The sixth episode of "Superman & Lois" Season 4, titled "When the Lights Come On," escalates the conflict between Superman and Lex Luthor to a boiling point, while simultaneously advancing several key storylines within the DC series. With only a handful of episodes remaining until the live-action Superman show draws to a close, the stakes for the Kent family and their allies have never been higher.
The episode begins with Lex Luthor in a fit of rage, a clear indication of the personal vendetta he holds against Lois and Superman. This rage sets the tone for the episode, as Lex's actions are driven by his desire for revenge rather than his responsibility as a father. The narrative quickly establishes the gravity of Lex's obsession, as he is willing to sacrifice his relationship with his daughter for the sake of his grudge.
In a display of unity, the residents of Smallville stand up against Lex Luthor's manipulative tactics. When Lex offers Adie Manning an exorbitant sum for her land to build a new headquarters, Clark and Lana Lang intervene, persuading Adie not to sell. Interestingly, Adie's decision to refuse Lex's offer seems to be influenced by her awareness of Clark's dual identity as Superman, highlighting the town's protective stance towards their local hero.
Clark Kent's journey in this episode is marked by a personal struggle with aging, as he notices the emergence of gray hair and takes measures to conceal it. This subplot, while initially seeming light-hearted, carries significant weight as Clark fears that the public's perception of Superman could be affected by his aging appearance. The gray hairs, a consequence of his heart transplant replacing his Kryptonian organ with a human heart, serve as a stark reminder of the changes Clark is undergoing, both physically and emotionally.
In a scene reminiscent of comic book pages, Lex Luthor orchestrates an assassination attempt on Lana Lang and sets up a trap for Superman. By using streetlamps rigged to emit red sun energy, Lex temporarily strips Superman of his powers, leading to a visceral street fight. The brawl is not just a physical contest but also a psychological one, as Clark's anger over Lex's actions towards Lana pushes him to the brink, questioning his own moral compass.
The episode also delves into the challenges faced by Jonathan and Jordan Kent as they navigate their superhero responsibilities. Jonathan's dedication to his newfound powers is commendable but also concerning, as he neglects his personal well-being in his quest to be a hero. Meanwhile, Jordan's initial step back from heroism is reignited by Jonathan's efforts, leading to a promising development in their dynamic and potential succession of Superman's mantle.
The episode concludes with a tease of Lex Luthor's most significant upgrade yet. With his plans foiled and his conflicts with Superman intensifying, Lex's ally, Amanda McCoy, suggests that he needs a "killer suit" to level the playing field against the Man of Steel. This sets the stage for the introduction of Lex's Warsuit, a powerful weapon from the comics that could spell disaster for Superman and his family.
In "When the Lights Come On," the show delivers a compelling narrative that not only intensifies the conflict between Superman and Lex Luthor but also explores the personal struggles and growth of the Kent family. As the series approaches its conclusion, this episode lays the groundwork for a dramatic and potentially explosive finale.