Superman & Lois Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Uncontrollable Forces

Superman & Lois Season 3 Episode 2, “Uncontrollable Forces,” presents this series at its best with an even script that embraces the totality of the characters’ humanity.

This episode has something for every Superman & Lois fan, but Elizabeth Tulloch’s devastatingly honest performance as Lois Lane quickly and quietly becomes the beating heart of “Uncontrollable Forces.”

From the opening sequence, Elizabeth Henstridge’s direction adds another layer to the already complex and often solitary story at the center of this episode.

Consequently, the camera work creates an effective bookend for Lois’ arc in this episode as she goes from sitting alone with the knowledge of her cancer diagnosis to being enveloped by the love and support of (most of) those closest to her.

It also brings us — the viewer — into the moment Lois finds out about her stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer diagnosis when Tulloch looks down the lens. Her expression says what words can’t at that moment.

That lead-in to “Uncontrollable Forces” makes it easy to forget that Superman & Lois is a superhero, family drama, which is likely the resounding point of this storyline.

Cancer is relentless and uncontrollable. It’s written all over Tyler Hoechlin’s face when Clark lands in front of Lois that Superman can’t solve this problem. While an important and intimate moment between Clark and Lois, this scene is also a stark and evergreen image of Superman embracing vulnerability.

Often, male heroes are expected to uphold stoicism even in painstakingly heartbreaking moments like this one. But, thankfully, Superman & Lois knows that Clark’s emotions are a strength — in and out of the suit.

Still, “Uncontrollable Forces” knows the Man of Steel should hold a supporting space for Lois during this outing, and Hoechlin fills out the role with genuine care.

Tulloch and Hoechlin’s lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry shines as Clark and Lois cling to each other while he tells her, “You are the strongest person I know. I promise I will never look at you any other way.”

This episode is filled with scenes where Clark, even unknowingly, bolsters Lois when she needs it most, and it’s a feat to watch. The beats play out so realistically that it almost feels like the viewer intrudes on their privacy.

“Uncontrollable Forces” presents irrefutable evidence that Clark and Lois are a team — one of the best Superman & Lois knows. 

That partnership will be crucial as Lois fights this disease and as things escalate with Bruno Mannheim. Chad L. Coleman makes a more extended appearance than on Superman & Lois Season 3 Episode 1, “Closer,” and he leaves quite the impression.

Already, this supposedly villainous character gains an understandably sympathetic angle to his story because Bruno’s perspective expands Metropolis beyond the Dailey Planet to Hob’s Bay, a neighborhood often overlooked by Superman.

Of course, Bruno namedrops DC characters like Elias Orr and Atom Man, but his most notable references are Lex Luthor and Morgan Edge, citing their exclusive rises to fame and wealth while Bruno did what he could to serve his community and give them hope that the rest of Metropolis got elsewhere. 

Even with the collaboration with Onomatopeia, Bruno Mannheim emerges from “Uncontrollable Forces” as Superman & Lois‘ most grounded antagonist.

This story has the opportunity to look at the real effects of a superhero world beyond the border of Smallville, and it’s exciting that it also encourages a more active role from Lana Lang now that she is in the know.

George Dean’s death organically folds Lana into the larger plot, even if her persistence to tell Sarah about the news falls flat. It even manages to pull Fire Chief Kyle Cushing onto the scene in a way that previous seasons struggle to accomplish. 

“Uncontrollable Forces” makes excellent strides for most of its characters, including Sarah and Natalie, who have the space to act like teenagers at a party in Metropolis.

Inde Navarrette and Tayler Buck are a dynamic duo that instantaneously infuse this episode with the energy this coming-of-age side of Superman & Lois needs. Navarrette’s delivery of “Here’s your beer, bitch,” steals the beer/water pong scene.

The physical comedy of Nat turning Sarah’s head to see their Earth’s Travis Michaels is so good, and that’s only the beginning of how “Uncontrollable Forces” utilizes the Metropolis party to develop the girls’ friendship.

Superman & Lois adds a surprising layer to Sarah being Nat’s wing-woman with Matteo by calling back to Nat’s one-day stint at Metropolis High. Nat deserves all the good things, including an epic, Romeo & Juliet-esque romance, so it’s heartwarming that Matteo watches in awe when Nat lights up while discussing horror movies.

As those sparks fly and Jordan agrees to let his fizzle out for Sarah, “Uncontrollable Forces” rightfully chooses to avoid stoking a flame between Jonathan and Eliza.

Their relationship is a deep-cut reference at this point in Superman & Lois‘ run. While the show still has plenty of work to do to establish that Jonathan’s relationship with Candice is one to root for, Jonathan’s distance from Eliza is a subtle example of his character development.

Jonathan is the character who clings to Metropolis — and Eliza — the most from Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.” This visit to his former stomping grounds shows how Jonathan can hold fond memories of Metropolis while proudly knowing that his new life is in Smallville.

Sarah, Nat, Jonathan, and Jordan bonding (about freezing a bully’s car) after episodes of missed opportunities is rewarding. Their scenes also allow them to be carefree teens before they crash land into intense news upon their return to Smallville.

“Uncontrollable Forces” brings the narratives together by demonstrating that Superman & Lois is confident in its grounded, character-driven stories, and its cast and crew are ready to take them to new heights.

—

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!

Superman & Lois Casts Michael Cudlitz as Lex Luthor for Season 3