Superman's Iconic Motto Change Sets Up Superman & Lois' Season 2 Villain
Superman's iconic saying about Truth and Justice has undergone some rewording, and this could set up the conflict the Man of Steel deals with in Superman & Lois season 2. Beginning in early 2021, Superman & Lois tells the story of a Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin) who has been Superman for many years. Now married to Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tolloch), Superman & Lois sees the couple move back to the Kent farm in Smallville, Kansas to raise their teenage sons Jordan (Alex Garfin) and Jonathan (Jordan Elsass). However, while this premise provides for compelling family drama, it is the more existential issue of Superman's symbolism and role ins society that could raise the most provocative questions in Superman & Lois season 2.
Since his early days as the progenitor of modern superheroes, Superman's motto has famously been that he fights for "Truth, Justice, and the American Way". However, per DC Entertainment President Jim Lee, this is now being adjusted, with Kal-El now standing for "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow". As seen in the trailer for season 2 of Superman & Lois, this could play heavily into the theme of the season.
The trailer includes a dialogue exchange between Superman and Lt. Anderson (Ian Bohen), who berates the Last Son of Krypton, saying "You're more of a liability than a hero" and "I asked you to be part of my team". Having already overcome many challenges in season 1, Superman replies with "What you asked for was my allegiance to America", and follows up with "Because I gave it to the world a long time ago". This could hint to the conflict of the season, focusing on the nature of what Superman represents, or more accurately, what he feels he represents. In turn, this suggests that the Superman & Lois season 2 villain may be the American government itself, or those trying to exploit Superman for their own ends.
Anderson's harsh words show that he and the U.S. government want Superman to serve America's interest, while Superman believes himself to be a protector of the entire world. This kind of tug of war of Superman having the label of an American hero applied to him has been seen in the comics and various other Superman adaptations before. Clark has also dealt with a similarly rocky relationship with Lois Lane's father General Sam Lane (Dylan Walsh) in season 1, too. However, it seems that Superman & Lois season 2 is making a philosophical conflict between Superman and the U.S. government the main thematic focus.
With season 2 arriving fairly shortly after the implementation of Superman's modified catchphrase, Superman & Lois seems to be capitalizing on it as the foundation of what the season will be about. This is also what makes Superman such a timeless character as the godfather of superheroes. With his alien origins and demi-god abilities, how and where he chooses to help the world is a question that can be interpreted and argued in countless different ways.
By the same token, as far as Superman himself is concerned, especially through the teachings of his father Jor-El, he's always been a hero who knows no borders. The American government might see him as a potential threat in one story, but also as potential weapon in another, with the latter looking to be the focus of Superman & Lois season 2. With Superman's catchphrase reflecting that he fights for a "Better Tomorrow", this could make deepen the emotional and philosophical story of Superman & Lois in season 2, with the Man of Steel determined to assert himself not as a defender of any one nation but a hero for the entire world.
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