After a small break that seemed far too long, the seventh season of Smallville picked back up last Thursday and it sent some dark themes our way that I’m not used to seeing from this show.
The creative forces behind Smallville have been hard at work, or have at least pulled out some stops for this episode in their ongoing reinterpretation of the Superman mythology.
OK, I’ve teased long enough here. If you haven’t seen the episode yet, I’m putting out some episode spoilers after the break.
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The last wraith from the phantom zone (Bizarro) takes Clark’s place (Tom Welling) thinking he’s gone and he even fools Lana, (Kristin Kreuk) to the point of us seeing Clark and Lana having a healthy, open relationship that makes Lana happy (and us a brief reprieve from the usual tense subterfuge that goes on between them). However it’s taken to the point of them sleeping together and I thought that crossed a line. That made the whole thing much more disturbing than the usual case of mistaken identity.
Meanwhile, Brainiac (James Marsters) played both Clarks against each other to locate the Kryptonian who built him to help repair himself… yes, there is yet another Kryptonian on Earth. Considering the manner in which Brainiac extracts the info he needed, however - I don’t think we’ll be seeing him again.
Grant (Michael Cassidy) tells Lionel (John Glover) he’s a clone of his dead son, Julian. This drives a visible wedge between Lionel and Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) and Lionel is disgusted by this new deed by Lex. With Grant going against Lex’s wishes to not tell anyone, Lex has his own cloned brother killed and though Lex is driven to make his point with this deed, it obviously hits home hard as we see the anguish that may finally push Lex over the edge we’ve all been expecting for seven seasons.
With Lex at a new low, and this Lana / Bizarro thing looking like it’s taking it’s emotional toll on Clark and Lana (mot to mention, me) I think we’re going to see some new, deeper character developments that they are all going to have to confront.
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7 Comments
Random thoughts on the episode
* Bizarro’s escape from the Martian Manhunter’s prison was glossed over. But then, his initial punishment was hastily explained earlier.
* I love the effect of the metallic, fragmented face.
* Bizarro’s parting sentiments toward Lana make it harder to hate the guy!
* I suppose the revelation of this other Kryptonian is all the explanation for the Smallville caves?
* I’m glad we weren’t left to wonder whether Lex or Lionel killed Julian. Been there, done that.
* Lex is ruthless, but Brainiac seems pretty powerful. Ahem, movie makers!!!
* I don’t like seeing a classic comic book hero sleeping around. This isn’t the first time “Clark” and Lana have done it. I’m surprised DC allowed them to go this direction–or to have Lana discover Clark’s powers. Those seem to violate the “canon.” And yet, the show is intent on keeping Clark from flying (under normal circumstances).
Jim,
Yea, sometimes we get glossed over explanations, but if the ensuing storyline makes up for it, then I let it slide to some degree.. as long as they don’t do it too much.
Remember, on his parting statements: Bizarro is very confused, or bizarre.
Yea, we’re getting into too many Kryptonians being on Earth. Did you recognize who played Dax though?
Yes - Brainiac can be a real thorn in Clarks side.. and present a physical, and mental challenge to the pre-supes dude.
DC actually already went in this ‘relationship’ direction some years ago with the comic book. In the book, Lana became a past thing, who was the ONLY one who knew ‘about’ him, but in later years, Clark ends up proposing to Lois.. and it was classic when he revealed his secret, Lois split a rib laughing at him initially.. But that’s the comic Book and this “reinvented” mythos of Superman has thrown me for a loop.
Thanks for writing Jim.
“Lex is ruthless, but Brainiac seems pretty powerful. Ahem, movie makers!!!”
LOL, I’m with you, Jim!
Enough with Lex in the movies already…
And Bruce, yes, I did notice the actor.
Vic
Did anyone watch last night’s episode with the Black Canary?
Worst. Episode. EVER.
Vic
^I have to disagree, Vic. I really enjoyed that episode and there have been worse episodes. Besides, how can you hate an episode with a hot woman in fishnet stockings and boots???
One thing that always confused me on Smallville is what happened to Lex’s other brother, forget his name but he wasn’t Julian he was in an episode in like season 2, he was riding a motorcyle or being shot at by a man riding a motorcyle and clark saved him?
This week’s was better than most.
[ [ SPOILER WARNING ] ]
There was a small green glint (reflection) in Lionel’s eye when Lex identified the body. I liked the early symbolism when Clark and Lex walked on opposite sides of a line of spectators. I liked how he said “no one will even remember your name” because of course the name Lex is a fairly household word in Clark’s later years.
However, I was frustrated that Clark gave up MANY chances to find or obtain the key. Does anyone want to tell me if comic lore describes a way to “control” “the traveller” or the results of using the two keys?
What's your opinion? Leave a comment!