Arrowverse expert Chancellor Agard and TV critic Darren Franich take an in-depth look at the unconventional new superhero series.
Superman & Loislaunched Tuesday night with an extra-large series premiere.
They’re married, with twin sons, juggling a major lifestyle change with an unexpected new nemesis.
The CW
In thisspoiler-heavyrecap, EW’s Arrowverse correspondent Chancellor Agard and critic Darren Franich discuss the series premiere in-depth.
DARREN:I didn’t really know what to expect from this show, Chance.
But I enjoyed seeingTyler HoechlinandElizabeth Tullochwhen they popped up as Clark and Lois in the crossovers.
Dean Buscher/The CW
We can confirm the “new” part, at least.
And I was totally fascinated with the economic hardship facing everyone in Smallville.
I’m curious about your reaction, though.
Dean Buscher/The CW
What did you think of this series premiere?
I think Hoechlin and Tulloch’s dynamic feels very lived in and suggests a long history.
Like everyone, I assumed the show would be brightly colored like the rest of the Arrowverse shows.
Of course, we were wrong and I’m glad we were.
Visually, it reminded me more ofMan of SteelthanSupergirlat times.
That being said, it doesn’t feel likeSuperman & Loisis rehashing well-trodden ground.
Superman & Lois' goals are distinct.
Speaking of Jordan, I’m surprised by how much I loved the premiere’s handling of the twins.
I think Elsass and Garfin found the right balance of playing believable teenagers without making them feel annoying.
Darren, you’re not only a reformed comic book geek, but you’re also a father.
How did you feel about the show’s depiction of not only Superman but also parenthood?
DARREN:I love the connection you’re drawing to the other CW super-parents.
With two full-time jobs, Clark’s not home enough.
I agree with you that the twins are pretty compelling.
But as you point out, I’m in the upper tier of the CW’s viewing demographic.
So the part of the pilot that hit memostwas Lana (Emmanuelle Chriqui) arriving with her two kids.
That said, the show hasn’t fully figured out “parenting” as a narrative strategy.
She has to keep Superman on his toes; she’sLois Lane, man!
That is, like, midlife crisis talk (or maybe a touch of pandemic era white flight.)
I know, I know: She’s also moving to Smallville because something something Morgan Edge.
Chance, can you explain to me preciselywhoCaptain Luthor is?
So, I’m mostly onboard with Captain Luthor.
But here comes the “but”: I feel like every Superman thing uses the Luthors.
When will Brainiac or Mongul get their time to shine?
(Yes, I knowSmallvilledid a diet version of Brainiac).
All of that being said, the superhero corner of the show is what gave me the most pause.
Like, Lois had more tension with her father than Clark did.
DARREN:“The Army’s Pal, Superman,” not really a Superman I groove onto.
And General Lane’s persistent presence is tangible residue from the frowny uniformed commanders second-fiddling in theHenry Cavillmovies.
I think the intention with Sam is to further complicate the central family dynamic.
But his disappearing-reappearing “there’s plot happening!”
act gets old fast.
(Honestly and I hope he takes this as an embedded compliment Walsh doesn’t look old enough.)
Remember how Superboy-Prime caused DC comics retcons by bashing the fabric of reality?
Kindly punch Sam Lane out of this continuity, yo!
I agree with you on both fronts regarding Captain Luthor.
That said: You’re right about the over-use of People Named Luthor.
Can it successfully incorporate green big-brained aliens and fifth-dimensional imps?
Or does its mournful-serious aesthetic forbid those villains from appearing?
In which case: What other villains are there?
I think there’s a common double-edged reaction emerging in our conversation.
On one hand,Superman & Loisis doing something very new with very familiar characters.
Oh, you’re free to spot the cinematic reference points visually.
I point everyone to yourgreat talk with director Lee Toland Krieger, who shouts out bothSuperman ReturnsandMan of Steel.
So there’s a depressing fallback quality to some of the larger story decisions.
It’s a bold new post-mythology story… and the bad guy is a remnant from the last crossover.
So this series is a mixed bag, full of impressive ambitions I want to support.
You mentionedSmallville, which is actually an intriguing touchstone for this new series.
You’re the residentSmallvilleexpert, Chance.
(In general, Marvel is better at synergy.
See: their attempts at making the Inhumans a thing a few years ago).
It’s not exactly the same, but it’s close enough in a way that’s cool.
Furthermore, I think the amount of new material in the premiere outweighs the familiar.
I’m excited to see where the Powers That Be take the Man of Tomorrow and his family.
