Unexpected Plot Twists: Unmasking Lex Luthor's Shocking Secrets in Superman & Lois Season 3 Episode 12

The penultimate episode of Superman and Lois season 3 unveils new insights into the character of Lex Luthor. Throughout the earlier seasons, Lex has remained a mysterious presence, often mentioned but never seen. However, in the episode "Injustice," we finally witness his physical manifestation.

Portrayed by writer/director Michael Cudlitz (known for his role as Abraham on AMC's The Walking Dead), this iteration of Lex Luthor exudes a formidable presence. While the comic book version of Luthor is primarily known for his intellectual pursuits and scientific endeavors, the live-action adaptations have typically emphasized this aspect of his personality. Therefore, Cudlitz's portrayal, which leans towards a more brutal interpretation of the character, stands out as noteworthy. Additionally, in "Injustice," we gain further understanding of Lex's past and his unique personality through a series of revealing flashbacks.

10 Lex Was In Prison For 17 Years

Superman and Lois season 3 revealed that Lex Luthor had been incarcerated, but the duration of his imprisonment was not disclosed. "Injustice" unveiled that Luthor had served a staggering 17-year sentence after being convicted of seven life sentences for numerous offenses, including the assassination of his rival crime lord, Boss Moxie.

9 Lex Was Innocent Of The Crime That Put Him Behind Bars

Ironically, although Lex Luthor was a notorious criminal, he had no involvement in the murder of Boss Moxie. "Injustice" revealed that Luthor had been framed by Bruno Mannheim and the sound-manipulating Onomatopoeia. Using her powers, she fabricated a recording of Luthor confessing to the crime. This evidence, combined with an eye-opening exposé written by Lois Lane, was sufficient to tarnish Luthor's public image as a respected business tycoon.

8 Lex Was Married

As Lex Luthor was being pulled out of the police vehicle en route to Stryker's Prison, a reporter seized the opportunity to inquire about the future of LexCorp under his wife's control. This revelation gained further significance when Luthor, upon his release from prison, clutched a wedding band among the belongings returned to him by the prison warden.

7 Lex's Marriage Is Effectively Over

Although Luthor's wife remains unnamed in the Superman and Lois episode "Injustice," it is evident that Lex has accepted the end of their marriage. After briefly examining his wedding band, Lex discards it and leaves it behind at Stryker's Prison. This, along with the absence of his wife upon his release, suggests that she may have divorced him during his time in prison.

6 Lex Had A Teenage Daughter When He Was Arrested

The sole adornment in Lex Luthor's cell at Stryker's prison consists of a tiny photograph depicting a teenage girl. This photograph holds great significance as it is revealed to be the only remnant of Lex's daughter, who was merely 14 years old when he was sentenced. In a confrontation with Lois Lane, Lex discloses that his daughter is indeed alive, yet she has chosen to sever all ties with him. This revelation hints at a potential storyline for the fourth season of Superman and Lois, where Lex's estranged daughter could potentially emerge.

5 Lex Lived In Luxury While In Prison

Ever the opportunist, Lex wasted no time asserting his dominance and transforming Stryker's Prison into his own personal empire during his 17-year incarceration. Failing to bribe several inmates who demanded more money, Lex cunningly utilized his connections to intimidate the prison warden's family from behind bars. As a result, Luthor was granted exclusive privileges, such as indulging in catered lunches accompanied by fine wine, while those who rejected his advances were coerced into becoming his devoted servants.

4 Lex Has a Henchman Named Otis

One of Luthor's subordinates is a captive named Otis, who used to work in the prison's barber shop. Although this character shares a name with Lex Luthor's clumsy sidekick in Superman: The Movie, the resemblance ends there. Unlike the willing follower in the film, this Otis took matters into his own hands and led an assault on Luthor after the latter tried to purchase his clippers for a mere five dollars. In retaliation, Lex orchestrated a vicious beating by his guards, leaving Otis subdued, and then forced him to serve as a human chair in his dining room. Additionally, Luthor coerced Otis into becoming his chauffeur, commanding him to pick him up from the Kent Farm after issuing a threat to Lois Lane.

3 Lex Had Hair When He Went To Prison

Lex Luthor's iconic bald pate has become a defining characteristic. While various narratives have attempted to explain the reasons behind his hair loss over the years, recent adaptations have portrayed Luthor's baldness as a deliberate style choice. This creative decision is evident in Superman and Lois, where a revealing flashback depicts Luthor with a full head of hair during his conviction, only to later adopt the practice of shaving his head following his imprisonment.

2 Lex Is As Vindictive As Ever

Many actors have portrayed the character of Lex Luthor, each adding their own distinct interpretations. However, a common thread among all iterations of Lex Luthor is his vindictiveness and refusal to forgive any perceived slight. In the television series Superman and Lois, this portrayal of Lex Luthor remains consistent as he relentlessly makes his way from Stryker's Prison to the Kent Farm during a raging storm. His sole purpose is to deliver an ultimatum to Lois Lane, demanding her immediate retirement from writing or face a violent end. Astonishingly, he issues this threat despite recognizing the irony that it was Lois' journalistic work that ultimately cleared his name and secured his release, even though she had played a significant role in his imprisonment seventeen years ago.

1 Lex Has Plans For Bizarro Superman

In the climactic scene of episode 12, titled "Injustice," of Superman and Lois season 3, Luthor and Otis stumble upon Bruno Mannheim's abandoned laboratory, where they make a startling discovery - the resurrection of Bizarro Superman, a twisted version of the iconic hero from another Earth. Luthor's intentions for this zombie-like figure remain shrouded in mystery. He could potentially exploit Bizarro to incriminate Superman, mirroring the way Luthor himself was wrongly accused of murder. Alternatively, Luthor might manipulate Bizarro into eliminating Superman on his behalf. Regardless, it is evident that Bizarro Superman will play a pivotal role in the suspenseful finale of Superman and Lois season 3.

Superman and Lois season 3 finale airs on June 27, 2023.