Lex Luthor leaves many confused. What follows is an explanation of Lex’s motives and machinations, then exploded and examined with in-story support. Inspired by episode 42 of MOSAIC.
We’ll largely stick to in-story sources, although everything discussed is supported by second-tier continuity like the Forbes feature, Wired interview, World of Batman v. Superman promotional comics, TimeOut travel guides, etc. For example, it’s fun trivia that Clark and Lex share the middle-name Joseph, but not vital for any deduction or conclusion.
First we’ll outline everything in the affirmative, Lex’s motive, machinations, and moves:
Motive
- Expose “power can be innocent” as a lie.
That’s it. Everything essentially comes from this multi-layered motive. Lex means to enact this motive through several big-picture plans.
Machinations
- Demonize Superman
- Manipulate Batman to Beat Superman
- Gain Exclusive Entrance to Ship
- Develop Doomsday
The first plan is the main plan. The second plan arises after it is clear Senator Finch won’t publicly legitimize his position. The third plan ties everything together and creates the fourth plan. The first three big-picture plans encompass the Lex’s moves until he learns from the ship, when he calls the fourth as an audible. The final plan covers his moves in the second half of the film.
Moves
- Preparation & Planning
- Africa
- Import License
- Fundraiser
- Bombing
- Entering Ship
- Develop Doomsday
- Distract Superman
These big events encompass the main moves Lex makes in order to accomplish his machinations for his motive. Let’s break it down as a sequence of events expressed in the affirmative for Lex. read more
