Braniac is one of the most popularDC Universevillains, and the iteration of the character onSuperman & Loisis a take that I have not seen before in live-action. While Brainiac has not yet appeared in a live-action Superman movie,the character has appeared throughout the years in various ways in television series likeSmallvilleandKrypton.He is alsorumored to be in the next Superman movie. Each iteration so far has depended on giving the villain links to Krypton’s history, and examining how that contributes to Superman’s story.
Brainiac has been featured in Superman comics since 1958, when the antagonist originally appeared with the plan to shrink down cities and store them in bottles.The character has been changed in subsequent iterations, and even in some has been the reason that Krypton was destroyed. What has been consistent about the character, however, including in his previous live-action appearances, is that he has been an alien android or cyborg. This fundamental component may have been changed based on Brainiac’s appearance as part of theSuperman & Loisseason 4 cast, and I’m excited to see where the series goes.
Superman & Lois' Brainiac Is A Very Different Spin On The Character
Brainiac Has Taken On Various Forms Through The Years
While not too much has yet been made concrete about Brainiac’s character in the series,it appears that he is only a human being. The character of Milton has been referred to as a “brainiac”, butSuperman & Loisseason 4, episode 8shows the character in person, reinforcing the idea he’s simply a human with advanced technological skills that enable him to help Lex Luthor in his schemes. The two villains have been aligned in episodes up to this point, crafting a relationship between Milton’s technology and Lex’s plans to destroy Superman that will likely have a devastating future.
Milton Fine in the comics was a superhuman, and Brainiac took over his body. Using this form, Brainiac was able to wreak devastation while blending in with humanity. However,this detail of possession may not be a component of theSuperman & Loisstory.With Milton established as a human being, and with such little time left on the show, I believe there may not be the opportunity to bring in outsized science-fiction concepts, including the taking over of Milton’s body by another force. Unlike on shows likeKrypton, this Braniac may simply be a super-smart human being.
Superman & Lois' Brainiac Change Matches The Show’s Other Villain Tweaks
The CW Series Has Made Some Effective Changes
All kinds of villains have received tweaks inSuperman & Lois, and I’d argue that doing this has helped to serve the program better. Parasite was changed significantly to a human, and one of the morecolossal Superman villain changestook place with the evolution of Bizarro into Doomsday. Following the multiversal stories that were told in the Arrowverse,it is clear that Superman & Lois feels the freedom to explore their canonwithout being too beholden to specific comic book details.
Doing all of this has helped the creatives to craft a show that is not only faithful to the most important parts of Superman lore, but that tells a comprehensive and cohesive story that is true to the character.Certain villains or ideas pulled from the comic pages would not feel natural in this world,and it is a relief that the show is comfortable to avoid them by rewriting DC lore. This has allowed an excellent Superman story to be built that fits perfectly into the larger tapestry of Superman movies and shows through the years.
Milton Being Brainiac Was The Right Choice For The Show
It is good to know that the CW has not forgotten about Brainiac, butI am relieved that it seems he will not play an outsized role in the final episodes of the series.This entire season has been focused on the conflict between Superman and an unusual version of Lex, and pivoting to an enormous, extra-terrestrial force would feel unnatural. With Brainiac only being a human in the show, the series will be able to use him in instrumental ways while continuing to focus on the Superman and Luthor conflict.
There are only two episodes ofSuperman & Loisleft, and there is so much to tie up in that short time. Lex Luthor has only grown more terrifying, and Superman’s powers have begun to fade, as confirmed by episode 8.This is sure to lead to an incredible climax that will have enormous repercussions for the show’s entire universe.Removing the more space-bound threats from that equation is the right choice, and will allow the series to conclude in a satisfying way.
I Can’t Believe Superman & Lois Just Did That Lex Luthor Fakeout
Micahel Cudlitz’s Lex Luthor has become an even bigger threat after Superman & Lois season 4’s latest episode, and the DC show pulled a major fakeout.
I could not be happier about the changes made to Brainiac in the series. Theories and rumors about Brainiac have been rife for the show, and many even speculated that a former Arrowverse star in Tom Cavanagh could have taken on the role. However,the path that the show has gone down, in making Brainiac human, is the right one.With these details in place,Superman & Loishas everything set for a truly satisfying conclusion in its final two episodes.
Superman & Lois
Cast
Superman & Lois follows the Man of Steel, Clark Kent, and journalist Lois Lane as they navigate the strains of contemporary parenthood while confronting threats from supervillains and alien invaders, blending personal challenges with heroic responsibilities in this 2021 television series.
