Superman & Lois Review: Loyal Subjekts (Season 1 Episode 9)
Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 9, “Loyal Subjekts,” relies on predictable diversions and reveals to lead up to its final moments that come with quite the welcomed shock. Though there are some great character beats, the build-up to the reveal of Edge’s true identity gets in the way of everything else.
For example, Lois feeling like she’s not doing enough to protect her sons, and Jon comforting her is sweet. The way it parallels a similar moment of vulnerability between Jordan and Clark at the Fortress is even sweeter.
Unfortunately, that’s quickly overshadowed by the actual reason why Clark is even at the Fortress in the first place.
The show makes the argument that Jordan is infected with Kryptonite for the first time, but it never elaborates on how this happens. Clark is right there, having been infected by Kryptonite on Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 8, “Holding the Wrench.” Couldn’t that have been enough?
Clark faces effects from the blast of Kryptonite gas. His lungs are damaged, and he’s bruising unlike ever before. The series should have stuck with that as a means to explore the damaging impact of the D.O.D.’s weapons.
Jordan doesn’t need to be roped into this because it doesn’t make much sense, but it’s also not a new direction. The series explores Jordan’s experiences with new powers in nearly every episode. So it wouldn’t hurt to take a short break from that.
The only real reason why Clark is in the Fortress, other than to save his son’s life from a sickness he shouldn’t even have, is to ensure Superman is unreachable. Lois even says that it’s difficult to call someone while they’re there. It’s pretty hilarious that this comment comes right before the reason he must be there knocks on her door.
It becomes even more apparent what’s at play when Edge just so happens to have Lois’ E.L.T. to summon Superman to a meeting point. Not only did Edge plan to have Lois killed, but he also needed her resources to be his resources. It’s a bad guy thing.
To make matters even more predictable, Superman & Lois attempts to shock us with the reveal that Kyle is one of Edge’s Subjekts now. This is the least shocking part of this episode, let alone the entire series. Kyle’s instant mood shift at the beginning of the episode is the biggest red flag ever.
Sarah (and Lana) gives him a chance after chance to change, and suddenly, after not showing up for her at the revue auditions, he’s a changed man? Yeah, it’s not easy to buy that as a high probability. That sike out did not work.
Kyle has been pushing to Edge’s right-hand man, was jealous when Edge picked Lana over him, and his daughter said she gave up on him. Kyle is precisely the right person for Edge’s experiment, so it’s a no-brainer that he would be someone to fall into Edge’s scheme.
Kyle’s final scene with Lana on this episode suggests as though we should feel at least partially sorry for Kyle since he genuinely thinks he did the right thing.
It is unfortunate and wrong that Edge manipulates good people to do his dirty dealings. That is something to feel regretful for on Kyle’s behalf.
However, Superman & Lois doesn’t make Kyle the most likable character. He doesn’t have many redeeming qualities, as shown up to this point. That’s why it’s much easier to be heartbroken for Sarah, whose father is still not showing up for her.
According to what we know so far, Kyle is there, but it’s not him; he’s a host for a Kryptonian consciousness.
It’s heartbreaking to see Sarah’s face light up as “Kyle” plays the guitar in the wings. It’s even more crushing to watch her leap in his arms after he gives her the confidence boost she needs to perform.
Even the scenes shared between another father and daughter duo fall short. Mere hours before forgiving him, Lois declares that Sam took things too far for the final time. She drew a line in the sand, and that had to have been hard to do.
That moment shakes Sam out of his ways, but it would have felt more authentic had it taken just a few episodes longer. Sam Lane, like Lois says, is a man entirely devoted to his job and the rules that come with it.
Some hard but necessary truths from his daughter and grandson would be things he would consider, for sure. However, it just doesn’t seem likely that he would change his ways so quickly, as he does in this episode.
His presence is appreciated because it distracts the Kryptonians who try to kill Lois, but it’s not entirely necessary. It would be even cooler to see Lois fight back like Jonathan does, with the help of a solar weapon, in the barn.
Apparently, all of this has to happen as it does for Superman and Edge to meet face to face. The reveal that Edge is Kal-El’s brother is surprising in all the best ways.
This identity makes Edge more interesting than ever before. Now he’s not simply a bad guy doing bad things because it’s fun. Though, those villains are nice to have around every once in a while. Superman & Lois doesn’t need one of them yet.
It adds depth to a character that didn’t have much of any before. Edge’s motives are yet to be revealed, but they have something to do with the way Superman is living his life on Earth-Prime.
Superman & Lois has been about family from the jump. At every turn, this show examines different relationships and dynamics that contribute to, deepen, or redefine our understanding of family. Edge’s true identity only adds to that mission statement.
While a lot of this episode doesn’t work as best as it could, Edge being Kal-El’s brother adds a lot to the mix, just as Captain Luthor being John Henry Irons does.
Similarly, as with Irons, it’s the perfect reason to look back at the last eight episodes and pick up on all the context clues with Edge. They’re there in this episode alone when Edge says that Superman may be happy to know there are other Kryptonians (i.e., his brother) on Earth.
Regardless, Superman & Lois is expanding its lore. Hopefully, that means the show can begin to branch out and away from the previously mentioned predictable stories and manufactured drama.
Stray Thoughts
- It’s cool to know that Clark/Superman can speak multiple languages.
- I shouldn’t be this happy about Clark Kent packing lunches for his sons, yet here I am.
- I’m even happier about Clark, Lois, and Chrissy being a badass team of reporters.
- Once again, Inde Navarrette has an incredible voice!
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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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.