Superman & Lois Season 1, Episode 3: "The Perks of Not Being A Wallflower" (SPOILERS)

[heatvision38]

Yeah, having Jordan in general be constantly the upset brat...will get annoying fast.
I get storywise that the boy is in a tough place and all, but if that continues and happens in every single episode with he overly dramatic acting and all...it can be a problem.

I don't think that's going to be the case, though. I think he's coming into his own. This episode is a big step in that direction, and then if he dates Sarah. He seems like he's just been so consumed and confused by his emotions that he struggles with how to express them. What helps is that they still allow him moments of levity with the family and with his brother and Clark individually, so he's not always so serious. When he made the Vulcan joke in the first episode, that made me like him more.

 

[regnak]

Ok people online are saying our new Kryptonian is Lesla-Lar and if that's true it will crack me up. After all the whining people did over Supergirl "stealing" Superman villains and one of the first things this show does is crib a Supergirl villain.

EDIT: Ok yeah Stacey Farber's character is named "Leslie Larr" so that's feeling like a safe bet.

Turnabout is fair play.

 

[vantheman77]

Ok people online are saying our new Kryptonian is Lesla-Lar and if that's true it will crack me up. After all the whining people did over Supergirl "stealing" Superman villains and one of the first things this show does is crib a Supergirl villain.

EDIT: Ok yeah Stacey Farber's character is named "Leslie Larr" so that's feeling like a safe bet.

That's the first thing I thought about turnabout. It would not surprise if she becomes the Supergirl of Superman and Lois.

 

[flickchick85]

Forgot to mention, I'm really enjoying the Lois/Chrissy dynamic so far. I thought Chrissy was just gonna be a fangirl following Lois around like a puppy, but she's actually got a backbone and acting like, ya know, her boss. Pleasantly surprised.

 

[kvz5]

I love how Clark and Lois always have their wine time. GOD Tyler’s expression and voice when he said “I bought a hat”

Jonathan is totally Lois’ son and I love that. He’s the perfect supportive brother and I’m totally dreading his fall because you just know that it’s coming.

Forgot to mention, I'm really enjoying the Lois/Chrissy dynamic so far. I thought Chrissy was just gonna be a fangirl following Lois around like a puppy, but she's actually got a backbone and acting like, ya know, her boss. Pleasantly surprised.

Same. She actually challenges Lois and counters her points despite being a fangirl.

ETA: I need Lana’s ugly brown coat burned.

 

[Gaultheria]

Chrissy’s classic Lois hairstyle is a nice detail.

So, the actor who played Colossus is playing — I’m guessing — Metallo?

Jonathan and Jordan remind me of Bill and Ted.

 

[vantheman77]

First two episodes are hard acts to follow and the third episode is in a tough position seeing that the focus is on the teenagers Jonathan, Jordan, and Sarah. No mention of Captain Luthor and looks like everyone is settled in Smallville with new jobs and new schools after moving from Metropolis.

I like seeing Superman look strong in his rescue of the China Bridge and dealing with the Colossus actor. With a new villainess debuted at the end of the episode, looks like we have 3 villains this season in Captain Luthor, Morgan Edge, and Lesla Larr.

We get to see what Clark is like as a father compared to his father Jonathan. I still think there is one set of powers between Jonathan and Jordan. Good episode overall.

 

[Gu3ree]

Anyone know if the extended cut episodes are shown on iTunes or is it just the CW website only?

 

[SupermanFan]

This wasn’t as good as the first two episodes imo but still a damn good episode. That fight between Superman and Subjekt-11 was off the charts. Easily the best superhero fight I’ve seen on the CW.

Will drop my video review later

 

[flickchick85]

Anyone know if the extended cut episodes are shown on iTunes or is it just the CW website only?

How long is your iTunes copy of episode 2? The extended one is about 45 minutes. The app version of episode 3 is only just over 43 minutes, so it's barely extended. The only notable extra bit I noticed was the scene where Clark and Lois talk the head coach into giving Clark the assistant gig (he's doing it for free).

 

[flickchick85]

Just realized they mentioned the name of Edge's company for the first time (I think) tonight - "Edge Intercorp." Intergang here we come!

 

[Kirmit]

Ok Tyler might be coming up as they best Clark ever, the dad role really suits him. He’s charming, he’s dorky, he’s wise but is still making mistakes, he’s just perfect in the role.

 

[Dr.]

Ok people online are saying our new Kryptonian is Lesla-Lar and if that's true it will crack me up. After all the whining people did over Supergirl "stealing" Superman villains and one of the first things this show does is crib a Supergirl villain.

EDIT: Ok yeah Stacey Farber's character is named "Leslie Larr" so that's feeling like a safe bet.

Yeah; there was a post on the main thread (back in October) about the "Leslie Larr" casting. And those with mythos expertise figured this meant Kryptonian villain.

 

[Dr.]

I thought this episode was decent enough.

As I understand it, the concern was that “Pilot” + “Heritage” would have the flavor of a “movie” in two parts (w/ a boosted budget, same writer and director, etc.). Therefore, episode 3 would be the big test in terms of maintaining a rhythm and tonal consistency. And generally speaking: test passed IMO.

I’m still not the biggest fan of the Superman-and-kids premise. But given that premise, the showrunners seem to be doing a reasonable job…

 

[Karelia]

Ok Tyler might be coming up as they best Clark ever, the dad role really suits him. He’s charming, he’s dorky, he’s wise but is still making mistakes, he’s just perfect in the role.

Honestly thought the same after these three episodes. I don't think I've ever cared as much about the Clark Kent aspect of the character as I have in this show. He just gets Clark Kent right in almost every aspect for me. Great writing & acting. He's really won me over.

Also, who was that at the end of the episode? Anyone established or is this a new character?

 

[ChrisLyne]

First two were a tough act to follow but another good episode (the teen stuff doesn't seem to bother me as much as others) and the opening with the family moment followed by the rescue was great.

Agree that you can see a little drop in budget but it still looked far better than the usual CW shows so I'm not gonna complain. Story wise they seem to be avoiding a lot of the pitfalls these shows can fall into as well, so hopefully they can keep that up.

Tyler is just perfect at this point, best live action Superman for me. He has the balance just right and the dad role really suits him. Bitsie's really coming into her own as Lois as well (Erica is still my favourite but she's closing the gap). Her and Tyler just work so well together.

 

[The Lazarus Pit]

This is one of the few superhero properties I’ve been able to get my girlfriend into. We’ve been watching it every week! It’s a great show that has a nice balance of action, drama, and romance. This is a slam dunk in my book, and I was hesitant at first. The teenagers are well cast, they could easily have ruined the show, but they’re only making it better. I hope the quality remains steady.

I’m honestly hoping this can just be its own thing, and it can because of COIE. The other CW shows are not up to par. This is a MASSIVE step up and makes those other shows look very cheap.

 

[Frodo]

I liked the episode.

As far as Jordan goes, I get what the writers and directors are trying to do, but they need to be wary of making him a one note character, i.e. screaming, whining, complaining all the time.

They seem to be giving all the other characters, including Johnathan , more shades and dimensions to them then they are Jordan imo.

I get they want to convey the angsty teen CW vibe, but they've got to keep in mind that the character is gonna have to be more then just one speed or character trait to keep him compelling over a series run.

Aside from that quibble, I like how Tyler's "Clark" persona isn't bumbling or falling over things like a fool. He's more like a lovable , un- hip, Suburban, tv- Dad type , to people on the outside.

You wouldn't think he was Superman just do to his temperament .

I'm also glad he ended up wiping that guy's butt in the end. I was getting weary of seeing him constantly get beat up.

You wanna raise the stakes for sure, but at the end of the day, the guy is Superman. He's gonna beat the vast majority of even his Superpowered opponents. Not all of them, but most of them.

You don't want him to be unstoppable, but at the same time, you don't want to undermine him so much that the Superman name is meaningless.

In this episode, I think they found the right balance in that respect.

All in all, I felt the episode was pretty good.

 

[Web-Head]

Another solid episode. Not a whole lot of Superman, it seemed but the Lois storyline and Hoechlin's Clark didn't make me miss it. Wasn't crazy about the storyline with Lana and her daughter but at least they're getting some development there.

I didn't mind the football, Jordan stuff too much either. Jonathan is definitely the better actor of the two though.

They're starting to get the ball rolling when it comes to the overall plot/storyline so that's really my big takeaway from this episode. Looks like next week is a little more action packed - that should be nice.

 

[ArmsHeldOut]

Yet another strong episode. Really enjoying the banter between various members of the Kent family, some genuinely funny stuff in there. It's always tough to get the right balance w/ angsty characters like Jordan, but the writers did a much better job with him here imo. And, for better or worse, that Garfin kid can act. Heh, look at Daniel Cudmore. The years haven't been kind. And Smallville's Maggie Sawyer is in this too?? (Welp, was in this?) That's what I call a reunion party! What more can I say about Hoechlin's brilliant take on Superman and especially Clark? His transition from dork to cool dad in one of the episode's latter scenes was near-seamless. The dude just gets it! And I agree with Flickchick about Chrissy. I had a good feeling about her from the start. "Elsa's Ice Castle." lol

 

[SupermanFan]

 

[ChrisLyne]

"Elsa's Ice Castle." lol

That got a chuckle from me as well. Also made me wonder if Jonathan’s line about “for the first time in forever” when he’s talking about Jordan with Clark after was another very subtle Frozen nod.

 

[Frodo]

Yet another strong episode. Really enjoying the banter between various members of the Kent family, some genuinely funny stuff in there. It's always tough to get the right balance w/ angsty characters like Jordan, but the writers did a much better job with him here imo. And, for better or worse, that Garfin kid can act. Heh, look at Daniel Cudmore. The years haven't been kind. And Smallville's Maggie Sawyer is in this too?? (Welp, was in this?) That's what I call a reunion party! What more can I say about Hoechlin's brilliant take on Superman and especially Clark? His transition from dork to cool dad in one of the episode's latter scenes was near-seamless. The dude just gets it! And I agree with Flickchick about Chrissy. I had a good feeling about her from the start. "Elsa's Ice Castle." lol

Well, the angsty teen stuff is priced into nearly CW show, and is almost a requirement at this point. Even their shows featuring strictly adults can sometimes have the adults acting like angsty teens.

The problem is when they go overboard and end up making the character unlikable. Hopefully with Jordan ,they'll learn to balance that stuff ,and make him more than just the broody teen.

As far as Garfin goes, I agree the kid is a good actor.

At the same time, the guy who plays Johnathan just has a natural charm and personality while conveying that there's more going on under the surface. Johnathan is actually the character I find more interesting , but that's just me.

 

[Boy Scout]

THOUGHTS

• The opening scene with the paint was wholesome as ****.
• The effects are looking a little more CW.
• I think the boys' reaction to Clark listening in on them was reasonable (even though they should've figured out he could do it the minute they were told he has super hearing) but Jordan doesn't have a lot of room to be upset with Clark for "checking in" when he was seconds away from lighting a kid on fire. And while we're on the subject...
• Clark shouldn't have needed Lois' help to figure out how to smooth things over with the boys. I love to see them working together as a team, but I don't think Clark should be so out of his depth as a parent that he can't come to common sense solutions without help.
• Is there a legal reason why Clark isn't helping Lois with her investigation? Because if people don't feel comfortable talking to a reporter who isn't from Smallville, the obvious solution is to let Clark speak to them on her behalf, receive written permission to publish any relevant information, and go from there.
• Jordan - overall likable, but annoying as all hell once he starts whining. Jonathan - shockingly emotionally intelligent for his age.
• Lana and Sarah stole the show at the end. That's not something I thought I'd ever say, but it's the truth. Chriqui and Navarrette killed it. Killed it.
• After two plus episodes of "Clark, Clark, Clark," it was a little strange to hear Lois refer to him as "Superman." I think this is the first time they've been in a scene together as Superman and Lois, too, which is kinda funny.
• And finally..."I bought a hat!" Tyler Hoechlin is an international treasure and we need to protect him at all costs.

Three good episodes in a row! I can hardly believe it.

EDIT: Can't stop watching the hat moment. It's official: I have a man crush on Hoechlin.

 

[javonstokess]

Can someone explain something to me: I thought Jordan didn't have any powers. I swore the hologram Jor-El said he didn't have enough energy to sustain heightened abilities.