9.5/10
That ending left me absolutely speechless. This show truly understands Superman as a character, and this season masterfully explores the ways his heroic choices often come at a personal cost—particularly in episode 7, which stands as the series’ best episode. Reflecting on the show as a whole fills me with fondness; any minor issues I had were mere nitpicks stemming from budgetary constraints typical of a CW production.
The season begins with the impactful death of Superman, and the narrative does an incredible job of making you feel the profound weight and emotional void left in his absence—something the DCEU never fully achieved. The conflicts between the characters are deeply relatable, with episode 3 offering a heartbreaking perspective on Sam Lane and what it means to be Superman’s father-in-law. The familial bonds, particularly between the two sons, are stronger than ever this season, solidifying the show’s foundation in its compelling family dynamics.
The season also delivered a standout portrayal of Lex Luthor, with Michael Cudlitz giving us the most menacing live-action Lex to date. DC proves once again that villains don’t need a sympathetic backstory to be compelling—they just need clear motivations and relentless determination. While I wish Lex’s rivalry had focused more on Superman than Lois, the writing made the dynamic thrilling, with the cat-and-mouse tension driving the season’s momentum.
Doomsday also received his best live-action adaptation to date, and Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch gave extraordinary performances throughout the series. Their portrayal of Clark and Lois has been nothing short of exceptional, anchoring the show with a perfect blend of warmth, strength, and humanity. Overall, this season—and the show as a whole—is a triumph, delivering the best live-action Superman story to date.