Superman & Lois Review: 5 Ups & 2 Downs From 'Pilot'

3. The Performances

Superman and Lois may be titled after its primary duo, but if we're being completely honest, it's more of an ensemble piece. The show does, after all, center on the Kent clan, so that means that all four of them need to shine in order for the show to fully succeed. The cast ensures that is exactly what's going to happen.

We'll get into Hoechlin and Tulloch's offerings in more detail a little bit later on but it really must be said that they lead this pilot episode incredibly well. Of course, Hoechlin has the most to work with and he turns in a layered performance that is both powerful and subtle, convincingly painting a picture of a Superman that struggles with the normal aspects of life. But Tulloch gives him a run for his money at every opportunity, giving us a performance that is firm and captivating but also reserved and heartfelt - all the things that the show's voice of reason needs to be.

Jordan Elsass and Alex Garfin both hold their own too as the heroic pair's sons. The former's confidence as Jonathan shines through in every scene, ensuring that the character walks the line between overconfident and arrogant really well without ever stepping too far in one direction. Moreover, Garfin gives us a powerhouse performance as Jordan that will undoubtedly evoke emotions from the viewers as the show goes on.

If Superman and Lois is the sum of its parts, it's destined to succeed because right now, its parts are all really strong.