Over the past 25 years there's been a shift in the quality of TV and motion-picture programming. TV shows have generally gotten better, while movies have gotten worse.
The improvement in TV shows was particularly noticeable in fantasy and science-fiction. For example, "Hercules: the Legendary Journeys" and "Xena -- Warrior Princess" were treated largely as dramas, with believable characterizations and plausible interpersonal interactions -- that is, they were primarily character-driven, rather than plot-driven. Though there was plenty of action, the stories were /not/ generally built around having the hero step in and resolve problems by force. This /was/ the basic plot line of most "Adventures of Superman" episodes. *
"Panic in the Sky" was a welcome change. Superman has a terrible problem that can't be solved with his super powers. And that's what elevates this episode above all the others. (The "Lois & Clark" remake -- "All Shook Up" -- is atrocious. It quite misses the point of the original.)
George Reeves was not a "great" actor (though anyone who could hold his own against Claudette Colbert deserves respect), but he is completely convincing. It's impossible to think of George Reeves -- who belongs near the top of a short list of beloved actors -- without wanting to cry.
George, we didn't love you because you played Superman. We loved you because your basic goodness and decency were always visible. X-ray vision was never needed.
* Though the first-season episodes mostly follow this pattern, it would be unkind and ungracious not to recognize their distinctive noirish atmosphere. Produced by Robert Maxwell, they are strictly adult in their sensibilities, not at all kiddie fare. They are often quite violent and sometimes just plain nasty, suggesting John Meston's "Gunsmoke" scripts. ("The Stolen Costume" and "The Evil Three" would rightly receive a TV-14 rating.) Considering just the first season, "Adventures of Superman" remains one of the all-time-great TV series. (Yes, I'm ranking it with "The Sopranos", "Deadwood", "Breaking Bad", "Rocky & Bullwinkle", etc.)