TV Review: ‘Superman & Lois’ Season 4, Episode 2 Demonstrates The Power Of Lex Luthor

Fans so often compare various adaptations of Batman and Superman that the villains sometimes get left out of the conversation. Several actors have taken up the role of Lex Luthor over the years. Unlike Superman — who is this stoic, unchanging figure — there are many different ways to play Lex Luthor. But few have been as raw and gritty as Michael Cudlitz, and Superman & Lois allows him to show off just how dangerous and ruthless this villain can be.

The second part of the two episode premiere picks up where the previous one left off as the Kent family deals with the death of Superman (Tyler Hoechlin). Jonathan (Alexander Garfin) heads to the Fortress in hopes of reviving him. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor moves into Smallville to further terrorize Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch). Jonathan learns he needs his father’s heart in order to rescue him, which was taken by Doomsday, but Lex sets a trap for the boy. Lex even taunts Lois with a phone call, asking her to choose which of her sons will die. These plans-within-plans prove that Lex will always be one step ahead and will stop at nothing until he destroys Lois’s family completely.

Although smart and sophisticated, various adaptations of Lex Luthor have come with a bit of quirkiness to them. But this wouldn’t work with the tone of the show. Instead, Cudlitz portrays him as a man hardened by his time in prison. His megalomaniacal ego is ramped up to an extreme, driven by his hate for Lois. The scene when he stands up to Jonathan shows just how little fear and respect he has for those with powers. It will be interesting to see his villainy play out over the course of the season.

Superman & Lois airs Mondays on The CW.