Superman and Lois - what "Man of Steel" should have been

By: Kent Bloxson - MSTv EP

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With a far more heartwarming story-line and cinema-graphic feel, the new DC comics based show, "Superman and Lois" seems much more poised for a place on HBO Max, rather than "the CW."

"Superman and Lois" is filled with film, or premium cable channel, quality action, special effects and involved, interesting character development. And for better or worse, this weekly broadcast television show is a good example of what the 2013 film "Man of Steel" could have been and likely become.

The show depicts a very vulnerable man of steel, portrayed by "MTV's Teen Wolf" alumni, Tyler Hoechlin, and a very capable Lois Lane, portrayed by "NBC's Grimm" alumni, Elizabeth Tulloch.  And where the 2013 film lacked any type of warmth, humour or even hope, this new show offers all these qualities and much so more.

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Like most of the Snyder-directed DC films, the show uses a muted color palette to maintain its somber cinema-graphic look. But, this show is a primarily about the warmth of family. Here Clark Kent is a positive, but unsure and mostly absence father of twin sons who are different as night and day. Meanwhile, his Superman persona remains the foremost defender of the planet. Strangely enough, this incarnation of Superman seems to be under the thumb of Lois Lane's military father, Sam Lane - something very different from all former versions of this family relationship.  Here is a Superman seemingly lacking the "hopeful leader" presence of most of the others who have portrayed this character before.  But, not since Christopher Reeve's portrayal has the character been more nice and likable.  

More in-keeping with her character roots is Ms. Tulloch's portrayal of Lois Lane. As expected, Mrs Lane-Kent is self-assured, brilliant, questioning and manages to hold together her family and rebuild her career.  And she manages to do all this amid a loved ones death; a family life in shambles; a corporate takeover of the Daily Planet and a life changing move. This is arguably the closest version to the comics character, played live since Margot Kiddder.

Meanwhile, their twin progeny, Jonathan and Jordan, played by Jordan Elsass and Alex Garfin respectively, bring the full experience of teenage experiences and  anxieties to the Kent home. 

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Lois stands face-to-face with Superman for the 1st time (Action #1 1938)

And now, 83 years after their first meeting, we have a show that brings to life the very modernistic story of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane in an evolved relationship.  This is, at its heart is just a superhero family story - one focused a little less on the flash of super-heroics and more strongly on the struggles of parents trying to maintain established careers and keep their family together strongly.

​      And strangely enough, its a story we can't wait to see every week.

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