My Adventures With Superman S3 Ep 10 Review

It’s all come down to this. The Eradicator is a threat to the entire multiverse and Superman’s family and it needs to be stopped! But the only way to stop is for Clark to get his powers back. And while we all knew he would get them back, I can’t help but feel like he had to sacrifice something that’s going to come back to haunt us in the future. That is, if MAWS has a future!

That is what makes Superman strong

When we last left off, the Kryptonian android known as Brainiac was trying to kill Clark in a fit of rage over his refusal to conform to his people’s brutal ways. But then Bizarro stepped in and saved him, and actually managed to put the fear of death into Brainiac. And then, Clark managed to calm his cloned cousin down, stunning Brainiac, who can’t understand why Clark would risk his life like that. But that moment makes him finally see what Clark’s real strength is: the strength of mercy and compassion.

It sounds corny when I write it, I know. But it’s the truth. Superman’s not the greatest hero because he’s the strongest or the smartest. He’s the greatest hero because he’s willing to help anyone, even if they’re his enemies. And while the heel-face turn feels a little rushed, I’m not complaining. Especially since we learn that the Fortress is powered by the living offspring of Rao, Krypton’s sun! It’s Rao Jr. that has the power to restore Clark’s powers, but there’s no guarantee that it will do so if it doesn’t consider him worthy.

To make a long story short, it does. But that’s the thing: we never actually see how Rao restored Clark’s powers, beyond a brief scene of him being covered in its flames. In addition, at the end of the episode, Clark says that he had to give something up to get his powers back. He plays it off like it’s no big deal, but…I can’t help but fear the worst. What if he had to give up a huge chunk of his lifespan or something else? Something that will come back to bite him in the future? Lois and Jimmy would be heartbroken about that.

The House of El Stands

Meanwhile, the House of El and Task Force X’s last stand against the Eradicator is…well, it’s a massacre. The Eradicator tears through them all like it’s nothing. The Kryptonians are barely able to put a dent in him or his clones. And to make matters worse, the monster (voiced by the incomparable Steve Blum) boasts about how he’s done this across multiple timelines. Who knows how many versions of Superman and his family he’s killed by now?!?! And the best reaction that we get out of him is that he’s irritated that someone always gets away.

And the reason why the Eradicator is doing all of this? Why he’s so driven to kill Clark and his family? Because he’s afraid. He’s the living embodiment of Lex’s fear of that which he can’t control. In fact, fear and dealing with it seems to be the main theme of this entire season. Jimmy’s afraid of taking the next step with Kara. Lois is afraid of the future and how that will change her. And Lex? He’s afraid of something he can’t control or trust. But at least Lex tries to redeem himself by stopping his creation. It’s no use, though. No one is strong enough to stop him.

No one, that is, except for Superman.

Well, just like people on Reddit said, if MAWS was fighting it before, they can’t now: the show’s staff took inspiration from Dragon Ball. Because what’s more Dragon Ball-esque than for the heroes to have to wait for Goku? Or in this case, Superman. He shows up clad in this new golden armor, and just starts beating up the Eradicator. It’s glorious. In fact, the fights in this episode are all glorious. Even more glorious, though, is how Clark calls the Eradicator out for having such a lame motivation! It’s just so pathetic! And in the end, the Eradicator chooses to die rather than accept help from the one he fears the most.

So lame.

Darkseid has to be coming.

So, I’m just going to come out and say it: I don’t think that this season finale was as amazing as the one from Season Two. The Eradicator felt less like a foe that needed to be stopped and more like a reason for Clark to want his powers back. The fight against Brainiac was personal because he destroyed Krypton and killed Clark and Kara’s parents, and it made for an epic final battle. This wound up being not as bad as it could have been, at least for this timeline.

But even now, MAWS is sewing the seeds for what comes next. As Lex is put in prison, Waller asks him why he did all of this. The answer: after Kandor’s destruction, he saw something out in space. Something that terrified him. It’s not confirmed, but with all the hints that have been dropped throughout the show, most fans have guessed that he’s talking about Darkseid and his hordes. Considering what Darkseid can do, I don’t blame him for being scared. Sadly, we may not see what happens if MAWS doesn’t get renewed. Or it might not happen anyway and end up being the focus of a future series in the same universe. Come on, DC! Give us the second coming of the DCAU!

OMG, CLARK AND LOIS ARE GETTING MARRIED!

With that, everything goes back to normal. Jon and Lara return to their time to await the future. Oh, and Kara friendzones Jimmy. She decided that as punishment for what he did to her, she’s going to make him work for a relationship. Honestly, I think it’s for the best. Neither of them was ready for a romantic relationship yet. If we get another season, maybe that will be the payoff. But that means we can focus on the real OTP of the series, Clark and Lois.

Having come to accept what the future may or may not hold, Lois isn’t afraid of settling down anymore. And, in a moment that I wasn’t expecting but is totally in character for her, she’s the one who asks Clark to marry her! SQUEE!

To the people in charge of this show at DC, I swear to all that I hold holy, if you do not give us another season with Clark and Lois’ wedding, I WILL RIOT!!!

Seriously, DC. Just give season four. I don’t care when. I need more of the House of El!

I Give “The Return” a 4/5

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My Adventures With Superman Ep 7 Review

Superman, Lois, and Jimmy have been through a lot in the short span of time they’ve known each other. They’ve dealt with supervillains, mad scientists, psycho robots, and trust issues. Lots and lots of trust issues. However, they’ve managed to come out on top and their relationship’s stronger than ever. Which only makes what happens in this episode an even bigger wake-up call. Not only does this episode introduce the multiverse far sooner than in most big superhero shows, but it’s proof. Proof that this show was written by nerds for nerds. 

Also, Ferb is voicing the villain!

All Clark Wants is a Perfectly Normal Date

Now that he doesn’t have to lie to Jimmy and Lois about being Superman, Clark is free to do what he wants: ask Lois out! And she happily accepts, putting the bo on cloud nine. In a humorous turn of events, his desire to create the perfect date proves that he’s just obsessive as Lois is. It’s one of those dorky treats that only serves to make him even more endearing, though. Jack Quaid was a great pick for Clark Kent/Superman. 

Too bad for Clark, when you’re a superpowered alien, normal is but a fantasy. Enter Mr. Mxyzptlk, played to perfection by David Errigo Jr., AKA Ferb from Phineas and Ferb. By far the best part of this episode, this incarnation of Mr. Myx is every bit the embodiment of chaos he’s known for, but with a decidedly anime influence. He’s younger, more impish and snarky; in other words, a troll. He also provides the best call-back of the episode by turning Clark into different past incarnations of Superman, including the Fleischer and DCAU Superman. 

It’s this impish mischievousness, though, that only makes all the more terrifying when he, predictably, proves to be a villain. He dupes Clark into helping him rob a warehouse owned by a league of alternate Lois’.

The Alternate Lois’ Suck!!

Yes, you read that right. While the concept of an alliance of alternate versions of the same character is not a new concept, this might be the first time it involves Lois Lane or Jimmy Olsen. While Lois’ trying to get ready for her date, the duo are approached by alternate versions of themselves who are after Mr Myx…and now Clark. And unlike them, they’re far more hostile to Superman.

A recurring theme in this show is the fact that so many people can’t understand that Superman’s helping people for the sake of it, and that he’s not evil. However, that line of cynical thinking has done more harm than good. It’s made the General think that Superman’s an enemy when he isn’t, and it makes the League of Lois’ attack Clark without even hearing them out.

To add to the wound, Lois discovers a sad truth: many of these alternate versions of herself are more successful than she is, and at much younger ages. Imagine how bad this could be for one’s self-esteem. 

In the end, things blow up when Mr Myx manages to get his hat/crown of power back, leading to a suitably shonen battle, but Lois and Clark manage to come out on top. Our Lois and Clark. Then they bail back to their universe before the other Lois’ and Jimmy’s can’t follow.

Too bad Mr Myx escapes right away.

Mr Myx Makes Best Episode Yet

This was, by and far, the best episode of the show to date. The villain was amazing, the lore was great, and the call-backs to the animated history of Superman were top-notch. If this doesn’t win the show an Emmy, then what will? 

However, not everything’s sunshine and roses. While the episode cements Clark and Lois as an item, Lois also learns a dark truth: not every Clark Kent out there will be good. And with Superman’s powers…we’ve seen Injustice, right? At the same time, the episode also introduces the trio to Kryptonite, and it’s deadlier than ever. This could spell a lot of problems going forward. Not to mention the fact that Mr Myx is still out there, and, having taken a special interest in this Lois (he calls her “the fun one,”) he’s going to be a problem.

Regardless, this was still the best episode of the series to date. 

I Give “Kiss Kiss Fall in Portal” a 5/5

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My Adventures With Superman Ep 6 Review

Last time on My Adventures With Superman, Clark Kent’s life fell apart. Lois forced him to admit that he’s secretly Superman and was livid for not telling her. Jimmy felt neglected by his friends, and that drove him to set off on his camping alone. As a result, he got captured by some kind of gorilla monster! If that wasn’t strange enough, though, it gets even stranger in this episode. A brain and a talking gorilla, a government conspiracy, and a lot of issues come into play in this episode, and it’s glorious! They’re Mallah! They’re Mallah and the Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain!

Having to Make Things Right for Jimmy

The episode starts off with Lois and Clark not on speaking terms since the former’s livid over the latter lying to her. However, they have more immediate concerns regarding Jimmy, who went off on their camping trip alone. Since he’s not answering their calls or texts, they fear the worst (and they’re right). Thus, the two put aside their issues (well, it’s mainly Lois with the issues) to help Jimmy.

Right away, the episode makes the issues that Lois and Clark have take center-stage rather than keep them on the back burner. The change in dynamic’s evident, with Clark now openly using his powers in front of Lois, which doesn’t help her ill feelings towards him. By the episode’s midpoint, Lois makes it clear why she feels so hurt by Clark’s secret-keeping. She’s fallen for him, and she thinks he fell for her; now she’s worried that his feelings were a cover to throw her off.

Put yourself in Lois’ shoes. Imagine thinking that the person you like may not feel the same way. Now imagine that they’re pretending they do to manipulate you. For someone who hates lies so much, that’s the most painful thing imaginable. In other words, cut Lois some slack, Twitter! 

Silver lining: Clark gets to show firsthand that his heroism isn’t an act. He’s the real deal. That, and Lois gets to see Clark without a shirt.

Jimmy, Mallah, and the Brain

Meanwhile, Jimmy Olsen finds himself at the mercy of the gorilla that kidnapped him. However, despite everyone expecting it to be a version of Gorilla Grodd or some other evil primate, the show subverts expectations. While his captors are known as villains, in this universe, they are not. At best, they’re paranoid about being found.

This is Monsieur Mallah and the Brain. Unlike the versions I grew up with in Teen Titans (or most versions), Mallah and the Brain aren’t evil in the show. They give off mad scientist vibes, but are more like an old, married couple, with it being explicitly stated they’re an item. They only take Jimmy prisoner because they think he’s a threat, but once he treats them with excitement rather than hostility, they start warming up to him. As previously mentioned, they’re not evil; just rightfully paranoid about being found by the Government, having once worked for them under Project Cadmus.

Surprisingly, the Project Cadmus in this show wasn’t the morally-grey organization it’s known for being. Instead, that goes to its infamous counterpart, Task Force X; AKA the ones led by Slade, Waller, and the General. They tried wiping Cadmus out when they refused to make weapons, with Mallah and the Brain being the only survivors. Jimmy sympathizes with their plight, comparing how they were ignored by others to what he’s going through with Clark and Lois.

Jimmy is Smarter than We Gave Him Credit

In addition to this, when finally reunited and Clark tries to tell Jimmy the truth, the latter drops a bombshell by revealing he’s always known the truth. He just kept quiet about it out of respect for Clark, rightfully seeing it as something he didn’t want to talk about. This is yet another great moment for not just Jimmy, but for the series as a whole. It’s taking a look at the classic tropes of the old comics, like Superman being able to hide his secret identity by excuses or everyone being oblivious and subverting that. That would seem stupid in the modern day. 

Reconciling the Trio as New Threats Emerge

Ultimately, the Daily Planet Trio manages to work out their issues, with Clark gaining Lois and Jimmy’s forgiveness by admitting he just wanted to be treated normal. As for Mallah and the Brain, they manage to build a wormhole to take them to another dimension where they can be safe from Task Force X. Here’s hoping that they turn up again in the future, albeit not evil like many of their counterparts.

There’s just one problem: Task Force X now has all of Cadmus’ tech, and they’re more determined than ever to bring down Superman. Worse, the General recruits Dr. Ivo to help them, which anyone should recognize as a being a horrible decision. So while Clark’s social life is improving, the threat against Superman’s greater than ever.

The show’s first season is now halfway over at this point. While there are a few problems with the pacing, it’s still incredibly entertaining. The sense of mystery surrounding Task Force X and Superman not knowing what he is gives a new spin on an old tale. That, and the main trio remain as fun as ever. This wasn’t the most exciting episode, but sometimes you need to go slow to help develop the characters. Here’s hoping we see more of Mallah and the Brain.

That, and I loved the references to Gurren Lagann!

I Give “My Adventures With Mad Science” a 3.5/5

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Harley Quinn Season 2, Episode 13 Review

Ever since we saw Harley and Ivy kiss, we knew that this whole “Ivy-Kiteman Wedding” wasn’t going to pan out. Heck, we knew it wouldn’t even before then. So to say that I was surprised by how the season finale of Harley Quinn turned out would be a lie. I knew going in that Harley and Ivy would end up together; I just didn’t know how. As it turns out, it was due to Harley…and circumstances beyond their control.

So, after Psycho leaked Harley and Ivy’s romp to the public, Ivy does everything she can to make it up to Kiteman for the wedding. She does get them their dream venue from Condiment King. Who is alive and hasn’t been eaten by Frank or anything. But Kiteman can tell going into all of this that Ivy’s in denial. That she’s so focused on his happiness that she’s not considering her own.

As for Harley, she locks herself up in Arkham to stay away from Ivy. At least, until she learns that Gordon plans to arrest everyone at the wedding and goes to stop him. From there, it’s complete chaos! And all the stress gets to Kiteman, and he basically calls everything off.

I know. Kiteman’s the one who calls everything off. However, I think it shows his maturity by recognizing that Ivy’s heart isn’t in it.

After that, everything ends on a predictable, but chaotic and hilarious, note. Harley and Ivy steal a car, admit their feelings and kiss, then drive off with half the GCPD chasing them. Will there be a season three? without a doubt. However, I may not watch it. The show’s just seemed to run its course for me, at this point. Also, cancelled my subscription to DC Universe. HBO Max is where its at.

I Give “The Runaway Bridesmaid” a 3.5/5

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Harley Quinn Season 2, Episode 11 Review

Well, folks, we all knew this was coming: Joker’s back! After an entire season of build up, Harley had to turn Joe Kurr back into her psychotic ex in order to find the Justice League and save Gotham from Dr. Psycho. But more importantly, save her friends and come to terms with the fact that she’s not over Ivy! So how does Joker act now that’s been brought back from his living nightmare of being a normal nobody?

Honestly, not much like the Joker. The show could have fallen back on the toxic relationship between Harley and Joker; it would have been so easy! He’s Joker, one of the most evil villains humanity’s dreamt up! But it doesn’t! Instead, it chooses to focus on the Joker coming to terms with his own relationship with Bethany, his girlfriend/the person who found in the rubble of his tower.

For all his hatred of being a normal guy, it turns out Mistah J liked being with Beth and her kids. It was the relationship he never knew he needed in life. So, in a surprising turn of events, he decides to keep it going with Beth even after remembering everything.

Yeah, even Batman’s surprised by this. If it were any other version of the Joker, I’d be suspcicious. But given how this show has that Venture Bros mentality going with treating villainy like a normal job, I’m not surprised. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just like a sitcom problem, but with superheroes and villians. And Joker did say he’s not going to stop being evil. I just hope he doesn’t teach Beth’s kids how to be evil.

Hell of a Cliffhanger

While all of this is going on, the sub-plot sees Ivy try to deal with her feelings for Harley by burying herself in her wedding plans. That, and not caring about what Dr. Psycho’s doing. The more she tries to deny it, though, the more apparent it is to me that she’s in denial. Which leads to her snap and just go after Psycho by herself, putting her under Psycho’s mind control, and then being sent to off Harley. So, not the best move on her part.

Regardless, I think it’s a great idea, from a storytelling standpoint. Not only does it bring multiple plot threads together (the episode, I mean), but it does them in a very organic manner. I mean, even Joker tells Harley that she shouldn’t give up on Ivy just yet. If Joker of all people’s saying that, then I think you should listen to him!

So, I think that this episode may be my favorite of the entire season, with it tying together many of the show’s long-running plot points. From the Harley+Ivy relationship to Batman’s return and the return of the Justice League, there’s a lot going on without feeling like too much.

We now have two episodes left this season, and so far, the finale looks like it’s going to be great! I can’t wait!

I Give “A Fight Worth Fighting For” A 4.8/5. Best Episode of the Season

Stray Observations

• I think the Justice League will need therapy after getting out of that storybook
• Even Darkseid condemns Psycho’s use of the C-Word.

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Harley Quinn Season 3, Episode 3 Review

You know who one of my favorite characters in Harley Quinn is? Poison Ivy. She’s stood by Harley when she needed it the most, and believed in her when no one else would. Ivy’s been Harley’s rock, but at the expense of her own development. That is, until this episode, where their roles are reversed, to my enjoyment.

Catwoman is Joker to Poison Ivy

Having killed Penguin and trapped Riddler in a hamster wheel, Harley’s next target is Mr. Freeze. He’s the one who literally put her on ice for months, so she wants payback. However, when she can’t melt her way into his fortress, she decides to steal Firefly’s plasma flamethrower from Dr. Trap. He’s this trap-based villain who’s got a museum of villain artifacts, and Harley and Poison Ivy can’t get inside. So Harley calls in a professional: Catwoman.

Personally, I don’t like this version of Catwoman very well. She has the whole femme fatale thing going for her, that’s for sure. However, I think she lacks the playfulness we expect from Catwoman. She looks down on others because she knows she’s good at what she does, especially Poison Ivy, who has a love/hate relationship with her. On the one hand, Ivy knows that Selina only cares about herself. On the other hand, she thinks that Selina’s so cool, even when she’s leaving her hanging.

From my viewpoint, Poison Ivy and Catwoman’s relationship mirrors what Harley had with Joker in the first season. Harley knew Joker was bad for her, but couldn’t help but fawn over the guy. Ivy helped her see that, so now it’s her turn to look after her friend.

Ivy Rediscovers Her Roots

In the end, Harley and Ivy’s boyfriend, Kite Man, help her realize that she shouldn’t try to emulate what Catwoman’s got going on. She’s got her own life that makes her happy, and she shouldn’t get rid of that. However, Catwoman does help the eco-terrorist realize that she’s spent so much time helping Harley that she’s neglected her own growth. As a result, she makes time to do what she loves: killing people who hurt the environment.

This leads to a moment where Harley and Poison Ivy have a heart-to-heart as the latter melts the board of directors of Ace Chemicals with their own toxic chemicals. Harley basically gives her friend the same support she offered her in season one, and Ivy admits that she’s happy with how her life’s turned out. It’s a heartwarming and morbidly hilarious scene that fits with the show’s writing, and I couldn’t help but smile at it.

I’m personally glad Ivy’s recognized that she needs time to focus on herself. She’s a great character that’s neglected a lot of development by spending time helping others. Having seen Steven Universe: Future, I know the consequences of what happens when a person helps everyone but themselves.

Dr. Psycho’s Insecurity

Meanwhile, Dr. Psycho’s going through his own issues in the B-Plot. He used to be an A-List villain until he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Now he’s working for Harley and his ego’s hurt. As a result, Riddler messes with Psycho to escape. Then he willingly goes back into captivity, having only done it to show that he could. It’s a fun little side plot that shows some cracks in the crew, but time will tell if this ends up mattering.

What’s most concerning is how so easy it was for Riddler to escape. He’s only staying there because he wants to. He’s got great exercise, good food, and front-row seats to the drama the Crew goes through. Odds are, he’ll escape when he’s bored with messing with Harley’s Crew.

Okay Filler Episode

This wasn’t my favorite episode of the show, but even a great show can have a few bad eggs, I guess. What it does do, though, is set us up for some potential plot threads as the series progresses over the spring and summer. I’d love to see it focus on Ivy as much as it does on Harley and the others. As long as the comedy keeps on coming, though, I can’t complain.

I Give “Trapped” a 3/5

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