Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Cast: Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Alex Garfin, Michael Bishop, Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Tayler Buck, Sofia Hasmik, Chad L. Coleman, Dylan Walsh, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Michael Dudlitz, Mariana Klaveno, Yvonne Chapman, Paul Lazenby, Ryan Jefferson, Rebecca Staab, Elizabeth Henstridge, Michelle Scarabelli, Laara Sadiq, Natalie Moon, Samantha Di Francesco, Adrian Glynn McMorran, Douglas Smith, Tom Cavanagh, Nikolai Witschl, Dean Redman, David Giuntoli, Dominic Fugere.
The final series of Superman & Lois is one of excellent writing, incredible pathos, and perhaps a finality of being that many will find exasperating as they justly hold the Man of Steel up not as a man, but as a God. It is that defiant regard that other series concerning the hero from Krypton have fallen under the weight of examination, one that built the legend up in the eyes of the audience as Henry Cavill donned the red and blue suit, but which never truly examined what it was to be fragile, to be a human rather than what was first imagined, a God.
Fragility is the key to the fourth season, to show that the now breakable is not weak, but stronger for having the human heart, that the understanding of strength does not come from might but compassion, and as Superman’s life is irrevocably altered by the release of evil genius Lex Luther after 17 years in jail, so the showdown of two heavyweights is assured viewing over ten compelling episodes.
The series overall has been consistent, a refreshing mindset that others have failed to equip themselves, the narrative having been lost in the search for the spike in ratings and the adorning of the clothes of the instant rather than the long and steady progression; this is where Superman & Lois’ success has been, it is reliable, it does not search for the flourish on a whim, it grounds out a truth and honest reaction to how a human with good conscience and would react if given powers rather than a God learning to be part of society; and the dynamic between Tyler Hoechlin and Eliabeth Tulloch in the titular roles is one of genuine, heartfelt, captivation and reveal.
A good hero requires and excellent villain, and in Michael Cudlitz’s portrayal of Lex Luthor the programme makers struck gold. For too long, the onscreen adaptation of the man felt one dimensional, a parody of the evil that emanated so successfully in the graphic novels, they have been caricatures of the character, focusing on the mind maybe, but never the absolute ferocity of rage; and despite the sense of legendary actors to have inhabited the role, from the phenomenal Gene Hackman, to Jon Cryer and Jessie Eisenberg, and a multitude in between, none have dared be the tiger, the apex animal in the cage with the same degree of cunning and acting prowess as Michael Cudlitz.
With a huge supporting cast, with some endearing resolutions and storylines, and the huge pathos of grief that comes with the moments of a hauntingly touching sense of the final scenes in which we see the hero live forever in spirit and deeds as he fades with his sons around him; it is painful, it is beautiful, and it must remind us of our own fleeting humanity.
A wonderful finish to a very good series. Superman & Lois in all honesty is what makes the history of Clark Kent human.
Ian D. Hall