**This review contains some SPOILERS**
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In its fourth and final season, “Superman & Lois” wraps things up with another strong season that adapts some iconic stories from the comics but suffers a bit from pacing issues.
This season starts off right where the previous season ended, and not surprisingly, rolls into an adaption of “The Death of Superman.” Thanks to superb acting, this storyline hits pretty hard, but just as it looks like we’re in for a serious change in status quo, they move right into “Superman Lives.” At this point, the main threat of Lex takes a back seat while the show flies through a few other new story twists and turns. (While also trying to squeeze in something for the non-Kent family members in the main cast to do.)
As far as the cast goes, most of the main supporting cast have a moment or two to shine, but for the most part they spin their wheels while the show tries to reverse the way they all were sent packing at the end of last season. Lex is given plenty to do, and while it’s nice to see him move closer and closer to the comics version of the character, it’s kind of jarring after getting used to the heavy-metal version we’ve gotten so far. But it’s the Kents that are the stars of the show. With the looming threats, most of the romance character arcs are dropped for the boys in favor of dealing with the burden of being a hero. This works overall, but it’s rushed a bit at some key moments, and we don’t quite get a proper payoff. And even though Clark and Lois’ story is more straightforward this time around, their chemistry combined with great acting anchors their arcs and the series as a whole.
As usual, the show looks great. The CG effects and green screen stick out from time to time, but typically everything looks solid despite the TV budget. (And also as usual, the show’s musical score and solid cinematography tie everything together.)
Wrapping up one of the best interpretations of Superman, “Superman & Lois” finishes strong, with an emotionally layered adaption of one of Superman’s most pivotal stories. However, some key moments feel rushed and secondary main cast members’ plotlines feel shoehorned while the big bad seemingly decides to take a back seat.
**** out of *****