WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Superman & Lois Season 1, Episode 9, “Loyal Subjekts,” which aired Tuesday on The CW.
In Superman & Lois, Sam Lane has certainly cut a polarizing figure in the first season. The military general has been distrusting of the Man of Steel, using Section 7734 to make kryptonite weapons in case the alien turns on humanity. Still, he hasn’t shown compassion to his family, making the Kents feel like they’re outcasts and targets. However, in the latest episode, Sam moves from a deadly threat to an essential savior.
Sam’s reamed by Lois and kicked to the curb after his gas puts a virus in Clark and then infects Jordan to the point the kid may die. The fact his science team can’t devise a cure or figure out how long the side-effects will last has angered Lois, with even Jon chiding Sam for being a coward who doesn’t understand the concept of family.
It’s something Lois experienced as a kid from him, but when Clark takes Jordan to the Fortress of Solitude to heal, Sam shows he can change his ways. As Morgan Edge’s X-Kryptonite soldiers attack, Lois and Jon are at their mercy. Luckily, Sam shows up with high-grade weapons that could take Superman out, training his sights on these enemies.
It’s a twist of fate Lois appreciates. He shoots the goons and fights them hand-to-hand after they’re weakened, allowing Jon and his mom to fight off Lana’s brainwashed husband, Kyle, in the barn. Now, while Sam’s knocked unconscious, he buys just enough time for Superman to come in and save everyone.
It ends with Sam bringing in the military to care for the family as he knows he has to take care of the Kents. They’re marked by Edge, and Sam knows he needs to station Section 7734 here to protect a weakened Clark and a vulnerable Smallville. Edge is harnessing kryptonite-poisoned people to be weapons, but by finally working with Kal-El, Sam can stop the raid on the folks and resources of the Kansas town.
As he brings the calvary in, Sam might even get a chance to become closer to the family he’s kept at arm’s length out of fear. While he needs to assuage Clark’s concerns, Sam definitely has to repair the relationship with his grandsons, maybe even helping Jordan so he doesn’t become a loose cannon. It’s convenient as well, as this is the hotspot area, so it does make Sam’s job easier. However, it seems he’s showing a more human side, willing to listen and adapt with the alien army he’s always been scared of finally knocking on the door.
Superman & Lois stars Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Dylan Walsh, Alex Garfin, Jordan Elsass, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Inde Navarrette and Wolé Parks. The series airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.
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