Superman & Lois Review: Broken Trust (Season 1 Episode 6)

Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 6, “Broken Trust,” follows two significant relationships as they both come to a crossroads. Where the show takes both relationships moving forward could amplify the rest of the season. 

The first relationship is that between Jonathan and Jordan. Their deep-rooted bond is one of the most endearing aspects of Superman & Lois. That’s why it’s unfortunate to see Jon continuously give so much of himself to help his brother with little in return. 

It’s expected that Jordan is angry about constantly being told what to do and resists putting Clark’s advice into action. However, Jordan is a teenager with superpowers. Therefore, he will have some stricter rules to follow than the everyday teen. 

That side of Jordan makes so much sense that it’s easy to feel Clark’s frustration when he can’t get through to his son. But, on the other hand, it’s not easy to see Jordan’s side of things when Jon always tries to do the right thing by him, and Jordan pushes the envelope despite that. 

They are two teenage boys who will be rebellious, make mistakes, and grow from them, but this is a pattern Superman & Lois continues to use. Jordan refuses to learn from his accidents that have massive repercussions. 

It’s evident that Tag is not Jordan’s fault, but Jordan has made mistakes because of his powers. The most eye-opening accident comes during “Broken Trust” when he breaks Jon’s arm. 

Jonathan is more than willing to put himself in danger, give up everything, and protect Jordan. Jordan could take some time to listen to the people around him and learn about his powers. That’s the least he can do to ensure that no one else gets hurt, even if by accident.

This moment of harsh reality appears to be the final push that Jordan needs to be accountable for his actions. Jordan’s heartbreaking confession to Lois at the end of “Broken Trust” is an optimistic look at what lies ahead for him. 

Jon is correct to be frustrated with his brother after everything that’s happened over the last six episodes. Though, Jordan has to know that Jonathan will deal with those emotions and still stand beside his brother when times get tough. 

This change for both boys could mean that Superman & Lois could expand beyond this story. Once the show gets somewhat of a handle on Jordan’s powers, the show can tell different stories about Jordan and Jonathan living in Smallville. 

Maybe those new stories have a bit smaller stakes. The show could venture away from whether Jordan will burn up a football field or not (for now) and head in the direction of meaningful stories that take place off of the football field. 

There is more to Jonathan and Jordan than football and superpowers. Superman & Lois touches on this in smaller moments, but it would be nice to see those become bigger moments sooner rather than later. 

Another relationship that takes a turn for the worst is between Sam Lane and Superman, which will subsequently affect Clark, Lois, and the boys. Sam’s decision to use deadly force to apprehend Tag is an interesting yet not entirely shocking twist of events. 

General Lane proves himself to be more than capable of sucking emotions out of any decision and situation he needs to get the job done. The events of “Broken Trust” are yet another example to add to the list. 

However, this time things are different because there is a line drawn between Sam and Superman. Sam is willing to take out Superman with Kryptonite-infused bullets to seriously injure a child if it means that people will be safer. 

Sam repeatedly denies Tag the simple dignity of acknowledging his humanity by calling him a “monster,” amongst other things. Sam admits to not having the same faith in humanity that Clark does, which sounds off a million warning alarms in Clark’s head. 

If Sam can’t see the humanity in a scared teenager, what’s stopping Sam from extending that notion to Superman even though he is his son-in-law?

That moment just before Clark rushes to Jon and Jordan’s aide is one that will define the dynamic between the D.O.D. and Superman moving forward. Clark can’t trust Sam, which will make family dinners and unexpected visits all the more awkward. 

There is some part of Sam that doubts Superman will always be on the right side of the fight. Then again, if Sam sees the right side as harming a child, it’s understandable that Superman would want to turn against that. There is no justice in that violence. 

This divide between the D.O.D and Superman could be Superman & Lois planting the seeds for that darker reality Captain Luthor already lived through. There is a moment when Superman is so angry that it’s jarring because we have yet to see him in such a light on this show. 

Even then, Clark Kent speaks to his ability to control his anger because he knows that he must do so to be a good man and a good hero. There is still a lot of work for Superman & Lois to do to convince me that this Superman can turn to the dark side. 

Tensions were already high between Clark and Sam when the series started. This shift in their dynamic adds an extra level of weight to any of their future scenes. It’s all much more concerning than Captain Luthor’s mission so far. 

Sam Lane is undoubtedly an antagonist (for now) because Morgan Edge remains the main villain on this show. There is no denying that. 

Lois’s dedication to uncovering the truth about his work in the mines is brave, noble, and all the other words we can use to describe the incomparable Lois Lane. It’s exhilarating to see her in the field and follow up on clues to discover the truth. 

It’s even more exciting that “Broken Trust” leads Lois to team up with Lana to take Edge down, just like I wanted. This team-up is everything because it’s the last thing Edge will see coming. 

Edge thinks he has Lana in his pocket. As for Lois, Edge questions why Leslie sees Lois as a threat when he says, “Why bother? What can she do?” Never underestimate Lois Lane. 

Lois’s interest in discovering the truth about Marcus/Luthor is expected because, of course, she smells a story there. But, for now, there isn’t much to go on with Luthor. He’s staying on the sidelines to gather his intel.

That’s why it’s much easier to root for this team-up between Lois and Lana. Edge is, by far, the most dangerous threat to Smallville. If he creates anyone else with Kryptonian powers, we now know that General Lane is comfortable doing whatever it takes to eliminate the threat. 

If Lana and Lois can expose and end Edge’s evil scheme, they could save everyone before Superman even lands on the scene. 

Stray Thoughts

• That “Previously On” recap was essential after that super long hiatus!
• Clark is so pure when he tells Jonathan to watch his language. 
• Kyle is still incredibly boring, and I sincerely want that to change. Lana deserves better.
• The moments between Sarah and Sophie are super sweet. 
• I teared up when Jordan let out his heat vision into Clark’s palm. He’s a super dad! 
• Clark’s first worry when Lois recapped her day to him was the bit about her almost dying. I love them so much!

 

What did you think of this episode of Superman & Lois? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Superman & Lois airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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