Ep 17. The Boy Who Hated Superman

In season 2 episode 17 of The Adventures of Superman entitled "The Boy Who Hated Superman," the Man of Steel faces one of his most difficult challenges yet. The episode begins with the citizens of Metropolis celebrating Superman day, with children all over the city dressed up as their hero. However, one child named Timmy Muldoon (played by Kevin Corcoran), refuses to participate and actively hates Superman.

It soon becomes clear that Timmy's hatred of Superman stems from a personal tragedy in his life. His father died in a fire months earlier, and Timmy blames Superman for not being there to save him. When Clark Kent investigates the incident, he discovers that the fire was caused by a group of arsonists who were trying to cover up their illegal activities. Superman had actually been on the scene and had tried to save Timmy's father, but he was too late.

Despite this, Timmy remains convinced that Superman is to blame and refuses to listen to reason. He sets out to ruin Superman Day by sabotaging the celebrations, leaving Superman with a difficult choice. Should he intervene and risk making things worse, or should he simply let Timmy learn his lesson the hard way?

As the episode progresses, Timmy's actions become more and more dangerous, putting innocent lives at risk. Superman must not only stop him but also help him to understand the truth about his father's death. Through a combination of action-packed heroics and emotional confrontation, Superman manages to reach Timmy and help him overcome his hatred for the Man of Steel.

"The Boy Who Hated Superman" is an emotionally charged episode that deals with the difficult issue of grief and anger in children. While it may be a challenge for younger viewers to understand the complexity of Timmy's emotions, the episode offers an important message about forgiveness and understanding. It also showcases the heroism of Superman, not just in his actions but in his ability to empathize with those who have suffered loss.

Overall, season 2 episode 17 of The Adventures of Superman is a powerful example of the type of storytelling that made the show a classic. With its combination of action, suspense, and emotional resonance, it is a must-watch for fans of the Man of Steel and those who appreciate classic television drama.