The relationship between Lionel and his son Lex is strained; it has been likened to the relationship between Norman and Harry Osborn in the "Spider-Man" movie. Glover tried to make Lionel appear as though he is trying to "toughen up". The character is made to "go out of his way, to give [Lex tests, so can prove himself". Glover sees the character as a rich and powerful businessman who is disappointed in his son. Glover's goal for season one was to show Lionel's attempts to make Lex tougher; he interprets the character's motto in his raising of Lex as "no risk, no rewards".