REVIEW: ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Episode 7 — “Kiss Kiss Fall In Portal”

My Adventures with Superman Episode 7 declares our protagonist’s mission of intent early — no more secrets. Clark is showing Lois and Jimmy the crash site and ship in Smallville. He’s done this both to demonstrate his trust while also using it as an opportunity to ask Lois on a date. It’s meant to be a moment of growth and a sign of forward motion and it is, especially as it builds on the previous two episodes. But for all of its optimism, “Kiss Kiss Fall in Portal” also delivers some of the more crushing sequences of the series so far.

First, there’s the brief and undoubted charm of the opening as we glean more of the similarities between Clark and Lois despite all their glaring differences. Jimmy catches them both at low moments, first with Clark who hasn’t slept, having been up all night in an attempt to plan the perfect date. This includes a flow chart and minute-to-minute breakdown on how best to capitalize on their time together. He wants it all to be perfect. It’s an infectious moment that doubles down on Clark’s lovable sincerity.

The moment truly sings though, not just due to his own hysterics as Jimmy leaves with “have fun losing your mind,” but also because Lois is just as ill-equipped for this scenario. She might not be planning everything so that every minute of the date is accounted for, but she is spending any and all free time leading up to it trying to find as many answers that explain Clark’s past as she can. They’re similar in the ways that count.

The planning is cut short though, much to Clark’s chagrin, when Mxy, the Chaos God, shows up at his doorstep claiming that Lois is in grave danger. Designed to make him unassuming, with animation elements that recall the stylistic tone of The Owl House, Mxy makes for a superb antagonist this week. David Errigo Jr. voices Mxy with uncontained liveliness, as the character lies through his teeth using Lois as bait so Clark will be forced to accidentally help him. He’s a fun, inter-dimensional treat as he plays the role of unlikely friend and foe depending on what suits him — though even his friendliness leads to more trouble.

The episode continues the trend in media of diving into the multiverse, though it’s less egregious this time around. Sure, we get to see flashes of Clark and Lois from different universes, but the use of the multiverse here is meant to shine a light on the characters and their infinite possibilities as well as insecurities. Lois has spent a few episodes so far feeling less than as she undergoes her own crisis of confidence. It’s part of what makes her such an enjoyable, fresh version of the character. While there are characteristics that are undeniable to all versions of Lois — her steeliness and commitment to getting the truth no matter the cost — this is also a younger version of the character. Much like it is with Clark, this version of Lois is still figuring herself out.

It’s why it’s the perfect time for the show to roll out the League of Lois Lanes. Not only does it double down on her being the main character of the story, but she’s also faced with all of the iterations of who she could’ve been while being told by people with her face that she isn’t quite good enough to be an actual member. The episode is on the cusp of setting up some serious drama but it also is demonstrative of the show’s core values as it explores the incredible highs and humiliating lows of discovering yourself and your hidden strengths.

On top of this, Lois is learning that all of the other Lois have had bad experiences with their Superman and they’re looking to neutralize our version, utilizing kryptonite as a weapon against him. Kryptonite is used against Clark when she’s not present, having been locked up on board the League of Lois’s ship lest she try and interfere. Despite Mxy having both tricked him and preyed on his insecurities, Clark still jumps to save him, which puts him in the line of fire — the kryptonite. It’s effective, the animation team allows it to manifest differently here than in other iterations as we see it weave up and make him ill. 

The fluidity of the animation continues to be beautifully executed, such as the background animation and setting work at Lois HQ. The story has been so consistently charming and engaging that it’s easy to forget all that makes it such an immersive experience. The music, like the animation, plays a vital part in building the tone, especially in Episode 7. While there’s been plenty of nods to the John Williams score from Superman: The Movie from the “Main Theme” to the “Love Theme,”  My Adventures With Superman Episode 7 allows for some early 2000s callbacks that seem pulled straight out of the original WB shows.

An episode that begins with our two lovesick protagonists ends on a dour note in My Adventures with Superman Episode 7. The stakes have been meticulously crafted so that it’s not just their romance that rests on the unsteady ground but their sense of self as well.

My Adventures With Superman Season 1 is available to stream on Max.