Lois & Clark - The Complete First Season (1993)

CAST:
Dean Cain as Clark Kent/Superman/Kal-El
Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane
Michael Landes as Jimmy Olsen
Lane Smith as Perry White
Tracy Scoggins as Catherine "Cat" Grant
John Shea as Lex Luthor
K Callan as Martha "Ma" Kent
Eddie Jones as Jonathan "Pa" Kent
Elizabeth Barondes as Lucy Lane
Terence Knox as Jason Trask
Tony Jay as Nigel St. John{Lex's Assistant}
Shaun Toub as Asabi {Lex's Assistant}
Richard Belzer as Inspector Henderson
David Warner as Jor-El
Chris Demetral as Jack

Here we get Superman for he 90's, after the success of The Adventures of Superboy (1987-1992), WB decided to cancel that series in order to launch a new more updated version of Superman. That is where this series comes in. The Producers however wanted to make a romantic comedy featuring Lois & Clark with Superman as a background character for the boys. All in all the writers did a great job at doing this, the series goes into the mythology a bit, but keeps true to the way the series was first bought up.
Dean Cain plays a great Clark Kent/Superman, although he does tend to overact the whole goody good persona, he still does good. Dean Cain up until this time was known for his story arc on Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-2000) as a love interest for Brenda (Shannon Doherty) named Rick.
Teri Hatcher plays the ultimate Lois Lane, she takes Margot Kidder's Lois Lane from the Superman films and adds a new updated twist to it. I only knew Teri Hatcher from her role in the Andrew Dice Clay film Brainsmasher...A Love Story, she has gone on to play on Desperate Housewives.
John Shea plays Lex Luthor, he plays the role in such a way that is different from any previous portrayals. His portrayal brings a calm savvy twist to the character. John Shea's portrayal is definitely one that goes up there with Gene Hackman, in a different way.
Lane Smth and Michael Landes plays Perry White and Jimmy Olsen , their roles are minor, but fill in the stories involved. Lane Smith's portrayal is great, I love his Perry White, hard edged, but at the same time a father figure. Smith had been in My Cousin Vinny before this to my knowledge, so its fun to see him here. Michael Landes does a good job as Jimmy, but the producers would later replace him with Justin Whalin for the remainder of the series.
The effects on the series is updated a bit from the films, but not by too much, not like how Smallville has been updated. But as a TV series its still impressive.

EPISODE I: Pilot
Well considering the fact that Superman does not arrive until the last 5 minutes of the episode, the show runners and writers managed to keep the interest up there. The episode basically showcases what the show is about, a mystery that just happens to have Lois & Clark trying to solve them. We do get the first of many on here though, Lois and Clark meet, Lois and Lex meet and start a romance, Superman is introduced to the world and Lex says to Superman "Let the games begins. " The quality on the episode tends to get bad at times (probably due to its age and how its not aired on TV anymore), but it doesn't hurt the overall scope of the series or this episode. 4 out of 5 stars {Commentary for this episode is available}

EPISODE II: Strange Visitor (from Another Planet)
The Daily Planet is raided by guys claiming to be with the Government searching for answers on the true mission of Superman. Clark discovers his ship and a special globe that will give him information later on. This episode goes right into how the world would react if something like Superman were to really appear. While many would welcome someone like that here, there are some who fear the worse and would take that first evil leap to ensure their safety. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE III: Neverending Story
Lex Luthor has begun his attack on Superman, by giving various test to determine his strength and know how strong and invincible he is. Lois must learn a lesson in teamwork as she steals a story from Clark involving Superman. Jimmy must also deal with Perry, who has made him his own personal gofer.

EPISODE IV: I'm Looking Through You
Superman vs. The Invisible Man, basically that's what happens. A friendly scientist named Alan (Leslie Jordan) turns himself into the Invisible Robin Hood, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, but when his invisibility suit is stolen, Lois and Clark must investigate where this new guy is, before its too late. Clark must also come to terms with Superman's fan base as Lois is feeling left out. I love this episode the laughs are there as several in jokes are made, but we begin to get more into the minds of Lois & Clark and that's a good thing. It shows that the series is more than just about the action. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE V: Requiem for a Superhero
Lois and Clark are officially made a team and put on a story that involves super boxers. A group of boxers have been given bionic strength that gives them the strength to hurt even Superman. What's worse is the person responsible for these super strong fighters is Dr. Sam Lane, Lois' father. This episode is ok, it involves a deeper look into Lois' background and her relationship with her father. The whole boxer thing is somewhat a background story with the Lois-Sam Lane as the min focus. 3 out of 5 stars

EPISODE VI: I've Got A Crush On You
Lois is a Lounge Singer and Clark is a Bartender as they go undercover at the Gangster owned Metro Club, where they suspect them as being responsible for the recent case of fires being set throughout the city by a group called The Toasters. OK episode to watch. It once again shows how smart and sleazy Lex Luthor can be and how much pull he really has. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE VII: Smart Kids
Lex Luthor has financed a formula that boost the I.Q of a group of super smart kids who have taken over Metropolis and demand more of the formula. What's worse is they discover who Superman really is and tend to use that knowledge. Lois is given her first lesson of child patience. This episode for me tends to get a bit on the eyebrow lifting side. It gets a bit corny at times, but it does focus on how being a kid is important and how being smart too soon is not necessarily good. Lex has finally shown the full amount of evil he is capable of, as he suggest the children's death. 3 out of 5 stars

EPISODE VIII: The Green, Green Glow of Home
Trask returns, this time in Smallville investigating the discovery of Kryptonite, a piece of the planet Krypton that emits radiation that is deadly to Superman. Lois & Clark head to Smallville to uncover the story of the feds true intentions. Lois also gets to meet Clark's parents and discover a bit more about Clark's past. This is a great episode, although the look of the Kryptonite is ridiculous, you quickly get past that as the story is great. I love how the writers have made Green Kryptonite a bit different than it has been portrayed. It takes Superman's powers away if he is exposed for too long. Just because its thrown away or hidden doesn't take the effect away right away, he has to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Although you should watch episode 2 before viewing this. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE IX: The Man of Steel Bars
The cities in a heat wave and many believe its because of Superman's constant use of his powers. Lex Luthor as a hand in it as he has a device that control the weather and how hot it gets. Hi plan, Run Superman out of town. I love this episode, its actually one of the better episodes of the season and it continues to show the dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor. 5 out of 5 stars

EPISODE X: Pheromone, My Lovely
The Daily Planet becomes love central, as a special perfume is sprayed across the newsroom that cause a person to fall in love with those they first see. Perry falls for the cleaning lady, Lois becomes attracted to Clark and Cat goes after the mechanic. Its laughs all around, but that's really it. However, Lex does discover his absolute feelings for Lois and the Triangle (Lois, Lex and Clark/Superman)begins. 2 out of 5
stars

EPISODE XI: Honeymoon in Metropolis
Rear Window meets Superman. After Lois witnesses something illegal from her hotel room the Daily Planet sends Lois & Clark to go undercover as a honeymoon couple to get information on a crooked Congressman and find out if any national security is being compromised. This is classic L&C, it goes right into the relationship between Lois and Clark, makes a few comedy scenes mixed in and tells an interesting mystery at the same time. We do get a few choice moments that show Clark to be more human, than we might think Superman is. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XII: All Shook Up
Superman tries to avert a meteor from hitting the Earth in 4 days and is knocked back on Earth with no memory of who he is. What's worse is the meteor wasn't damaged enough and continues its route toward Earth. This episode helps to establish Jimmy as more of a competent investigator, than just a photographer. It also establishes the father/son relationship between Perry and Jimmy. This is definitely on my top 5 episodes of the season, the action is great and the whole idea that he has to learn all his powers all over again is great. This idea would be revisited in Smallville. 5 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XIII: Witness
Lois witnesses a murder, but when she points out the culprit she discovers its not really him who killed the scientist, but a man who is able to change his appearance and look like anyone. We have another mystery story here, what's interesting is the reveal of the killers true face. Good episode to add to your must see episodes of the series. Although it's a little late in the seasoon to save her character from being written out, we do get a little more insight into the character of Cat Grant and her feelings. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XIV: Illusions of Grandeur
Superman discovers a new weakness....magic. As an eccentric magician decides to use their hypnosis talents to makes people commit crimes. One such crime is kidnapping wealthy children and demand a high ransom. Penn, from the magician duo Penn & Teller make an appearance as a possible suspect. This episode falls in the ok to miss category. it's not a bad episode, it is a good episode, but it doesn't add much to the series history, except Superman's other weakness. 3 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XV: The Ides of Metropolis
When a convicted murderer named Eugene (Todd Susman) is found guilty and escapes from jail he gets held up in Lois' apartment, who is convinced he's innocent. Meanwhile Jonathan Kent comes to Metropolis after he believes Martha is cheating on him with a fellow artist. This is a pretty good episode, the gym scene is a classic comedy moment. The overall episode is good too, the mystery of what is really going on keeps the episode going until the end. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XVI: Foundling
Clark begins to receive messages from the Kryptonian Globe that was with his ship. Messages from Jor-El about his heritage, but after he has a break in and Lex gets a hold of the globe, Lex begins to find out the truth about Superman. Meanwhile Jimmy goes on a mission to prove that he and Cat are related as part of a bet. I love this episode, it goes great with the mythology of the character, introduces a cool character, who would unfortunately not continue into S2 and David Warner is awesome as Jor-El. 5 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XVII: The Rival
The Daily Planet vs. The Metropolis Star aka Lois Lane vs. Linda King, Lois must revisit her high school years when her high school best friend and rival becomes a reporter at a rival newspaper. Also there are rumors that The Metropolis Star has been rigging the stories they scoop to become the #1 paper in town. I enjoyed this episode, not for any special reason. It just has an intriguing story and its fun to watch. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XVIII: Vatman
There is a new hero in town...Superman. Well a child like clone of Superman anyway. Lex has made a clone of The Man of Steel and is determined to make sure his version stays on top. But has Lex underestimated Superman's DNA. Also Perry White begins to go through a midlife crisis. This episode is extremely well made, we have a moment where we discover Clark's loss and it fit's as a Bizarro type scenario. This episode also sets up the clone story arc in future episodes. 5 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XIX: Fly Hard
The Planet is overrun with terrorist on a night when Clark, Lois, Jimmy, Perry, Jack and Lex are working there late. There plans involve a lost amount of money they believe has been there years before the building was a newspaper office. In a noir style flashback we discover a tale of mystery, love and betrayal. This episode is quite good, I love the style they give to 1930's characters. The terrorist angle isn't new, but its handled well in this episode. This is Tracy Scoggins last episode as Cat. 4 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XX: Barbarians At the Planet
Part 1 of a two part season 1 finale; The Daily Planet is bought by Lex Luthor, who has decided to make few changes that would leave Lois no choice, but to submit to what he wants. In the meantime he has acquired a chunk of Kryptonite and asked Lois to marry him. Also someone has framed Jack as a bomb that goes off destroying the Planet was found in his lunch box. This is a great episode, it really helps to set up the final episode of the season and get things in motion. 5 out of 5 stars

EPISODE XXI: The House of Luthor
Lois has said yes to Lex's proposal and has started to work at the LNN cable news channel. Clark and Perry have gotten together to search for Jimmy and clear Jack's name and Lex becomes more determined than ever to kill Superman. This episode could have very well been the final episode and if it was it would have been a great finale, all the stories are resolved and a happy ending for the team is put out. As a season finale its just as good and makes you eager to see S2. James Earl Jones guest stars as the new owner of The Daily Planet. 5 out of 5 stars

SOUNDTRACK SONGS FROM THIS SEASON I HAVE:
Holding Out For A Hero by Bonnie Tyler
Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley
Burning Love by Elvis Presley

TRIVIA:
John Haynes Newton auditioned for the role of Clark Kent/Superman, he previously played Clark Kent/Superboy in the 1st Season of The Adventures of Superboy (1987-1992) before being recast by Gerard Christopher for the remainder of the series.
Dean Cain would later play a Vandal Savage type character on S7 of Smallville (2001-present)
Phyllis Coates, who plays Lois' mom (in the Season 1 finale) played Lois Lane in Superman & The Mole Men (1951) and the 1st Season of The Adventures of Superman (1951-1958) starring George Reeves
John Shea portrays the Billionaire Lex Luthor, when Gene Hackman played the character it was not the rich Lex, but the Mad Scientist version
Jimmy and Lucy go out in the 2nd episode, but this would not be the first time the two characters were bought together. In Supergirl (1984) Marc McClure's Jimmy Olsen makes an appearance as Lucy Lane's date along with Helen Slater's Linda Lee as a 3rd wheel.
Star Labs was also used in The Flash (1990-1991)
The sets used in Lois & Clark were also used in The Flash (1990-1991) ex: The Daily Planet was used as The Tricksters (Mark Hamil) and Prank's toy store hideout in the series finale "Trial of the Trickster. "
Lois and Clark as a honeymoon couple in episode "Honeymoon in Metropolis" was not the first time they were put up as a honeymoon couple. They also were pt up as a honeymoon couple in the film Superman II (1980)
Richard Belzer (Henderson), was also on The Flash as a TV News reporter.
Richard Gant (Judge Cobb) has appeared on Smallville (2001-present) as Principal Reynolds (in S2 Episode "Redux")
David Warner (Jor-El) played the voice of Ra's Al Ghoul on Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995) and Superman: The Animated Series (1996-1999). He also played the Scientist Jordan Perry in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze (1991), who was responsible for the turtles mutation. {TMNT was originally a comic book}
Dean Cain would be the 3rd of 4 actors to play a live action Bizarro (with Christopher Reeve in Superman III, "" on The Adventures of Superboy coming before him and Tom Welling playing the role in Smallville, actor "" played a Bizarro type in a deleted story line in Superman IV: The Quest For Peace).
The episode "Vatman" follows a similar story line from The Flash TV Series, involving a child like copy of The Flash, the episode Is called "Twin Streaks. "
Michael McKean (Dr. Fabian Leek) would later to play alongside wife Annette O'Toole (Lana Lang in Superman III & Matha Kent on Smallville) as Perry White in Smallville S3 episode "Perry. " Michael McKean also played the voice of the 50's Batman on the New Batman Adventures episode "Legends of the Dark Knight. "
The Noir look given to elements in the episode "Fly Hard" was later used for the episode "Noir" on S6 of Smallville (2001-present)
Lois at one point did work as a TV News reporter in one of the reboots of the comic books.
Co-Producer Chris Long would later direct several episodes of Smallville (2001-present)
The episode "All Shook Up" is a remake of the S2 episode "Panic in the Sky" from the George Reeves series "The Adventures of Superman"