Where to watch Superboy (19
2 Stars
A large group of homeless people are living in front of a beach club on a Florida beach. They were promised jobs by the wealthy beach club owner, who never gave them anything.
Original Air Date: 1/21/1989 – “The Invisible People”
“The Invisible People” features a heavy-handed, socially conscious theme that drives an overly familiar plot. The story revolves around a significant land development deal that depends on clearing the local area of its growing homeless population. However, these are not just regular vagrants; they are laid-off union laborers from a recently closed factory. Additionally, we meet actor Greg Morris, a Shakespear quoting social justice advocate who fights for the homeless. Within the first act, two real-world issues are introduced, alongside a character referencing “Romeo and Juliet,” which feels out of place for the series.
The screenplay is well-written, and the acting surpasses the usual standards we’ve seen so far. The stellar acting can be attributed to the direction of Jackie Cooper, a former child actor known for his work on “Superman,” who is at the helm for this episode. Cooper has directed numerous television shows throughout the 1980s, making him a fitting choice for “Superboy.” Interestingly, Superboy’s role in the plot feels somewhat arbitrary, and his abilities are sparingly applied. The episode’s standout moments come from the interactions between industry veterans Greg Morris and Jack Malone.
Directed by: Jackie Cooper
Written by: Mark Evanier
Starring: John Newton, Greg Morris, Jack Malone