WARNING: Spoilers for the seventh episode of Superman & Lois.
A Regular Guy, Indeed.
Secret Identities & New Beginnings
After four seasons of Superman & Lois, we finally get to meet Jimmy Olsen. Clark Kent’s secret identity is revealed, and Chrissy and Kyle look into buying a dream home for the newborn. The episode begins with Clark trying to convince the denizens of Smallville that he is NOT Superman. However, with the help of his family (and a no-win situation), Clark embraces the secret part of himself. While this episode didn’t have a ton of spectacle, it had plenty of heart.
Another Day in Smallville
Citizens of Smallville witnessed the death of Superman, and some even recognized the man of steel as Clark Kent. Between schoolmates, colleagues, and neighbors, Clark tries to conceal his secret from the townsfolk of Smallville. This could be dissected in several ways. On one hand, it is a common trope to have Clark Kent hide his identity after he’s potentially been ousted. On the other hand, within the context of Superman & Lois, witnessing Tyler Hoechlin play a fool and fake injuries or make excuses is a testament to his ability as an actor. It lends itself well to the story being told.
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen
After four seasons, the infamous photographer of the Daily Planet has appeared. Jimmy Olsen (played by Douglas Smith) debuts in Superman & Lois primarily through flashbacks. The flashbacks inform us how difficult it was for Clark to keep his secret identity, even from people he tried to be friends with, including Jimmy. This also shows us a different dynamic than other mediums where the duo is typically portrayed as the best of friends. However, in this incarnation the main reason why Jimmy is not around is simple – Clark does not want to jeopardize his secret identity, and it cost him a friendship with Jimmy, even if Jimmy had a feeling Clark was Superman. The best part about Jimmy’s inclusion is the constant use of the word “Pal” which is a clear nod to the comics and phrase “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen.”
Perfect Home
With a new baby on the way, Chrissy and Kyle look into buying a new home. When they find their dream home, they’re faced with some hard choices. Sell off everything precious to them to gain the house of their dreams. In this case, Chrissy is looking into selling her portion of the Smallville Gazette, and Kyle selling his grill. When Lois finds out, she’s heartbroken at the prospect of losing the Gazette but understands the reasoning. In typical Lois and Clark fashion, they find a way to help their friends. They pose Chrissy with the option of buying out her share of the Gazette with the money left from Sam. While this aspect of the episode was secondary it still reinforces the good people Clark and Lois are.
Impossible Situation
The episode’s climax resulted in Clark Kent’s identity being revealed – by way of Candice’s father making an entrance into the local diner, ousting Clark’s secret, and using a gun to prove his point. Clark gets shot, and in that moment, he reveals himself as Superman. This entire sequence exemplifies the unstoppable train situation in that, Clark didn’t have a choice to conceal his identity in this moment, and this ultimately gives him the confidence to go through with revealing his identity to the world.
Interview of A Lifetime
In the wake of Clark’s reveal, and after a conversation with the rest of the Kent family, Clark decides to reveal his identity to the world. Of course, the outlet given the exclusive was none other than the place Clark & Lois started their journalism careers – The Daily Planet. The interview was conducted by none other than Janet Olsen, Jimmy’s sister. The episode ends with Clark reflecting on the importance of keeping his secret, and also the consequences of keeping it now. Even though it was Lex Luthor who engineered and manipulated Candice’s father to out Superman’s identity to the world, this may backfire on his overall plan for the Man of Steel. The episode ends with Clark reconciling with Jimmy, and Clark finally being free of any secrecy going forward. There are three episodes left, and it will be very interesting to see what Lex Luthor’s reaction will be.
New episodes of Superman & Lois air on Mondays on the CW.