Review: Superman & Lois 3×01 – “Closer”
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Director: Tom Cavanagh
Writers: Brent Fletcher & Todd Helbing
Starring: Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Alex Garfin, Michael Bishop, Inde Navarrette, Wole Parks, Tayler Buck, Dylan Walsh, Erik Valdez
Reviewed by: Steven Brown
Summary
In the first episode of season three of Superman & Lois, titled “Closer,” we find the people of Smallville attempting to move forward with their lives after the events of last season. Lois and Clark are spending more time together, while Jordan and Jonathan are each attempting to find new paths for themselves in life. Kyle and Lana are moving forward with their lives and divorce, with Kyle doing so in a very surprising way.
Positives
“Closer” starts with the Kents at the new Fortress of Solitude, which is located in the middle of the ocean. With Clark introducing his family to his mother, the Kents have a moment of peace before heading back to Smallville. Meanwhile, Sam Lane, who is back in charge of the Department of Defense, attempts to connect with John Henry Irons’ daughter, Natalie. On the alternate Earth, Sam was Natalie’s grandfather, and he attempts to connect with her by asking her to join him for a movie.
This episode shows how everyone is moving on from the machinations of Ally Allston in the previous season, and it does a good job of doing so. Jordan is training hard to become a hero like his father, but his eagerness causes things to get worse during a disaster in Malaysia. Jonathan, meanwhile, struggles to overcome every teenager’s nightmare — the driving exam. With Lois as his teacher before the test, it was quite funny seeing her trying to teach her son how to drive. A very relatable parental moment.
Positives (continued)
Moving on is different for everyone, and there’s no exception for Kyle and Lana. Kyle finds comfort in Chrissy this episode, and I honestly hope a relationship forms from it, although Chrissy’s reaction to waking up next to Kyle was hilarious!
Atom-Man makes another appearance in this episode, and wreaks destruction in Metropolis. Thought to have been currently serving life in prison, this villain is on a warpath in Metropolis until Superman shows up to stop him. However, this fight is different. Atom-Man has powered up somehow and is able to keep up with the Kryptonian. Finally ending the fight in Suicide Slum, Superman attempts to question the villain, but Atom-Man is suddenly murdered. Unable to find the culprit, even with his powers, it’s clear that someone with skills and resources is involved. I’m looking forward to the reveal at some point in the future.
Negatives
There are no negatives to report for this episode.
Verdict
“Closer” was a great introduction to season three of Superman & Lois. The people of Smallville are very resilient, and this episode showcased that perfectly.
Score: 5/5
