back down and deliver us an interesting plot right here on Earth. Lois is hot on the trails on her investigation against Morgan Edge. Her research leads her to come to blows with the citizens of Smallville. They believe she is working against their best interest, but Lois’ research shows Morgan Edge is very willing to take advantage of the citizens for their own personal gain, as they’ve done to other towns in the past.  After submitting a damning article, Morgan Edge, rewrites her work, releasing a fluff piece. This is the last straw as Lois walks in on Morgan Edge himself during a board meeting to hand-deliver her resignation. Lois Lane isn’t someone to mess with, and she makes it known. Seeing Lois walk away from the news company that made her career is quite an event, it’s her declaration of war against Morgan Edge and it’s exciting. Episode Two is a solid showing and makes me excited to see what’s yet to come, as familiar as this feels, it’s all something very new. It’s also very good.