Superman & Lois's Anderson Twist Sets Up Tal-Rho's Return & Escape
Warning: Spoilers for Superman & Lois season 2, episode 6
Superman & Lois’ Anderson twist laid the groundwork for Tal-Rho (Adam Rayner) to escape and become a main character again. In Superman & Lois season 2, episode 6, titled “Tried and True”, Anderson (Ian Bohen) made the shocking decision to lay a trap for Clark (Tyler Hoechlin). Now, Superman has been arrested for treason by the United States government.
Anderson’s decision is opening the door for another appearance from Tal-Rho, who has had only a recurring presence in Superman & Lois season 2. Due to his incarceration, Tal-Rho has only appeared twice since his defeat in the season 1 finale. Anderson’s orders at the end of “Tried and True” reveal that he has plans on imprisoning Superman alongside Tal-Rho. That makes sense, considering that Tal-Rho is kept in a place made for Kryptonian prisoners. Based on their history, Tal-Rho is sure to gloat when he and Superman inevitably share adjacent cells, even if its only for a single episode.
Based on the promo for episode 7, Clark’s current predicament could actually lead to Kal-El's evil brother coming back into the picture on a long-term basis. As the promo shows, Clark and Tal-Rho will stage an escape attempt. How it plays out could determine the villain’s future on the show. If both escape, Tal-Rho could be on the loose again, thus allowing him to have a much larger role in Superman & Lois season 2 going forward. If so, he could somehow have a part to play in the show’s unfolding Ally Allston story and the villain’s plan to merge with her Bizarro counterpart.
Superman being in favor of letting Tal-Rho escape (even for his own benefit) seems unlikely. After his defeat, there was an expectation from some that the Arrowverse might try to redeem the character. That could still happen one day, but Tal-Rho betraying Clark and threatening Alex Garfin's Jordan in a season 2 episode made that scenario seem much further off than originally thought. Tal-Rho has a long way to go before he can earn his redemption (or the Kents’ acceptance of him). Not only that, but Clark now knows that Tal-Rho is getting his powers back.
If Clark does work with Tal-Rho despite all the reasons why he shouldn’t, it could be that his situation will become desperate. As for what the repercussions of this decision would be, there’s at least a chance that Tal-Rho will emerge as an ally. Perhaps driven by his own motivations, he’ll become actively involved in the fight against Ally Allston. If she gets what she wants, she would have enough power to be a threat to everyone on the planet, which could give Tal-Rho reasons to help him. If not, Tal-Rho could instead become a dangerous third party who serves as an enemy to both sides.
Superman & Lois releases new episodes on Tuesdays on The CW.