Superman & Lois is going down an incredible path, with the DC Universe series set to address a number of secret identity questions that I did not expect them to return to in their final episodes. Live-action Superman shows have often revolved around whether Clark Kent’s secret identity will be revealed, and Superman & Lois is no exception to this. Several key storylines of the show have been around the Kents trying to keep their secret safe, and figures like Lana Lang and her daughter Sarah have learned who Superman really is over the course of the series.
The final season of the CW installment has taken several risks and made many bold choices in their stories, giving audiences plot lines that I did not expect to see on television. Following one of the best iterations of Superman dying onscreen and a terrifying new Luthor, I have been immensely satisfied with the stories the show has decided to tell. Based on Superman & Lois season 4, episode 6, it now appears that one of the most important themes and mysteries, pulled directly from the comics, will be explored in further detail on the show.
Superman & Lois Season 4 Has Teased That Superman’s Secret May Be Becoming Smallville Public Knowledge
Chuck, Aidy, Candice & Denis At Minimum Learned Clark Kent Is Superman In Season 4
The latest episode of Superman & Lois saw Smallville save Superman when Aidy Manning refused to sell her property to Lex Luthor. During the early scenes regarding this conflict, Aidy mentions knowing that Clark Kent has sacrificed so much for the town, appearing to reference the fact that he is Superman. Later on, Lex attempts to intimidate her and offers money to everyone in the bar where the scene occurs to ensure this sale happens. This is ultimately rejected, most notably by the character of Chuck.
Superman & Lois season 4 already revealed that Chuck knows Clark is Superman, having seen the grief of the Kent family after the Man of Steel’s death and realizing why they were so troubled by this. As such, season 4 has now shown that Aidy, Chuck, Coach Gaines, Jonathan’s girlfriend Candice, and the Kent brothers’ friend Denis – who revealed she’d also worked the mystery out too – can be added to the ranks of people who know Superman’s secret identity.
With this list steadily growing, it seems like more and more of Smallville is working out who the hero really is. Since Superman’s death and resurrection has made his secret identity harder to hide – partially as Clark’s notable absence during this period and the Kent’s pain would’ve been seemingly easy for residents of Smallville to spot – more people revealing they know who Clark is would make sense, especially since Smallville is likely to have had some considerable gossip about the Man of Steel’s demise and return.
Smallville Discovering Clark’s Secret Identity & Keeping It Would Be A Perfect Story For The Show
Superman & Lois Has Been About How Much Every Other Character Matters To The Man Of Steel’s Legacy
Superman & Lois has been, in large part, about how much Superman needs the people around him. The show was built around his relationship with Lois and their two sons, and seeing how those relationships have informed the series has been rewarding and compelling. However, it seems that the series has been subtly expanding that scope the entire time: Smallville is as impactful on Clark’s life and his success as Superman as even his family is.
Exploring Smallville’s discovery of his identity like this would make perfect sense for the series. As the show finishes its final season with a conclusion that may end Superman’s career forever in this universe, the community that created and fostered him is important to that story. I can’t help but think Superman & Lois has been less about the hero himself and more about the people who enable his heroism. As such, showing this community knowing his secret and supporting him could make for a touching ending that would allow the town’s citizens to have their own significant sendoff.
Superman & Lois’ Secret Identity Storyline Continues An Age-Old Man Of Steel Tradition
The Theme Has Been Explored Many Times In The Past
Clark Kent’s secret identity as Superman, and the impact of others discovering that identity, has been a big part of Superman storytelling through the years. It has impacted his relationship with Lois in previous films and series – including in an iconic Superman II scene – and in Smallville it complicates the bulk of the characters’ friendships. The discovery of Superman’s secret in Smallville was important in shaping countless character dynamics on the series, including with regular characters like Pete Ross and Chloe Sullivan.
Stories surrounding these revelations have been told in many comics, too, through the years – some by Clark’s choice, and others by his circumstances. This roots all the way back to Superman #20, where the Man of Steel played off his unveiling as a joke. Most important, however, is that these reveals never tend to be permanent. Generally, story details return the character to the status quo by their end. This is unlikely to happen to the entire town of Smallville, however, where Superman & Lois is set to end its story, making the prospect of this plotline intriguing.
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Superman & Lois Is Setting Up A Huge Power Divide For The Man Of Steel’s Sons
Superman & Lois season 4 finally gave the Man of Steel’s other son superpowers – but doing so has created a divide between the Kent brothers.
Superman’s identity is a difficult thing to hide with only a pair of glasses, but each performance of the Man of Steel has done a compelling job of differentiating between Clark and Superman as separate characters. It would make sense that Smallville has caught on to who Superman is, and it would also make sense that the town would keep that secret in confidence. However this is addressed in the upcoming episodes, I’m sure it will contribute to a powerful and satisfying end for Superman & Lois.
Superman & Lois, the seventh Arrowverse spinoff series, will take the titular characters from Metropolis to Smallville. The CW series is set in the aftermath of the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover, which saw the multiverse collapse and the merging of worlds into what is now Earth Prime. Superman & Lois sees Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) and Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin) dealing with all the pressures of their jobs, along with being parents to two teenage sons. Lois and Clark are no strangers to the Arrowverse, with Hoechlin’s Superman having been introduced all the way back in Supergirl season 2. Meanwhile, Tulloch’s Lois made her debut in the 2018 “Elseworlds” crossover. The duo is joined by a growing cast of characters that includes a new iteration of Lana Lang.
- Release Date
- February 23, 2021
