Superman & Lois Review: The Inverse Method (Season 2 Episode 4)

Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 4, “The Inverse Method,” severs all ties to the Arrowverse as it reboots Jenna Dewan’s Lucy Lane.

This show is no stranger to distancing itself from the Arrowverse. Its versions of Jonathan, Jordan, General Sam Lane, and Morgan Edge are all side effects of Crisis.

The difference between them and Lucy is that the series recast the other roles, whereas Jenna Dewan still plays Lucy — encouraging comparisons between the two iterations.

On the one hand, it’s great because Dewan is excellent in this role. Alternatively, this reboot of the character feels like the final blow to the bridge connecting Superman & Lois to Supergirl, and that’s such a shame.

Tyler Hoechlin began his journey as the Man of Steel on Supergirl. His relationship with his cousin Kara Danvers is such a lovely and supportive one. It’s saddening that we may never see them interact again.

Similarly, it’s unlikely we will ever see the other version of Lucy Lane again.

“The Inverse Method” pulls Supergirl‘s characterization of Lucy apart at the seams until she is entirely unrecognizable.

Plus, the show does it for a storyline that hasn’t gone anywhere surprising, even with multiple episodes of anticipation.

Lucy tricking Lois into a confession of a biased report is expected because of Lucy’s dedication to the Inverse Society. Chrissy calling Ally at the end of “The Inverse Method” isn’t much of a twist either.

The most shocking beats of the episode are the emotional places that Lois and Lucy go in their discussion-turned-heated-argument.

It’s impossible to look away from the TV when Bitsie Tulloch and Jenna Dewan share the screen. Hopefully, this episode isn’t the last time that happens.

Sadly, the actresses’ chemistry and their characters’ rich and fraught dynamic make seeing Lois and Lucy together now even more bittersweet.

Imagine how different this storyline would be had Lucy arrived a little earlier and if a cult wasn’t attached to her coattails.

There’s enough devastating tension between the sisters already. There is no need for a cult to elevate that when putting Lois and Lucy in the same room is enough.

Their disagreement regarding their mother leaving their family is complex and plenty to unpack — without the Inverse Society.

Lois could have taken on Ally Allston’s detrimental actions without it involving Lucy. The only reason this storyline does involve her sister is to catch Lois on her journalistic bias, which is a dialogue that already exists within the show.

Chrissy pressed Lois on the same topic last season when it came to Clark/Superman. Lois’ blind spots are undoubtedly a fascinating topic to explore, but did it need to happen at the cost of Lucy?

If Superman & Lois wants us to believe Lucy would join the Inverse Society, it needs to spend more time with her through flashbacks or more episodes. “The Inverse Method” can’t be it.

Of course, regardless of Lucy’s involvement, the Inverse Society’s foundation has obvious connections to Clark seeing an inverse version of himself in Bizarro. The show is not playing coy with that correlation.

That means there is hope for Clark and Lois to team up before the season’s end to take down both Ally and Bizarro. After all, Clois is a power couple. 

Still, it’s impossible not to imagine Supergirl‘s Lucy Lane teaming up with her sister to interfere with Anderson’s D.O.D. and help save the day.

Superman & Lois‘ version of Lucy can still do that in some capacity because there’s always hope that Lucy will receive the help she needs.

It’s just unfortunate she ever got wrapped up in such a bizarre arc in the first place.

Otherwise, “The Inverse Method” does an excellent job of showing a hero who wears himself too thin as Clark tries to do the best for everyone all the time.

Through Cark’s struggle, Lois’ journalistic troubles, and John’s desire to help despite his suit’s constant warnings otherwise, Superman & Lois paints dynamic pictures of modern heroes — as it has since the beginning.

It would be quite the treat if somewhere between “The Inverse Method” and Lois and Lucy’s common ground, Lucy realizes she can be a hero, too. 

Stray Thoughts

• The cinematography on this show remains breathtaking. 
• I just want John and Natalie to be happy. Is that too much to ask?
• I could not be prouder of Sarah Cushing.
• Clark and John are besties who understand fatherhood and superhero things. I love them!
• “She’s a parasite” might as well have been a wink to the camera.

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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