TV Review: Lex Continues To Evolve In ‘Superman & Lois’ Season 4, Episode 8
by Frank Martin
With so few episodes left in the season, it made sense for Superman & Lois to amp up the battle between Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) and Lex (Michael Cudlitz). So far in this series, Lex Luthor has had an incredible transformation. He went from a reserved, soft-spoken businessman to a grizzled convict hell bent on destruction. But his transformation continues this week, delivering the most comic-book-accurate version of the character in the show yet.
The episode begins as Lex dons a new business suit and reveals that he shaved his beard, completing his iconic look from the comics. He then conducts an interview with a journalist named Godfrey (Tom Cavanagh), where he accuses Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) of lying to send him to prison. He also challenges Lois to a debate live on air. She agrees to do it, but it turns out the whole thing was a trap set by Luthor. Using another agent, Lex hacks John Henry Irons’ (Wolé Parks) suit and sends it after Louis. Superman is forced to intervene, but since his powers aren’t what they once were, he loses the fight, allowing Lex to steal the suit for himself.
Lex’s anger had driven his presence thus far in the series. But now his transformation into a ruthless businessman who can put his anger aside to accomplish his goals is complete. The show is obviously foreshadowing Lex taking on a suit similar to the one he wore in the comics when he battles Superman. But what makes the show so special is that it balances this superhero drama with real family drama. As Clark learns that his heart was failing, he had to sit down with his family and talk it over. This is a real human moment that a lot of real life families have to go through. The fact that the series straddles both of these lines is what makes it so great.
Superman & Lois airs Mondays on The CW.
