REVIEW: Superman & Lois S3 Ep 3: In Cold Blood
Superman & Lois S3 Ep 3 is an essential Lois Lane story if she ever had a criterion collection. The writers and production crew not only showcase their ability to dramatize her for the screen, but also a really clear understanding of her character and what makes Lois one of the most iconic women in the DC Universe and pop culture.
Selflessness is the theme of Superman & Lois S3 Ep 3 following the most major development and crisis the Kents are facing like never before. This Lois-centric story definitely has a place as one of the character’s most iconic moments across all media.
Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) has been keeping a secret since the end of the first episode. Now, it all comes out to her loved ones and neighbour’s and not surprisingly Clark (Tyler Hoechlin) is by her every step of the way. However, Lois proves to be her own worst enemy by chasing a lead on the Intergang story with Chrissy (Sofia Hasmik) leaving her to miss a crucial appointment.
Meanwhile, the kids have a small adventure of their own. Natalie (Tayler Buck) has the sweet idea of giving Lois the watch that her mother gave her, with an added touch. During this time, Jon is rekindling his relationship with Candice (Samantha Di Franceso) even after the X-K episode, though her dad is less than thrilled with him it seems. Jon’s truck is stolen suddenly with the watch still in it and it’s up to them to get it back.
Lana (Emmanuelle Chriqui) is still reeling from the attack on city hall by Onomatopoeia and has John Henry (Wole Parks) install a new security system. She seems to have a lot on her mind here as she lashes out at Kyle (Erik Valdez) and Sarah (Inde Navarrette). She and Kyle may still have an interest in each other’s life even as their respective relationships with John Henry and Chrissy seem to blossom.
Lois is the strongest character of this episode as she is able to make the viewer both root for her and be extremely frustrated with her. Being a superhero of a reporter in her right, she’s going after Intergang any chance she gets. The line between selflessness and selfishness becomes blurred while Lois seems indifferent while those around her like Clark and her dad (Dylan Walsh) are profoundly worried and upset.
Clark’s fears are portrayed beautifully in the episode’s cold open. He hears her cry like always, but can’t find her. And when he does, it’s too late as Metropolis, their world, crumbles around them. The CGI here looks much better than it had in the first episode of the season. It’s nearly on par with the nightmare scene from Man of Steel. It’s always dark when Superman feels fear.
Another character with not-so transparent arc in the episode is John Henry. For some reason, he seems really cold towards Lois, he’s keen on reminding himself that she’s not the Lois he married from his Earth. What’s more, he is initially against the idea of Natalie giving Lois her mother’s watch. This could be a way of grief or a fear of his own at the notion of losing tow Lois Lanes in one lifetime.
As gathered already, there isn’t much action or super heroics in this episode as we are treated to what the CW does best – character-driven drama for otherwise real-world situations. The opening dream scene would have to be the visual high point. Only a little is revealed about Intergang’s plans and operations during this episode’s comparatively short run time compared to the others. Jon, Jordan, and Natalie’s truck recovery mission is a nice, mildly explosive scene that shows our young heroes are getting stronger.
The drama with Lana and her family deserves its own episode with at least half the time they were given in this episode to avoid overloading the viewer. There are pretty major developments concerning them here and it feels a little shoehorned in the episode. Lana is now the mayor of Smallville and there must be plenty of stories to be told there. But with the majority of the conflict going on in Metropolis, that doesn’t give the setting of Smallville a lot of time.
Superman & Lois S3 Ep 3 is an essential Lois Lane story if she ever had a criterion collection. The writers and production crew not only showcase their ability to dramatize her for the screen, but also a really clear understanding of her character and what makes Lois one of the most iconic women in the DC Universe and pop culture.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆/★★★★★
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