A Third Season in Three Acts

If we apply the traditional three-act structure to a season of television, then My Adventures With Superman has brought Act 1 of its third season to a delightful but ominous end. Over the first two episodes, we have established our world and our heroes’ places in it. We have established their emotional stakes: what they want, and what they fear to lose. The inciting incident is forthcoming, and at the end of Episode 3.3: All’s Fair in Love and W.O.R.M.S., written by Jack Sentell, we have a pretty good idea of what, or rather who, that will be. Let’s get into it.

Love…

As the title suggests, it’s all about love in this episode. Now that Kara (Kiana Madeira) has taken Jimmy (Ishmel Sahid)’s advice to explore her dating options, Jimmy wants to “catalyze a chemical reaction” of his own with W.O.R.M.S., the World Organization for Romantic Matchmaking Science. But three episodes in, Clark and Lois are not quite so understanding. It is painfully obvious that he is trying to make Kara jealous. Moreover, he has more important things to be devoting Flamebird resources to. He should be investigating the Distortionist, a mysterious villain mutating people with genetic manipulation. He wants to lean into being a brand partner instead.

Meanwhile, Lois (Alice Lee) continues to struggle with her own fears. As Clark (Jack Quaid) builds a model of what could be – a farm, a house, a cradle – Lois can no longer avoid a much-needed conversation. Lois and Kara will confront their feelings together.

A Dating Game

Kara has not forgotten about her feelings for Jimmy, but with Clark taking Jimmy to W.O.R.M.S., Lois takes the opportunity to explain Jimmy’s need to prove himself worthy of Kara. Kara interprets this to be a game, which she is determined to win, but setting up a dating profile requires an understanding of Earth’s culture. Despite Lois’ ideas to visit museums, Kara is enchanted by the mall, and that enchantment sets up a wonderful musical moment.

A Musical’s Understanding

While I wouldn’t call this episode a proper musical, I would argue that it subscribes to a musical’s understanding that a character cannot lie in song. With that understanding, Lois and Kara discuss the future in duet.

New things and novelty excite Kara. Her upbringing under Brainiac did not afford her the chance to explore her passions. She could not discover new music, new foods, new fashions, or new people. The future is an unknown to be met with wonder.

Lois is deeply fearful of the future before her. I never thought I would say that. We’ve had two seasons and change of a Lois who charges after the things that she cares about, even if she feels she has made a mess of things. But it makes sense here. She has those things in hand now. Her relationship with Clark is in a great place. She is finally mending her relationship with her father. She is a respected journalist and a beloved friend. The present, she argues, is great because it is known. The unknown poses the possibility of losing what she has worked and fought for.

Two Supermen

Regarding things worked and fought for, let’s address the Supermen, new and old. Having dealt with Dr. Ivo/Parasite and Brainiac’s invasion, Superman has now firmly cemented Metropolis’ belief in him as a hero – so much so that Supergirl was almost immediately accepted as a fellow hero, even after everything, by association alone.

This makes it difficult for Hank Henshaw (Max Mittelman) to establish himself as the city’s newest protector. People trust in Superman’s kindness and mercy as much as they appreciate his power. Henshaw is notably more brutal in taking down even petty crimes. There is a mistrust with which he must contend, even as he suggests that Superman ought to be tougher on crime.

…And W.O.R.M.S.

While Lois and Kara address the future, and Superman saves a pet adoption event – more than hinting at Krypto, but not confirming we’ll see him this season – Jimmy explores the World Organization for Romantic Matchmaking Science, or W.O.R.M.S. Fairy-inspired lovers Zazzala (Chandler Lovelle) and Tazzala (the silent type) run the event, and they introduce Jimmy to Gigi (Vella Lovell). Gigi wants an open-minded person because she changes people.

Through her antics, it is obvious that she is the Distortionist that Jimmy should be investigating. Jimmy, humorously oblivious, has no idea until he turns into a wolf-man. At this point, he seeks help, and Gigi is arrested. Zazzala and Tazzala attempted to fix him with a serum that affects his endoskeleton, but it takes a couple of tries…long enough for Gigi to break out, reveal herself as Giganta, and kidnap Jimmy.

A Cyborg Superman

Superman cannot intervene right away. He has a tech robbery to stop. Intergang – Mist, Rough House, and Silver Banshee – have robbed LexCorp, and Hank Henshaw has responded. Silver Banshee gets a scream off, which damages Henshaw’s jaw and eye, but before he can retaliate, Superman arrives and demonstrates the virtues of restraint and communication. He does not need to harm the Silver Banshee to get her to give up her tech. She knows what he can do, and he only needs to get in her way.

But Henshaw wants a more permanent solution, and as he charges his hand cannon, Slade Wilson (Chris Parnell) traps him in an energy shield. As Superman rushes away to deal with Giganta, defeating her with Zazzala and Tazzala’s help, Lex Luthor (Max Mittelman) speaks with Henshaw in private. He addresses the media’s description of Henshaw as a Cyborg Superman, noting his disappointment that Henshaw made people afraid of him. This will make replacing Superman difficult, and despite Henshaw’s insistence that he can do as he pleases, Lex makes it clear that just as he gave Henshaw his power, he can take it away.

The Future

Back at the apartment, Lois finally admits her fears to Clark. She wants the same things that he does, but does not want to sacrifice all that they have now to get it. She views it as shrinking their lives to the size of his model farm. Clark listens, and he replies with love. They will find their future together.

A Third Season in Three Acts: The Inciting Incident

Behold, then, that future: Metropolis lies in ruins. A Future Lex, a Future Jimmy, and a Future Steel send Superboy (Darren Criss) back in time before mechanical invaders can kill him. Superboy’s mission: Make sure this never happens.

The inciting incident I mentioned at the beginning of this summary is now upon us. Superboy’s introduction in the present will give our heroes a substantial example of the future they choose to welcome or fear. Act 1 is over. We’re in the thick of it now, and I’m incredibly excited.