"My Adventures with Superman": Episodes Eight and Nine - Zero day explained, through some of the show's best work
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In revisiting “My Adventures with Superman”, episode eight was the one I remembered the least, as it was a bit overshadowed by the content succeeding it. Therefore, this was as close to a fresh watch as I’ve gotten in these reviews. I’d forgotten about the focus on Vicky Vale, or the introductory sequence involving General Lane’s recruitment of the Intergang prisoners. One detail I did recall was Clark discovering his super hearing, which is an incredibly useful power…and a serious inconvenience if you lack focus. Clark spends much of the time gripping his head in pain, stumbling around Metropolis disoriented, and even causing some collateral damage to a poor truck driver. This episode primarily serves as a set up for the next, and Clark’s troubles here emphasise its defining contribution: Addressing why people would be wary of Superman. Cynical citizens could see him as exploiting good will, while the more fearful speculate on the destruction he could unleash.
We see these viewpoints and mixed responses though the story's duel plotlines. The first features Lois and Jimmy shadowing the aforementioned Vale, as she interviews various people regarding Superman’s potential danger. While many of the subjects are charitable to Clark, one such man holds a specific and blinding resentment. This man is of course Alex, and his stance is rather consistent with his comic book counterpart. To him, Superman is a threat to humanity’s survival and advancement; After all, how can we feel safe with our own power compared to a god? I also must say, this is a somewhat bold iteration of Vale, compared to other media I’ve seen of the character. She often has an edge, but here it’s presented with a wreckless, fame hungry twist. In essence, she epitomises a style of sensationalist journalism that promotes a narrative over hard facts (insert your least favourite news station here).
The more physical side of this debate is shown when Superman, attempting to rescue someone from harm, is ambushed by Intergang, Deathstroke and Dr. Ivo. The following sequence is suitably tense, and a large portion of that is due to the setting. The fight occurs mid air, among the clouds, and with Superman greatly outnumbered. The villains launch a barrage of physical and elemental attacks, gradually wearing down our hero’s endurance. Clark is constantly kept on the back foot, which is unusual for him, and part of why this scene stands out so much. Even then, he doesn’t lose by being overwhelmed, but by holding back at the wrong moment. Just like in many depictions, Superman here fears his full potential. He doesn’t want to seriously harm someone if he can help it, which leaves him open to an especially zealous opponent. At a certain point, he felt the need to restrain himself, and it’s that miscalculation that cost him. Lying on the ground, Superman can only beg with the villains who’ve subdued him, who are in no mood to offer mercy. How does a benevolent higher being convince the world of his benevolence? That’s a crucial question regarding Superman’s struggles, and the show does a fine job of presenting that dilemma.
We then enter episode nine, where a bound Superman is being interrogated by General Lane. Having witnessed an alien invasion known as “Zero Day” more than twenty years ago, Lane now has the person he thought was responsible in custody. I can begin the praise right now by saying this episode completely redeemed General Lane. Up until now, I thought the character came across as a rather stiff, standard military man, obsessed with controlling his enemy. By going into his backstory, though, and making his perspective more vivid, the writers gave him a new dimension. Their intent was obvious in these opening scenes, and it was the first time Lane really clicked for me. Suddenly his harsh demeanour was offered context, and even his inner compassion was revealed - if somewhat briefly. When Clark breaks down, distraught over the implications of his presence on earth, Lane recoils. For the first time, he sees the man behind this otherworldly being, and it shakes him. Everything Lane thought was true was challenged in that instant, and with that small reaction, there are more options for this character going forward. The same can’t be said for Amanda Waller, however; Aside from one episode of “Justice League Unlimited'', I’ve never found any interpretation of her to be all that compelling. She’s generally portrayed as a cold, patriotic government agent…and not much else. This version isn’t any different, which is a shame coming from a series that’s offered different takes on other DC characters. Even Waller’s inclusion within Lane’s flashback isn’t a big change, which again feels like a missed opportunity to explain why she’s so hardened and inflexible. Her characterization isn’t a major issue on the whole, but I do wish there was a little more substance in Waller’s personality - which would be a needed improvement, frankly.
Beyond Waller, episode nine successfully and effectively wraps up the events introduced by its predecessor, and exhibits some of the show’s best dramatic work. There’s an equal balance between character revelations (primarily from Lane and Superman), and emotional tension within the final action sequence. Still imprisoned by Lane, a crazed Dr. Ivo breaks out of his confines, grabs his gear, and consumes enough energy to turn into a giant purple monster. With a kaiju now rampaging through Metropolis, a weakened Superman musters all the courage he can, and attempts to subdue the mad scientist. It’s not the most creative fight visually, and the dialogue for Lois’ intervention is on-the-nose, but it’s the right kind of on-the-nose. Her speech incorporates the show’s overarching messages without needlessly hammering them into the dirt - unlike Ivo with our blue and red friend. It works because the emotional support is behind the words and imagery. Clark tenderly holding Lois’ face, while she cries at the idea of losing him again, is another brief but potent example of this dramatic poignancy. The way they ultimately best Ivo also isn’t the most original, but like I said, it’s executed in a genuine manner. Overall, episodes eight and nine could be season finales by themselves, which might present a pacing issue later. In isolation, though, they work very well, and present a cohesive, suspenseful two-part story. It’s the strong little moments that really help sell the impact, and combined with some tense fights and solid writing, make for two of the show’s most engaging episodes yet.
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