Ep 1. Pilot

Clark Kent aka Superman and Lois Lane are back in a brand new show that highlights their marriage and family life as well as their roles as superheroes. The series no longer takes place in the Arrowverse, which was a concern for many fans, but that doesn't stop the show from delivering on its brand of warm-hearted drama and superhero action.

The first episode begins with a voiceover from Clark Kent, reminiscing about his time as a young boy in Smallville. The opening sequence is reminiscent of the show's previous hits, Superman: The Animated Series and Smallville. In the present day, Clark is now Superman and is fighting bad guys in the city. Suddenly, a distress call interrupts his fight and he goes to help. It's quickly established that Superman has saved the day numerous times and the citizens of Metropolis love him for it.

After a successful day of saving the city, Clark returns home to his wife, Lois, and their two sons, Jonathan and Jordan. The family dynamics are set up quickly and efficiently, with Lois still being an investigative journalist and Clark remaining a mild-mannered reporter at the Daily Planet. The episode's first twenty minutes sets the stage for the rest of the season, as the family is forced to deal with the aftermath of Clark's heroism.

Throughout the episode, we see that Clark has been keeping secrets from his family and Lois is frustrated with him. The first episode is essential in establishing the family dynamics and Clark and Lois's relationship. Despite Clark's efforts to keep his work separate from his life, it becomes increasingly difficult as the episode progresses.

One of the standout performances of the episode is Jordan Elsass, who plays Jonathan Kent. Jonathan is the more athletic and outgoing of the two brothers, while Jordan, played by Alexander Garfin, is more introverted and has been diagnosed with social anxiety. This subplot of Jordan's mental health is delicately handled and adds a layer of realism to the show.

The episode's villain is The Stranger, a figure from Superman's past who emerges in Metropolis. The Stranger is played by Wolé Parks and, although the character is shrouded in mystery, it's clear that he's got a personal grudge against Superman. The fight scenes between Superman and The Stranger are impressive, with The Stranger's powers being just as deadly as Superman's.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is its visuals. The special effects are top-notch and it's clear that the show has a bigger budget than other CW shows. The production design is breathtaking, with the show recreating iconic locations from the Superman comics.

Overall, the first episode of Superman & Lois is a strong start to the series. It's a refreshing change of pace from the previously established Arrowverse shows, focusing more on Clark's family life and his struggles to balance his work as Superman and his responsibilities as a father and husband. The episode's plot moves at a steady pace, establishing the characters and setting up the arc for the show's first season.