The following contains spoilers for Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 5, "Head On," which debuted April 11 on The CW.
Season 3 of Superman & Lois is creating seismic waves in the Kent household. Not only does the family have to be careful with Lois' cancer treatment, Bruno Mannheim wants to kill Steel. No matter what, Bruno doesn't want to let him and Superman hamper his vision for the Suicide Slums.
This drive has led to Bruno using Superman's blood to make metahumans and resurrect Bizarro as a weapon. In other words, Team Mannheim will have a ton of heavy hitters. While this doesn't bode well for the Man of Steel's desperate crew, it could allow Lex Luthor to step up as a Hail Mary play and be the savior he wants everyone to think he is.
Superman & Lois Can Turn Lex Luthor Into an Ally
Many expect Michael Cudlitz's Lex Luthor to be a villain, but Superman & Lois is all about subverting expectations. It was seen with the fake-out of Steel as another Lex and by disguising Bizarro as Doomsday. This also included hiding Ally Allston as Parasite, as well as hiding Tal-Rho as Morgan Edge. Seeing as the series is also influenced by All-Star Superman, this version of Lex could riff off that intellectual genius who wanted to make the world a better place, as well as destroy Superman as a symbol of hope.
This development doesn't have to occur by clashing with the Kryptonian superhero, but by spiritual means; in this case, by showing the world Lex is a better hero and someone who deserves to be recognized as a god. As such, Lex in his iconic green suit can help fight Bruno, Bizarro, and other metas. After all, Bruno's army has kryptonite weapons that already damaged Superman. Thus, an invulnerable Lex and who doesn't dance to Superman's drum would be priceless.
Even when Lex is egotistical (per so many movies, comics and cartoons), Lex's genius will be welcomed change of pace, especially once he has good intentions. After all, it's already been established that not even the Department of Defense can withstand Bruno's Intergang. This sets Lex up as a necessary evil, ready to gloat over Superman's team, including a masked Jordan who's inexperienced and in over his head. Sadly, everyone would have to thank and appreciate him for his service.
Superman & Lois' Anti-Hero Lex Keeps the Mystery Going
It's worth noting Lex loves using PR and his image in the media to sully Superman's name. While saving the world is heroic, it would still fit Lex's ulterior motives. He wouldn't be a Luthor if he didn't have some secret agenda, so he can work this messiah complex and white privilege. It's something Bruno lectured the Man of Steel on in the Suicide Slums, as he mentioned how easy it is for white billionaires like Lex to inherit and build empires.
This gives the show a bigger sociopolitical edge and a more nuanced rivalry. It would feel very relatable and create an emotional attachment with fans: observing rich, selfish elites appropriating the world (tragedies included) for their own gain. This speaks to capitalism, and while it's less violent and more subtle than say, Homelander in The Boys, it does send a cerebral message, especially if the public buys into the image of Lex as their Chosen One.
Ultimately, this sort of anti-hero Lex reminds fans he's just as much a mental threat as he is a physical one, shifting his endgame in the blink of an eye. By rearranging the chessboard to his benefit the way a true mastermind would, this would create a guessing game as to Lex's allegiance. In effect, this would add more suspense, tension and unpredictability.
Superman & Lois returns April 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.