Author: Eneasz

One of my favorite aspects of Rational FanFiction is that it often takes the original universe and tries to make it makes sense without altering it much. To not just point out how weird it is that Superman has a day job, but to explore what would have to be true about the alien’s psychology. And giving a decent hand-waving of the Clark Kent Effect as well!

I’m also a huge fan of dramatic irony, so Lois’s shrugging about hurting Clark’s feelings was so delicious.

Finally, some of you may recognize the voice of Rein, fearless leader of the Worm Audiobook, as the Mayor. :)

SFX: 1940’s Office, Forest: Night, children playing

Music:
Intro/Outro – Handlebars, by Flobots
Luthor Manor – Boccherini’s Minuetto, Wagner’s Rienzi Overture

Not much to say today. You’ve probably recognized a few voices from the HPMoR podcast, but one voice you probably don’t recognize is Alexander Jackson, because he sounds pretty normal as Officer Kennedy. You’d never realize that’s what Voldemort sounds like, when he’s not being eeeeevil!!! :) Check out the credits at some point to see the names of all our fine voice actors!

SFX: 1940’s Office, commotion

Music:
Intro/Outro – Handlebars, by Flobots
Superman Spotting – Maybe, by The Ink Spots
Calhoun’s Club – Lone Digger, by Caravan Palace
Luthor Manor – Boccherini’s Minuetto, Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Very minor spoiler for this week’s episode below.

I really love how Lois’s dislike of Superman colors her narrative whenever he’s around. The poor guy is just trying to be helpful, and the first thing she thinks is “yeah, no duh!” I think Alexander made a point of doing this, both because it’s good characterization (when you dislike someone, you tend to be very critical of anything they do), and because the typical reader will be coming into this story with very positive pro-Superman feelings. In order to show Lex’s side sympathetically, there needs to be a fair bit of push against that.

I also love the contrast in the very next scene, where Lex and Mercy mirror that Superman/Lois interaction. But in this one, Lex internally acknowledges that Mercy is extremely competent and probably doesn’t need the instructions at all, and admires that about her. We aren’t given Mercy’s thoughts, but based on their interactions (and the rest of the novel) I imagine that she’s far more understanding of Lex’s reminder and isn’t put out by it. Their entire relationship feels very mutually-admiring and respectful of agency (to me). #LexAndMercyRelationshipGoals

SFX: 1940’s Office, explosion, phone, radio click

Music:
Intro/Outro – Handlebars, by Flobots
Luthor Manor – Boccherini’s Minuetto