Since premiering on Adult Swim and Max,My Adventures With Supermanhas been hailed as one of the better iterations of a DC classic. Following Clark Kent’s (Jack Quaid) time as a journalist in the City of Tomorrow, the series is a strong blend of comedic relief and sincere explorations of themes such as isolation, identity, and the importance of community.
My Adventures With Superman
Clark Kent builds his secret Superman identity and embraces his role as the hero of Metropolis, while sharing adventures and falling in love with Lois, a star investigative journalist, who also takes Jimmy Olsen under her wing.
The second season picks up after the conflict between Superman and Task Force X, led by Amanda Waller (Debra Wilson), and introduces key villains that many consider to be the franchise’s most celebrated, while also examining Clark’s feelings of isolation in the face of forces dedicated to malign Superman. Through the triumphs and failures of each character, these are the 10 best moments ofMy Adventures With Superman’ssecond season.
10Lois at a Crossroads
“Fullmetal Scientist”
Since Lois was introduced(played by Alice Lee), her professional ambitions as a journalist have been obvious. After a hilarious montage where Vale and Lane attempt to break the news regarding the tech company AmerTek, the former proposes Lois with an opportunity to work under her at The Gazelle, ushering in a period of reflection for the latter.
A Semblance of Normalcy in an Extraordinary World
Aside from relatable feelings of doubt in regard to one’s future, Lois' indecisiveness in her professional life also seeps into her personal life, affecting her relationship with Clark. Sifting through feelings of inadequacy and moments of self-deprecation,Lois' feelings bleed authentically into the larger narrative, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the beloved Metropolis icon-in-the-making.
9The Reintroduction of Lex Luthor
“Adventures With My Girlfriend”
Anyone with the slightest knowledge of American pop culture has a basic understanding of therivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor(Max Mittelman). InMy Adventures With Superman.Lex’s introduction is subtle but effective.
In the episode “Adventures With My Girlfriend,” Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid) offers Lex, who at the time went by Alex, words of encouragement after a less than satisfactory experience applying for S.T.A.R. Labs. However, it is Jimmy’s advice that propels Lex to seek out a partnership with Amanda Waller and Slade Wilson (Chris Parnell).
Jimmy’s kindness is undoubtedly one of his best attributes. Nevertheless, his optimistic perspective inadvertently creates the Lex Luthor fans will come to know. While the second season is full of impressive moments that craft an easily-identifiable yet complex villain, the moment a newly confident Lex reemerges is an exciting new development that sees a formidable foe, in his element.
The promise of technology that could greatly assist Task Force X in their crusade against Superman only creates fertile ground for the struggle for power and justice seen later in the season.
8Lois' Walk Down Memory Lane
“Two Lanes Diverged”
“Two Lanes Diverged” is easilyone of the more moving episodes. Mainly focusing on Lois' relationship with her father, Sam (Joel de la Fuente), the episode is a collection of memories set during Lois' and Sam’s annual trips into the woods, where the majority of the issues rise to the surface.
In the midst of her considering a new life in Gotham under the tutelage of Vicki Vale (Andromeda Dunker) and her relationship with Clark, Lois attempts to understand what exactly is the source of her insecurities and abandonment issues.
Memories of Neglect Unearthed
What makesMy Adventures With Supermanparticularly entertaining isthe notable effort put into characterization, especially with regard to the three leads. Lois’contentious relationship with her fatherhas continued to be a relevant and relatable storyline for anyone with a fractured relationship with their parents.
A humane look at topics such as loneliness and neglect, these moments between Lois and Sam capture the complicated combination of genuine love and resentment that Lois holds for her father, a contradictory set of emotions that many viewers hold.
7The Introduction of Kara Zor-El
“Most Eligible Superman”
My Adventures With Supermanstrongly balances a whimsical comedic tone with much more serious themes.The introduction of Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El (Kiana Madeira), falls in line with expectations but does not understate the importance of her arrival.
Wearing modern clothing, Kara stands on a sidewalk with a contemplative look on her face when Jimmy spots her. After saving Kara from being mowed down by a truck, Jimmy and Kara spend most of the day getting to know one another, producing innocent and enjoyable scenes.
A Dynamic Wildcard
Kara’s arrival complements the show’s aforementioned balance, introducing a character with a rich storyline of her own while also chronicling her impact on characters audiences have invested in since the premiere episode. A budding romance with Jimmy coupled with a dedication to finding Clark sets Kara up to be one of the most important characters of the second season, and following her throughher strong introduction and subsequent growth is a rewarding experience.
After Clark and Kara finally meet during an unexpectedly tense reunion, Kara delivers a subdued Superman back to a then-unknown structure in space where she obediently offers Clark up to an android she calls “Father.” Her father figure congratulates her before imprisoning Clark, signaling to previously unaware audiences that this new foe is cold and crafty.
Related:Who Is Supergirl’s Adopted Father in My Adventures with Superman
A Meticulous Monster
It does not take much to deduce Brainiac’s (Michael Emerson) identity. From the iconic design to the chillingly matter-of-fact delivery of his dreams, Brainiac has the intelligence and the resources to carry out a set of successful schemes. As viewers will come to learn, Brainiac’s callousness holds no bounds.
Unlike Task Force X, even with a new recruit in Lex Luthor, Brainiac’s crimes against sentient beings range from colonization to genocide, the latter of which becomes a possibility for the people on Earth due to Brainiac’s ambitions of restoring the Kryptonian Empire.
5Jimmy Reflects on Friendship
Jimmy’s silence during the vilification of Superman at the hands of Lex Luthor during a technology convention understandably creates a rift between the former and his best friend. While Clark does not harbor any resentment towards Jimmy, the latter clings onto his lingering guilt for his inaction during the debacle. The situation becomes even more awkward when Jimmy goes out of his way to evade any form of confrontation, spending most of the day with Kara.
Accountability and Friendship Explored
The experience with Kara highlighted a lingering issue in Clark and Jimmy’s relationship as it pertains to reciprocity. Through his time with Kara, Jimmy comes to understand that his avoidant behavior does nothing to alleviate the awkwardness between them, especially considering that a simple acknowledgment would have been a great step forward in moving on.
4The Black Mercy Unveiled
“The Death of Clark Kent”
“The Black Mercy” is one of the most recognizable plants in the DCEU. A hallucinogen, the plant allows the user to manipulate and essentially seep into the soul of the victim and alter their sense of reality, essentially trapping them in their dreams while the user maintains control of their body. Commonly depicted as a dark green plant, the Black Mercy appears during the confrontation between Brainiac, Supergirl, and Superman, where the former uses the parasitic plant on the latter.
A Deeper Look at a Stellar Protagonist
Audiences get a close look at Brainiac’s intentions with Superman’s body, as well as Clark’s insecurities and grief. Stepping inside of Clark’s consciousness, viewers see a reimagined Krypton with his parents still alive and healthy. While Clark’s vivid dreams offer stunning visuals of Krypton pre-destruction, this mirage also crumbles due to Clark’s developed values of empathy and justice, best depicted in his kindness towards the caged alien.
3Kara’s Memories Return
“The Machine Who Would Be Empire”
One of the most devastating moments in the season is Kara’s realization of her brainwashing and subsequent complicity in crimes against sentient beings across the universe. After confronting Brainiac about the nature of the empire and then visiting planets she supposedly liberated, Kara returns with the grave knowledge that she annihilated entire communities at the request of Brainiac.
A Gruesome Reality Explored in Fiction
Depictions of child soldiers in fiction are much more common than people would probably realize. From characters like Azula and Zuko fromAvatar: The Last Airbenderas well as Levi Ackerman fromAttack on Titan,many young characters serve as strong, fictional examples of children who have been manipulated into carrying out imperialist or genocidal operations.
Kara’s predicament is no different. Much like the aforementioned series, Kara’s realization is a heartbreaking moment of truth that illustrates the wickedness of Brainiac as well as the cycle of abuse he uses to maintain and grow his empire.
2Superman and Supergirl Unite
“My Adventures With Supergirl”
The season finale sees Kara and Clark band together as the last two Kryptonians in hopes of defeating Brainiac. The latter is nothing short of a formidable foe, besting both of them with his vast knowledge of robotics, combat skills, and a seemingly endless supply of green kryptonite. However, when the battlefield moves from earth to the boundless, black canvas of state, Clark and Kara rely on an unlikely ally to defeat Brainiac.
Related:Is Superman’s Radiation Absorption in My Adventures with Superman Canon?
The Warmth of the Sun, Explained
After being exposed to Brainiac’s arsenal of green kryptonite, the likelihood of Superman and Supergirl’s victory, nevertheless, survival looks grim. However, when both are sent hurling towards the sun, Kara and Clark realize that the sun is their energy source, harnessing its power in order to eventually defeat Brainiac.
While on a literal level, the sun emboldens them, the sun’s impact on both Clark and Kara also acts as a slight nod towards their sense of belonging to this solar system, specifically the earth.Their dependence on the sun mirrors the everyday human’s reliance on solar power, effectively weaving together a compelling takedown of a villain as well as the thematic recognition of Earth as their home.
1Superman and Friends Affirm Kara / Supergirl
“My Adventures with Supergirl”
Before the final moments of their battle against Brainiac, the latter attempts to wrestle control over Kara once more. Despite being at the receiving end of her aggression, Clark refuses to answer with violence, instead embracing her. Joined by Jimmy, Lois and other companions, the group passionately affirm Kara as someone worthy of enjoying the many benefits life holds, resulting in her freeing herself from the abusive cycle maintained by Brainiac.
A Well Executed Plea for Optimism
Throughout discussions online and in person about personal growth and conflict resolution,the idea that one is not beholden to and shouldn’t be defined by their worst moments is a popular sentiment. The season 2 finale perfectly portrays this sentiment, not only in the group’s decision to use effective communication to combat the demonization and disrespect Kara has been subjected to, but also in her decision to rectify the harm she has caused.
With a healthy combination of retaliation and community support, Brainiac is ultimately defeated and Kara, much like Clark, discovers a new home on Earth. Genuinely one of the most touching scenes,My Adventures With Supermansuccessfully concludes a stellar second season with imperative life lessons and a vision of hope.
