Lex Luthor has been one of the most important characters in the DC Universe, and I can’t believe that Superman & Lois has actually made me care about his love life in the latest episode. While this version of Lex Luthor has virtually nothing in common with the Michael Rosenbaum iteration that was featured on Smallville, the series has begun to make me feel invested in similar ways. As the show comes to a close, it is compelling to see some small parallels between the two disparate series and their version of this villain.

Across some of Smallville‘s most rewatchable episodes, the character of Lex became one of the most complex and interesting. This led to compelling romance subplots that took place with multiple characters, most notably Lana Lang. While this version of the villain was humanized a great deal more than the one played by Michael Cudlitz, it is compelling to see the character become romantically involved. This contributes to a very human and yet disturbing new version of the famous character on Superman & Lois.

Superman & Lois’s Lex Luthor Romance Repeats Smallville’s Story Success

Lex’s Romances Were One Of The Most Important Features On Smallville

Seeing Lex Luthor being revealed to be romantically connected to Amanda McCoy in Superman & Lois episode 8 is a perfect way to build audience engagement with the character. While Lex is certainly an evil force, and Amanda seems to be too, it is gripping to see human characters connecting to one another. Following countless horrible and destructive actions, it is important to see that this Lex is a human being, and that allows audiences to invest in him in unexpected ways, despite his actions.

This was one of the most compelling parts of Smallville. Audiences knew that Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex would grow to be Superman’s arch-nemesis, but the path toward that was made more tragic by giving him human moments and connections along the way. While Rosenbaum left Smallville after season 7, much of his most important stories were tied to Lana Lang, contributing to a complex portrait of the historic villain. This contributed to making him among the most celebrated versions of the character.

Superman & Lois’ Lex Luthor Romance Is Very Different To Smallville’s In Some Major Ways

There Are Still Major Differences Between The Character Iterations

The biggest difference between Smallville’s Lex Luthor and Superman & Lois‘ Lex Luthor is where they are in their villainous journey. While there are certainly complex details and events that occur with Rosenbaum’s Lex, Smallville does not open with him as a villain. Instead, the show and Lex’s dark Smallvile path slowly become tragic, as audiences were given the chance to see Lex as a friend to Clark. I found this version so compelling because of how expectations contributed to that upcoming tragedy, and how I did not want this Lex to fall prey to evil.

Cudlitz’ Lex, meanwhile, is as evil as they come. In addition, his relationship with Amanda McCoy is only built to foster this same evil and anger and hatred. Unlike Rosenbaum’s Lex, whose most prominent relationship was with the truly good Lana Lang, Lex and Amanda are able to contribute to each others’ own rage. This romance feels destructive and comes from a place of violent and upsetting hatred. From here, especially with the much more truncated screentime for this romance, it would actually feel more tragic if the villain was not crushed by the end of the series.

I’m So Interested To See How Superman & Lois’ Lex Luthor Romance Affects The Show’s Ending

The Path For Luthor’s Character Remains To Be Seen

Giving Lex Luthor a romance in these late episodes helps to humanize the character. However, there are a number of ways this romance can be used to contribute to the ending of the show. For one, this romance ties the two villains together more inherently, allowing their mutual destruction to be even more satisfying, if this occurs. For another, it gives depth to the villain, and goes to show that he is capable of love and connection. If there is a point of redemption for this Lex, I believe it will surely grow out of this relationship.

It is important that the rest of the show, as season 4 Superman & Lois theories have suggested, remember that the series is about Superman and Lois, not about Lex and Amanda. However, giving the villain a comparison point to the humanity of the hero is an excellent way to tie into the ending of the show. Whether with a further descent into evil and hatred, or with moments of redemption, the contrast between the show’s most important couples may play well into the conclusion of the show.

I can’t wait to see how Superman & Lois ends, although I am truly distressed that the show will no longer be in my life soon. These versions of these characters have been an excellent contribution to the superhero canon, and seeing fresh looks at life and love through the eyes of its heroes and villains has been an important part of this. However Superman & Lois ends, I am excited to see how these stories contribute to the larger fabric of the show and to its ultimate climax.

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