REVIEW: Superman & Lois Season 4, Episode 6 (When the Lights Come On)

Superman & Lois Season 4, Episode 6 picks up the pace, delivering what is possibly the series’ best and most brutal fight scene between Clark (Tyler Hoechlin) and Lex (Michael Cudlitz) in the dimly lit streets of downtown Smallville. Lana (Emmanuelle Chriqui) continues to try to thwart Lex’s efforts to move his company from Metropolis to the outskirts of Smallville, with the assistance of Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) and Clark, fearing for the disastrous effect that Lex’s evil schemes could have on the town. Meanwhile, Jon continues to spend his every waking moment using his powers to help the world but learns the hard way that it comes at a cost.

A Hero’s Journey of Lana’s Very Own?

Personally, this is my favorite Lana story throughout the series’ run. Using her position as Mayor of Smallville to oppose Lex and create roadblocks to, ultimately, stop him from trying to take over their city originally came across as a bit arrogant, but now I believe it shows how much she has learned from Lois and Clark since they moved to Smallville in the series premiere. Lana messed up with Morgan Edge (Adam Rayner) but has embraced that failure to now challenge Lex, who clearly wants to do something similar as he pursues his vendetta against Lois for his “wrongful” imprisonment.

Like Lois refusing to quit her job despite Lex’s threats, which showcased her strength and dedication to what she believes is right, Lana is doing the same, no matter the cost. And now, after learning the hard way, Lana is very aware of what the cost might be. Still, after Otis (Ryan Jefferson Booth) breaks in a nearly strangles her, and subsequently being saved by Sarah (Inde Navarrette) wielding a bat, Lana seems resolved to ensure Lex’s plans don’t work out.

It was also nice to see Lana and Clark, two familiar and lifetime Smallville faces, reach out to Aidy (Monique Phillips) to ask her to reconsider taking Lex’s offer for her farm. The reminder about how tight this community is, that Aidy and the others would even turn down ten million dollars each, is very nice and heartwarming to watch, though honestly may be one of the most unrealistic aspects of this show. That said, I wonder how this would’ve played out if Aidy hadn’t figured out that Clark is Superman along with Chuck (Toby Hargrave) and Denise (Kelcey Mawema) on the night that Doomsday killed him and delivered his body to Lois and the boys. Those folks would probably be swimming in cash instead.

The New Clark Kent

In the weeks since Sam Lane (Dylan Walsh) sacrificed himself to revive Clark with his heart, you’d think there would've been more (and faster) changes to Clark than being weaker, slower, and having a little patch of grey in his hair. Wouldn’t the changes have all come at once, considering he was dead beforehand? Anyway, while the timeline of this isn’t working for me, it’s intriguing nonetheless. Tyler Hoechlin gave an exceptional performance throughout this episode, specifically in Clark’s reaction after Lana is attacked and the confrontation with Lex in the street. Clark’s anger was nearly palpable, and the way he played the pure rage Clark felt was impeccable. So well done, as was the brutal fight between Lex and a de-powered Clark due to the red sun lamps Lex placed in the streetlights.

However, despite what a fantastic fight it was, how did Clark win? Much of the last few episodes have been about Clark’s powers failing him and his being much weaker since coming back to life. While flying with Jon, he crashed because his new heart couldn’t handle the stress. So how, under red sun lamps, did Clark win? Frankly, it feels like the old heart issue comes into play only when needed, rather than being consistent. Regardless, everything else about this story played quite well, especially that cute moment between Clark and Lois after he dyed his hair. Always love to see that playful, easy dynamic between them.

Final Thoughts

At this point, how does all of Smallville not know Clark is Superman? I have a difficult time believing that, even though they promised to keep it a secret, the folks who found out wouldn’t have shared it with anyone close to them. I hope this series doesn’t end with the entire world finding out, just as Supergirl did with Kara revealing herself. Frankly, I hate when a series ends on something that is completely game-changing, as it feels like a cop-out. Let’s keep it dialed down to Smallville learning the truth, but keeping the secret, in true Hannah Montana: The Movie fashion.

Additionally, the growth for all of the children—Sarah, Jon, and Jordan (Alexander Garfin)—is quite enjoyable in this outing. It’s a relief to see Sarah and Jordan both finally growing up and accepting full accountability for their mistakes while working to find a smart, healthy path forward. The series dragged out their mistakes for far too long, making both characters rather tough to swallow throughout last season, but thankfully things are changing before the curtain closes. As for Jon, it’s captivating to see him learn the ins and outs of being a hero without struggling to master his abilities. Perhaps it’s a little rushed, but I’m also grateful since we’ve seen all of that before. Over-exerting himself and subsequently missing Lana and Sarah being in danger is a great lesson for him moving forward.

Overall, what a fantastic episode. It’s just a shame that my enjoyment of it was muted by the horrific U.S. election, which is also the reason for the slight delay in getting this out. (It’s tough to write right now when I feel so despondent and stressed about the state of this country and the world.) For what it's worth, it’s such a shame that Superman & Lois is coming to an end because it’s such a relief to escape to a world, even briefly, with good-hearted protectors, both heroes like Clark and journalists like Lois who aren’t afraid to do the right thing and who are believed by the world at large. So, existing in this space, even if it’s just about another month before the series finale, offers some peace. (And that’s probably why I’ve started watching Supergirl again, too.)

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