Where to watch Superboy (19
3 Stars
When a scientist’s formula to improve the efficiency of gasoline is nearly destroyed, a Russian exchange student named Natasha is accused of sabotaging the computer that the formula was stored on.
Original Air Date: 10/29/1988 – “The Russian Exchange Student”
The fourth episode of the first season stands out as the best episode of the series so far. In this installment, TJ and Clark experience tension over TJ’s infatuation with a Russian student who is working on a scientific project. The episode explores themes such as the overreliance on fossil fuels, the idea that Russian people are not the enemy, and the notion that love knows no nationality. Although these themes are somewhat rudimentary in their presentation, the overall story is more cohesive than in previous episodes, and the 22-minute runtime feels much shorter.
Courtney Gains, known for his role in Back to the Future, delivers stilted line readings that are subpar even for a show of this caliber. However, the rest of the core cast seems more relaxed in this episode, as they grow more comfortable with their roles and characters. Additionally, Superboy has more screen time, and John Haymes Newton portrays a Clark Kent with a newfound assertiveness, which had not been evident in earlier episodes.
Directed by: Reza Badiyi
Written by: Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel
Starring: Stacy Haiduk, John Newton, James Calvert