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Self-referential newsstand scene in "A Ghost for Scotland Yard" episode
posted by PT 100STAFFMOD on March 22, 2018 at 4:22 PM
Ostensibly set in London, at the end there is a newsstand scene showing, among other things, a magazine featuring a picture of Queen Elizabeth (who had been coronated just five months earlier) and a copy of the London Daily Telegraph newspaper. And at the end of the scene, the newsvendor picks up and starts reading a copy of Superman comics.
Reply by sukhisoo
on October 31, 2020 at 3:54 PM
I saw that this morning. I was wondering if the news vendor learned from his reading that Clark Kent is Superman.
Reply by Zürich Gnome
on November 1, 2020 at 3:29 AM
Good point. I never thought of that before; but I guess, in theory, if Superman magazine was supposedly on the world's newsstands, everyone would have figured it out pretty quickly.
I don't know if that was a mistake by the writers/producers, or if it was intended as a sort of wink to the audience, a type of inside joke. I believe I recall that at least once Clark Kent winked into the camera at the end of an episode, breaking the fourth wall. Maybe it was sort of like that.
Reply by sukhisoo
on November 1, 2020 at 7:36 AM
I think Inspector Henderson knows that Clark Kent is superman. That is why he brings him along when he is investigating some of his cases. He all too often mentions stuff like "I wouldn't be surprised if Clark takes off those glasses, changes his suit, and becomes Superman."
I have no idea why Lois, Jimmy, and Perry White are so clueless in this regard.
And, yes, Clark has winked at the camera.
Reply by Zürich Gnome
on November 2, 2020 at 2:47 PM
I guess that's what is called in theatrical circles "suspension of disbelief" by the audience. I don't think Henderson knows that Kent and Superman are the same person, because there are plenty of episodes where he seems totally clueless about the possibility. I think he's just complimenting Kent on his keen mind and his reporter skills.
There are, however, several instances where it is clear in various episodes that Jimmy and Lois are at least somewhat suspicious that Clark and Superman could be the same person.
Reply by sukhisoo
on November 14, 2020 at 11:50 AM
After seeing Shot in the Dark and Superman in Exile, I agree with you. Jimmy and Lois are indeed suspicious.
A young photographer actually takes a picture of Clark changing into Superman. "It's double exposure," explains Clark. Yeah, sure, Buddy.
Superman has to go into self imposed Exile because he is "radioactive". Clark Kent has to as well. Jimmy and Lois get extremely suspicious but don't really push the point too hard.