WARNING: Spoilers for the ninth episode of Superman & Lois.
The End is Nigh.
Headlines & Special Menu Items
The penultimate episode of Superman & Lois kicks off with advertisers pulling away from the Smallville Gazette, Superman’s powers deteriorating making headlines, and the boys getting their special menu items named after them at the Vicky May’s. After Luthor stole John Henry Irons’s suit, Godfrey breaks the story of Superman losing his powers on the internet. Even though Jonathan is worried about his father and their family, Clark reassures them that they will find a way to end Luthor’s plan once and for all to tear the family apart. Even in times of high stress, Clark remains optimistic.
Lane v McCoy: Dawn Of The Truth
Lois Lane is being sued for defamation by Amanda McCoy. However, Lois counters that she has the truth on her side. Amanda McCoy retaliates with a statement that rings true and resonates with our world today. “All people want is a good story. Put it on a platform that reinforces how they see themselves and they’ll believe anything.” This single line represents our real world filled with misinformation being utilized by platforms that give people solace in their opinions, regardless of how factual or truthful they are at the core. Amanda McCoy looks at Lois’s theory board and tells her that she should stop looking for Cheryl Kimble, implying she’s now dead. This leaves Lois Lane rattled.
Mind Games
At Luthorcorp, Lex receives a visit from Superman. While Luthor initially mocks Clark about coming to him for more fatherly words, Superman’s intent this time is drastically different. Superman does exactly what he told Lois he would do – get inside Lex’s head, and toy with his ego—mentioning Amanda McCoy’s involvement in the planning and execution of Luthors machinations, setting Lex off. So much so, that he removes the tie in frustration. As a fan of the dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor, the chemistry between Tyler Hoechlin and Michael Cudlitz rivals that of previous versions. Including Tom Welling & Michael Rosenbaum, Tim Daly & Clancy Brown, and even Henry Cavill & Jesse Eisenberg.
Training In The Fortress
With Luthor’s threat to take out the entire Kent family, Clark takes the twins to the fortress for serious training. Now that Lex has John Henry Iron’s suit, the boys have to prepare to defend themselves. After a few rounds with the combat simulator, Clark consults his mother for advice. Lara informs him that the twins will never be as strong as he was in his prime, due to their genetic DNA limitations. There is nothing more compelling than a parent willing to go the distance to save their children. Clark is reminded of this by Lara after reiterating why he was sent to Earth.
Back To The Beginning
Lois takes a trip to Strykers to visit Bruno Mannheim. During their pleasant and heated exchange regarding Lex Luthor, Lois finds out that Cheryl Kimble once had a relationship with Lex. Similar to his current situation with Amanda McCoy. This turns out to be the leverage Lois can use to finally get Luthor behind bars for good if she can flip Amanda McCoy to turn on him. Lois then meets Amanda outside Luthorcorp to inform her of this revelation, planting the seed of doubt in Amanda. Wanting to find out for herself, Amanda pursues Lex.
Brilliant Minds
Meanwhile, Lex and Milton discuss the upgrades to the killer suit taken from John Henry Irons. Milton also uncovers a lot of data from the D.O.D. and locates Doomsday. Lex embarks towards Smallville, advising Milton to send the suit to him after the finishing touches are implemented. Milton Fine is a version of Brainiac from the comics, and while not the traditional superintelligent alien bent on a knowledge quest, this version of the character has a terrifying sense of superior mind and technological prowess. The city in the dome on his desk is also a nice easter egg for the character.
The Power of Two
After realizing his sons could not achieve the same power on their own accord, Clark concludes that Jordan and Jonathan don’t need to because they have each other. Through their strength combined, Clark believes his sons can surpass him. This concept is reminiscent of Superman-Red & Superman-Blue – a Silver Age story where Superman ends up getting split up into two different beings that work together to solve problems. However, in this case, it’s not Superman himself but his children. So much so that Jonathan is wearing a dark blue hoodie and blue shoes while Jordan is outfitted in red.
Luthor’s Final Play
Upon his return to Smallville, Amanda McCoy sees Luthor for the person he is. After questioning him about why he deviated from their plan, Luthor makes it very clear that he is the only one with a plan, and in charge. The suit comes, and Luthor makes his way to the mines. There, he kills and revives Doomsday one last time. turning the monster into its truest form and killing machine. Citing that both of them were similar in their upbringing by way of pain and suffering. Despite Superman trying to save the monster from Luthor’s upgraded technology, Doomsday’s final transformation occurs.
Final Form
Doomsday has achieved its final form, which I don’t think is very appealing compared to past versions of the character. Lois tries to reason with it but is unsuccessful. Jordan and Jonathan are tasked to save the citizens of Smallville while Superman battles the unstoppable killing machine. Lex Luthor is watching the fighting above in the sky unfold, wanting to witness Superman’s death with his own eyes. When a beaten and battered Superman lands in front of his family, his last words to them before being whisked away by the creature are “I love you all.” The final episode of Superman & Lois has been set. Doomsday is wreaking havoc, Lex Luthor is behind it all, and it will be up to Superman and his family to save the day. The penultimate episode ramps up for a finale that is sure to be worth waiting for.
The Final Episode of Superman & Lois airs on Monday 12/2 on the CW.