Where to watch Superboy (19
3 1/2 Stars
The world first learns of the new hero, Superboy, when he rescues Lana Lang from kidnapper Roscoe Williams (Doug Barr).
Original Air Date: 11/05/1988 – ” Countdown to Nowhere”
The fifth episode of the series was originally intended to serve as the pilot, which is evident since it introduces Superboy to the audience. The fact that it aired more than a month into the season highlights the confusion and disarray that characterized the first season. This well-executed episode incorporates the key elements of the series: a dastardly villain, a member of the group in peril, Superboy saving the day, and a weak excuse from Clark regarding his absence during the climax. It’s perplexing that this excellent episode was delayed or reshuffled in favor of several subpar episodes leading up to its broadcast.
Doug Barr, whom I admired from his role in The Fall Guy, plays the main antagonist in this episode. The plot is quite outrageous, involving the college football team stealing a laser capable of downing a shuttle preparing for launch. Barr stands out as the best villain of the series thus far, making it unfortunate that he wasn’t a recurring character, especially when compared to the miscast actor portraying Lex Luthor in the first season. “Countdown to Nowhere” carries an anti-nuclear subtext, which aligns with the cultural mindset of the era.
Directed by: Colin Chilvers
Written by: Fred Freiberger
Starring: Stacy Haiduk, John Newton, James Calvert