Hope. That's humanity's most powerful trait, the tool that gives us the strength to be better. That's what Superman has always stood for, he's a character designed to inspire people to hope for a better tomorrow. For a character with countless adaptations, the Man of Steel's most authentic portrayal is delivered in Superman & Lois, which captures his unwavering optimism while transcending the typical superhero narrative by focusing on profound character development and addressing real-world personal struggles.

Departing from earlier adaptations, this TV show presents Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin) well into his career as Superman. He is a devoted husband to Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) and a father to teenage twin boys, Jonathan and Jordan. The show establishes a multilayered narrative, with the focus being more on family drama and character growth against the obvious superhero backdrop. The series has unique spins on classic Superman villains such as Bizarro and Lex Luthor and, throughout all four seasons, the antagonists' arcs parallel the Kent family's story in contrasting ways.

As the title suggests, the show is about Lois just as much as it is about Clark. Even without powers, she helps Clark through her journalistic skills, and the two complement each other by taking different approaches to tackle the villains and conflicts. Unlike most love stories that focus on the chase, the show features them as a loving couple who have been together for years, keeping the spark alive despite facing countless challenges together, be it the very real struggles of parenthood or the otherworldly threats of superheroism. 

This show aired at a time when the "human element" was missing in popular superhero media. Marvel films prioritised spectacle and interconnected narratives over relatable character growth, while shows like The Boys equated cynicism and violence with realism. Even with Superman himself, Henry Cavill's portrayal removed the optimism from the character and featured a bleak and failed emulation of relatability.

Superman & Lois showed that superheroes can not only have well-crafted character dramas but also be genuinely relatable without being cynical. The show tackles themes like mental health, parenthood, and relationships—all things deeply rooted in everyday lives but seldom addressed in the genre. The best example can be seen with Jordan, who suffers from social anxiety disorder. The way he navigates this issue with the support of his parents and brother stands out as one of the most realistic portrayals of how families address mental health in any media. Besides Jordan, Jonathan also has a deeply relatable journey of finding his purpose and becoming someone his family can rely on.

To say a show can change your life might be an exaggerated claim, but I cannot emphasise enough how much this portrayal of Superman means to me. This show came into my life when I desperately needed hope. I found myself resonating with the Kent family on a personal level, especially Clark, as he is the kind of person I aspire to be. The show's finale left me in tears, one of the few story endings to ever move me so deeply. It stands as a profoundly powerful conclusion to any show and the perfect ending to the Superman legend.

Superman & Lois perfectly captures the essence of Superman, reminding us that hope and love can guide us to become the best versions of ourselves. Though life may have its low points, holding onto hope and leaning on the love and support of those around us give us the strength to rise again. It's a show that inspires you to strive for kindness and leaves you with a heartwarming sense of hope, a gift that few stories can offer.