Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 15 Review: Waiting for Superman

Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 15, “Waiting for Superman,” leaves the Arrowverse behind as it looks ahead to a supposed better tomorrow. 

As the pressure builds while the worlds merge, this superhero show finally reveals its place outside the Arroweverse after two seasons of questions and hints otherwise.

Doppelgangers like Lucy Lane, who were previously easily explained as a side-effect of Crisis like Clark and Lois’ teenage sons, now have a new meaning — they’re entirely different versions of the characters.

This reveal partly retcons the show’s previous, albeit loose, references to the Arrowverse, specifically Crisis and especially with John Diggle, who appeared on Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 12, “Through the Valley of Death.”

On that episode, John Diggle told Sam Lane that he fought beside Superman, and Oliver and “the rest of them” would’ve said Superman is the best they have.

Superman & Lois doesn’t explicitly name Crisis or the other heroes its references. However, considering the show’s timing after the epic crossover event and David Ramsey’s guest appearance, it was easy to put the pieces together — until now.

Sam calms delivers a pep talk in the middle of “Waiting for Superman” to keep hope alive because he’s seen other worlds with more heroes through his vantage point at the DOD and is confident that their earth isn’t at a loss with only Superman.

That scene holds gravity within the season finale’s context because it grounds the episode after Tal throws Clark into the sun, a high-stress situation.

Alternatively, it stops long-time Arrowverse fans in their tracks as it upends everything we thought we knew.

That truth is instantly tough to understand because The CW carefully built a shared universe of superhero shows for the last decade, and until “Waiting for Superman,” the context clues suggest Superman & Lois is firmly a part of the Arrowvese.

Nevertheless, it quickly becomes simple to understand why Superman & Lois would want to distance itself from that legacy since it seems the Arrowverse is ending one cancellation after another.

That separation lets the stakes of Tal-Rho’s plan in Season 1 and Ally Allston’s this season carry a greater significance. It cuts any ties or pressure that merging worlds could affect The Flash or anyone else on Earth-Prime.

Though, “Waiting for Superman” doesn’t concern itself with how the partial merge (and its reversal) affects the rest of the world or the Inverse World.

Bizarro Lois swaps places with Lois early in the episode, but the show quickly drops the implications of the former to follow the latter.

That narrative decision tracks because of the emotional investment in Lois Lane, but it creates tension with Clark’s ever-present desire to save as many people as possible.

What happened to Bizarro Lois, Jonathan, and Lana? How is the Inverse World coping after the fallout of Ally’s plan?

Superman & Lois teases the exploration of those questions by somehow relocating Tal-Rho to the Inverse World, but “Waiting for Superman” hones its focus on Tal’s wish to uncover the identity of his wife.

So, while the visual effects of Superman saving his world (and subsequently the Inverse World) are as spectacular as always, Superman & Lois doesn’t provide much closure for the characters in the Inverse World.

This tactic could be on purpose to kick-start a narrative for Season 3, but again, Tal is the only tie there, and his motivations are unsurprisingly selfish. 

Thankfully, his motivations aren’t entirely selfish during “Waiting for Superman,” especially when he volunteers to take on Ally on his own to save Clark and his family.

Tal’s development has been one of the treats of Season 2, even if he isn’t as present as I wish him to be. Adam Rayner and Tyler Hoechlin are a dynamic duo that Superman & Lois would benefit from utilizing a lot more next season.

Similarly, the Jordan/Jonathan/Nat dynamic has been an absolute joy to watch this season. Their found family relationship develops organically, and their bond strengthens gradually.

Tayler Buck as Natalie Irons is a force on Superman & Lois, whether in a scene with the Kent boys, Lois, or John Henry.

Also, Wolé Parks is an incredible talent who will presumably get more room to develop John Henry now that Diggle (re)introduces the idea of Intergang and Bruno Mannheim to the show. As it sets up those universal big bads for Season 3, Superman & Lois continues to put its mark on Superman lore. 

This season finale succeeds on a character-driven level with its core cast by exploring themes it knows well, including Lois’ fear of abandonment. That tether ties back to Allston’s fear of loneliness that ultimately reinforces the community and families of Smallville.

With all the revelations “Waiting for Superman” delivers, there is plenty to look forward to in Superman & Lois‘ future. Like Clark tells his family at their new Fortress, “It’s only the beginning.”

Stray Thoughts

• It’s for the best that Kyle and Lana don’t rekindle their marriage.
• It’s good that Sarah apologized for cheating on Jordan.
• HOW are Jonathan and Candice still together?
• Uncle Tal buying the boys trucks as an apology is so in character.
• Nothing can match Clark’s cardigan.
• “It’s dad.” “It’s Clark.” “It’s Superman.” I cried!
• Where can I buy that Superman and Steel merch at Smallville’s Miracle Monday?
• “We strive for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.” They said the thing!

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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