DISCLAIMER: This review includes spoilers.
The latest episode of My Adventures with Superman Season 2: "Pierce the Heavens, Superman!'' is filled with heart and exciting action sequences.
As the episode begins, we find Kal-El in standard Kryptonian attire as he communicates with a local creature named Sun-Eater. His biological mother, Lara Lor-Van, scolds him for attempting to sympathize with the alien as he discovers they are the last of its species, telling him "kindness is a weakness." Knowing Kal-El's radiant spirit acts as a compass effectively throughout any scenario, this moment suppresses that admirable quality fans love and ignites his journey of rediscovery with a compelling start. Shortly after, a visibly distraught Lois arrives at the Kryptonian scenery, unsure of how she arrived. Then, she is confronted by Jor-El who notices that she is a trespasser to their nation.
Back on Earth, Jimmy and Kara hover over the Metropolis skyline using the stolen aircraft from Star Labs as they prep to warn the human society of the imminent threat. Lois (also on board), unconscious under Black Mercy's control, is determined more than ever to recover Clark after Brainiac’s successful capture in the previous episode.
To Jimmy and Kara’s unpleasant surprise, Amanda Waller is eagerly waiting to arrest them as they abruptly descend from the spaceship due to treason of the United States government. Jimmy attempts to warn Amanda of the alien invasion underway: but she immediately dismisses him due to the assumption that Kal-El is the threat being described "Then we'll give Superman the same warm welcome we gave you." Since Amanda never perceived Superman as a healthy contribution to society, her response does not come as a shock, giving off the impression that she'll never see Superman as the hero he truly is.
The next scene displays Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van detaining Lois as they figure out how "the glitch" interfered with their simulation (this is where we discover Brainiac's manipulative expertise is at work once again but on a grander scale). Kal-El arrives to greet Lois with a slice of cake and she becomes instantly startled knowing that this version of Clark is not the same one she grew to love. Both share an admirable moment that helps Lois remember cherished memories of their relationship. As she quickly tries to refresh Kal-El's mind with a summary of her identity, she is halted by Jor-El and Lora Lor-Van, who claim that Lois is dangerous and erases her mind—resulting in the mission starting from scratch.
On the drive back to take the new prisoners to Human Defense Corps HQ, Amanda Waller is paused by Perry White and Vicky Vale—while they explain that arresting journalists is an explicit violation of the 'Fourth Amendment'. As the van door opens, Kara and Jimmy are freed by fellow Flamebro, Steve Lombard, and they quickly escape from the scene. Brainiac (in the form of Superman's body) devastatingly arrives at Metropolis, smirking as his conquest for Earth comes to fruition.
Kal-El is ordered to abandon Lois as his parents discover her plan to save him. Due to Lois’s natural reoccurring ability to adapt to adversity, she eventually figured out the key to Brainiac’s simulation. Through a process of multiple hilariously failed attempts to regain the consciousness of her significant other, her emotional final attempt (which is undoubtedly my favorite part of this episode) finds Lois confessing that she's "desperately in love" with Kal-El and that she named him 'Superman' due to his heart, not his power set. Immediately unlocking Clark's memories, his identity is restored in a completely heartwarming way. The lovebirds team up to escape the Kryptonian mental prison: while the audience shockingly discovers that Lois temporarily gained powers in this realm, allowing them to maneuver their way out much quicker. Similarly back on Earth, Kara & Jimmy share an intimate moment as he ensures her that she no longer has to abide by superior authority; expressing she finally has the ultimate choice to decide who SHE wants to be, influencing her personal decision to help Metropolis face off against Brainiac.
During the final act of the episode, as Brainiac uses Superman's body to attack the citizens of Metropolis, Kara swoops in before he can land a hit and exclaims "You forced me to destroy worlds, but I will fight for this one!" Amanda Waller and Lex Luthor, still eager to take down Superman (and now Kara) through Project M, attempt to eradicate him only to be outplayed by Brainiac’s hack. As Clark regains his identity in real time, he transforms into Superman once again but this time with a slightly remodeled look, displaying new gold accents throughout his suit.
As everyone on the field realizes the only way to save Earth and avoid mass destruction is for the city of Metropolis to team up as a unit (something Clark has always strived for since his initial appearance as Superman), they allow Superman and Kara to handle the alien threat. Shortly afterward, a Kryptonite blast from Brainiac’s swarm of bots knocks our heroes out and leaves viewers with a frightening shot of a red laser charging down towards the city as Lois, Jimmy, Steve, and dozens of citizens are close to being executed. Will our heroes be able to eliminate Brainiac once and for all?
"Pierce The Heavens, Superman" was a seamless watching experience from beginning to end—in my honest opinion, one of the BEST episodes of Season 2. The enhancements in animation continue to impress, the voice acting is crisp & emotionally natural (it felt like I was watching a real life story unfold completely distracted by it being an animated series, the way I was hooked to the screen). Brainiac, Amanda Waller, Lex Luthor's villainy are all extremely captivating & well-executed. The romantic aspects are wholeheartedly admirable, Jimmy and Kara's dynamic is dope, but Clark & Lois undoubtedly stole the spotlight. This project brings a great balance to all the qualities you'd expect from a series and more. I can't wait to see how this chapter ends!
Rating: 4/5
My Adventures with Superman Season 2, Episode 9, is now streaming on Max.
Amazing writing Jordan! I give it that rating as well. Such a blast of a episode. Each episode gets better and better. Waiting on the finale