Superman & Loishas told its own version of the popularDC Universestory “The Death of Superman” in season 4 and, in several ways, it is a much better execution than the version fromthe DCEU timelinethat was told with Henry Cavill.Superman has died onscreenseveral times, and each version of the story has done something interesting and unique with the material. However, this most recent version might be the best. AsSuperman & Loisinches toward its ending, “The Death of Superman” arc has been an excellent feature of the CW show.
While Superman is often considered to be a bright and hopeful character,Superman & Loishas told one of the darkest storiesin its recent episodes.With the DCU set to be rebooted in the near future with James Gunn’s Superman, it is unlikely that audiences will see this story again for some time.Fortunately, the creative team behindSuperman & Loishas worked hard to make Tyler Hoechlin’s final season as Clark Kent something memorable and special, crafting one of the best versions of this familiar story yet.
Tyler Hoechlin’s Years As Superman Have Made This Death More Impactful
Perhaps the biggest criticism for Henry Cavill’s “The Death of Superman” story is that it took place far too early in the DCEU.Everything known aboutMan of Steel 2, a movie that was never made, suggests that there was much more to tell with the character.Instead, DC rushed to compete with Marvel in creating a shared universe, leading to Superman’s death inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.This rushed production did not give audiences enough time to grow close to the character and what he represented.
Conversely,Superman & Loishas had a significant amount more time to build up the legacy of Tyler Hoechlin’s iteration of Superman.Beginning with an appearance inSupergirland many ties with the Arrowverse, Hoechlin’s hero was established even before he received his own series.Having 3 full seasons of stories concerning Superman’s relationship with his family and his world gave audiences the opportunity to feel invested in the character, causing his death to be far more impactful.
3Superman’s Family Make The Show’s Death Of Superman Adaptation Hit Home
Lois, Jordan, And Jonathan Are The Heart Of Superman & Lois
The DCEU attempted to build up familiar connections with their Superman.Man of Steelhad some very impactful moments with Kevin Costner as Clark’s father, and Diane Lane’s Martha played significantly into the resolution ofBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.However, there were far fewer loved ones in the series who looked up to the hero, making his death feel much more isolated. While Lois loved Clark, and was confirmed to bepregnant inZack Snyder’s Justice League, that familial connection is not nearly as explored and effective.
InSuperman & Lois, the family is as important to the series as the celebrated hero.Lois is titular to the show, and many stories with Jonathan and Jordan have been shared over the years, highlighting the relationships within the family. With Clark being a core tenet of their everyday lives, the human impacts of his death become immediately apparent. While theDCEU made some excellent hero choices, their exploration of familial bonds was not nearly as intensive or effective.
2Doomsday Ripping Out Superman’s Heart Makes His Death So Much More Intense
The Threat Of Doomsday Feels Much Darker In The CW Series
Superman’s death in the DCEU happened amidst a chaotic CGI fight scene that saw Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman teaming up to take down Doomsday. Viewers did not love this version of the classic villain, and it did not in any meaningful way represent the threat that Doomsday had posed in the comics. Simply,Superman’s death inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicewas too visually dark and overloaded with meaningless CGIto make much of an impact. The scene did not feel as shocking as it should have.
These criticisms are well addressed in some of the unhinged detailsSuperman & Loisused to make their version of this battle so much more intense. With a much morebrutal version of Lex Luthoron the side and the transformation of Bizarro to Doomsday executed well, the scene is a shocking and disturbing rendition of the story.Seeing Doomsday then rip out Superman’s heart to give to Lex makes this iteration of the story so much more horrifying, disturbing, and upsetting, in all the best ways.
1Superman & Lois' Revival Story Is Closer To The Original Comics
Some Source Material Is Worth Following Closely
The comics that told the stories of both the death and return of Superman have been far more accurately followed in the new series, although there have still been some departures. Still, the DCEU version of this story was more focused on tellingZack Snyder’s largerJustice Leaguestorythan it was about following the comic book canon.This led to departures from the comic book story that avoided the “Reign of the Supermen!” arc, and led to Clark’s regenerating fully powered.
Superman & Lois, like the comic books, has had more time to tell these stories. As a result,the series is able to loosen its pace and focus on Clark’s regeneration in a similar way to what was done in the comics. This has led to Clark’s recent restoration inSuperman & Loisepisode 4, which seems to have him weakened, much like how the comics approached his initial return. With a larger cast of Superman characters, including Steel and Superboy, the show feels more similar to the celebrated comic book run, arguably resulting in a more satisfying story rendition.
Superman & Loishas done many things right over its 4 seasons, and many have lauded these recent episodes as some of the best in the entire series. WhileHenry Cavill’s role as Supermanwas effective enough,some of the DCEU story execution for his character did not feel entirely true to Superman’s long history. Fortunately,Superman & Loishas taken much of that criticism to heart and has provided one of the best versions of “The Death of Superman” that audiences have yet to see realized in any television series or movie.
