Superman & Lois season 4, episode 3, closed out with the tease that Superman would be returning shortly - and this was proven to be very much the case via the next episode, which immediately brought Clark back, concluding his short but notable demise. However, this successful return isn't without its caveats.
As much as live-action Superman show even in its most larger-than-life storyline.
Superman & Lois Season 4 Just Showed The Cost Of Clark Kent's Revival
Superman's Return Appears To Have Been At A Considerable Cost
Superman & Lois season 4, episode 4 confirms that Clark getting General Lane's heart transplanted into his body to replace his own missing one was enough to bring him back to the land of the living. However, the episode also alludes to the true cost of this, as the heart of the older human man doesn't appear to work as effectively in Superman's body as his prior Kryptonian one - something that's shown when it seems to give out on him when he's flying alongside Jonathan Kent, causing him to collapse.
As is addressed by Lois in the episode, the Kent family has other concerns about how Sam Lane's heart might affect Clark in other ways too, as while it clearly works to keep him alive, the strain using his powers puts on his body may well be too much for the organ to withstand when it comes to other abilities, too. With Doomsday still at large, this presents a major question for the series, as Clark is inevitably set to face the villain who killed him at some point once more - only this time, while at even more of a disadvantage.
Why Superman & Lois Season 4 Needed To Give Superman A New Weakness
Giving Superman A New Weakness Helps Make His Revival Feel Believable
While it's hard to not feel for Clark as he discovers what appear to be the new parameters of his body and powers, this narrative decision seems to be for the best, as it works to ensure Superman's death still has weight even after he's up and around once more. Having Clark return with some complications from the method used to revive him underlines how tricky it was for him to come back, and also makes it feel as though there was a true cost to him returning at all - both in of his own weakened state and the sacrifice of General Lane.
I don't think Superman & Lois needs to be as grounded as many other DC releases have historically been, but simply bringing Clark back only a few episodes after his brutal demise completely the same would've risked seeming like a bit of a cop out. Instead, this approach lets the series adapt this part of The Death Of Superman story in a relatively short time window, while also still ensuring Clark's death and resurrection feels like a weighty, significant story.
Superman & Lois' Man Of Steel Change Sets Up A Truly Fitting Ending For The Show
Superman's Sons Seem Even More Likely To Take Over The Family Business
Superman & Lois has been about the titular pair's sons and their efforts to raise them and teach them life lessons from the first episode onward, with the bond between the four being the central framework the rest of the series revolves around. Now Jonathan's own powers have finally activated, the possibility that Clark's children will take over for him in the superhero sphere seems more likely than ever, especially with Superman himself seemingly unable to replicate prior demonstrations of his powers.
With six episodes left before Superman & Lois concludes, there's still plenty of room for story twists and turns that could drastically change what the ending of the series looks like. However, at this stage, I can't help but think the perfect last note for the show might just be Jordan and Jonathan stepping up to the superhero plate properly, allowing their father to at least semi-retire and enjoy his life in Smallville to the fullest.
Based on the characters from DC Comics, Superman & Lois follows Clark Kent and Lois Lane, attempting to live a quiet life in Smallville with their twin sons Jonathan and Jordan. Unfortunately for the couple, their lives continue to be effected by Clark's superhero identity and powers. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch star as Clark and Lois, with Jordan Elsass and Alex Garfin portraying the couple's sons.