Of all the comic book icons of the last hundred years, one of he most enduring has to be Superman. Ever since the early 1930’s and his first appearance in Action Comics, his endless battle for Truth, Justice and the American Way has has been a symbol of hope during some of America’s darkest times. On the radio, on TV and in the movies he has been portrayed by the likes of Kirk Allyn, George Reeves and most recently Tom Welling on the WB’s “Smallville.” Of course the actor who best personified the character of Superman both on and off screen, was the late Christopher Reeve. So popular is the character that a whole new big budget film is being filmed that promises to bring Superman into the new millennium, and I’m crossing my fingers that they don’t screw it up.

Back in 1993, ABC decided to take its own shot at the Man of Steel and re-invented the myth as a modern romantic comedy with “Lois & Clark.” The role of Superman / Clark Kent was played by newcomer Dean Cain. The series opted to focus more attention on the romance between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, leaving just enough time in each episode for some superhero adventure. I hadn’t watched the series during its initial four season run, more out of the fact that I theorized it was probably too cheesy and I wouldn’t like it. As usual, I tend to live and learn.
Last year, Warner Brothers decided to start releasing the series, one of its most requested, and I took the opportunity to see for myself how good… or bad… the show might be. Oddly, enough I was half right. The series was a bit on the cheesy side, and the special effects were acceptable for TV at time, however as has been evident with other cheesy series (think “Xena” and “Hercules”), “Lois & Clark” was just a whole lot of fun. It was Superman ‘Lite’ and Cain did a fine job of bringing the hero to the small screen.

But what really sold me on the show, and this may on the surface seem like a sexist remark, was Teri Hatcher in the role of the feisty reporter, Lois Lane. While she was no Margot Kidder or Phyllis Coates, Hatcher brought a new and fun dimension to the character. The actress has her own inimitable style and a seemingly endless supply of charisma. Hatcher brings a lot to any role she takes on, and is probably single handedly responsible for the success of the recent “Desperate Housewives.”

The series also boasted Lane Smith as Perry White and John Shea as Superman’s arch-rival Lex Luthor. I was really surprised with Shea’s take on Luthor, and what he did lent itself to the style of the series. The only weak member of the cast was Tracy Scoggins, who played Lane’s rival Cat. Scoggins is a pretty good actress, but for some reason I found the character to be really annoying.

This month, the 2nd season finally hit store shelves, and as much as I kind of enjoyed the 1st season, there were several changes that made this one even better (or at least more watchable). The most noticeable change was the change of actors in the role of young Jimmy Olson. In the 1st season, he was played by Michael Landes, who didn’t really seem to fit in the role. He was a bit too worldly. In the 2nd season, he was replaced by Justin Whalen, whose younger look seemed more in line with the character as he should look and act.

Also, and I believe this was based on the success of the show, I believe the budget for special effects was raised just a little. The effects were still a bit on the cheesy side, but there was no doubt that a lot more work and money were poured into it.

There were also some great guest stars, including Cindy Williams, Denise Crosby, Raquel Welch and Dick Miller. There was even a bit of a reunion for Sherman Helmsley and Isabel Sanford, who played an evil toy-making couple in an episode penned by star Dean Cain. But the best, and I mean the best casting in this season saw B-movie great Bruce Campbell as Bill Church, Jr, who becomes the new head of the evil Intergang.

The new DVD set from Warner Brothers is a 6-disc affair that includes all 22 episodes from the 2nd season and quite a few special features including a look at the fans of the series (which at times can be just a little bit frightening) and a commentary from Cain on the episode 'Season's Greedings."

Again, I was pleasantly surprised by “Lois & Clark” and where I had no real interest in the show to begin with I’m now very much looking forward to seeing the subsequent seasons as they are released.

Episodes:
Madame Ex
Wall of Sound
The Source
The Prankster
Church of Metropolis
Operation Blackout
That Old Gang of Mine
A Bolt from the Blue
Season's Greedings
Metallo
Chi of Steel
The Eyes Have It
The Phoenix
Top Copy
Return of the Prankster
Lucky Leon
Resurrection
Tempus Fugitive
Target: Jimmy Olsen!
Individual Responsibility
Whine, Whine, Whine
And the Answer Is...

Starring: Dean Cain, Teri Hatcher, Lane Smith, Justin Whalin, Tracy Scoggins, K. Callan, Eddie Jones, John Shea
Extras: Commentary by actor and episode writer Dean Cain on Season's Greedings, Lois & Clark: Secrets of Season 2, Marveling Metropolis: The Fans of Lois & Clark
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital Stereo
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 1/17/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
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We'll give Lois & Clark: Season 2 a B.