Superman & Lois Review: Bizarros in a Bizarro World (Season 2 Episode 10)

Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 10, “Bizarros in a Bizarro World,” is a tour de force for everyone but especially Tyler Hoechlin and Jordan Elsass. Their performances ground an intense trip to Bizarro World and back.

This episode is the culmination of season-long anticipation regarding the happenings of Bizarro World and the probability of Ally merging with her other-self.

The show instantly changes its title card, signaling a diversion from form. The structural differences throughout “Bizarros in a Bizarro Wold” reinforce that.

Essentially each act centers around a character’s interactions with the backward, parallel planet. This structure allows Superman & Lois to give snapshots of other characters we know while staying on track with the episode’s goals.

One of the most thrilling examples is when Anderson runs into Bizarro World’s Chrissy Beppo, who continues to fight for the truth even though Ally Allston controls the media and the D.O.D.

As a fan, it’s fun to hear her briefly shout to (presumably) Jimmy Olsen to hand in his piece on a Luthor. Those iconic Superman characters exist in Bizarro World’s lore.

Maybe it’s only a matter of time before they make their way to Earth-Prime, assuming Superman & Lois decides its place in the Arrowverse.

Regardless, the only downside of the act breaks serving as a shift in character perspective is that they’re never long enough. 

Bizarro World is infinitely fascinating in the subtle differences presented via the characters we think we know.

This other-worldly trip may work better as a two-parter for that reason. It’s bizarre that Jordan-El doesn’t get his own section. 

That unfortunate side effect of attempting to fit so much in a single episode is extra frustrating since Alexander Garfin delivers one of the most emotionally-charged performances of the episode.

The optimistic nature of a show like Superman & Lois encourages the belief that it was only a matter of time before Anderson came to his senses.

It’s believable for such reckoning to come during a trip to another earth where he comes face to face with the son of a man he killed.

Anderson’s spiral could have been longer on Superman & Lois, but that may have prevented the scene between him and Jordan-El.

Alongside Garfin, Ian Bohen is exceptional. Bohen makes rooting for Anderson’s redemption a tad easier because of his genuine emotions.

This scene parallels when Anderson faces Jessie’s mother on Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 6, “Tried and True.” The devastating twist in Bizarro World is that Anderson tells a child about their parent’s death at not just his command — his hand.

It’s heartbreaking because Anderson’s recent arrival to Bizarro World means he doesn’t know how to convey the impossible information. 

That scene is an excellent way to create empathy for a character whose motives are understandable but never justifiable. It’s touching for a shift in Anderson’s character to be met with Clark’s desire to save everyone, including Anderson.

Tyler Hoechlin and Ian Bohen always do great work together. Look no further than their similar dynamic as Derek and Peter Hale on Teen Wolf.

Now and definitively, the stellar duo can add Superman & Lois to the growing list.

Tyler Hoechlin is outstanding throughout “Bizarros in a Bizarro World.” His performance as Bizarro World’s Kal-El is often jarring because it is vastly different from Clark Kent.

Kal’s overall demeanor and physicality are abrasive, and he’s defensive until the bittersweet end. 

“Bizarros in a Bizarro World” doesn’t have the time to fully unpack it, but it shows the damaging effects of long-term Kryptonite use through Kal’s downward spiral.

It provides the necessary backstory for Bizarro’s appearance when he arrived in Smallville. Additionally, it creates the context for any similar side effects Jonathan may see after using X-K on Earth-Prime.

It’s telling that the scene that changes everything for Kal is when Lois decides to leave him and take Jordan with her. That scene is Kal’s rock bottom because Lois is Kal’s anchor — even on Bizarro World.

Though, that’s not all she is. Of course, Lois Lane runs an underground resistance to Ally Allston’s grand plan.

Still, Lois and Kal’s explosive argument is unlike anything Superman & Lois has seen from the titular couple.

As always, Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch make the perfect scene partners. They deliver every line with authenticity and emotion.

Their performances make it easy to momentarily forget the couple is arguing about Kal’s inability to be present in his family because of his X-K use and unrelenting desire to be the perfect “hero.”

The superhero context of Superman & Lois falls away a bit as the scene becomes a prominent and saddening fracture in a family.

Similarly, Jonathan and Lana’s arrival at the D.O.D. is fraught with tension as they urge Sam to hand over what Ally needs to complete the Merge, but that’s not what makes this scene so memorable.

Lois’ plea to her son makes this scene a standout. Jordan Elsass is so good because he lets Jonathan’s broken heart shine through just a little bit.

Lois is the only one who acknowledges how the way the Els lived contributed to Jonathan’s turn to the dark side. Also, she accepts responsibility for her role in that process.

It’s a touching scene between a mother and her son that doesn’t go to plan, making it all the more bittersweet that Kal-El doesn’t get the opportunity to make things right with Jonathan.

One concern heading into Superman & Lois‘ next episode is that Clark’s time in Bizarro World may encourage a breakneck change of heart with Jonathan, like Anderson experiences. Hopefully, the show doesn’t fall into that predictable storyline as soon as Clark returns.

Anderson’s change of heart can happen quicker since his longevity on the series remains underdetermined, whereas Superman & Lois has time for Clark and Jonathan to mend their relationship in a more gratifying way.

Since Superman & Lois has been renewed for Season 3, it also has the time to get Tal-Rho out of his holding scene and in more scenes with Lana Lang.

It’s only fair to see if those two have fantastic chemistry on every planet because their brief scenes in “Bizarros in a Bizarro World” create hope that Lana may have another chance at love and Tal could wear his heart on his sleeve.

Stray Thoughts

• Elizabeth Tulloch’s hair channeled Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane, and I’m obsessed!
• The President Seinfeld reference is a great deep-cut for Superman fans.
• I need to see footage of Bizarro Tal and Kal hosting the ESPYs, ASAP.
• Did anyone else cry when Clark told Tal, “My Jonathan, he’s a good kid?”
• I will be geeking out about Jordan in his Superboy suit and Lana in her Superwoman suit until the end of time.

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 8/7c on The CW.

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