Superman & Lois Review: Through the Valley of Death (Season 1 Episode 12)
Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 12, “Through the Valley of Death,” doubles down on the power of love in an hour of TV that could have easily been the show’s season finale. Its throughlines and guest appearances lend themselves to an episode on the same caliber of Arrowverse finales of the past.
“Through the Valley of Death” does an excellent job of establishing a norm after everything while teasing that the foundation might not be as stable as everyone believes.
The sweeping shots of the Kent and Cushing families attempting to find their footing once again feel like the end of a chapter, while Edge prepares to stir up chaos in the next one.
This perceived ending could be because the series initially had a 12-episode season before adding three more episodes. All of this asks how Superman & Lois will keep the flame lit for the remaining episodes. This episode suggests the rest of the season will deal with the aftermath — how families cope after such trauma and tragedy.
The show could have easily dragged out Clark’s fight to maintain control over his consciousness against Edge, or it could have allowed Superman to go to the dark side for far longer than the second half of the episode.
That would have prolonged Clark’s pain and the subsequent pain of his loved ones for the sake of dramatic final episodes.
Instead, Superman & Lois takes the road far less traveled, especially with male superheroes, let alone Superman, by having the power of love win before things can escalate that much.
Clark fights Zod’s consciousness to get back to his family, and he does so not by punching and kicking but by remembering everything and pulling all that love to the surface.
All of the tech that John Henry Irons, Sam, and Diggle (!!!) bring into the mix isn’t used to get Clark back. Instead, the very human connections in Clark’s life built on unconditional love are the forces that bring him back.
Lois’ unwavering belief that Clark is worth saving is powerful enough to plant a seed of faith in John Henry Irons’ mind. However, the standout moment of the episode is when Jonathan comes to John, asking him to see his father as just that.
Those interactions with John bring full circle the lesson of Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 8, “Holding the Wrench.” Lois and Jonathan may not have superpowers, but they are the heart of this show. Their undeniably human connections with Clark are so extraordinary that they save Clark and Earth-Prime with it.
It’s that commonality between the two men, their being fathers, and the belief that hope and love matter that allow the show to avoid pitting John and Superman against each other again. It’s much more rewarding to watch them face Edge together as a united front.
In an episode that could have easily let Superman establish his role as the best or strongest hero (at least on this show), Superman & Lois turns the spotlight to the heroes who prove that winning doesn’t mean punching your way out of every situation.
The guest appearance of David Ramsey as John Diggle only drives that fact home. John fought alongside the best of the best for years. He even mentions that he fought alongside Superman to save the universe. However, it’s how he ends that conversation with General Lane that matters the most.
General Lane is always hardened and militant, no matter the situation. He doesn’t let his heart on his sleeve for a second. Diggle counters that perspective by reminding Sam and us that love and power aren’t mutually exclusive. Dig says that Superman is the best.
He continues with a line that will make any Arrow fan do a double-take: “Oliver would have said that.” That line is a reminder that having a good heart is more than enough to save the world.
At his core, Oliver was a talented man with a crossbow. But, ultimately, it was his heart that kept him in National City longer than he should have to save innocent lives from the crumbling multiverse. It was his sacrifice built on the immense love in his heart that let his loved ones keep going.
It’s fun to watch superheroes’ talents represented in epic action sequences because those powers are so out of reach for us. Of course, Superman & Lois has no shortage of those sequences, but it’s also doing a fantastic job at centering the heart of these heroes.
That fundamental desire to love and be loved is universal. It breaks down the barrier between our favorite heroes and us. It makes those action sequences pack an extra punch. The power of love is extraordinarily human, and that is a superpower that we all can wield to make the world a better place, just like Lois and Jonathan.
Stray Thoughts
- Jon asking Jordan if he’s eaten anything shouldn’t have made me emotional, but it did. Those brothers mean a lot to me.
- Surprise, surprise that I got equally emotional when Jon told Jordan that he’s more than capable of using his powers to find Clark.
- Why does John Henry Irons keep leaving? Why can’t he stay and the show follow him to Metropolis?
- Lois made me cry ten minutes into the episode. Are you sensing a theme? I sure am!
- I still don’t trust Sam, especially not after he told John that he is preparing whatever weapons are locked in 7734.
- A good Lex Luthor mention is always fun on a Superman show.
- Dig looks so annoyed when he learns that John Henry Irons is from another Earth.
- Sophie makes her grand return during this episode. She stayed at her grandparents’ for a while, but maybe that was for the best with everything going on.
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.