Ep 19. Superman Meets Atom Man!

Superman Serials: The Complete 1948 & 1950 Theatrical Serials Collection season 1 episode 19 titled "Superman Meets Atom Man!" follows the adventure of Superman as he faces off against his new enemy, Atom Man. Atom Man, also known as Lex Luthor, has devised a plan to destroy the country's copper supply, and in the process, defeat the Man of Steel.

The episode begins with a mysterious figure giving orders to some henchmen to steal a canister containing 1,000 grams of pure copper. Meanwhile, Clark Kent and Lois Lane visit a scientist who informs them that the theft of copper can lead to severe damage in the country's infrastructure. Clark suspects Lex Luthor, but Lois dismisses his theory and focuses on the new dance craze, the "Atomic Boogie."

As Superman, Clark investigates the theft, but his X-ray vision is distorted by a strange ray that he's never encountered before. Little did he know that the ray was from Atom Man, who has developed a new weapon that could neutralize his powers. Atom Man is Luthor, who was believed to have been executed through the electric chair. But he survived and has taken a deadly approach to destroy the man who put him behind bars, Superman.

The storyline becomes more complicated when it's revealed that Atom Man has a mole inside the Metropolis Science Center, who manipulates the scientists there to devise weapons to defeat the Man of Steel. The mole is none other than Jimmy Olsen, Superman's young pal. Jimmy was forced to cooperate with Atom Man when he received a threatening note that his mother's life was in danger.

Superman becomes suspicious of Jimmy's recent behavior and suspects he's involved in the copper theft. To investigate, Superman poses as a criminal and infiltrates Atom Man's lair. There, he discovers the truth behind the strange ray and the evil mastermind behind it. But Atom Man is ready and sets a trap for Superman that nearly ends his life.

The episode is full of action, suspense, and surprising twists, leaving the audience wanting more. The chemistry between Clark and Lois is also a highlight, with Lois constantly dismissing Clark's theories and Clark constantly saving Lois from danger. The introduction of Atom Man, a new and formidable foe, adds an exciting layer to the Superman mythos. Overall, it's an entertaining episode that captures the charm and excitement of the classic Superman serials.