Ep 1. Superman: The Last Son of Krypton - Part 1

In the very first episode of Superman: The Animated Series, titled "The Last Son of Krypton - Part 1," we are introduced to the world of the Man of Steel. The episode opens on the planet Krypton, where we see Jor-El, Superman's father, as he tries to convince the ruling council that the planet is in danger of impending doom. Despite his warnings, the council refuses to believe him, and Jor-El is forced to take matters into his own hands.

Jor-El and his wife, Lara, prepare their infant son, Kal-El, for his journey to Earth in a rocket ship. They send him on his way just as Krypton explodes, and the opening sequence sets the stage for the rest of the episode.

We then jump ahead to Metropolis, where we see Clark Kent arriving for his new job as a reporter at the Daily Planet. Kent is a mild-mannered, unassuming figure, but he soon becomes embroiled in a story about a group of criminals who are trying to smuggle a powerful new weapon into the city.

As he begins investigating the story, Kent realizes that there is something strange about the weapon - it emits a strange energy signal that he recognizes as being similar to the one that brought him to Earth as a child. This realization leads him to investigate his own past, and he discovers that he is not just a mild-mannered reporter, but the last survivor of the planet Krypton.

As Kent investigates further, he learns that his birth name is actually Kal-El, and that his father, Jor-El, sent him to earth as a baby to escape the destruction of Krypton. With this newfound knowledge, he also discovers that he has superhuman abilities - he can fly, is nearly invulnerable, and possesses incredible strength and speed.

Meanwhile, the criminals he is investigating are trying to take over the city using their weapon, but Superman - as Kent now calls himself - manages to stop them in their tracks. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Superman questioning his place in the world and wondering what his future will hold.

Overall, the first episode of Superman: The Animated Series sets the tone for the rest of the season. It expertly combines action, drama, and humor, and introduces us to some of the series' most important characters. We get a sense of the enormity of Superman's powers, but also see his vulnerability and humanity, making him a relatable and engaging hero. The episode ends on an intriguing note, leaving viewers wanting more, and setting the stage for the rest of the series to come.