Casting a fresh look on a timeless legend, this exciting, action-packed update of the DC Comics Superman captures the daring exploits of the mysterious visitor from another planet and brings the city of Metropolis to life. Originally aired in the 90's on ABC, this humorously romantic action/adventure hour-long series puts a modern twist on the time-honored, legendary superhero, bringing to life the comic book characters Clark Kent (Dean Cain); his superhuman alter-ego, Superman; and Lois Lane (Teri Hatcher), fiction's first lady of the press, in the most unrequited romance of all time.

CRITIQUE

Unlike all the TV shows to DVD sets in the past I’ve reviewed, this was one show I wasn’t too familiar with.  I remember it was very popular little more then ten years ago (as I was a kid), but was never interested in it for whatever reason.  Since Smallville debut and rekindle my love for Superman, I became real anxious on seeing this show on DVD, as I was intrigued.  As I finally got the chance, I took my time analyzing this show through and through. 

This is the kind of storytelling that you really have to suspend all disbelief and have some imagination.  The story lines tend to get a bit corny, not as bad as some of the real bad episodes in Smallville, but close enough.  It’s the cast and the direction of the show that really makes the whole thing work.

The writing is without a doubt, sloppy.  Even if you aren’t familiar with the Superman mythology, you watch this show and soon enough realize how the writers handled the “origins” side of Superman is very choppy and sloppy.  Ironically, though, that’s the parts that I find fascinating. 

Unlike Smallville, which has a theatrical tone to it, this show feels like a TV show.  The setting, the effects, the acting.  70 percent of the film takes place in the Daily Planet (the show could have been called “THE DAILY PLANET” and worked just fine).  Superman is not the main focus of the show.  It’s the glue that holds the show together but isn’t the heart itself.  The two main characters Lois Lane and Clark Kent is the focus of the show.  They are in it 70 percent of the series.  It’s actually quite enjoyable.  On the other hand, without the tidbits of Superman, the show doesn’t even really reflect the Superman mythology at all.  In fact – it disregards any past knowledge of the Superman orgins and sometimes makes its own (much like Smallville did).

I probably wouldn’t like this show if it wasn’t for Teri Hatcher, Dean Cain, and Lane Smith.

Hatcher plays probably one of the best Lois Lane’s of the entire Superman history.  I’m sure that’s a bold statement but seriously, she is the most realistic of all.  Sexy, a smart-ass, and fast; like what Lois Lane is.  Dean Cain plays a mediocre Superman (unbelievable and almost silly) but as Clark Kent, he isn’t too bad.  The late great Lane Smith (who recently died) steals the show.  He plays the unorthodox editor-and-chief Perry White. 

Another great quality of this show is perhaps John Shea as Lex Lurthor.  This version of Lex is not some silly over-the-top comical relief that was presented in the Superman movies.  This version probably mirrors (and only real similarity) the comics well.  This Lex is what Lex really is; pure evil.  He is manipulative, smart, and completely insane.  And what’s really neat about it is no one really knows it besides Superman (near the tail end of the pilot, Superman approaches Lex regarding that very thing, which reminded me of a similar scenario in the pilot episode for the Animated Series a few years after this show aired).  What I also find unique about this is the contrast to Smallville regarding Lex.  In Smallville, Lex is this baby-face person that is slowly but surly falling to the dark side – and is friends with Clark (everyone besides Clark is cautious when it comes to Lex).  It’s the complete opposite in Lois and Clark, Lex is friends with Lois and everyone adores Lex (besides Clark/Superman – who is cautious in regards to Lex). 

One last contrast between Smallville and Superman is the episodes themselves.  About the majority of the problems that occurs in Smallville is reflected toward the meteor shower [rocks].  About the majority of the problems that occurs in Lois and Clark is a scheme Lex Luthor is behind.

The show by a long shot isn’t great.  The story lines tends to be more silly then even Smallville.  The effects is completely awful (which for sure, dates the show but not acceptable since even the outdated effects in the Superman films still looks good after all this time).  The way the writers approach the origin side of Superman is completely insulting in some ways. 

On the other hand, it’s real enjoyable – somewhat funny – and it’s the actors/actresses that makes it work. The right cast can make a simply crappy script look good when done right. And that’s the case with this show.  And I guess it's a fresh new view regarding the Superman storytelling.

I also found the journalism side of it interesting. For some oddball reason, newspaper shindigs are always in the mix when it comes to superheroes and their worlds. This is the first time journalism has a serious look in a superhero atmosphere.

THE VIDEO

THE AUDIO

THE EXTRAS

• Commentary on the pilot by Dean Cain, executive producer Deborah Joy LeVine, and director Robert Butler

• From Rivals to Romance: series retrospective documentary

• "Taking Flight: The Visual Effects of Lois & Clark"

• Original pilot presentation introduced by Deborah Joy LeVine

• Interviews with Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher

• Limited-quantity commemorative bonus disc containing the never-before-released-on-DVD Smallville episode "Crusade"

The commentary is average; insightful but an overall yawn.  The “Taking Flight” featurette is interesting.  Obviously, with a limited budget and the time period, there really isn’t much they could do.

The original pilot presentation has an interesting story behind it.  The producer of the show (Joy LeVine) was asked to present the show to Comic Con at the time and this was the actual reel that was presented. 

Interviews with Cane and Hatcher are insightful to say the least.

I guess the only thing that is worth while on the set itself is the retrospective documentary.  I wish all TV shows to DVD do this.  While I wouldn’t call it “the best” documentary I’ve seen but for a TV show on DVD, it’s certainly among one of the best.  All of the elements reflecting the show are answered in this piece.  And it’s cool seeing the cast and crew telling tales ten years later.

I guess one of the highlights is the bonus disc of the first episode of Smallville season 4.  I could review that episode alone but figured let it wait till when season 4 comes out on DVD later this summer.  It’s great, however, to compare/contrast everything from effects to writing and such.  I wish WB did this more often – giving the buyer options.

FINAL THOUGHTS