I thought I had seen all the Superman adaptations, then I recently stumbled upon the "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" series. It ran from when I was fourteen until I came of age, a period when superheroes were much more interesting to me than they are now, and I hadn't even heard of it. If I had, I might have liked it more, but from today's perspective, this is just another in a series of mediocre TV shows from the nineties. And it really screams "nineties", it's obvious at first glance.
The creators opted for a slightly different approach to the topic, and the action and Superman's supernatural abilities are not in the foreground, but the story focuses more on his Clark Kent side, wrestling with everyday life and his relationship with Lois Lane. This, at least for me, is a positive thing, which sets the series apart from the sea of superhero action, and brings a breath of freshness to the genre.
But, typical of the nineties, the series is too clichéd and naive and, although very likable and somewhat attention-grabbing, falls into the realm of cheap entertainment. The biggest pluses are its different focus compared to previous Superman adaptations, Teri Hatcher, who is perhaps the best Lois Lane I've ever seen, and Lane Smith in the role of Perry White, chief editor of the "Daily Planet" newspaper. The downsides are naivety and reliance on clichés and lame special effects.
As for Dean Cain as Superman/Clark, I can't decide. I see a lot of people complaining that he's completely wrong for the role and, when I started watching the series, I was of the same opinion. But by the end of the first season, I got used to him, and he became likable and even quite fitting for the role.
All in all, if you're looking for a TV program to turn off your brain and relax after a busy day, highly recommended. But if you have any higher expectations, skip this series.
6/10.
The creators opted for a slightly different approach to the topic, and the action and Superman's supernatural abilities are not in the foreground, but the story focuses more on his Clark Kent side, wrestling with everyday life and his relationship with Lois Lane. This, at least for me, is a positive thing, which sets the series apart from the sea of superhero action, and brings a breath of freshness to the genre.
But, typical of the nineties, the series is too clichéd and naive and, although very likable and somewhat attention-grabbing, falls into the realm of cheap entertainment. The biggest pluses are its different focus compared to previous Superman adaptations, Teri Hatcher, who is perhaps the best Lois Lane I've ever seen, and Lane Smith in the role of Perry White, chief editor of the "Daily Planet" newspaper. The downsides are naivety and reliance on clichés and lame special effects.
As for Dean Cain as Superman/Clark, I can't decide. I see a lot of people complaining that he's completely wrong for the role and, when I started watching the series, I was of the same opinion. But by the end of the first season, I got used to him, and he became likable and even quite fitting for the role.
All in all, if you're looking for a TV program to turn off your brain and relax after a busy day, highly recommended. But if you have any higher expectations, skip this series.
6/10.