In the small town of Smallville, Kansas, under the watchful gaze of the Kent family farm, the iconic DC show "Superman & Lois" bid its final farewell in a heart-wrenching and impactful season 4 finale titled "It Went by So Fast." This episode, airing on December 2, 2024, marked the end of an era for the live-action Superman series, which first graced screens in February 2021. Over the course of 53 episodes, the show explored the duality of Clark Kent's life, balancing the challenges of parenthood, marriage, and saving the world as Superman.
The episode picks up where the previous left off, with Superman in a desperate battle against Doomsday, a creature that once killed him. The tension is palpable as Clark, with the encouragement of Lois, devises a new strategy. Enlisting the help of his sons, Jordan and Jonathan, and Steel, they manage to fly Doomsday into space, aiming to deliver a decisive blow by sending him into the sun.
In a twist that tugs at the heartstrings, Doomsday regains a semblance of his past consciousness as Bizarro, recalling his time as a hero in the Bizarro world. In a selfless act, Bizarro sacrifices himself to save Superman, adding an emotional depth to a character who has been both ally and adversary. This moment serves as a poignant farewell to a complex character, underscoring the theme of sacrifice and the blurred lines between hero and villain.
With Doomsday's threat neutralized, the focus shifts to Lex Luthor, whose vendetta against the Kents knows no bounds. Armed with an upgraded Steel suit and Kryptonite screws, Luthor pushes Superman to his limits. However, driven by the desire to protect his family and end Luthor's reign of terror, Superman overcomes the pain and defeats Luthor once and for all.
Luthor's downfall is complete as he is arrested and sentenced to a life in Stryker's prison, where Bruno Mannheim ensures he experiences the harsh reality of incarceration. This turn of events is a fitting end for a character who has been a thorn in Superman's side throughout the series.
The finale takes a bold step by fast-forwarding through time, first by a year, then by 32 years, showing significant life events for the characters. John Henry Irons and Lana Lang marry, Chrissy and Kyle prepare for their second child, and Jordan finds peace with his decision to stay abroad. These snapshots provide a sense of closure and happiness for the characters. The most significant timeskip reveals an older Clark and Lois, with their sons grown up and continuing the family legacy as heroes. Superman's narration reveals his work on a charity, using his name to help those in need, further emphasizing his commitment to humanity.
The episode's most emotional moments are reserved for the final days of Clark and Lois. Despite many happy years together, Lois' cancer returns, leading to her death. Clark, now alone, adopts Krypto the dog, a nod to his Kryptonian heritage, for companionship. In a bittersweet turn, Clark outlives Lois by a few years, his human heart giving out after a long and fulfilling life. The series ends on a hopeful note, however, as Superman has a vision of saying goodbye to his loved ones, including Lex Luthor, before reuniting with Lois in the afterlife.
"Superman & Lois" concludes with a deep respect for the characters and their journey, emphasizing the importance of human connection and the legacy of hope that Superman represents. The finale is a testament to the show's ability to balance action with emotion, providing a satisfying end to the story of Clark Kent and Lois Lane.
The series may have ended, but its impact on the Superman legacy and the portrayal of these iconic characters will be remembered for years to come. "Superman & Lois" stands as a crucial point in the on-screen history of the Man of Steel, a story of love, family, and the never-ending fight for truth, justice, and the American way.