Superman & Lois Review: Tried and True (Season 2 Episode 6)
Superman & Lois delivers an excellent and even episode, allowing its main cast to shine on Season 2 Episode 6, “Tried and True.” Its emotional beats are authentic and propulsively dramatic across the board.
Not to mention, this episode is extra great for how it meets superheroes with Friday Night Lights. This season keeps leaning into the younger characters’ struggles, complimenting world-ending problems with teen drama.
It’s only fitting that certain aspects of “Tried and True” feel reminiscent of one of the best shows in that genre.
Because of that and a few great details (like Lana in that Superwoman suit), this show keeps finding creative ways to pay homage to the characters’ complex and vast history in popular culture, including the comics and Smallville.
Beyond that, “Tried and True” steps away from its antagonists long enough for the characters to have conversations about other topics, letting the former fall into the latter more organically.
Jordan confronting Jonathan about his erratic behavior and then his use of X-K is a perfect example because it stems from a grounded place.
It’s predominantly about Jonathan and his feelings of inadequacy in his family and on the football field. A lesser show would look at Jonathan’s struggles as inconsequential compared to the threat of Ally’s reign, but Superman & Lois doesn’t.
As the episode’s framing with Bizarro World exemplifies, they’re dependent on each other in a way that maintains Jonathan as the genuine emotional tether.
Additionally, it’s entirely predictable for Lois and Lucy to circle to Ally Allston eventually. Still, it comes after both women do their best to subside their opinions to be sisters first and foremost, instead of adversaries.
Their scenes together are equal measure heartwarming and heartbreaking because each of them is acutely aware of how their newfound niceties can fall away so quickly.
Bitsie Tulloch and Jenna Dewan do a fantastic job walking that line with Lois and Lucy while trying to shield the other from seeing it.
Plus, despite their few scenes together, those two actresses seamlessly tap into Lois and Lucy’s sisterhood as if no time has passed. Adding Sam to the mix is a recipe for an excellent and absurdly rich family dynamic.
Superman & Lois juxtaposes the Lanes with everything between Lana and Kyle, and it works so well.
This show never hides the fact that it’s about family and its many forms. For that reason, it’s exciting for “Tried and True” to lean into Clark and Lana’s friendship even more.
Moreover, it’s refreshing that Superman & Lois doesn’t use this moment of vulnerability as a means to revive Lana and Clark’s high-school sweethearts’ romance.
Instead, it speaks to how their complicated history has evolved into something even more beautiful and valuable to their adulthood.
Superman & Lois — “Tried and True” — Pictured (L-R): Inde Navarrette as Sarah Cushing and Emanuelle Chriqui as Lana Lang Cushing– Photo: Shane Harvey/The CW — (C) 2022 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved
So, unsurprisingly, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Lana is the beating heart of “Tried and True.” Her quiet, emotional revelations are fascinating.
Namely, one of such mere minutes into the episode sets its entire tone. First, Lana holds herself together until she believes her daughters are out of the room. Then, Chriqui turns away from the camera, so Lana’s vulnerable moment is hers.
Sarah swooping in to comfort her mother is a heroic moment within itself.
The evolution of Sarah and Lana’s mother/daughter dynamic is one of Superman & Lois‘ greatest strengths.
Alternatively, one of this episode’s greatest strengths is how Lana navigates her decision-making process.
It’s oddly refreshing that Lana and Tonya’s discussion at the bar doesn’t devolve into a catfight or anything along those lines, especially because Lana is still running for mayor.
Beyond that, it would reductive and out of character for Lana. It’s far more effective to allow Lana to use her emotional intelligence to gather the information she needs regarding Kyle’s infidelity.
Their separation isn’t unexpected, but it is a profound moment for Lana. Her entire world is different now. It’s not like when she was a teenager, and all of that perfectly underscores the season’s themes.
Stray Thoughts
- Lucy being an encyclopedia for all things football is so iconic of her.
- This show keeps incorporating purple into Lois’ wardrobe, and it’s my favorite thing.
- I didn’t know how badly I needed to see Clark and Lucy interact until this episode.
- The domestic Clois moment at the start of this episode is pitch-perfect — down to Lois wearing Clark’s shirt.
- The one-shot fighting sequences are epic.
- It’s such a smart decision to have the Bizarro World mirror the real one — an excellent use of camera work!
- I always love reminders that Clark used to be an investigative journalist.
What did you think of this episode of Superman & Lois? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Superman & Lois airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.