Superman & Lois Review: Girl…You’ll Be A Woman, Soon (Season 2 Episode 5)
Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 5, “Girl…You’ll Be A Woman, Soon,” hits its strides with the grounded drama, rather than the literal world-ending antagonists.
To take Bizarro at his word means that Ally Allston is the actual big bad of this season. If that is the case, the threat of her rise isn’t as extreme as the show intends.
It could be if every large-scale villain didn’t come with a threat to end the world. Superman & Lois is only two seasons into his hopefully long run, and each villain already paraphrases the one before it in the scope of their mission.
Ally Allston is an unnerving character already. She doesn’t need such high stakes to give her an edge. Coincidentally, her ability to persuade (or drug, in Chrissy’s case) people to see their lives in a new, better way feels all too reminiscent of Tal-Rho’s ruse as Morgan Edge.
Not to mention, Ally and Tal’s ambition is directly tied to their respective father’s similar drive — at least as of “Girl…You’ll Be A Woman, Soon.”
It seems like Superman & Lois is falling into a pattern with its villains, but there is still enough time to rip the rug out from everyone. It would be exciting for an unexpected twist to be hidden in this season.
So far, the show is being less than subtle about its dedication to bizarre or “bizarro” versions of the characters. So much, so multiple characters explicitly state as much during the episode.
Regardless of how heavy-handed that can be, watching Superman and Bizarro face-off is exhilarating. Moreover, it’s intriguing to consider the behind-the-scenes work that goes into pulling off such a sequence.
Superman & Lois has always been visually stunning, and that fight sequence is no different.
Alternatively, the show can struggle to balance the adults’ storylines and their children’s. “Girl…You’ll Be A Woman, Soon” succeeds with flying colors.
Even with all the supposed world-ending drama Clois faces, Superman & Lois carves out time and space for Clark and Lois to catch up with each other. Those moments can be brief, but Bitsie Tulloch and Tyler Hoechlin’s chemistry elevates them so that the couple’s shorthand feels lived in.
That pair and the show’s creative team keep finding creative ways to breathe new life into an iconic couple, and it makes Superman & Lois better and more fun to watch.
Similarly, Jonathan and Jordan’s brotherly rivalry heats up, and the animosity holds up because of Jordan Elsass and Alexander Garfin’s chemistry.
The brothers’ tension has better world-ending stakes because, for teenagers, everything can feel like that. Consequently, everyone could easily brush off Jonathan’s feelings of inadequacy as teen angst, which is why it’s heartening to see Sarah speak up in his defense.
Inde Navarrette is the star of “Girl…You’ll Be A Woman, Soon,” as Sarah is the beating heart of every scene she appears in throughout the episode. Emmanuelle Chriqui shows up and meets Navarrette at each emotional beat.
Again, Bizarro’s threats about Ally pale compared to Sarah dancing with her dad after she learns about his affair.
It’s emotional through and through, and Navarette works through Sarah’s anger and sadness with such ease. Through Navarette’s realistic portrayal of a panic attack, Sarah’s anxiety is palpable.
The real heavy-hitter scene is outside the barn with Sarah, Lana, and Kyle. It’s impossible to deny Lana’s strength at a time like that when she composes herself because she knows her daughter needs her.
For that to precede Lana’s speech about Sarah is brilliant. It strengthens Lana and Sarah’s bond, a gradual development since last season. It lets Kyle sit with what he’s done — or hasn’t done in not telling Lana.
It’s a beautiful culmination of what makes Superman & Lois a compelling watch. There may always be world-ending antagonists, but this show will consistently give the grounded drama the same consideration as any big bad.
Stray Thoughts
- Lois saving Clark a muffin is so sweet and very on-brand for those two.
- Dr. Faulkner’s murder is brutal.
- I love it every time Lois wears purple — her signature color.
- Sam made me chuckle when he disappointed said, “Jordan, you’d make a terrible spy.”
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 8/9c 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.