Superman and Lois season 3, episode 8 review: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

“I’m so tired of feeling cold all the time.” Spoilers for Superman & Lois season 3, episode 8 follow.

Lois struggles with whether or not she should continue to pursue Bruno Mannheim. So, Clark eschews Superman once again and begins to investigate for her.

Meanwhile, Nat and Jonathan are at some turning points.

Here’s everything that happened in Superman and Lois season 3 episode 8, “Look Who’s Coming To Dinner”.

Superman and Lois season 3 episode 8 review

Pain

Almost every episode of this season has started with Lois’ journey through dealing with cancer and this episode is no different as we see Lois as she continues to deteriorate. It’s the ever present spectre that’s been hanging over the season and the show won’t let us forget, which is great. But seeing this, while being juxtaposed with Clark’s gentleness and kindness also embeds the idea for which Superman stands for: Hope.

On top of all her pain though, she struggles with the, rightful, reporting of the news regarding Peia and Bruno’s marriage, which makes sense. She feels like she’s betraying her friend by painting her across the headlines and using her as a way to bring down Mannheim. So, Clark takes it into his own hands to continue their investigation.

Actually seeing Clark act as the journalist that he is is so satisfying. We’ve been able to see Lois hold down the fort on that side of the show time and time again, but it’s always nice for them to remember that Clark is also a journalist. And actually having Chrissy and Clark interact is very fun. Neither of them are Lois-level journalists, but that’s the point.

While investigating though, and with the help of Lois after being talked to by her father, they figure out that Mannheim framed Lex Luthor for the murders we saw Mannheim and Peia commit last episode. It’s an oddly satisfying reveal, even though we already knew what happened, and also an excellent way to bring Lex into the series in an organic way. Plus, it explains why he’s been nowhere to be seen through almost three seasons.

Meet the Mannheims

While this investigation is occurring though, worlds collide as Nat goes to visit Matteo and his parents, with neither knowing the blood feud that John Henry and Mannheim have at this point. Seeing the Mannheims act as a family, just like the Kents do, really emphasizes that these two groups of characters are two sides of the same coin.

While Nat is on her date, John Henry sees his sister again where he learns that Matteo is none other than Bruno’s son, so he immediately goes to get Natalie, which causes all hell to break lose. Bruno immediately begins to beat John Henry, and nearly shoots him, but luckily his suit arrives in time, only for him, and eventually Superman, to get blasted by Peia for what feels like an eternity. And seeing how Daya Vaidya executes the character’s scream, it looks so painful for her to do it. It makes your skin crawl. But not as much as seeing her throat buckle under the stress of her sonic scream. It’s hard to even describe, but it’s so effective.

When she eventually collapses though and Clark sees that she’s going to die if he doesn’t do something, seeing the animosity that Mannheim has toward him disappear, just for a brief moment, it’s exceptionally human.

Superman & Lois begins to coalesce its multiple season plots in this episode in a fantastic, organic way, while setting the stage for a classic villain.

If you’re a fan of Superman and Lois, listen to The CW Spiral Podcast for news and updates on season 3 and the future of the show. Subscribe to their YouTube channel here.

Superman and Lois season 3 will be taking a brief hiatus from The CW for one week. It will return on Tuesday, May 23, at 8/7c.

What did you think of Superman and Lois season 3 episode 8?