[7.2/10] Here’s the weird thing about this episode for me -- the meat of it doesn't do much for me. Superman fighting a big space ball isn’t especially thrilling, and neither is him fighting yet another alien brute (this time with no neck!). There’s a lot of “Superman just punches a lot of stuff” to this one, and while it’s fine, it’s nothing fans haven’t seen twenty times before to where it has little impact (no pun intended). Maybe there’s the slightest bit of intrigue given that he’s going toe-to-toe with one of Darkseid’s henchmen, so theoretically Kalibak poses more of a threat than your average joe, but even then, their scrap feels weightless and predictable.
But I like the trappings of it! The episode doesn't really do anything with it, but I like the subtext that Superman is the way he is thanks to the example set by his father, and that in an equal and opposite way, the same goes for Kalibak given Darkseid’s dismissive, brutal treatment of his offspring. I like much of the design work, as Apokalips, the space ball, and Kalibak all look appropriately alien and imposing. It’s a thrill for fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Mad Men like me to hear the voices of Michael Dorn (Worf) and Robert Morse (Bert Cooper).
I also like the things that seem to be mostly outside of this episode or merely teased by it. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Clark and his parents. Everything from his dad trying to stand up to Kalibak and doubting computers, to his mom wanting to spend time with Lois and accidentally calling Superman “Clark.” You get a genuine family vibe in the little bits we get outside the punching, and it’s well done.
But I love all the teases we get for Darkseid. The continuity of him sending Manheim to his slave mines is a nice touch. The internecine power struggles with Manheim, Kalibak, and Desaad do a nice job of setting up the rules and tenor of that ecosystem. Darkseid himself is imposing and scary, not just because of his booming voice or his ability to bring Superman to his knees, but in his unyielding and clinically cruel demeanor. He absolutely works as the manifestation of evil the show needs to really challenge Superman, and that’s what makes him meaningful as a threat and heartening when Superman briefly seems to push back.
As much as this episode is a meager appetizer, it does make me excited for what comes next with the New Gods, so it’s hard to rate it too badly!
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2020-03-23T01:44:00Z
[7.2/10] Here’s the weird thing about this episode for me -- the meat of it doesn't do much for me. Superman fighting a big space ball isn’t especially thrilling, and neither is him fighting yet another alien brute (this time with no neck!). There’s a lot of “Superman just punches a lot of stuff” to this one, and while it’s fine, it’s nothing fans haven’t seen twenty times before to where it has little impact (no pun intended). Maybe there’s the slightest bit of intrigue given that he’s going toe-to-toe with one of Darkseid’s henchmen, so theoretically Kalibak poses more of a threat than your average joe, but even then, their scrap feels weightless and predictable.
But I like the trappings of it! The episode doesn't really do anything with it, but I like the subtext that Superman is the way he is thanks to the example set by his father, and that in an equal and opposite way, the same goes for Kalibak given Darkseid’s dismissive, brutal treatment of his offspring. I like much of the design work, as Apokalips, the space ball, and Kalibak all look appropriately alien and imposing. It’s a thrill for fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Mad Men like me to hear the voices of Michael Dorn (Worf) and Robert Morse (Bert Cooper).
I also like the things that seem to be mostly outside of this episode or merely teased by it. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Clark and his parents. Everything from his dad trying to stand up to Kalibak and doubting computers, to his mom wanting to spend time with Lois and accidentally calling Superman “Clark.” You get a genuine family vibe in the little bits we get outside the punching, and it’s well done.
But I love all the teases we get for Darkseid. The continuity of him sending Manheim to his slave mines is a nice touch. The internecine power struggles with Manheim, Kalibak, and Desaad do a nice job of setting up the rules and tenor of that ecosystem. Darkseid himself is imposing and scary, not just because of his booming voice or his ability to bring Superman to his knees, but in his unyielding and clinically cruel demeanor. He absolutely works as the manifestation of evil the show needs to really challenge Superman, and that’s what makes him meaningful as a threat and heartening when Superman briefly seems to push back.
As much as this episode is a meager appetizer, it does make me excited for what comes next with the New Gods, so it’s hard to rate it too badly!