The third season of "Superman & Lois" kicks off with an episode titled
"Closer," which, while setting the stage for the season's arc, feels like a slow
burn that doesn't quite ignite. The episode is a mixed bag, filled with
character moments that are meant to draw the audience closer to the characters,
only to leave them feeling somewhat disconnected due to the lack of substantial
plot progression.
The episode begins on a seemingly happy note, with Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) and Clark (Tyler Hoechlin) enjoying a moment of marital bliss in Tal's now vacant apartment. Their intimate afternoon is a stark contrast to the high-stakes superhero life they lead, and it's a welcome respite that highlights the human side of these iconic characters. However, this peace is short-lived as the episode quickly shifts gears to address the various challenges each character is facing.
One of the central themes of "Closer" is the idea of growth and learning to harness power, both supernatural and personal. Clark takes on the role of a mentor to his son, Jordan (now played by Michael Bishop), who is struggling to control his burgeoning superpowers. Their training sessions at the Fortress of Solitude are a mix of fatherly advice and high-octane action, with Clark pushing Jordan to his limits. However, Jordan's inexperience is laid bare when he attempts to help at a construction site accident, only to make the situation worse. This serves as a humbling lesson for the young hero, who begins to understand the weight of his father's responsibility.
Meanwhile, Lois is busy preparing Jonathan (Jordan Elsass) for his driver's test, a subplot that feels more like an afterthought than a significant plot point. The tension between Jonathan and his former football catch, who happens to be his test proctor, adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, but it's a thread that is left dangling, leaving the audience curious about its future development.
The relationship between Jordan and Sarah is another subplot that is given a cursory glance in "Closer." Their dynamic is fraught with teenage angst and uncertainty, as Jordan grapples with his feelings for Sarah while she remains ambivalent about their status. Sarah's decision to keep Jordan at arm's length, while still wanting to maintain a friendship, is a classic example of mixed signals that many teenagers face. It's a relatable scenario, but it's handled in a way that feels rushed and underdeveloped.
Lana's (Emmanuelle Chriqui) storyline involves her hesitation to sign her divorce papers, a plot point that adds a layer of complexity to her relationship with Kyle. Her flirtation with John Henry Irons suggests that she might be reconsidering her decision, but the episode leaves this plot thread open-ended, leaving viewers to speculate about her true intentions.
The episode also introduces a few new villains, setting the stage for the season's antagonists. Bruno Manheim, played by Chad L. Coleman, makes his debut as the head of Intergang, a criminal organization that is sure to pose a significant threat to the Kent family and the people of Smallville. The inclusion of Onomatopoeia, a villain created by Kevin Smith, is a surprise, as he typically targets heroes without superpowers. His presence in "Closer" is intriguing and raises questions about how his character will be adapted for the screen.
Throughout "Closer," there's a sense of characters being pulled in different directions, both physically and emotionally. Lois and Clark's pregnancy scare is a prime example of this, as they experience a rollercoaster of emotions that ultimately leads to a dead end. The lack of a pregnancy is both a relief and a letdown, as it feels like a missed opportunity to explore new territory with these characters.
The episode's title, "Closer," is a reflection of the various relationships that are tested throughout the episode. From Lois and Clark's fleeting moment of happiness to Jordan's struggle to find his place as a hero, each character is faced with the challenge of drawing closer to those they care about, only to be reminded of the barriers that exist between them.
In conclusion, "Closer" is an episode that, while setting up the season's overarching narrative, fails to deliver the excitement and depth that fans of "Superman & Lois" have come to expect. It's a slow start to the season, with plot points that feel underdeveloped and character moments that lack the emotional impact they should have. However, the introduction of new villains and the potential for future storylines does offer a glimmer of hope that the season will find its footing as it progresses.