REVIEW: Superman & Lois 1×01: Pilot – It’s a Lois and Clark Solo Series, baby!

It’s 2021, y’all, and Lois Lane STILL doesn’t have a solo movie.

On the other hand, it’s 2021 and Lois Lane has a co-staring TV Show now!

That’s what you call loosing the battle but winning the war.

Superman & Lois is the latest take on DC’s man in tights. Part of the Arrowverse, the show was developed by Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti and stars Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent, Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane, and Jordan Elsass & Alex Garfin as their sons Jonathan & Jordan.

The show has a different feel from most Arrowverse-fare. It’s presented in anamorphic widescreen, making the show look like you’re watching a feature film. This isn’t *just* Superman & Lois, it’s something more cinematic.

This take on Superman begins farther along in the Kent’s marriage. They have two teenage boys now, Jonathan and Jordan; one’s a jock and the other is a gamer battling mental health issues. Life is going well for the family until tragedy strikes in Smallville and a mysterious Stranger starts attacking nuclear facilities.

I’m wildly impressed by this show’s casting. Tyler and Elizabeth are a home run, and their relationship dynamic is just solid. Jordan and Alex are great too, but it’s gonna be interesting to see how this series handles their presence. It’s still too early to know how they’ll tackle this version of Superboy, but splitting him between multiple characters is a unique take. Lana Lang is even in this show, and actress Emmanuelle Chriqui plays her like she’s got a lot to hide.

Wolé Parks plays the main antagonist, who I won’t name if you’ve not seen the pilot. We get only the briefest glimpses of his face and motivations, but it sounds like the multiverse is involved. Park’s character hints at a dense history in this universe, and it’s gonna be interesting to see it all unfold.

As this pilot played out, I was struck by just how great it was. An early montage plays tribute to classic Superman and Lois stories, and the show exudes this vibe of groundedness. Clark and Lois are seen battling budget cuts and a drug crisis, demonstrating all the reasons why hometowns need heroes too. This show’s defining trait seems to be a blend of Smallville‘s focus on community and Man of Steel‘s focus on humanity; those are good choices, but it must be stated that this take feels nothing like the ones that came before it. The attention to detail the creators gave this show is just lovely.

Superman & Lois was a wonderful return to this world of characters. It’s not perfect, but it’s full of small perfections that give it the spice to be something great. It is easily the best pilot I’ve seen in a while and I’m excited to follow where it leads next.

5/5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐