TV Review: Superman & Lois Brings The Family Drama
To say I am excited for the new Superman & Lois is an understatement. After seeing the pilot, I could not wait to see the entire series, in part, because it completely re-focuses the lens from which we capture superheroes. So often, even when we discuss about historical legends, we don’t cover their daily lives. We don’t imagine them with families, and what it must be like for Superman to come home to his wife and kids after saving the earth. Yet, on February 23 at 9PM EST, the CW promises to show that, after adventures, “the mundane” of family is not so boring at all.
I always wondered what it would be like if Batman had a little brother he had to pick up after school, or if Harley Quinn had three little sisters and a mom that were totally against her relationship with The Joker and made sure she felt that when she came over for Thanksgiving. The idea of being a superhero and having troubling family dynamics isn’t, necessarily, covered in comics, at least films, unless the family member is also super-powered and an enemy. Enter Jordan Elsass’ Jonathan Kent and Alex Garfin’s Jordan Kent as Lois and Clark Kent’s twins, and the dowry to bringing a new, filmed light to the first comic book hero of all time: fatherhood.
Admittedly, it is kind of strange and fascinating to see Tyler Hoechlin’s Clark Kent try to talk to his kids and be a “cool” dad. It is riveting, at least for me, because it amplifies Superman’s humanity unlike ever before. Usually, series and movies cover him young and trying to go “somewhere” like school or starting his career. Yet, Hoechlin delivers a Clark Kent who has landed: he has a wife, kids, and a career. He is not growing up; he is grown. The same goes for the fierce Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch), whom is trying to maneuver what is life after kids.
Let’s be honest! It is not until way into our own adulthood, even not until we become parents as well, that we consider our parents had a life before us. Who were they when their only goal was to build themselves? In Superman & Lois, both are focused on building their children, and their kids are yin and yang. By episode 1, you know one of them is definitely super-powered, and we’ll see what happens if the other levels up. Yet, what is clear is that they are opposites in nature. Elsass’ Jonathan is super sweet, charismatic, and rambunctious, while Garfin’s Jordan is a total toss for what we would expect from the happy, Kent family. Jordan is angry, depressed, and even a little mean. He is harsh and has an affinity for villains, while Jonathan is the popular QB.Yet, both boys have big hearts and are trying to find their identity, as young men, while finding out their dad is an alien and also Superman.
As a pilot, Superman & Lois solidifies the potential of this show to change the landscape and framework of superhero series and films. In the same way, Wandavision is truly a show about grief or Legion was about mental health, Superman & Lois brings nuance to humanity via parenthood. Its characters are looking to feel saved as much as saving the world.
