Superman and Lois – Through the Valley of Death review S1 E12
Surprise! Through the Valley of Death was another incredible episode of Superman and Lois that also gave the secondary hero a meaningful contribution. What were the odds?
John Henry Irons is this close from meeting his sister on this world when he gets Lois’ call that Superman might have been turned. Family reunions will have to wait. Still, that’s an interesting subplot in the wings. Would John Henry’s sister be so thrilled at the prospect of having her brother “back” that she’d accept this stranger from another world as his stand in?
Kyle, Lana and Sarah have a rough subplot this week as they’re dealing with the aftermath of Kyle’s endless support of Morgan Edge. Backing the literal Earth-invading terrorist probably won’t get Kyle invited to many poker games for the next few months. And at least some of the good folks at Smallville politely ask the family to leave via some red spray paint. This leads to a rallying moment from Lana and a water fight for a family that honestly deserves a nice tender moment even if it doesn’t mean much to the main story.
It was starting to look like the younger daughter, Sophie, was about to quietly get phased out, but she returned in the final segment of Kyle’s family. Lana assures him everything will be alright, but what did Kyle mean when he said he’d make sure of it? Not that another “villain” turn is necessary for Kyle, but he now has some motivation to be upset with the rest of Smallville.
John Henry definitely earns a spot on Gen. Lane’s Christmas card list as he’s got a plan to take down the corrupted Superman by any means necessary. Gen. Lane calls in a favor from ARGUS and the weapons John Henry needs gets delivered by the one and only John Diggle. This is a lot of Johns for one episode.
Jon convinces Jordan he can track down Clark via his super hearing and it actually does work. Edge tries to threaten Jordan, but getting Superman some help is clearly worth the risk in this case.
Lois tells John that Superman is her husband in hopes that will stop him from his gotta kill Superman plan of attack. Diggle is annoyed with Gen. Lane signing off on this plan and says Superman is the best we have. That’s an interesting switch away from Supergirl being the world’s end-all, be-all hero. This is a welcome change.
With John Henry getting set for battle, Jon tries to reach him by saying Superman is an awesome dad, just like John seemed to be in the videos in his camper. Appealing to John Henry’s nature as a father compared to a fighter appears to work to some extent.
It all comes down to this showdown with John Henry back in his full Steel armor complete with the sledgehammer facing off with the Man of Steel. And Superman does not look like he’s in a playful mood.
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Steel has a pretty tough suit as it’s holding up pretty well against some massive shots from Superman. Steel gets in some solid headshots with the sledgehammer and it seems to help clear Superman’s head. It gives Clark enough of a moment to start fighting the reprogramming.
John Henry really isn’t sure the best course of action here. He knows how much destruction a Superman can create in minutes if given the opportunity. But what if he were given the chance to fight for his family?
As Superman pleads for Steel to finish him off, John Henry implores Clark to fight and not to “let that bastard take you away from your family.” Turns out that’s pretty good encouragement. Superman is free of the reprogramming and ready to take on Edge.
This is a million times better than any Supergirl and Martian Manhunter fight scene thanks to the stellar special effects. Steel actually gets the big shot in on Edge as he hits him with his red solar missile. Superman finishes Edge off with a knockout punch and it’s off to a Kryptonite laced prison for dear ‘ol half brother Morgan.
While Leslie Larr is still missing, that’s a problem for another day. Clark is back with the family and everyone thanks John Henry for his help. Going against the norm for these shows, John Henry doesn’t stay for dinner — maybe to find his sister?
Despite his imprisonment, Morgan Edge doesn’t seem too displeased with his current position. Almost like everything is going according to plan…
Through the Valley of Death was a strong entry that finally aligns Superman and Steel on the same page while teasing the end of the threat of Morgan Edge…for now.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Photo Credit: The CW
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