The final season of “Superman & Lois” has left fans in awe with its intense action and emotional depth, capping off an era that redefined Superman for modern audiences. As the curtain falls on this beloved series, there are tantalizing hints of what could have been, including a mega villain from the DC universe that the showrunners had hoped to bring into the fold.
The Mega Villain Missed: Darkseid’s Near Miss
In an exclusive interview, showrunners Todd Helbing and Brent Fletcher shared their ambitious vision for the series’ conclusion, revealing their desire to introduce Darkseid, a villain that even Zack Snyder struggled to fully realize in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
“I think we would have made a hard pitch to DC to get Darkseid in there somehow,”
Helbing admitted, reflecting on the constraints they faced.
Darkseid, who made a brief but memorable appearance in Snyder’s “Justice League,” represents a level of cosmic threat that could have elevated the stakes in the “Superman & Lois” finale even further. The CW series had already laid some groundwork with the introduction of Gordon Godfrey in its final season, nodding to Darkseid’s previous appearance in “Smallville.”
Heroes and Villains: The Ones That Returned and the Ones That Didn’t
Beyond the colossal shadow of Darkseid, the showrunners also had plans to revisit several key characters. The finale could have seen more of Brainiac and Tal-Rho, Superman’s brother, whose complex relationship with the Man of Steel added layers to the superhero’s narrative.
“If we had more time and money, we would have loved Tal-Rho,”
Fletcher remarked, highlighting budgetary and temporal constraints.
Moreover, they wished to feature more of Lois Lane’s father, Sam Lane, and Jenna Dewan’s portrayal of Lucy Lane. These characters had been pivotal in earlier episodes, and their return would have provided a fuller closure to their arcs within the series.
Legacy and Impact: Closing the Chapter on Superman in the Arrowverse
“Superman & Lois” not only provided a conclusive ending to its titular heroes but also marked the end of Arrowverse’s connection with the Superman lore. Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal of Clark Kent brought a fresh perspective to the iconic character, balancing his extraterrestrial abilities with his human vulnerabilities.
As the series wrapped up with Superman facing off against Doomsday and Lex Luthor, it delivered a finale that was both satisfying and poignant. The emotional depth and the high stakes of the final battles provided a fitting end to Hoechlin’s journey as Superman, leaving a lasting impact on the Arrowverse and its fans.
The end of “Superman & Lois” signifies more than just the conclusion of a series; it marks the culmination of an era in superhero television. While fans might ponder what could have been with Darkseid’s addition, the series finale still stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Superman’s story. It remains a compelling narrative of hope, resilience, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, resonating with audiences around the globe and leaving an indelible mark on the superhero genre.