Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 8 Review: Sharp Dressed Man

Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 8, “Sharp Dressed Man,” has an edge in a debate between Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, but it harnesses something much sharper in its commentary on control.

Written by Brent Fletcher & Todd Helbig and directed by Michael Cudlitz, this episode slowly dials up the season’s intensity after the uplifting reprieve on Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 7, “A Regular Guy.”

“Sharp Dressed Man” also incorporates one more Arrowverse (adjacent because Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 15, “Waiting for Superman,” confirms the series exists on a separate Earth) Easter egg. Combining that casting with Superman & Lois‘s final season grants this episode a bittersweet nostalgia.

The Flash‘s Tom Cavanagh stepped from behind the camera (He directed Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 15, “Last Sons of Krypton,” and Superman & Lois Season 3 Episode 1, “Closer”) to appear as Gordon Godfrey. Before discussing the character, the show’s appreciation of its crew is worth mentioning.

Just this season, The CW series repeatedly brings its crew in front of the camera through engaging and organic methods that elevate the series. 

Elizabeth Henstridge, who directed Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 7, “Anti-Hero,” and Superman & Lois Season 3 Episode 2, “Uncontrollable Forces,” returned to direct Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 5, “Break the Cycle.”

Moreover, Henstridge made her debut as Lex Luthor’s daughter, Elizabeth.

“A Regular Guy” sees Superman introduce himself to the world as Clark Kent. Superman & Lois‘s crew, including director Gregory Smith, stands in as The Daily Planet’s crew. Every single one of these examples is an endearing way to show the hardworking crew love in this shortened final season.

Bringing Cavanagh in as Godfrey — the first time the character has appeared in live-action, by the way — adds an extra level of sentimentality.

Despite his character’s irritating aversion to truth, Cavanagh’s presence is a reminder that a very specific era of programming on The CW is coming to an end. 

Superman & Lois exists within that context, and “Sharp Dressed Man” uses it as a ticking clock for Lex’s quest for justice and sustained freedom. The episode puts Lois Lane in direct opposition to him as a beacon of truth. Nevertheless, that ticking clock comes into her life in the form of Clark’s ill-fated heart.

This episode puts a lot of weight on the debate, but it’s barely a main event.

Unfortuantely for “Sharp Dressed Man,” much of Lois and Lex’s back-and-forth loses momentum in the much more exciting things happening around it.

With Michael Cudlitz and Elizabeth Tulloch in these iconic roles, it’s simple to wish that Superman & Lois had a bottle episode where Lex and Lois debate each other for 43 minutes. Both artists have total understandings of the characters — there’s plenty to dig into with a single exchange, let alone a debate full of them. 

Fortunately for Lex, Amanda McCoy’s carefully orchestrated advantages work in his favor, cutting the lively debate painfully short.

In an almost chilling parallel to the real world, the “billionaire philanthropist,” as described by Gordon Godfrey, comes out of the debate with sympathetic support.

Meanwhile, the intrepid journalist has bricks thrown at her and her establishment with “Liar” written on them. It’s stunning, really. 

In a different sense, “Sharp Dressed Man” is also stunning in its fleeting depictions of Lex Luthor’s vulnerability. Superman & Lois can’t find a better director to highlight those lights and shades better than Cudlitz, who breathes layers and life into the storied character.

One of the best parts of this episode is when time slows down, and the sound becomes muffled into a piercing ring. Lex becomes frozen in place with fear that not only will Lois Lane win the debate, but he will lose because he has relinquished control to Amanda. It’s such a test for him and their relationship.

It’s no wonder that the plan’s success brings Lex and Amanda closer than ever.

So, however frustrating it is that “Sharp Dressed Man” doesn’t show more of Lex and Lois’s debate, Superman & Lois avoids crashing out by finding depth in unexpected characters and moments. For instance, and, once again, timely, this episode explores the dangers of technology falling into the wrong hands.

In classic Superman & Lois (and all superhero TV) fashion, this theme culminates in action sequences — one in which Jordan and Jonathan fight together.

“Sharp Dressed Man” digs deeper, showcasing the real horror of this tech. The fear in Wolé Parks’s eyes when John Henry’s suit wraps itself around him — against John Henry’s commands — is palpable. Nat’s suit self-operating is terrifying. 

It’s a perfect motivator for Nat to reevaluate her place in this fight at the DOD. 

It’s a relief to see that story come to rewarding fruition because Superman & Lois falls a bit flat with the drama between Jon and Candice. Even though Candice’s reasoning for initially ending things is understandable, “Sharp Dressed Man” may have found a stronger angle in seeing Jon and Jordan cope with the press.

The episode also creates a great (almost) parallel between Nat and Jon & Jordan. Nat continues with the DOD out of an obligation to her deceased grandfather until the fight becomes personal. Now, Jon and Jordan are re-examining their superhero presence, knowing that Clark is losing his powers.

Superman & Lois is unlikely to kill Superman — again. Like the show often does, “Sharp Dressed Man” teases a hopeful alternative where Superman is less active because Clark’s heart requires less action and heroes are everywhere.

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Superman & Lois airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.

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