Superman & Lois season 3 has six questions it needs to answer when season 3 begins. Season 2 of The CW series wrapped up the battle with Ally Allston and the show’s Bizarro World storyline, but also paved the way for new problems to challenge the main characters. In fact, one villain is already in place to fight the Man of Steel in Superman & Lois season 3.
In addition to creating a universe for itself that’s no longer reliant on the Arrowverse, Superman & Lois season 2 laid the groundwork for its next story by teasing the arrival of Bruno Mannheim, the leader of Intergang. Played by Chad Coleman, the DC Comics gangster is sure to be a handful for Clark and Lois in the episodes to come. As if that’s not enough, Superman & Lois will also throw a new version of Lex Luthor at the protagonists, with Michael Cudlitz playing this incarnation of the character. As Superman & Lois weaves its next chapter, the series will need to use its upcoming plotlines to address six pressing questions created by season 2’s ending and teases for season 3.
6 Why Did Bruno Mannheim Kill John Henry Irons’ Doppelganger?
Arguably at the center of the setup for season 3’s villain is the reveal that Mannheim murdered John Henry Irons’ doppelganger. It’s been known since season 1 that the Irons of Superman & Lois’ Earth met an early demise, but the nature of his death was never a plot point – until now. Unless Diggle’s intel is somehow wrong, Mannheim arranged for Irons’ death before the timeframe of Superman & Lois season 1’s story. So far, the life of the other Irons has been of little importance in the series, but that’ll change as Steel looks into his doppelganger’s connection with Mannheim.
It's possible that Irons was killed because he uncovered incriminating information on Mannheim. Whether that’s the case or not, finding out what motivated his death should be Steel’s top priority in the beginning of Superman & Lois season 3. Understanding the reason could be the key to finding a path forward and figuring out exactly what his endgame is.
5 How Much Do Clark & Lois Know About The Multiverse?
The season 2 finale’s Arrowverse retcon calls into question everything that was previously understood about Clark’s adventures with other superheroes before the move to Smallville. Earth-Prime’s Clark teamed up with heroes like Green Arrow, the Flash, and Supergirl to defeat the Anti-Monitor in “Crisis on Infinite Earths” and in doing so, helped save the multiverse. Season 1 seemingly acknowledged this event when Lois talked about “everything we now know about the multiverse,” but if this Superman didn’t participate, there isn’t an obvious answer as to what she meant. Now that Superman & Lois is working to establish a separate place for itself in the DC multiverse, the show should finish fleshing it out and confirm what the characters know.
4 What Happened To Superman & Lois’ Oliver Queen?
The fate of Oliver Queen is poised to become an elephant in the room if Diggle develops an important presence in Superman & Lois season 3. If Diggle’s scene with Irons is any indication, he has a part to play in season 3’s central conflict. Diggle actor David Ramsey’s confirmation of his season 3 return supports that idea. But if Diggle is going to be around for multiple episodes, it may be difficult for the show to ignore the Green Arrow connection, especially since it’s no longer a secret that Superman & Lois isn’t on Earth-Prime.
Oliver, who has already been referenced on the show, had a massive impact on Diggle’s character development, which is all the more reason why what happened to Green Arrow is relevant to season 3. Based on comments from Superman & Lois showrunner Tod Helbing, Oliver became the Green Arrow and died at some point in the past. These details haven’t been communicated in-universe, but could be mentioned – and expanded on – when Diggle returns.
3 What Is Clark’s Plan For the New Fortress of Solitude?
Before season 2 ended, Clark introduced his family to a new Fortress of Solitude. Constructed in the ocean with the crystal from Tal-Rho’s ship, the third Fortress of Solitude utilizes Lara as the AI interface. According to Clark, it’ll be for the family, and not just him this time around. Judging by this tease, the Fortress of Solitude will become a headquarters of sorts for each member of the family, but how each of them will make use of it remains to be seen.
Clark drew attention to Jonathan meeting Lara, which points to the possibility of the show using the Fortress of Solitude to advance his arc in particular. Recently, Superman & Lois' Jonathan has been frustrated with his lack of powers and his inability to help his parents and Jordan. It’s possible that the Fortress will be able to fill a void in his life.
2 Will Diggle Ever Become Green Lantern?
The Flash season 8 shut down theories about Diggle becoming the Green Lantern, but with the series and Superman & Lois occupying different timelines, it’s easy for the latter to head in a different direction. As Ramsey has pointed out, this version of Diggle may not have reached a final decision in regards to putting on the Green Lantern ring. Since that plotline remains unresolved, it would make sense for it to come up during one of Diggle’s season 3 guest appearances. If and when it does, Superman & Lois can either put this loose end to rest once and for all or finally allow Diggle to suit up as Green Lantern and join forces with Clark.
1 What Is Superman’s History With Intergang & Lex Luthor?
From the looks of things, season 3 will pit Clark against at least two villains he should already have some level of familiarity with. Clark mentioned Lex Luthor by his first name and seemed to regard him as an old enemy when he thought Irons was “Captain Luthor” in season 1. As for Mannheim, it’s hard to say if Clark has ever met him personally, but he fought Intergang members in season 1’s “Haywire.” That proves he has firsthand experience with them, if not Mannheim himself. What Clark’s histories are with these characters will need to be elaborated on in Superman & Lois season 3 and could potentially explain why they’ll be at odds.