'Krypton' season 2 finally introduces us to Superman's father Jor-El in a bizarre, yet rewarding twist
This article contains spoilers for 'Krypton' episode 7: 'Zods and Monsters'
The most rewarding part of episode 7 in 'Krypton' Season 2 was the official introduction of Jor-El, the Man of Steel's father. And it turns out Jor-El was in the series throughout the season after all.
In episode 7, Nyssa Vex (Wallis Day) insists her son's name be changed. A version of Val-El (Ian McElhinney) that exists within the Fortitude of Solitude suggests the El's usually derive their first name from one of their ancestors, and suggested his own father, Jor. And thus, Seg-El (Cameron Cuffe) and Nyssa choose to name Cor-Vex as Jor-El.
This comes as a twist and a revelation at the same time as Superman's family tree has always been kept a mystery. In 'Krypton' it is finally shown that Nyssa is Jor-El's mother and Superman's grandmother.
So, when Seg suggests the baby be called Cor-El, Val says: "If I might interject, traditionally when adopting the El family name, it follows that your son should also take the first name of one of his ancestors."
He adds: "Your great-grandfather, Seg - my father- a humble man, his achievements perhaps not as grand as some of our more esteemed ancestors. They might have been, but his focus was family. He was kind-hearted, a brilliant scientist and a wonderful father."
In a way, it also felt like Val may have predicted Jor's future. Not just was he a brilliant scientist, he was a doting father responsible for sending Kal-El, his son (Clark Kent for us earthlings), to earth to save him from a planet in its last minutes, and preserve the last son of Krypton.
At this moment, we're not sure if Jor-El's growth will be shown in season 2. After all, the season is about his grandfather. However, if they do decide to show Jor-El's early days, it will be interesting to see how they maintain the timeline. Will we see Jor-El probably by the end of season 2 as a grown-up? Also, since he is destined to be Superman's father, will he be shown growing up on Krypton?
If not, then it means there will be some consequences for the timeline. That would mean Jor would never meet Lara, Superman's mother and then we wouldn't have a Kal at all. Exactly the sort of a future Adam Strange (Shaun Sipos) hoped to prevent.
'Krypton' season 2 airs Wednesdays 10 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy.