[7.4/10] I like the concept here. Superman’s had to carry the burden of being the last son of Krypton for a long time, so the prospect of having another Kryptonian, even one who was part of a coup, carries a certain intrigue and excitement. But the difference is that Clark grew up on Earth, among humans, thinking he was one of them, which gave him an intuitive understanding of this world. Malla is having to learn all of that, having lived a full life elsewhere, in a matter of weeks or maybe even days. That’s a culture shock, one Superman tries to accommodate, but one that still poses a danger to Metropolis and maybe the rest of the world too.
I really like how they motivate Malla here. For one thing, she was a leading military commander, so she thinks in terms of the chain of command and troops and even rule. It’s a different mindset from Supes, one that doesn't necessarily seem malicious at first. It just requires a different frame of reference than Malla is used to.
For another, she doesn't want to go back to the Phantom Zone, something that’s understandable considering that it looks like she’s already been serving overtime thanks to Cal-El not being aware of the extra compartment (a little convenient). And last but not least, she sees Superman as a lover, not just a partner, and finding that last Kryptonian left (give or take a red glowy prison) doesn't love her back would be understandably difficult. On the whole, I like how personal Malla’s motivations feel here. She’s not evil, just very different, and having to absorb a different way of life in a few days when Clark had a whole lifetime to adjust.
The other bits and pieces of the episode are good too. I love Luthor’s response to all of this, treating Malla’s desire to rule as revelatory of Superman’s true aims. The flashback to Jax-Ur’s coup attempt is cool, both for giving us a glimpse of Krypton and the Fortress of Solitude in action, but also showing Jor-El’s legacy. And the action isn’t bad either. Superman fighting a giant bug feels superfluous, but him rescuing the revolving restaurant and lifting it back onto a pedestal is a cool sequence.
Overall, this definitely feels like only half an episode (rather than part one of a two-parter, if you follow me), but it’s a good half, particularly when it focuses on the reasons behind Malla’s actions.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2020-02-29T06:02:46Z
[7.4/10] I like the concept here. Superman’s had to carry the burden of being the last son of Krypton for a long time, so the prospect of having another Kryptonian, even one who was part of a coup, carries a certain intrigue and excitement. But the difference is that Clark grew up on Earth, among humans, thinking he was one of them, which gave him an intuitive understanding of this world. Malla is having to learn all of that, having lived a full life elsewhere, in a matter of weeks or maybe even days. That’s a culture shock, one Superman tries to accommodate, but one that still poses a danger to Metropolis and maybe the rest of the world too.
I really like how they motivate Malla here. For one thing, she was a leading military commander, so she thinks in terms of the chain of command and troops and even rule. It’s a different mindset from Supes, one that doesn't necessarily seem malicious at first. It just requires a different frame of reference than Malla is used to.
For another, she doesn't want to go back to the Phantom Zone, something that’s understandable considering that it looks like she’s already been serving overtime thanks to Cal-El not being aware of the extra compartment (a little convenient). And last but not least, she sees Superman as a lover, not just a partner, and finding that last Kryptonian left (give or take a red glowy prison) doesn't love her back would be understandably difficult. On the whole, I like how personal Malla’s motivations feel here. She’s not evil, just very different, and having to absorb a different way of life in a few days when Clark had a whole lifetime to adjust.
The other bits and pieces of the episode are good too. I love Luthor’s response to all of this, treating Malla’s desire to rule as revelatory of Superman’s true aims. The flashback to Jax-Ur’s coup attempt is cool, both for giving us a glimpse of Krypton and the Fortress of Solitude in action, but also showing Jor-El’s legacy. And the action isn’t bad either. Superman fighting a giant bug feels superfluous, but him rescuing the revolving restaurant and lifting it back onto a pedestal is a cool sequence.
Overall, this definitely feels like only half an episode (rather than part one of a two-parter, if you follow me), but it’s a good half, particularly when it focuses on the reasons behind Malla’s actions.