The cast ofSuperman & Loishas gone through a number of changes through the years, with theDC Universeonly introducing Clark’s comic best friend in its latest episode. Thelive-action Superman showhas done an excellent job in its final season with putting the finishing touches on a bold and satisfying DC world. Before ending in only a couple more episodes,I’m relieved that the show has finally introduced one of the most iconic supporting characters in DC comics, with a unique twist.
I believe it has been essential to the success of the series thatSuperman & Loishas focused on an excellent supporting cast. With complex versions of the Man of Steel’s sons, a fully realized town of Smallville, and a uniquelybrutal version of Lex Luthor, the series has crafted a compelling ensemble. Still,one of the most important characters from Superman’s comic book lore has so far been missing from the show, and I’ve been waiting to learn about his place in this universe. This has changed withSuperman & Loisseason 4, episode 7.
DC’s Live-Action History Suggested Superman & Lois Might Never Get Its Own Jimmy Olsen
Jimmy Olsen’s path in Superman media over the past decades has sidelined the character and dismissed his importance. While Jimmy is one of the main reasons to watchMy Adventures With Supermandue to his wholesome excitement for the wonders of the world,the character has had a unique path in recent live-action iterations.Smallville, for example,killed the character off before the end of the series, andSupergirldid everything it could to redefine their James Olsen, even making him a vigilante in his own right.
The DCEU timelinehad perhaps the strangest path in realizing Jimmy Olsen.A character named Jenny, listed in many locations as Jenny Olsen, appeared to be a gender-flipped version of the character inMan of Steel.This was later disqualified when Jimmy Olsen appeared for a single scene inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, where the fundamentally reimagined character, a CIA agent, was quickly killed. None of these iterations seemed to see the real Jimmy as essential to the Superman mythos, which I found extremely disappointing.
Superman & Lois Season 4 Introduces Jimmy Olsen & Repairs His Friendship With Clark
Jimmy Olsen Plays An Important Part In The Latest Episode
Jimmy Olsen has finally entered the universe ofSuperman & Loisin a satisfying sequence that rewrites DC lore. Rather than the chummy camaraderie that the two usually share,this Jimmy Olsen initially holds a significant bitterness toward Clark Kent.This is shown to refer to a falling out that took place between the two, where Clark was forced to be dishonest with Jimmy, and to essentially do away with their friendship, to protect his identity. This dark twist was unexpected, but I found extremely effective.
This relationship is also crucial to understanding Clark’s decision inSuperman & Loisseason 4, episode 7 to share his secret identity with the world. Understanding the difficulty in concealing Superman’s identity is an important part of the hero’s stories, butseeing the deep sadness and isolation that comes out of that via Jimmy Olsen’s character was a unique change that I wasn’t expecting.This version of Clark Kent has proven to be among the most human, and seeing that through the lens of his fractured relationship with Jimmy was emotional.
Superman & Lois' Clark Kent Story Means He Really Deserves A Live-Action Jimmy Olsen
Superman & Lois' Clark Deserves All Of The Good Things In Life
Superman & Loishas crafted one of the most human iterations of the Man of Steel yet put onscreen. Following that, the character has been through a lot, which has been taxing to both him and to audiences. With Superman having died, come back, and faced a wide selection of villains,it is so rewarding to finally see Clark come together with the people who care about him most.Reintroducing Jimmy, even if it comes after a fractured relationship, contributes significantly to that.
This version of Clark will be ending his story soon, and it is a relief to see so much support behind him, especially after all that he has given to others. The hero has an incredible family, with two sons and a wife who love him, and the whole town of Smallville seems to be behind him.Bringing in other characters from Superman’s storied past, including Jimmy Olsen, helps to build a larger community of support around the hero.I believe that everyone needs that kind of support, and to see Clark humanized in this way has made for fascinating television.
Superman & Lois Season 4’s Biggest Lasting Death Just Saved The Day Once Again
Superman & Lois found another way to make season 4’s biggest lasting death crop up in its story, cementing the legacy of one deceased character.
Superman embodies goodness and kindness in this DC world, and it is emotional to see the friends of his past come back into his story. WhileSuperman & Loisis coming to an end,the story of Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman will live on in our collective imagination.Populating his off-screen future with the figures who love and care for him most - especially with links to the hero’s canon - is an effective way to close off this excellent Superman story.
Superman & Lois
Cast
Superman & Lois follows the Man of Steel, Clark Kent, and journalist Lois Lane as they navigate the strains of contemporary parenthood while confronting threats from supervillains and alien invaders, blending personal challenges with heroic responsibilities in this 2021 television series.
