Superman & Lois episode 3 repeated a story that was told in Smallville’s own third episode. While the shows focus on totally different periods of Superman’s life, numerous parallels between the two shows have already pointed out by the fans. While Clark started out as a high school freshman in one and a family man in the other, both shows are coming-of-age stories dealing with teenagers becoming accustomed to their Kryptonian heritage in Superman’s hometown.
The first two episodes of Superman & Lois have seen Clark (Tyler Hoechlin) struggle to help his son, Jordan (Alex Harfin), who has inherited at least a portion of his father’s abilities. In episode 3, titled “The Perks of Not Being a Wallflower”, Jordan used his new powers to join the high school football team, and managed to earn some friends in the process. He of course made this decision without gaining the permission of his father, who he knew wouldn’t approve. As expected, Clark vehemently opposed it upon finding out. He was upset because he had concerns about Jordan accidentally hurting kids with his enhanced strength.
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This was essentially a fun repeat of a story that happened in Smallville season 1, episode 3. In “Hothead,” Clark (Tom Welling) was talked into joining the high school football team after his throwing ability was witnessed by the coach. Just like what happened in Superman & Lois, Clark agreed to play despite not getting the permission of his dad, Jonathan Kent (John Schneider). Not unlike the situation that unfolded in Superman & Lois, Jonathan maintained that it was irresponsible for Clark to play football with other boys, but Clark was unrelenting in his determination and angry that his father didn’t have confidence in him.
What deepened the similarities between the third episodes of both shows is what occurred with Lana (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and her daughter, Sarah (Inde Navarrette) in Superman & Lois. In rebellion against her mother, Sarah quit the cheerleading squad. What’s interesting about that is that Smallville’s Lana quit being a cheerleader at the same time. Her decision happened in the third episode, and coincided with Clark joining the football team. Clark had hoped that they would be on the football field together, and was disappointed when he discovered that this wouldn’t be the case.
The stories of Jordan and Sarah in Superman & Lois lining up so well with Clark and Lana in Smallville make it seem like it can’t be a coincidence. But regardless, the show did eventually veer into a slightly direction at the end of the episode. Jonathan reluctantly decided to support Clark in Smallville, but it ultimately didn’t matter because other events kept him from playing. When the issue became relevant again in season 4, Jonathan allowed it but never really approved. That’s in stark contrast to Superman & Lois, as episode 3 saw Clark completely change his mind, having come to the conclusion that playing football may be just what Jordan needs. As more parallels occur in the upcoming episodes, it’ll be fun to see how their stories compare with each other, and how their decision-making will differ from what happened in Smallville.
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