Jonathan Kent is quickly becoming one of the strongest characters on Superman & Lois and he is doing it without powers, proving he doesn't need them to be a hero. Recent episodes have showcased Jonathan's growth and maturity. His exploits in season 1, episode 8, "Holding the Wrench" make the case that Jonathan not having powers will allow him to be one of the show’s most compelling characters.
When his family first moved to Smallville, Jonathan Kent was leaving behind the perfect life in Metropolis. He was popular at school, had a girlfriend, was the winning football team's quarterback, and had his college trajectory all mapped out. All those things were lost to him when his family moved to Smallville, losses he had to deal with while processing that his father, Clark Kent, is Superman and that his twin brother, Jordan, had inherited their father's powers. With Jordan being at the forefront of his parents’ attention and concern, Jonathan navigated being on the sidelines of the family, trying to determine how he fit into the new dynamic. His once-close relationship with his brother began to fracture under the strain.
In "Holding the Wrench," Jonathan’s growing emotional isolation got its turn in the spotlight. Jonathan confirmed that he felt like an outsider not just simply because he didn’t have powers, but also because he felt he lacked the ability to protect his family. The episode dealt with his feelings of helplessness thoughtfully, by showing Jonathan another heroic path, one even more difficult than having to manage superpowers. Fittingly, Jonathan’s mother, Lois Lane, is the one who demonstrates for him the immense strength required from someone who loves and protects their superpowered family members. Jonathan doesn't need powers because all the characteristics that make a hero are already innately a part of him, with or without super strength or flight.
Even before the move to Smallville, Jonathan was a compassionate person, ready to fight to defend his family at a moment’s notice. He shielded his shy, quiet brother, Jordan from bullies at their old school and continues to do so in Smallville. Jonathan has also committed to helping Jordan stay grounded, often calming his brother when his new powers get away from him. Like Supergirl’s Alex Danvers, Jonathan recognizes that his sibling having powers by no means guarantees their safety. He’s already paying a personal cost to protect Jordan. At a pivotal moment, Jonathan had an opportunity to regain his football stardom, but he sacrificed it and his throwing arm to keep Jordan from hurting someone when his brother’s temper got the best of him in a fight. Jonathan won’t let the Superman powers Jordan is gaining come between them for long.
One of Superman & Lois’s best stories in its first season has been Jonathan gaining a new understanding and respect of what his mother Lois brings to the table. Her ferocious zeal to keep her family safe, the risks she takes to investigate potential dangers, and the wide range of skills she uses to protect her family and others are all tools accessible to Jonathan as well. He has inherited his mother’s analytical mind and fearless nature; mother and son are starting to recognize themselves in each other, leading Lois to realize that Jonathan might impulsively throw himself into trouble to nullify a threat. After all, it’s what she, Lois Lane, would do. His desire to protect his family, by whatever means, led him to defend his family by weaponizing the Stranger's RV. Jonathan may not have super abilities, but his mind and the world around him give him other ways to protect his family.
Jonathan could still manifest some of his father's powers, but Superman & Lois would be wise to not avoid the rich storytelling opportunities that Jonathan’s lack of superpowers has provided. Jordan’s name pays homage to his Kryptonian family, like Clark’s uncle Jor-El, but Jonathan is named for Clark’s Earth father. It is only fitting that Superman & Lois' Jonathan Kent represents humanity’s greatest potential for good, like his grandfather and mother, Lois.
from ScreenRant - Feed https://ift.tt/3gbDG3r
0 Comments