The following contains spoilers for Superman & Lois Season 3, Episode 7, "Forever and Always," which debuted May 2 on The CW.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Season 3 of Superman & Lois is the Fortress of Solitude. The first two seasons had it functioning well, with Jor-El's artificial intelligence helping the Man of Steel. The hologram provided information on Earth and intelligence on enemies. It also provided tech to heal Kal-El and acted like a trump card in times of desperation.
When it was destroyed by Tal-Rho, Kal-El was able to rebuild it. This time, Lara-El was activated, giving Clark the relationship he always wanted with his mother. However, as Season 3 continues detailing Lois' battle with cancer, many wondered about the usage of the Fortress. Fans have now gotten the full insight into it as a tool for this tragic situation, and it leads to Jon Kent overcoming a major mental hurdle.
Superman & Lois' Fortress of Solitude Is Actually Dangerous
Jon lashes out at his parents for keeping secrets about the severity of Lois' condition. Even Jordan puts aside his Superboy training, shocked that they lied. The brothers end up at the Fortress, arguing with their grandmother about not treating Lois. Clark arrives to admonish them about being selfish because they're all enduring the same pain. It's even worse knowing they have to work with Bruno Mannheim at his Hob's Bay cancer clinic.
Clark confesses that they considered treating Lois at the Fortress, but Lois didn't want to attempt anything risky. She relied on nature to take its course, accepting her mortality. It's something Clark struggled with as well. But the real reason the option's off the table, as Lara-EL admits, is they can't predict the effects of the treatment. Because their tech is designed for Kryptonian bodies, the energy could kill Lois. It's why Lara-El can burn kryptonite out of Clark and work on Jordan as a Superboy, but she can't -- or shouldn't -- mess with humans.
Superman & Lois' Jon Kent Heals From the Truth
It's something the comics, cartoons and other shows touched on in the past. Clark always felt it was unethical to cheat death like this. But on this show, he has a family, making him more willing to try anything. As such, many wondered if he'd bend the moral compass. And admittedly, he did contemplate it, but he just wants to do the right thing.
It takes Jon a while to adjust to this philosophy, understanding his emotions are getting the better of him. The Kents can tell he's processing grief and rage right now. He's always felt helpless as a non-Kryptonian -- ironic, given he's the Superboy taking up the mantle in the comics. In this case, the angst builds so much that he even insults Lara-El for treating him and Lois like black sheep. Clark eventually works through the problem with Jon, who apologizes and accepts the Fortress isn't a toy.
He has hope once more, which augurs well as many would like to see him using Lara-El's expertise as Jon trains to be a firefighter. He's a tech prodigy too, so the Fortress could help him improve tools in his field and build more weapons with Steel and Nat to keep saving the world. But for now, the teen is still very much heartbreakingly distracted by Lois' health, giving him a very human, relatable arc of a son not wanting his mom to die.
Superman & Lois airs Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on The CW.