The Superman mythos is rich with father figures, particularly in Clark’s relationships with Jor-El and Jonathan Kent. However, in Superman & Lois, we are introduced to a new and refreshing addition to this list in the form of General Sam Lane (played by Dylan Walsh). Unlike the deceased father figures of Clark, Sam is alive, always available, and plays a crucial role in the family dynamics at the core of the show. While the series quickly moved away from Clark’s origin story involving Jor-El, Jonathan, and Martha Kent, Lois Lane’s father remains an integral part of the series and its story.
Unfortunately, with the announcement of the fourth and final season of Superman & Lois, it is disappointing to see a character like Sam Lane, portrayed by Dylan Walsh, receive less screen time. As the director of the D.O.D., father to Lois Lane, father-in-law to Superman, and grandfather to the Kent twins, Sam Lane’s presence is essential to the show and provides it with multiple layers of depth.
General Sam Lane can be compared to Commissioner Gordon in Batman’s world. Like Gordon, Sam is an ally of Superman within the Department of Defense and has knowledge of Superman’s human alter ego, Clark Kent. However, Sam’s relationship with the Last Son of Krypton is more complex and multi-faceted, as depicted in Superman & Lois. In Season 1, a major plot point revolves around the threat of an evil Superman. While this threat becomes a reality for John Henry Irons, it never fully materializes for Sam Lane. Nevertheless, he remains prepared and compiles Kryptonite weapons at the D.O.D., including ones aimed at Superman himself. However, when some D.O.D. soldiers endanger a superpowered teenager, Tag, whom Superman tries to save, Sam reconsiders his stance. He realizes the potential harm these weapons can cause to his family and makes a pivotal decision.
One noteworthy aspect of Sam Lane’s character is his willingness to admit when he is wrong and his readiness to apologize. This is evident in his relationships with Lois and his grandchildren. Sam may make mistakes repeatedly, but he always strives to make amends and rectify his past actions. Ultimately, Sam’s intuition proves to be valuable. While Superman never turns evil, the Kryptonite weapons become necessary when Morgan Edge, who reveals himself as Tal-Rho and Superman’s half-brother, and a Bizarro Superman from a parallel universe emerge. Balancing the duty to protect his country and his family is no easy task, yet Sam Lane does his best. As Superman & Lois delves into the theme of family, Sam’s role as director of the D.O.D. and Superman’s father-in-law emphasizes that saving the world is a collective effort that involves the entire family.
Sam Lane may not be a perfect father, but he consistently strives to be one. In exploring the relationship between Superman and his adoptive and birth parents, the portrayal of Lois’ parents is often overlooked. However, Superman & Lois provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between Lois and her father. Season 2 sheds light on the tumultuous relationship between them, rooted in the impact of Sam’s divorce when Lois’ mother left. While Sam dedicated himself to his work at the D.O.D., Lois’ sister found solace in a multiversal cult. Lois initially blames her father for the loss of her sister, until Sam apologizes and acknowledges his shortcomings. Together, they manage to reconcile and bring their family back together.
In Season 3, a new source of tension arises within the Lane-Kent family as Lois is diagnosed with breast cancer. In one poignant scene, Dylan Walsh excels in portraying Sam Lane’s emotional vulnerability as he learns about his daughter’s diagnosis. Through tears, he reassures Lois of her strength and offers unwavering support. This experience reveals the similarities between Lois and her father. Both throw themselves into their work, with Sam helping Lois investigate a crime lord. Despite occasional dilemmas, Sam’s intentions are always rooted in love and concern for his grandsons. He may have overstepped boundaries by training Jordan without permission, leading to tensions between the twins, but his actions are driven by wanting the best for them. When it comes to choosing between his country and his family, Sam’s loyalty is unwavering. He even utilizes D.O.D. technology to track down and retrieve his grandsons from a teenage house party.
Sam Lane’s relationship with his grandchildren showcases his genuine love and care as a doting grandfather. Not only is he the father of a Pulitzer Award-winning journalist, but he also has the privilege of being the grandfather of Lois and Clark’s twin boys, Jonathan and Jordan. In many ways, Sam embodies the quintessential all-American figure. He often wears a brown leather jacket, symbolizing his masculinity and aged wisdom. He enjoys spending quality time with his grandsons through activities like fishing. When Sam discovers that Jordan has inherited his father’s superpowers, he takes on the role of a general and begins training “Superboy” without explicit permission from Lois and Clark. Though he may have crossed boundaries and unintentionally caused tensions between the twins, Sam’s intentions are always rooted in love and what he believes is best for his grandsons.
Despite his occasional missteps, Sam Lane’s true character shines through Dylan Walsh’s performance. The small pauses and gestures, such as when he hands over his own father’s WWII goggles to Jordan, display Sam’s sentimental side. These nuanced portrayals allow the writers and creators of Superman & Lois to delve into the emotional depths of their characters. Dylan Walsh’s scenes with Bitsie Tulloch showcase the complexity of Sam Lane’s relationship with his daughter. This emotional depth is also evident in his interactions with his grandchildren.
In conclusion, General Sam Lane is a vital character in Superman & Lois who adds layers of depth and emotion to the series. His presence as both the director of the D.O.D. and Superman’s father-in-law emphasizes the importance of family in the context of saving the world. While Sam Lane may not be a perfect father, his unwavering love and his efforts to make amends and protect his loved ones make him a compelling character. Dylan Walsh’s outstanding performance further amplifies the human touch to Sam Lane’s character, making him relatable and endearing to viewers.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
