Warning: Spoilers for Superman & Lois season 2, episode 3
The surprise reveal of Bizarro in season 2, episode 3 of Superman & Lois has not only subverted expectations but also set up a new mystery through a hidden line of dialogue. After teasing a Doomsday appearance in the season premiere, the show has revealed that the creature in the green suit was actually Bizarro. While details about what could be this season’s main villain are still unknown, there may have been already a tease about Bizarro’s true motives and plans.
In the comics, Bizarro is a failed Superman who turned out to be a less intelligent, more confused version of the hero. Not necessarily evil but easily manipulated, Bizarro has been used by many villains, especially Lex Luthor, as a "muscle" against Superman and other DC heroes. As a result of his errant cloning process, Bizarro has a “reverse speech” condition that makes him say the exact opposite of what the character wants to express. Depending on the version, Bizarro can also speak entirely backward. Bizarro's innocence added to a set of powers that rivals those of Superman make him one of the most dangerous villains in the DC universe.
Bizarro's introduction in Superman & Lois came in the form of an intense action sequence, but it also managed to leave viewers curious about something that appeared to be a hidden line of dialogue. While throwing punches with Superman, Bizarro tries to communicate with the hero by speaking in the only way he knows. Although casual viewers who are not familiarised with Bizarro’s reverse speech were probably confused by the character’s grunts, fans of the Superman lore have quickly identified what the villain was trying to say. Reversing the sound of Bizarro’s speech, it becomes clear that the character was saying “leave me alone”. That piece of dialogue may have already set up Bizarro’s true origins and motivations.
By asking to be left alone, Bizarro may be showing that he is not necessarily trying to pick up a fight against Superman. After being released from his containment suit, a confrontation with the army, Clark, and Irons may have been the exact opposite of what Bizarro wanted. The fact that the character retreated before finishing the fight also corroborates that he was being sincere about his wish of being left alone. In addition, if Superman & Lois is planning to use Bizarro's “reverse speech” concept in its entirely, then “leave me alone” could also mean something in the lines of “come and help me”. Bizarro may be the prisoner of a behind-the-scenes villain and is trying to ask for Superman's help in a troubled way.
Bizarro’s hidden dialogue during his fight against Superman may have confused viewers at the first, but it does make sense in the context of the character. By incorporating an important part of the villain’s characterization from the comics into the show, Superman & Lois promises to deliver an accurate adaptation of Bizarro. That considered, the show’s habit of playing with expectations and putting a different spin on already famous storylines makes it harder to predict what Bizarro’s true role in the season will be.