Uncontrollable Forces - “I Can Shave Hours Off Your Commute”

EPISODE 13: What Kills You Only Makes You Stronger - “It's a little 1991 Wesley Snipes.”

Greetings Super friends! Welcome to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Thoughts on My Adventures with Superman?

Nervous about a rumor that next season they’re taking away Superman’s powers cuz they have no budget for high level special effects. 

My experience meeting Bitsie Tulloch and Tyler Hoechlin

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 13

S03E12 - 

Directed by:

Gregory Smith

Written By:

Brent Fletcher and Todd Helbing

The Apple TV Recap is: 

All of Smallville comes together to view the meteor shower, Lex Luthor makes his move.

• “What will Lex Luthor do next?”
• Haha Jordan doesn’t have plans for the summer. 
• Kyle and Chrissy
  • Diving right into the pregnancy right away. Never heard of protection in 2023? Anyway, I’m happy for them if they’re happy. Especially cuz we’ll pretty much never see them next season.
  • Love how happy Lois and Clark are for Chrissy. Very sweet.
  • Also very sweet that we got a little tv season finale, romantic gesture, proposal. 
• John Henry and Nat and Lana
  • I like how Lana was straight up and direct with John Henry about a date. Btw, I didn’t realize this but in a recent backup story in Action Comics it was said that John Henry and Lana are engaged! Cool to see something carry over from the New 52 that was good.
  • John Henry and Nat could open STEELWORKS! As if that’s something they’ve been talking about all season, which they haven’t but we know about it. 
  • I like how Lana and John Henry were having a pretty heavy conversation to start things off. That seems real for two adults who have past relationships and children etc. 
  • “Guess I’m gonna have to make you wish you weren’t.” This is the Emmanuelle Chriqui I remember ;-) 
• Lois and Clark
  • I love that Lois is back. That was a really rough season but powerful. And Clark is just so great. I’m glad there’s at least another season left cuz I’m not ready to say goodbye yet. Love the family vaca in Italy. “It’s been a tough year,” no shit Clark.
  • I like that the Lane Kents get together for dinner at the diner. It’s cute. 
  • “Oh Dad: One, Jordan: Zero
  • Ugh Jordan is soooooooo rude to Sarah. I hate that. Little prick. Glad Clark fixed that. 
• Lex Luthor and his plan
  • Straight up killing the judge. This is some scary Byrne/Ordway/Stern Luthor shit. 
  • I knew something was up with Sam’s very sexually aggressive hookup. 
  • Well glad Bizarro didn’t eat Otis. 
  • Love love love that they did the actual origin of Doomsday from Hunter/Prey but made it in Metropolis with Luthor. It’s sort of like what Luthor always wanted in the comics: To be the one who made Doomsday. And what a great way to combine Luthor/Bizarro/Doomsday all into one thing. Really creative. Taking things that have been done and finding new ways to do them. 
    • The Way Luthor talks to Bizarro reminds me of how he talked to Doomsday’s dead body in Funeral for a Friend. 
  • Luthor’s a fucking psychopath  
  • Hearing Luthor insult Superman “lap dog in a cape” is just so classic. Cudlitz kinda nailed it in a short period of time. 
  • What did you think of Doomsday’s final form? What did you think of the final battle? I thought kinda better than a lot of final CGI battles in MCU movies. Like as recently as secret invasion.
  • The look Superman gave Lois right before he took off, was it sort of like, “this is the big one. This might be the last time I see you.” And was that a look he’s given before?
  • The underwater ice thing was so cool. Throw this fucker into the sun Clark!
  • Very interesting and stylized way to end it with Soundgarden. It’s a banger that starts off very soft. 
  • It was cool seeing Superman meet his physical match. Like I could see these guys taking each other down right in front of the Daily Planet.
  • On the moon, very reminiscent of Superman IV. 
  • Incredible cliff hanger

EPISODE 12: Injustice - “What are you gonna do, a podcast or something?”

Greetings Super friends! Welcome to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Tons of Superman news, specifically Superman and Lois. The good news is Superman and Lois was renewed for Season 4. The bad news was that it was at a great cost. Kind of like the end of a superhero movie. Only 10 episodes and The Cushings, Irons’ and Sam Lane were all cut from the regular cast. 

Sam, what are your thoughts?

In larger Superman news, The Flash movie finally came out. I know a lot of things have been spoiled and I’m not in the business of spoiling things, but I will say there are a lot of Superman treats and easter eggs in it. Is it a good movie? I don’t think so. But I did enjoy myself. The Batman stuff is really fun. 

It is a fun theater experience, but since it’s doing so poorly it’ll probably be out on Max soon. 

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 12

S03E12 - Injustice

Directed by:

Sudz Sutherland

Written By:

Michael Narducci

The IMDB & Apple TV Recap is: 

Lois and Clark clash with Jordan over his carelessness around using his powers in public. And finally, after seventeen years behind bars, Lex Luthor is set to be released from prison.

• HENRY's NOTES:
•  
• There’s Clark taking away the computer again. Love that he’s washing her hair. So sweet. Injustice is a reference to her losing a part of her body
• I love that they’re teeing up Luthor ready to kill Lois and Clark protecting her. 
• Cool Lex music.The idea of Lex in prison for 20 years is so interesting. Love that he gets a nice soft boiled egg for breakfast. Who’s the pic? Does he have a daughter? Who’s the mom?
• Who’s Janet? Foswell gave the Luthor story to Simone. Who’s Simone?
• Love Clark mouthing “no no” haha
• Whoa Lex with hair in the flashback? OTIS! Drops wedding ring but has pic of kid. 
• LOVE Lois’ look with the hat. Looks like the Jenny Frison cover from Lois Lane #1.
• Haha Bazoombas makes another appearance. Why has Bazoombas become a thing?
  • What did you think about all the Alpha Male vs Alpha Male FD thing?
  • Is Kyle being nice to Jonathan because he knows Clark is Superman?
• Sam Lane - I guess in a world where Superman is the only hero then it IS a big deal that there’s another super in Smallville. Yes, they had Kryptonians attack them but another Hero is different. Not sure why.
• Why is it Jordan’s fault that Sarah’s having a rough time
• What do you think about Luthor shaving his head vs having lost his hair at a young age? To paraphrase a quote from Larry David, those who shave their head to cultivate a look are not part of the bald community. I think a Luthor who has lost his hair all the way at a young age or is losing his hair so shaves it is better than a full thick head of gorgeous hair and shaves it. 
  • Why did Luthor let his ass get kicked? Mind games? False sense of security?
  • Did you notice that the prison standard issue had the prisoner names on it? Isn’t the whole thing about prison is they dehumanize you by giving you just a number?
• So Otis is not Luthor’s henchman but a rival. Cool twist. I like that the Warden is just blatant about being crooked.
• So was Superman and Lois’ Luthor one that had hair? Interesting….
• Damn this Lex is cold. I kinda love it. 
• Oooooh Tornado in Smallville! Classic Superman Stuff! My first thought was, “will there be an MOS reference to Pa Kent putting his hand up?”
• Superman vs a Tornado is always good. One of the better parts of Superman IV which was deleted. Can you freeze a tornado?! Do you think you can talk inside a tornado?
• Haha, who are these idiots standing in front of a window? They’ve obviously seen a tornado before! Kyle and Jonathan just standing there watching?!
• Oy Jordan, not good. Doing the whole “I dunno” teenage thing.
• What was that little power display with Clark? Was Clark trying to grab Jordan and he used his powers to break away?
• Sam giving the advice of “reign him in” - clearly doesn’t understand how teenagers work. I do like how Sam explained the flight path thing. That makes sense.
• Dean Jr looks like he’s 45.
• Does Jonathan also have a video game system in his room?
• Oh my god did Lex Luthor walk from Stryker’s Island to Smallville?!
  • Oooooh Luthor is SCARY
  • “What I want is to never have to read your words again”
  • “But I wasn’t wrong about what you are”
  • Yeah Clark, stand up to that bully!
  • “Don’t ever come back” - “Then you’d better retire”
  • “Tell Superman he’s next”
  • Ha! Otis is now his henchman
• I know head shaving scenes are cool, but well you know how I feel about this. Better shave that beard. Haha I knew his chair would definitely be a person 
  • Who’s Dr. Hook, who’s Orr?
  • YES LEX AND BIZARRO! The way it should be.
  • Going with the Horror version of Bizarro. Eating rats and mutilating Otis. Nice.

S03E11 - Complications- 

Directed by:

Jai Jamison

Written By:

Katie Aldrin, George Kitson (Teleplay)

Brent Fletcher, Todd Helbing (Story)

The IMDB & Apple TV Recap is: 

Clark helps Lois prepare for a procedure but must leave the boys with her to help John Henry and Gen. Lane track down the Mannheims; John Henry and Nat butt heads over her desire to help Matteo; Bruno's plans go awry; Peia's condition worsens.

• Nice seeing an opening with an action scene and the heroic version of the theme. Especially because the next scene is heavy
• I’m glad he told Kyle and Kyle isn’t being weird. “The time I pantsed you in gym class.” Is Kyle overreacting to Chrissy or is it a CW forced conflict thing?
• For a second I thought Lana called John Henry “sweetie.”
• Mateo and Nat dated for like 10 seconds. Meh.
• Sarah’s like, “why are you being like this?” Because he’s always like this Sarah. He’s the moody one. This is some silly CW stuff
• “See it’s what they’re known for the wings. The wings”
• What did Lois mean when she said to Clark, “you’re enjoying this part way too much” after he took her phone? Is it that she needs help and can’t be on the job? I know it was a loving joke to her husband, I just didn’t get it. 
• For an episode about Lois’ surgery there’s a lot of teen drama not connected to it.
• Ooh I love seeing John Henry and Nat in their suits together
• Jordan is having a panic attack in the OR. There’s NO way he should’ve been there to begin with. Btw, a hospital is a good place to have a panic attack, no?
  • Well I guess if you’re Superboy, no. 
  • Love that Jonathan grounded him. Such good brother shit.
• I gotta say, Peia is one of the first really good, scary, new villains in a long time. 
  • A lot of these shows villains are from the C and D list but she's legit scary.
• I like how serious Kyle takes the Sarah situation
• Wait what happened to Peia? Is she going to explode? Superman needs to take her to outer space. Just do it CLARK!
• Poor Sarah, this is some heavy shit, is being a waitress a cure for depression or is it just having a job is stability, responsibility, etc.
• Superman saying “It’s ok to let go” is huge. He’s someone who insists on saving everyone so to confront the idea that some people aren’t savable is really a big deal. SAM AGREES AND ALSO THIS WHOLE SEQUENCE WAS A+ STUFF
• Yep, Kyle apologized to Chrissy at the end. Typical CW stuff.
• I like that the thread of Manheim’s humanity that has been a part of the whole season, had some finality and he didn’t just turn into an all evil villain.
• Ohhhh yeah, a big Bizarro battle is coming! They played the reverse theme too!

Greetings Super friends! Welcome to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 10

S03E10 - Collision Course

Directed by:

Elaine Mongeon

Written By:

Max Cunningham

Max Kronick

The IMDB & Apple TV Recap is: 

Lois interviews Peia in the hope of unearthing the truth about an old case; Clarke struggles to spend quality time with the boys; Jonathan and Jordan find themselves at a party where tensions between Sarah and Jordan come to a head.

Show Notes:

• Lois' speech. "strength and hope" she gets it. 
• "The secret wife of Bruno Manheim" classless headline. Trashy. Surprised, Lois approved it. 
• Lana has aspirations of bigger offices? Kinda like comics? Pete Ross
• "Can't you just use AP stuff?" Sam, kyle referenced what you've said multiple times about small town papers
• Again, someone in Smallville has powers - you mean SUPERMAN!?
• "Your D is weaker than you without super powers" "single player I guess"
• Clark is a WRESTLING FAN!!!! They used to go all the time when they lived in Metropolis!
• This is such a dick move by the kids. Clark actually bought tickets. 
• I don't get small towns. How can teenagers have a kegger in broad daylight in a public place? This doesn't seem realistic. Also, maybe because I'm a dad now but I hate seeing underage drinking on tv. Kids watch this show. It's irresponsible showing how "cool it is". Maybe I'm a square but I dunno.  
• I hate the word cringe but I hate even more when Jordan's awkwardness makes me cringe
• Lex Luthor has an aura, like the devil. The only man that scares Peia. Great description. 
• Is it sexist to think this Governor is an asshole? Or am I supposed to?
• Oh my god that was a terrifying crash. But I don't like how everyone assumes it's "someone with powers" and not Superman. 
• Whoa underage DUI. That's super serious. 
• "I loved hanging out with my mom when I was their age" "that's one of the main reasons I love you"
• Clark has a reason to be hurt but obviously he overreacted. Another great example of Clark being "human"
• I liked how Jonathan was the voice of reason for Clark and it didn't turn into a bigger thing. 
• I gotta hand it to them, Peia is a super scary villain. Oy poor Lois!
• Good, now Kyle knows. I'm fine with that. I hope it doesn't turn into a thing. 
• Great episode. 

Sam and Henry talk a little about the end of the Arrowverse with Flash Season 9 coming to an end then dive right into a very emotionally intense episode. As usual some comic references along the way including a Jerry Siegel issue from 1941!

HENRY'S NOTES:

EPISODE 9: The Dress - “Bazoombas”

Greetings Super friends! Welcome to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 9

S03E9 - The Dress

Directed by:

Stephen Maier

Written By:

Kristi Korzec

The IMDB & Apple TV Recap is: 

Superman and John Henry clash over how to handle Bruno Mannheim; Lois worries over upcoming treatments and confides in Lana about her early courtship with Clark.

Superman stuff

• Superman is so compassionate. He knows what Maheim is going through
• Superman never breaks a promise.
• Superman/John Henry tension. Very good. 
• Superman fanfare when he busts in and saves John Henry from Henry Miller.
  • Really good score. Did you notice it?

Manheim Family

• Oooh John Henry taking point over Superman
• Peia’s at the DoD so Manheim needs them
• Well it answers your question about Matteo and are you crabby about it?
• Oh shit, Manheim’s bringing Matteo into it

Cancer stuff

• FLASHBACK TO LOIS AND CLARK ENGAGED AND AT THE PLANET!!!!!
• Really good to hear good news about the Cancer. 
• Oh my god these Flashbacks are killing me. 
• Superman is so good at everything he can even pick out a dress.
• Cal Ripkin Rookie card!
• Really real conversation happening on national television between Lois and Lana. Wow. 
• Awww Lois loves Clark. That smile. Wow. 
• BAZOOMBAS. Dead. 
• Good little talk with Clark and the boys. Brief but reassuring. 
• Aw, Lois didn’t win. I love that it was her idea to have the wedding at the farm. Do you notice that flashback-Clark has less of a five o’clock shadow. 
• “How fast can you get this dress off?” Clark should’ve said, “Faster than a speeding bullet”
• Dammit well Tyler made my cry. I think first time this season.
• “Do you want to cuddle? May just be cuddling for a while.”
• He’s not wearing glasses at home! Yay!
• Awww they’re gonna fly together just to fly. I’m crying.I love this show so much, how dare they even think of canceling it. 
• “I love you Clark. More than ever.”

Twins, Sarah, Nat, John Henry/Lana/Sarah/Kyle/Chrissy

• It’s not a big deal that there’s a superhero in town. Again, it literally happened in this series where Superman saved people from a fire. 
• Of course the twins are keeping a secret from their parents
• Haha a night stick that would kill a rhino
• It seems kinda vague that good lawyers keep Manheim from an attempted murder charge. Unless we didn't see an arrest and then him getting out. 
• Does Jonathan like 
• John Henry referred to his sister as “his sister”
• Matteo heard rumors of his dad. HAHA “I love you” HAHAHA
• Lana being a good friend is some good shit. More of that. She did that scene with Clark really well. 
• Sarah and twins are kinda weird just watching Nat constantly. 
• Hug it out.
• Why does John Henry only have a Nightwing stick
• Ok there’s literally a supervillain fight in downtown Smallville, a super being save ppl from a fire doesn’t matter!
• Home Run John! Ohhhhh shit, John Henry killed Atom Man

The pals discuss Superman & Lois' fate for season 4? Will there be one? The pals also spend some time talking about how good the characterization of villainy has been this season!

EPISODE 8: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner - “Flying Is Awesome”

Greetings Super friends! Welcome to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

A couple weeks ago we got a nice twitter shout out from George Kitson! For more follow us on twitter @supermanpalspod https://twitter.com/SupermanPalsPod

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 8

S03E8 - Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner

Directed by:

Gregory Smith

Written By:

Aaron Helbing

The IMDB & Apple TV Recap is: In the wake of learning that Bruno and Peia are married, Clark works to reignite Lois' interest in taking Bruno down; Natalie meets Matteo's parents for the first time, with disastrous consequences; Jordan interferes with Jonathan's training.

Henry's notes:

This episode felt the most like a Superman comic with, a quote from Bamsmackpow “Superman & Lois begins to coalesce its multiple season plots in this episode in a fantastic, organic way, while setting the stage for a classic villain.”

Superman stuff

• Cute that Clark took Chrissy flying
• Damn Peia is fucking scary
• BIZARRO IS AWAKE!

Manheim investigation and Family

• It’s always funny when I see Clark doing human things like texting. 
• Are Matteo and Sarah serious? Like already meeting the parents?
• Interesting twist of Lois defending Bruno. “It reads like gossip to me”
• It’s funny that Lois did a masterclass
• “He’s the leader of Intergang and the biggest weapons dealer in the country.” Wow. He’s kinda like the toastmaster guy in Man of Steel plus Manheim.
• Lois is done. Wow. 
• Lex Luthor Killed Boss Moxie - father of Bruno, leader of Intergang. Superboy Prime killed him in Infinite Crisis 7
• Whoa, Peia’s powers fluctuate when she’s having a reaction
• “Flying is awesome”
• Lois is back after seeing some evidence.
• I love the slow burn of getting Luthor back in
• Little Aces is basically a known mobster hang out
• Oh my god, they pulled guns out with the kids there! Finally we get to see Bruno as a BAD GUY. 
• Onomatopoeia imitated Lex’s voice. 
• Does Manheim have super strength? 
• “I think we put Lex Luthor in prison for a crime he didn’t commit” - WHOA

Cancer stuff

• Oof, Lois is weak. This is a tough watch. Clark had to turn the downstairs office into a bedroom. This is a very real portrayal of what goes on with chemo

Twins, Sarah, Nat, John Henry

• Jordan busting Jonathan’s balls about being a trainee. Cute. The Rookie hazing stuff is weird on the FD, like aren’t firefighters hard to come by? 
• Ooh Jordan got Jonathan in trouble
• Hahahaha Jordan is listening to The Cure!!!!! “Pretty dark for my mom, who is she?!”
• John Henry and his “sister” - starting to make a connection.
• Oh boy, John Henry going nuclear. But he’s kinda right. The phone was a bit much though.

Lana/Sarah/Kyle/Chrissy

• Girls night out Lana/sarah - I love how Lana’s 90’s music taste is a running bit. THE CURE! CD MIX! LOL 
• Did Sarah get a new haircut/color? 
• “I wasn’t using the super stuff and I could hear your heartbeat” - Clark
• Omg is Lana going to go with Sam Lane to the concert?
  • Way off on this one. I really thought she was going to take Chrissy and then Sam
  • If they were just going to have a dance party at home, why not go to the concert?

This week the pals share their support for the WGA strike, Henry reveals some exciting news about Bitsie Tulloch and they cover this very good episode from top to bottom!

Greetings Super friends! Welcome to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Fan Expo Chicago August 2023:

Henry's going to meet BITSIE!!!!!

Writer’s Strike:

Has production finished on S&L? I assume writing has finished?

From TV Line: “By and large, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW won’t exhibit any immediate impact from the strike as the regular TV season winds down and already-scripted finales are filmed — albeit without any last-minute tweaks. Among the shows/seasons yet to premiere and those with summertime finale dates, Nancy Drew completed filming its upcoming farewell season in December, Riverdale‘s final-season scripts are all completed, Superman & Lois is wrapped on Season 3, NBC’s The Blacklist wrapped its series finale on May 1, and NBC’s L.A. Fire & Rescue docuseries from Dick Wolf remains on track for its July 7 debut.”

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 7

S03E7 - Forever and Always

Directed by:

Alvaro Ron

Written By:

Adam Mallinger

IMDB & Apple TV: Lois and Clark dig deeper on Bruno Mannheim, starting with his connections to Hob's Bay Medical Center; Jonathan and Jordan panic at home over Lois' dire diagnosis; Matteo comes to Smallville to meet John Henry.

HENRY's NOTES:

Superman stuff

• Wait wait wait. Clark has the potential to share Kryptonian tech but doesn’t? Is this like a Wakanda Vibranium thing? 
• No Superman in this episode

Manheim Investigation

• Ohhhhh, so Mannheim is Peia’s husband. Love that.
• So Mannheim and his wife have got a little Romeo and Juliet thing with her being a part of another family. 
• “Little Aces,” is that supposed to be Ace of Clubs? 
• Classic Lois, blowing the one friendship she made in service of the story. She ain’t in it to make friends
• “I’m questioning her like she’s a part of some conspiracy.” SHE IS. Lois is still the best.
• I love the idea that Clark will get to Mannheim by going through a human interest angle. The kind of stuff he writes - features. 
• Clark: “How far would you go to cure this disease?” Bruno: “You tell me Mr. Kent, how far would you go to save her?”
• “Isn’t risking a few lives for a breakthrough that could save millions worth it?” Classic villainy. 
• Clark reels him like A Few Good Men. Mannheim gave it right away with his anger, and Clark knew that it was personal.
• It actually makes Lois and Clark’s investigation better by knowing Peia is Mannheim’s wife
• “Now you know the truth. Do what you want with it.” -Mannheim
• We need to see Mannheim do something completely dastardly.
• OH SHIT PEIA HAD POWERS ALL ALONG! SHE FUCKING MURDERED EVERYONE
• I CALLED THAT MATTEO WAS A MANNHEIM!

Cancer stuff

• Oh god. Here comes the Lois-is-sick stuff to kick off the episode. I hate this. Although it’s nice seeing Clark not wearing his glasses inside the house for a change. 
• “Clark’s the best” - Lois
• Boys busted at the fortress. Poor kids. Jonathan’s turn to act like a little prick. Clark with the, “do YOU UNDERSTAND ME! DO YOU?!”
• Lois proving your point about the new Jonathan looking more like Jordan
• Lois is admitting she has no friends is spot on for her character. Have you ever seen Lois with a true friend in her 85 years of existence?
• “Clark’s not great on the grill, but he makes a decent burger” - Why is Clark not being good on a grill, a thing? 
• Haha, they can’t say “Fuck Cancer” on network tv.
• Great call from Jonathan that Hope doesn’t cure heart attack, stroke and cancer. That was a good scene

Twins, Sarah, Nat, John Henry

• John Henry - “I’m a cool dad”
• What’s John Henry being weird about?
  • I guess I can relate a little bit like when I see one of my kids playing with a really wild kid at school, I’m suspicious. 
• Nice seeing there’s a line for the local movie theater
• “You are perfect” kiss. Cute. 

Lana/Sarah/Kyle/Chrissy

• Daaaaaamn Sarah that was COLD - “We know you already have.”
• “She’s like 10 years younger than dad, it’s gross.” Is it?
• Poor Chrissy, Sarah should feel bad. 
• Haha love that Chrissy brings her own candy. AND WEED GUMMIES. 
• Haha she goes to Coachella every summer. 
• I gotta say I kinda love this whole drama with Sarah/Chrissy/Lana/Kyle/John Henry/Nat/Mateo
• Where was Kyle in this episode? Got too many lines in the last episode?
• “Everyone’s moved on”??? Lana, you’re the one who left Kyle. Not saying you didn’t have a good reason, but you pushed everyone away. And slapped your daughter. Yep, still not over that.
• That is some classic small town behavior, lighting fireworks. Not seen since going down to the quarry for a beer bash. 

In this Super-sized episode, Sam and Henry celebrate Superman's 85th birthday with a discussion of what Superman means to Sam, a short take on the My Adventures with Superman teaser and a lengthy discussion of Henry's takeaways from Regal Cinema's Superman The Movie & Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut screenings. The Pals also dive into a very solid episode 6 of Superman & Lois. 

Greetings Super friends! Welcome to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Superman’s 85th

• Superman’s birthday was last week. Kind of a missed opportunity to have a big episode on the actual publication date. 
• What does Superman mean to you? Why do you love Superman
• My Adventures With Superman teaser
• My experience with seeing Superman 1&2 back to back
  • Notes from the films - 
    • Glen Ford plays it as not only is he having a heart attack but he realizes he's dying. The "oh no" is saying "not now. I thought I had more time. "How long after Pa dies does Clark hear the crystal calling to him? I would've liked at least one more scene with Pa. What is ma telling Clark to remember?
    • Clark asks the one question you might ask God - Who Am I? What is my purpose? Why am I here?
    • I never noticed jimmy said " I told you one P"
    • There's something about 70s NY on film that makes Metropolis feel so important and huge 
    • The double Jeopardy scene is the best first appearance period, the end. It's the perfect rescue to introduce Superman. Plane rescue - He literally saves the President on his first night. 

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 6

S03E6 - “Of Sound Mind” 

Directed by:

Diana Valentine

Written By:

George Kitson (from what I can tell, not related to Barry Kitson

IMDB & Apple TV: Clark finds himself in uncharted territory; Lois bonds with a new friend; Superman pays Bruno Mannheim a surprise visit; Lana puts Sarah in charge while she's away at a meeting with Chrissy.

Henry's Notes:

Superman stuff

• Deadline died
• Traces of X K and Superman’s blood
• Onomatopoeia speaks! 
• Jordan training, beat all these guys
  • Equus is a fictional comic book supervillain, a cyborg mercenary in the DC Comics universe who serves as an opponent of Superman.[1] Created by writer Brian Azzarello and artist Jim Lee, he first appeared in Superman (vol. 2) #206, which was published in June 2004 as part of the "For Tomorrow" storyline.
  • Mechano-Man - All Star Superman #10
  • Atomic Skull
  • I love the video game that Jordan has to play. Bizarro plus Atomic Skull - double jeopardy for Jordan
  • Really fun seeing Atomic Skull in action
  • Jordan, “I can do this all day” ok Cap.
• Dumb Jordan/Clark fight. Jordan’s gotta know his role.
• “I have Superman to learn from”
• Ooooh Onomatopoeia can mimic other people’s voices? Interesting power. 
• How is Superman resisting Kryptonite???
• “Go save your father” He’s wearing his new costume!
• That was really intense! How did Superman defeat them? Did Jordan help? Would Superman have defeated them anyway?
• I knew Jordan would be Kryptonite-resistant 

Manheim Investigation

• Nurse: “Mr. Manheim wishes you well in your article”
• Patient - “What’s your angle?”
• What if this isn’t about Powers, but trying to keep these guys alive.
• Cancer patient is talking about Manheim’s accomplishments that helped her and Suicide Slums
• Nice misdirection with the cancer patient being Onomatopoeia. Is she Manheim’s sister? Did you see that coming, Sam?

Cancer stuff

• Really nice seeing Clark in a support group. Even Superman needs emotional help. “Wasn’t for me” - hmmmmm
• Nurse: “Mr. Manheim wishes you well in your article”
• Patient - “What’s your angle?”
• Estate planning. If they haven’t done life insurance yet, then they’re fucked. No Life Insurance company would take her at this point. Clark is in super denial mode.
• This episode is about Clark’s pain, fear and lack of control.
• “For the first time I can’t keep you safe. I feel really powerless”
• Yep, I’m crying. Thanks Tyler and Bitsie.
• I knew the episode would end with Clark coming back to the group. Not mad about it but that was telegraphed. “So that’s why I’m here. To ask for help.” - Clark

Twins, Sarah, Nat, John Henry

• “Rusty”
• “You look like a guy who made a wish to be a kid again”
• Is Clark trying to control Jordan because he can’t control Lois’ Cancer?

Lana/Kyle/Sarah

• Is this Sohpie’s first sighting this season?! Where has she been? Juvie?
• OMG so awkward with Chrissy and Lana
• I like that Chrissy and Kyle are continuing. They’re cute.
• Sarah, “you’re chipper, it’s weird.”
• No one is paying attention to Sophie. Maybe if she was in more episodes, they’d notice her. They freaking lost her. What the hell?
• Boy, between the slapping and the negligence, these two are really parents of the year
• Sad, sad Sophie at the abandoned fair. That is bleak. Sophie’s character arc is going away, then when they need a story for the Cushings, they bring her back. 
• Haha, nice reference to Burger Time. 
• Kyle and Chrissy going steady, cute.

Back to back episodes this week as Henry and Sam discuss Bizarro's return, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Professor Sam breaks a big scoop in figuring out where in Kansas, Smallville is!

EPISODE 5: Head On - “I’m just here to support you pumpkin”

Greetings Super friends! Welcome BACK to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 5

S03E5 - “Head On” 

Directed by: David Ramsey

Written By:

Andrew N. Wong

IMDB & Apple TV: Clark and General Lane are both having a hard time giving Lois room to make her own decisions; Lana and Sarah have a run-in with an old friend at the diner; Natalie has a surprise visitor.

Superman stuff

• Is Superman in this episode? There he is with 10:25 to go. 
• Seems like there’s maybe too much Kryptonie available? I like when it’s a big deal that someone gets it. 
• Villain reminds me of “Loophole” aka Deacon Dickson from my favorite issue of Superman - Adventures of Superman #505.
• YES BIZARRO!

Manheim Investigation

• Lois is so badass for doing the investigating while getting her treatment. 
• Is that a different villain with phasing powers?
• Chrissy is sporting an RGB collar!
• WHOA! Lois was busted by Manheim right away!!!!
• I like Manheim showing Lois is human side and not just locking her in a room

Cancer stuff

• Round 2
• “I’m just here to support you pumpkin, anyway I can” - Sam
• Very moving montage which seemed to have a sense of realism to it. 
• The piano intro is also very moving
• Clark talking to the chemo patients. This is really classic Clark Kent stuff. Connecting with the people of Metropolis. Truly a man of the people. 

Twins, Sarah, Nat, John Henry

• Jonathan/Kyle…interesting. Can a High Schooler work at a fire station? According to the law, no. What’s wrong with a kid wanting to have his weekends free Kyle? Also, why does Jonathan want to do it? Is it cuz he wants to help like his brother?
• Ok Nat.
• Lol Sam Lane online dating
• Very cute sitcom ending

Lana/Kyle/Sarah

• Mayor Dean confronting Lana is rough. Some stop the steal vibes, eh?
• Do we care about the dance and about Lana’s tough time?
• Kyle and Chrissy went to HS at different times.  How different? They seem around the same age. Also, WHY IS THE EDITOR OF THE TOWN PAPER CHAPERONING A SCHOOL DANCE?
• Oh god, this is hard to watch - Kyle, please stop. Is Kyle from the 80s or the 90s? The actor is 43, and she’s 33
• Uh oh Sarah, getting into the hard alcohol. Mayor Dean’s son looks like he’s 40. 
• Can Chrissy keep a secret? I mean isn’t she a journalist

EPISODE 4: Too Close To Home - “Damn Kent!”

Greetings Super friends! Welcome BACK to Superman & Lois & Pals. I’m Henry Bernstein and alongside me is my favorite super pal, Professor Sam Brody. 

Let’s talk about Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 4

S03E4 - “Too Close To Home”

Directed by: Stewart Hendler

Written By:

Juliana James

IMDB & Apple TV: Lois interrupts an intense conversation between Clark and John Henry; Kyle tries to run interference between Sarah and Lana; Jonathan has a heated discussion with Candice's dad.

Superman stuff

• Superman + Fire always looks good. Really thought this looked like Superman The Movie when he was lifting up the earth underground.
• Superman’s blood - burn that shit. Love it. 

Manheim Investigation

• Why is John Henry mad about his doppleganger’s involvement in the Manheim investigation and why doesn’t he want Clark and Lois to investigate it?
• John Henry keeps calling the Dr. his “sister” but it’s not his sister
• Awkward intro to his “sister!”
• Seems like Darlene might be around for a while!
  • So in the comics, Natasha is John Henry’s niece, daughter of Clay Irons who is Steel’s younger brother and his enemy. 
• STEEL SUIT!
• It’s cool that Manheim is Steel’s arch nemesis. Since Manheim is Lois’ “white whale” there should be some dramatic Lois/John Henry stuff.

Cancer stuff/Clark and Lois

• Clark listens in on Lois. I’m ok on that
• Isn’t investigating part of the way Lois relaxes?
• I like seeing Clark and Lois binge stuff but they don’t have time for that shit. 
• I love that Lois can solve a crime show in like the first scene
• Good talk between Clark and Lois. I love them
• “Men like you don’t scare me” - Go Lois Go!
• Oof, I don’t like seeing Lois like that
• “This is not a Job for Superman. He’s not going”
• BIG Superman II reference in that diner. One of the more controversial Superman things (he gets revenge), but it’s one of my favorites. 
• I love badass Clark. That was awesome. “Damn Kent!” - Kyle
• Lois leveraging her chemo into a secret investigation might be the most badass Lois Lane move of all time. 

Twins, Sarah, Nat, John Henry

• Haha, boys fighting over a sweater. So stupid but kids fight over that kind of shit. “Idiot. Dumbass”
• Sarah has an oppressively annoying ringtone
• I would love to see Jordan drop Candice’s dead from a roof
• YES! CUT THAT HAIR JORDAN - Can Jordan’s hair be cut?
• I like hearing Sam say, “that hurt my feelings”
• Jordan’s new costume is a reference to Superman: Man of Tomorrow - animated film https://www.cbr.com/man-of-tomorrow-clip-supermans-first-costume/

Lana/Kyle/Sarah

• Ooof, Kyle didn’t know about the slap. Yikes. 
• I honestly don’t care what Sarah said to Lana. The slap was out of line, period the end. Kyle’s right that she shouldn’t weaponize his affair but kids stay stupid, hurtful stuff. Doesn’t give you the right to hit them. 
• Sarah is sitting in the diner listening to her headphones while