Superman & Lois Season 4: Breaking Free from DC Universe Mistakes!

Summary

Superman & Lois season 4 may repeat the DCEU's mistake of rushing through the Death of Superman storyline, risking a lack of meaningful storytelling and impact.

Concerns arise from the inclusion of Doomsday in the show, as there is the possibility of Superman meeting his demise, thus necessitating the rise of other superheroes to fill his void.

Opting to keep Superman alive would be a more favorable choice for the show, as it provides the opportunity to further delve into his character and pursue potential storylines with other prominent figures.

Superman & Lois season 4 could potentially repeat a significant blunder seen in the DCEU, given the setup in season 3. While there has been no official announcement about the challenges that the Kent family will face in the upcoming season, the conclusion of the season 3 finale provides some clues about what lies ahead.

In season 3, Superman & Lois resolved the conflict with Bruno Mannheim, but there are still two major villains to contend with. Lex Luthor, portrayed by Michael Cudlitz, has been released from prison and seeks revenge. He has now transformed Bizarro into Doomsday, setting the stage for an epic battle between Superman and his iconic nemesis from DC Comics. Notably, the episode did not provide a resolution to the fight, leaving Clark and Doomsday locked in a fierce confrontation. Depending on the outcome, this battle could greatly influence the direction of the story in season 4.

Superman And Lois Season 3 Set Up The Death Of Superman

Concerns arise as the ongoing fight implies that Superman may soon face his demise. The inclusion of Doomsday in the show Superman & Lois adds weight to this possibility, given that killing Clark is the monster's most notorious act in DC Comics. The show has long-established connections to the Death of Superman storyline, as seen through the presence of characters like Steel.

It is important to note that Steel was introduced during the Death of Superman storyline as a superhero who eventually became a replacement for Clark after his death. With characters like Steel, Nat, and Jordan in the mix, Superman & Lois would be able to explore the aftermath of Clark's demise if it were to occur on the show. In the original comic book version of the story, other heroes stepped up when Superman fell. Now that Superman & Lois has additional superheroes in its supporting cast, it too has the potential to provide substitutes for Superman. Essentially, the CW series already possesses the necessary elements for a reasonably accurate adaptation of the Death of Superman storyline.

Superman And Lois Season 4 May Repeat The DCEU's Doomsday Story Problem

In Superman & Lois season 4, it is likely that the storyline would involve Clark's demise in the season premiere. This could lead to Superman either being absent from the series for a prolonged period or being resurrected within a few episodes. However, both options would bring their own problems. If Clark's resurrection happens too soon, it would diminish the emotional impact of his death, as it would seem unnecessary to highlight the toll it takes on his family. Considering that season 4 only has 10 episodes and is likely to be the show's last, it is highly probable that Superman won't remain dead for long.

The issues of taking this narrative approach with Clark were evident in the DECU (DC Extended Universe). In Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Superman's death to defeat Doomsday was a notable event. Yet, the DCEU rushed through his resurrection in Justice League, resulting in his death having a short-lived impact on the big screen. Additionally, there wasn't much room for Superman to have a significant storyline in the film. If Superman & Lois adapts The Death of Superman, it will need to find a way to avoid these same problems. Otherwise, its story could suffer similar consequences to Justice League.

How Superman And Lois Season 4 Can Avoid The DCEU's Superman Death Mistake

Instead of repeating one of the DCEU's biggest mistakes, Superman & Lois has the opportunity to take a different approach with the Death of Superman storyline. Rather than killing off Tyler Hoechlin's character, the series could choose to keep Superman alive, which may ultimately be the better choice for the show. However, if Clark were to defeat Doomsday and emerge victorious, it would not be an anticlimactic ending. In fact, it would serve a clear purpose by highlighting the extent of Lex Luthor's dangerous nature. By introducing Doomsday early on, Lex has already established himself as a formidable villain, setting a high bar for his future schemes, regardless of what they may be.

If, by some chance, Superman & Lois were to eliminate Superman, the only way it could potentially avoid the mistakes of the DCEU is if Clark remains deceased. Despite the various risks involved in killing off one of its main characters, this decision would allow the series to delve into uncharted and captivating territory. This narrative direction would pave the way for a compelling storyline centered around Jordan's transformation into the next Superman. Given Jordan's evident desire for fame in Superman & Lois, it is apparent that he may not possess the necessary qualities to become Superman's rightful heir. This predicament could serve as a focal point for the series if Clark were to meet his end, prompting Jordan to undergo significant personal growth in order to step into his father's shoes.