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He’s this world’s first and greatest hero, but I want you to know that he’s an even better man. - Lara about Kal-El
Clark Kent. Superman. The nerd that stumbles around saying "lickity-split" and having next to no real backbone in a fight then becomes this god-like figure of a man beyond the limitations of mankind. He is everything humanity wishes it were. Kind, funny, powerful, yet relatable.
Tyler Hoechlin as Superman in Superman and Lois.
The CW has become famous for having watered-down shows that all feel the same after a while and fizzle out in the end. Arrow started with everyone applauding the casting and the filmmaking, which as everyone knows, NEVER happens with a CW show. But as Arrow went on, the show gradually became very one-note and had lost much of its original appeal. Many fans of the opening few seasons stopped watching as the show became repetitive and predictable and went out with a fizzle.
Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen in Arrow.
The Flash then followed suit, starting with a loyal fanbase that enjoyed Grant Gustin's portrayal of Barry Allen and the show's light feel and tone, which only suited the character of The Flash more. But eventually, like every CW show, its current state has lost many of the original fans, and I don't even know who watches the show anymore. Definitely not anyone in my circle.
Grant Gustin in The Flash
Supergirl was a decent try but inevitably is now either going through its final season or the season is probably over already. Not that anyone actually watches it anyway. I'm not even going to delve into the mess that broke my heart that is Batwoman.
Melissa Benoist as Supergirl and Ruby Rose as Batwoman
So naturally, when the Superman and Lois series was announced I, like many of the people who had been sodomised by the avalanche of CW shite that had been delivered to our doorstep, did nothing but shrug. After all, we'd seen Tyler Hoechlin as the Man of Steel back in Supergirl, and the Elseworlds crossover and he was not bad, but nothing to shout about.
Tyler Hoechlin as Superman in Supergirl.
And then I saw the pilot episode. Superman and Lois was not what I expected at all. The series looked like it was made by people who care. The lighting was dynamic and cinematic the blocking was fantastic, the theme song was uplifting and the amount of detail paid to the supporting characters was absolutely unbelievable. I couldn't believe it was even a CW show. The series makes Superman and his family feel like they're a part of a vibrant and layered community of characters. Unlike previous iterations of the Man of Steel, Superman isn't overly dominating the screen time. He is still in a ton of scenes, yes. But some scenes have nothing to do with him and they instead develop the characters around him. While I am very cautious because every CW show starts of promising then eventually devolves into a subpar version of itself, this series gives me hope.
Superman, Jordan Kent, Johnathan Kent and Lois Lane in Superman and Lois
This CW series feels like the filmmakers either have more say in what goes on or we simply just have people who truly care about more than just a "decent" series. There's heart in it. The actors all have incredible chemistry and you can tell that they truly believe in the words their characters say, which only enhances their performances further. The film is as much a drama as it is fiction. Superman's character has always been the type of godlike being in the sky with the pure heart of an innocent child. He sees all the good in people through the love of his life Lois Lane. She more than deserves her name alongside Superman's in this series. She represents the best that humanity has to offer and is also be of the key reasons for Superman's unwavering faith in the human race.
Some shots from Superman and Lois
Superman's character has had a slightly darker reboot with Henry Cavill's version, while I don't particularly find it repulsive, I do think that much of what made Superman who he is was left out. Tyler Hoechlin's Superman has brought back that missing piece. The heart of a good man. Clark Kent will always be that boy from Smallville and Superman reflects that. This iteration of the Man of Steel is easily the closest we'll get to Christopher Reeves portrayal of the Son of Krypton.
Tyler Hoechlin and Christopher Reeves
The show is just about to go into its season finale as I write this, and I am excited no doubt but I also keep in mind that most people tend to fix something that isn't broken. The CW is no exception. But if there's one thing Superman and Lois have reminded me of is that seeing the best in people isn't weakness. It's a strength that everyone can achieve if they're brave enough to try.
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