Tonight’s episode of Superman & Lois delves into Lex Luthor’s escalating revenge plot against the Kent family and Smallville, as well as Clark’s struggle between human frailty and superhero responsibility. From the first scene in which Lex punches a wall and burns away the memory of his daughter, it’s clear that he’s as determined — and ruthless — as ever. The stakes quickly rise as he builds his empire in Smallville, taking down anyone who tries to stand in his way, including Lana, who faces Lex’s intimidation and hidden threats with impressive determination.
The episode begins with Lex furious, symbolically burning the memory of his daughter Elizabeth, and vowing to carry out an elaborate plan centered around Smallville. When Lex makes Amanda choose between him and a more moral path, his unwaveringly loyal assistant Amanda begins to reveal her more sinister side. Her loyalty sets the tone for the manipulative, dangerous partnership the two are developing – a threat that Clark and Lois clearly won’t easily neutralize.
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| “When the Lights Go On” – Superman and Lois. Pictured: Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent and Emmanuelle Chriqui as Lana Lang. Photo: Colin Bentley/The CW © 2024 The CW Network, LLC. all rights reserved. |
The Kent family is at a crossroads. Clark’s white hair symbolizes his growing doubts and vulnerability. Moments like this are rare and raw for Superman. Clark is learning what it’s like to be a human being. Lois reassures him, hinting that they will face aging together, a touching scene that reminds viewers of Clark’s unique struggle to balance superhuman responsibility with human fear. But his confrontation with Lex, and the chilling moment when Lex uses a streetlight to disable Clark’s powers, shows that even Superman isn’t invincible. Clark’s restraint in the face of Lex’s provocation is a powerful moment that highlights his struggle to maintain integrity in front of his sons, who look on with admiration and concern.
At the same time, Lana and Sarah’s mother-daughter relationship is another highlight of this episode. Lana’s decision to support Sarah’s study abroad reflects a strong, protective love—she wants Sarah to stay out of Lex’s grasp. This subplot is a thoughtful counterbalance to the show’s heavier themes. Their relationship is even more touching when Sarah wields a steel rod to save her mother from Lex’s henchmen. Lana realizes that Lex’s revenge has reached her own home, strengthening her determination to continue fighting alongside the Kents.
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| “When the Lights Go On” – Superman and Lois. Pictured: Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane. Photo: Colin Bentley/The CW © 2024 The CW Network, LLC. all rights reserved. |
The episode culminates in a street fight between Clark and Lex. This confrontation was the culmination of their intense rivalry, with Lex exposing Superman’s weaknesses by rendering him powerless, although Clark managed to maintain his superiority. When he doesn’t kill Lex in front of his son, he reinforces who he is at his core–not a vigilante, but a hero bound by a strong moral code.
By the end of the episode, the Kents realize they face an enemy who will stop at nothing. Lex’s assistant Amanda darkly hints that she knows how to literally destroy the Kents, hinting at ominous possibilities for the future. The stakes are extremely high, and Clark is solemnly committed to stopping Lex, although he has no clear plan yet.
Overall, the episode was packed with emotional weight, thrilling action, and some shocking twists. It’s a powerful reminder of the cost of heroism and the lengths people go to for family and loyalty, for better or for worse. With the Kent family and their allies on high alert as the threat of Lex looms over them, the next episode is a must-see as tensions continue to rise. What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop them in the comments box below.
