In Superman & Lois Season 4, Episode 3, “Always My Hero,” the show balances emotional stakes with plot momentum as General Sam Lane (Dylan Walsh) makes the ultimate sacrifice to bring Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) back to life. The episode opens with a somber Kent family—Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch), Jordan (Alex Garfin), and Jonathan (Michael Bishop)—preparing for a funeral, initially assumed to be for Superman. Instead, it’s revealed that General Lane dies in a last-ditch effort to save the Man of Steel.
Facing a rogue Department of Defense soldier under Lex Luthor’s (Michael Cudlitz) influence, Sam injects himself with a serum derived from Superman’s blood, hoping to use his own heart to revive the hero. In a tense final sequence, Sam’s plan works, but at the cost of his own life. Superman gasps back to life, though his mother’s hologram warns that using a serum-enhanced human heart may lead to complications. This sets up future dilemmas for Superman’s survival.
Dylan Walsh’s exit reflects the reduced scope of the final season’s budget, affecting several other regulars. Meanwhile, Jonathan suddenly develops all of Superman’s powers but struggles with his newfound abilities. John Henry and Natalie decide to commit fully to the Department of Defense, abandoning any hope of a normal life.
Flashbacks provide emotional context, particularly with scenes revisiting Clark’s revelation of his secret identity to Sam and the complicated family history between Lois, Clark, and Sam.
Superman & Lois airs Monday nights on The CW.
