On Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7, now that Lois Lane knows the mysterious new arrival to Smallville has been lying to her face, she’s determined to find out who he is and what he wants.

Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7 picks up on the heels of the previous episode with Jordan writhing in pain from his super hearing kicking in. (As if this kid needed any more powers to deal with…)

Meanwhile, Lois and Clark work together and discover the identity of the Stranger… who is not at all who we were led to believe had escaped his Earth for this one. It’s such a shocking and delightful twist.

‘Superman and Lois’ season 1, episode 7 review

As much as I love Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch’s portrayals of Superman and Lois, I can admit the show was not off to the strongest start. It seemed to take a few episodes to find their footing, which admittedly is faster than most shows do. However, if Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7 is any indication of what’s to come, we’re in for a wild ride.

The episode as a whole is great, even the stuff with the kids (who I actually cannot stand most of the time). It’s great to see the effortless chemistry between Hoechlin and Tulloch, who feel like they are truly as close as the characters in the iconic relationship they’re bringing to life. Plus, it’s still wonderful to see Lois treated as an actual main character, which I was fearful would not happen before the series began.

But most surprising is the twist about Wolé Parks’ character, previously believed to be Alex Luthor from another universe. Parks playing John Henry Irons (AKA the superhero Steel in the comics) clears up a major continuity issue many had with the show.

It seemed like Superman and Lois was ignoring the previously set rule that only one version of a person could exist on Earth-Prime (as we saw last season on Batwoman with Beth Kane and Supergirl with multiple Brainiac-5 characters).

After Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7, I could not be more excited to see how the story plays out in the remaining eight episodes. So much is going on in Smallville (in such a fantastic way).

John Henry Irons

What a reveal, right? Nobody saw that coming, particularly because it seemed to fit so well that this man was actually a Luthor. Such a fun twist with tricks throughout the first several episodes, so now I’m wondering if there were any clues laid out.

John has such a devastating backstory. It’s unimaginable how painful it must be for him to see the Earth-Prime version of his wife married to someone else with children. It’s also completely unsurprising now that he wants Superman dead, as his Lois was murdered by his version of Superman during a live broadcast. When John said earlier that Superman was responsible for the death of his world, that seems now (to me) like he meant losing his family, which was his world.

Clearly we haven’t seen the whole story yet, as we don’t know what happened with his daughter or what happened when he confronted Superman in his unfinished suit of armor. I’m sure, somehow, Crisis on Infinite Earths is responsible for his arrival on Earth-Prime, so Superman might never actually have had a chance to destroy that entire world… just made a mess of things before being obliterated by the Anti-Monitor.

Whatever the case, I’m interested to see where his story plays out. I also hope we get more flashbacks of his family, as I already love his bond with his daughter. That would be so nice to see to help us further empathize with him and mourn for what he’s lost.

Since John Henry Irons is a superhero in the comics, Steel, it changes how long I think Wolé Parks may remain on Superman and Lois. If he sees that this Clark is exponentially different, maybe he’ll come around… but that could take some time. Maybe he’ll become a real superhero and work alongside Clark (occasionally only, no “Team Superman” stuff on this show, please) to honor his family, as he truly thinks he is a hero.

(And who can blame him for doing what he believes is right at this point?)

Jordan and Jon

With each passing episode, I’m liking Jon more… and my wish for Jordan to disappear/to have never existed grows stronger. Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7 shows the best side to Jon and the worst side to Jordan. I mean, what was that outburst from Jordan about Jon having an innocent conversation with Sarah? That was definitely ridiculous, and Jordan constantly using his powers as an excuse for his shitty behavior is beyond tiresome.

I really do like where Jon is headed. Being in Smallville has softened him and made him more empathetic. I definitely didn’t think I would be a fan of the bull-headed jock that he came across as in the pilot episode. Whether or not there’s something there between him in Sarah, I think I’d rather see that than Jordan and Sarah (probably in part because of the age gaps between the actors).

Jon getting to yell at his brother and not apologize for it for once is fantastic, as he’s put up with too much from Jordan. Plus, Jon getting to drive the truck and save the day was fun and exciting, something Jon has been robbed of throughout the entire show.

Does anyone else think his powers are beginning to manifest? He was able to lift Irons’ weapon to break the lights, and it didn’t seem like something just anyone could have lifted. I was/am under the impression that Irons needed his glove to be able to lift and control it. Who knows, but I’m hoping Jon’s powers come in soon, as I don’t want to see multiple seasons of one of the kids struggling with them.

By the end of Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7, it seemed that Jordan had control over his hearing, which frankly seems like a bit of a cop out. Clark said it took him weeks and Jordan barely worked on managing it at all. Hopefully it’s not the end in the sense that it seems rather unearned, though any excuse not to see Jordan get all of the attention is fine by me.

Edge Enercorp

If Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7 is any indication, Lana is quickly going to get herself in trouble with Morgan Edge and Leslie Larr. Given Larr’s super hearing and Lana’s absolutely terrible spy abilities, it’s only a matter of time before she’s caught and her life is on the line.

It feels like a bad idea on Lois’ part to bring Lana in on this investigation so soon, despite how I’m loving watching them work together. Lana’s every move is being watched. Given that she’s terrified of hurting anyone when the truth about Edge comes out, she’s making decisions that she wouldn’t have otherwise. Edge is a smart man, and is clearly already picking up on that.

I’m looking forward to learning more about Leslie Larr and how she ended up as Edge’s right hand with Kryptonian abilities. She’s possibly more interesting and threatening than Edge at this point, and it makes you wonder how he’s keeping her under his control.

‘Superman and Lois’ season 1, episode 7 final thoughts

First of all, let’s just talk about the star of the show: Chrissy Beppo. (Just kidding.) Though I do love the partnership with Chrissy and Lois, and hopefully we see more of them working together soon.

All in all, Superman and Lois season 1, episode 7 is an exciting, intriguing, and game-changing episode. Things are building to a breaking point in Smallville, and Lois is so close to figuring out what exactly Edge is up to, launching her into the next phase of her investigation.

That said, I’m a bit confused and annoyed by what the writers are doing with Clark. I get that it’s to further Irons’ story, but Clark has been a hero for decades and you’re telling me that he has little control over his anger? So little that Lois had to stop him from beating Irons for no reason after their encounter?

It’s cheap and unearned, and is frankly shameful to Clark’s character and history. He’s been a hero for so long. He’s learned to manage his emotions and is genuinely just a good and kind man. Losing control of his temper once is one thing, but this is two episodes is a row and is only for pushing the story forward… even though it doesn’t make sense.

Hopefully the writers will sort out this mess soon and start being honest to Clark’s character, finding another way to push Irons’ story forward. Jordan is the one who can’t control his anger and powers, maybe Irons’ focus will fall on him when he realizes Clark isn’t the villain he knows from his Earth.

Superman and Lois continues Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on The CW!