Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 5 recap: What did Lex Luthor's flashbacks mean?

Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 5 recap (Image via YouTube/The CW Network)
Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 5 recap (Image via YouTube/The CW Network)

Superman & Lois Season 4 aired yet another exciting episode on October 28, 2024. The season marks the final installment of the hit superhero series, and the show is headed toward its climax with each passing episode.

Titled Break the Cycle, episode 5 brings emotional depth to the narrative as it delves into the backstory of Lex Luthor. Meanwhile, Jonathan continues to struggle with his powers and responsibilities, which end up causing trouble in his relationships.

At the same time, Clark and Lois are figuring out a way to tackle Doomsday, while Elizabeth seems to be the key to bringing a change in Lex's character. Here is the full recap of Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 5.


What did Lex Luthor's flashbacks mean in Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 5?

Michael Cudlitz as Lex Luthor in Superman & Lois (Image via YouTube/The CW Network)
Michael Cudlitz as Lex Luthor in Superman & Lois (Image via YouTube/The CW Network)

In Superman & Lois' episode Break the Cycle, Lex Luthor’s flashbacks showcase his past, his motivations, and his strained relationship with his daughter, Elizabeth. The scenes reveal the abuse Lex suffered as a child, which shaped his ruthless personality.

The episode explores Lex's complicated family dynamics and depicts how his inability to form close relationships began in childhood and continued into his marriage. The flashback takes the viewers 17 years back, showing Lex receiving divorce papers from his wife, Erica.

Lex had a tough childhood, suffering abuse from his mother, which made him emotionally cold and distant. Although he claims Elizabeth is everything to him, he rarely shows it. Elizabeth, despite being a loving daughter, becomes a stranger to him over the years as Lex's obsession with power and revenge takes over.

Clark and Lois believe that reuniting Lex with Elizabeth might help protect their family from Lex’s destructive plans. When Elizabeth learns she is pregnant, she contemplates letting Lex back into her life.

She then gives him an ultimatum: he has to leave Lois and the Kents alone if he wants to be a part of her daughter’s life again. However, Lex refuses to let go of his grudge against the Kents, causing Elizabeth to walk away from him.

The flashback scenes hint that his failed relationships still haunt him. But rather than grabbing a chance for redemption, he ultimately chooses revenge and prioritizes his hatred for the Kents over his love for his daughter.


The Kent family gets a reason to celebrate

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While Clark and Lois try to keep Lex Luthor at bay by reuniting him with Elizabeth, they have another threat looming over their heads as Doomsday is out for their blood. The two worry about their family's safety as they know Lex may unleash Doomsday again.

Superman learns that if he faces off against Doomsday alone, it may lead to his death. He even relives his fight with Bizarro using a simulation, only to realize that he will be on the losing end of the battle if it happens again.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Kent faces challenges with his newfound powers as he begins helping Lois find Elizabeth. This leads to complications when Jonathan’s girlfriend, Candice, comes to visit him. Jonathan has to keep disappearing to help Lois, and Candice starts to feel neglected.

While Candice eventually reconciles with Jonathan, she suspects that Clark is Superman, so the family’s secret can be out in the open. Things take a surprising turn when Lois summons Doomsday, realizing that an old tracker could bring him to her.

She remembers that while Bizarro has a tough exterior, some humanity from his past might still be left in him. Lois pleads with Doomsday, asking him to remember who he is and leave her family alone, and surprisingly it does seem to work.

Doomsday flies away, leaving Lex stunned without his powerful weapon. The Kent family appears to be safe for now and enjoy their win while witnessing fireworks at the end of Superman & Lois Season 4 Episode 5.


Superman & Lois Season 4 airs new episodes on The CW on Mondays at 8 PM ET/PT.

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Edited by Sezal Srivastava