Man of Steel

For the titular character, see Ben Lockwood.

For the Kryptonian vigilante also known as the "Man of Steel", see Clark Kent.

"Ben Franklin's fears have come to pass. The modern immigrant cannot assimilate, and it's not a question of desire, it's not a question of culture. It is a question of biology, and from that context... from that context, I should be proud if you were to call me a nativist."

—Ben Lockwood's new rhetoric

"Man of Steel" is the third episode of the fourth season of Supergirl, and the sixty-eighth episode overall. It aired on October 28, 2018.

Synopsis

Ben Lockwood didn't always hate aliens. Through a series of incidents, and input from his anti-alien father, Ben slowly transforms from a mild-mannered professor into the villainous Agent Liberty of today.[src]

Trivia

• This is the first episode of the series to not feature Nicole Maines (Nia Nal) after signing on as a series regular.
• The episode's title is a reference to Superman's nickname. This reference is further nodded to with Ben Lockwood being referenced in the synopsis as a "mild-mannered professor", him having a demeanor initially similar to Clark Kent, and his family owning a steel factory.
• Historical figures Benjamin Franklin and Benito Mussolini are referenced in the episode regarding Ben's rhetoric.
• Kara Danvers/Supergirl's time in this episode was limited due to Melissa Benoist's role on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. To accommodate her schedule, Season 4 began filming with the third and fourth episodes in mid-July as Melissa's run on Broadway didn't end until August 4.
• This episode reveals that Mercy and Otis Graves, the ringleaders of the Children of Liberty, are being backed by another unknown entity (later revealed to be Lex Luthor).
• The flashbacks in this episode take place chronologically from the beginning of Season 2 to the beginning of Season 4:
  • A mob of Lockwood Family Steel employees attacking a Brevakk takes place during "Crossfire", with Supergirl being called away to deal with Chet Miner's gang using alien weapons. Furthermore, shortly after the incident, Lena Luthor mentions throwing a fundraising gala for the Luthor Family Children Hospital, which is seen in the episode.
    • Additionally, Supergirl's speech from "Better Angels" is seen on TV in the Lockwood house.
  • After Peter Lockwood reveals his factory closed down, Rhea's message from "Resist" broadcasts on TV, with Daxamite ships invading Earth.
    • Shortly prior, a news report shows Jack Spheer and covers the fallout of Spheerical Industries' marketing of the Biomax from "Ace Reporter".
  • The Lockwood family trying to flee the city during the Daxamite invasion and J'onn J'onzz accidentally destroying their home takes place during "Nevertheless, She Persisted".
  • Ben talking with James Olsen at CatCo Worldwide Media takes place around "Triggers", with James mentioning that Lena is the new owner of CatCo.
  • Ben being fired from his job and meeting Kara at Al's Dive Bar takes place several hours before "Schott Through the Heart". Kara even asks Ben whether she should sing something by the Beastie Boys for karaoke night, or else she'll have to resort to "Africa" by Toto. A National City University student eventually suggests Kara sing Beastie Boys, which she does in the episode.
    • Also at Al's Dive Bar, the student and her friend discuss Reign's attack on the convicts at Albatross Bay from "Legion of Super-Heroes" before being interrupted by Ben.
  • Peter dies during Reign's terraformation of Earth in "Battles Lost and Won".
  • Ben attacking Fiona Byrne from "American Alien" is shown.

References

Supergirl season 4

"American Alien" • "Fallout" • "Man of Steel" • "Ahimsa" • "Parasite Lost" • "Call to Action" • "Rather the Fallen Angel" • "Bunker Hill" • "Elseworlds, Part 3" • "Suspicious Minds" • "Blood Memory" • "Menagerie" • "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?" • "Stand and Deliver" • "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" • "The House of L" • "All About Eve" • "Crime and Punishment" • "American Dreamer" • "Will The Real Miss Tessmacher Please Stand Up?" • "Red Dawn" • "The Quest for Peace"