(S01E17) Finally, an episode of Smallville that didn't make me cringe and seemed closer to Buffy than 90210. There was actual character development, good dialogue, and a decent plot. I haven't enjoyed an episode this much since "Legion." Perhaps that's a sign that in order to get a good episode of Smallville you need superhero guest stars.Lots of comic book references in this episode, from the mention of helping Bart in Keystone in the beginning to the appearance of Zatanna, who was speaking her spells backwards just like her comic book counterpart (and the storyline of finding her father does bear similarities to her comic book origin). And for long-time fans of the show, there were plenty of references to previous continuity.
I recognize that the whole "switching bodies" concept has been on television in one form or another since its invention by Professor Farnsworth, but it was done in a very clever fashion this episode. It was a nice switch to have the antagonist be a misunderstood hero rather than an unrepentant villain.
Lois must be a damn superstar at the Daily Planet. She's got servants (or interns or whatever) who do her cleaning plus she flies first class. What newspaper splurges on first class for its reporters? Lois isn't even a senior reporter (or maybe she is, given the youth of the cast. How long has she been there?). Don't they know print media is dying? In future incarnations of Superman, the Daily Planet is likely going to be a website rather than a newspaper.
Obviously, Chloe is upset at losing Jimmy last episode, but her recovery did seem a little swift. However, it is television so I'll grant the writers that one in an effort to move the story along. It's nice that out of the trauma she can become the Smallville universe's version of Oracle (because Barbara Gordon was already used in the short-lived Birds of Prey).
Along with Chloe, Clark had some good character development as well. We learned that for all his powers, Clark wants nothing more than to be a normal person (that is, ignorant and powerless), but his strong sense of responsibility conflicts with this desire of passivity. We also got to see the Lois/Clark relationship flesh out a little more.
All those who enjoy seeing Erica Durance in tight clothing, raise your hands. That sweater she was wearing was practically a sports bra. She also did a really convincing Chloe impression. How come the real Lois didn't recognize her own voice on the phone?
Why did Zatanna have to perform the spell to reincarnate her father at the top of the Daily Planet? The practical reason is to save money on sets, but surely there must be rooftops in Metropolis that aren't so obvious.
A central watchtower has now been established for the Justice League (with an even bigger membership that now includes Zatanna). This is obviously a set up for the season finale. Here's hoping that the show continues its improvement in storytelling quality. Next week: Clark vs. Doomsday.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-27-2009 @ 7:48AM
Jason said...
I agree. This was the best episode to come along in a while. Leads me to believe the actors on the set are only as good as the material, because everyone held their own this week when they've been slacking in weeks previous. It's all about the writers.
"How come the real Lois didn't recognize her own voice on the phone?"
-Try recording your own voice and listen back. It sounds different to most people because you cannot hear how your own voice sounds unless you record it. Everything you hear when you speak is contaminated by your own bone structure and internal body cavities and density.
I never get tired of Erica. She could have her own show where all she does is peel lemons, and I'd still tune in.
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3-27-2009 @ 9:17AM
Diana said...
"How come the real Lois didn't recognize her own voice on the phone?"
Your own voice can sound very different to you if you hear a recording of yourself or something. Besides, there was a lot of background noise.
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3-27-2009 @ 8:32AM
tcc3 said...
I'm still waiting for Clark to fight teenage Doomsday. Maybe teenage Darkseid will guest star. Then Nanny can patch up both their booboos (+1 Muppet Babies reference)
The DC universe guest stars are stupid. Its amazing everone doesn't know adult superman's secret identity.
Have they even done a Legion of Superheroes ep yet? *That* would at least be an appropriate guest.
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3-28-2009 @ 11:22AM
Edward said...
how many episodes have you watched?
3-27-2009 @ 9:25AM
ConspiracyGuy said...
Did the sound editor mix Allison Mack's voice with Erica Durance's when Erica Durance was acting as Chloe? I could have sworn at times I was hearing Chloe's voice as Lois was speaking.
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3-27-2009 @ 9:57AM
Edward said...
Is the CW trying to save money by using the same teasers week after week?
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3-27-2009 @ 11:03AM
Vince Barco said...
I enjoyed it for what it was. Poor Chloe has been the punching bag for the entire show's run and she did need a new role (other than victim) now that Lois has taken her place at the Planet. It seemed like the writers are recognizing that Chloe was a stand-in for the Lois Lane character until they got the real deal.
Still think Erica should die on the show and be replaced by her cousin who dyes her blond hair black to assume the role of Lois Lane, spunky reporter.
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3-27-2009 @ 11:52AM
mccalvert89 said...
I totally agree with you! Back when SV first started, there were rumors going around that Chloe was actually going to end up as Lois but the writers killed that by bringing in Erica.
3-27-2009 @ 11:06AM
Krissy said...
This was the first episode of Smallville that I've enjoyed in a long while.
I agree, the show's potential seems to lie in the writing. All the actors were strong (including the guest star!) and enjoyable to watch. I think Bryan Q Miller might be the best writer Smallville has had. (Can he supervise all future scripts?!)
Tom Welling was wonderful in this episode. Clark had charm and intelligence and resembled the Clark Kent most of us have been waiting to see. TW did 'dork' fantastically. I hope the rest of the writers will let Clark do more than brood and whine. In "Hex," Clark had the most personality I think I've seen (when he's not on red K, etc.)
Erica Durance did a great job portraying Chloe. (I bet ED and AM had a great time on set.) For the most part, I really felt like I was watching Chloe. A few of the facial expressions and stances were *so* Chloe that I couldn't help but be impressed.
Chloe's pity party was annoying but mostly understandable. I was confused because she had quit the Planet and we have seen absolutely no interest in journalism from her this season. I'm glad she's found a place as a SV version of Oracle. Definitely suits her skill set. It seems like SV never knows what to do with Chloe. She changes her mind regarding Clark and the RRB the way Lana had a new obsession every season.
I loved the insight into the Lois and Clark dynamic. They really are close friends and I hope we start seeing a little more of that on the show. I love how we finally see that Clark is falling for Lois. The mutual denial and focusing on friendship is awesome. I want to see lot's of friendship, flirting and denial. So much fun to watch!
And yay for being able to see Clark and Chloe being the good friends we are supposed to believe. (Instead of Chloe always telling Clark what to do or googling him the answers to stop the bad guy.) I'm glad we got to see them supporting each other and trying to help each other with their relationship problems.
And while the cousin-love took place off-screen, I'm glad Chloe told Lois about what happened and about the framed rules. I miss the Chlo-Lo fun and hijinks of season 4 and 5.
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3-27-2009 @ 9:01PM
joe said...
also, with the help of chloe, he came the closet to almost flying, about time!!!!!!!!!
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3-29-2009 @ 10:55AM
Ric Kaysen said...
I thought it was more than almost flying. Maybe I missed something but when Chloe says "up, up and away" and Clark makes that dramatic crouch and leap, I thought..."Finally!" It was a pretty iconic pose. He seemed to be making intentional flight a reality for himself after the lecture from Chloe.
3-30-2009 @ 6:55AM
Deezy said...
Forget you haters. I love Smallville and everyone who plays on it
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4-17-2009 @ 2:22PM
Ronald said...
Dear Sirs:
i'M TIRED OF SEEING JUST CLARK IN THE SMALLVILLE SERIES. WHEN ARE GOING TO BRING SUPERMAN INTO THE SERIES INSTEAD OF ONLY CLARK. IN MY OPIONION ITS TIME FOR SUPERMAN TO MAKE HIS DAYVIEW. AND CLARK TO TAKE ON HIS NEWSPAPER REPORTER JOB SERIOUS AND TAKE ON HIS REAL IDENTITY AS CRIM FIGHTER AND SUPERMAN.
PLEASE REPLY AND FILL ME IN ON MY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR SMALLVILLE SERIES. THANK YOU.
BORED
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4-18-2009 @ 10:38AM
Dale Ingramm said...
Long time fan of the show. Hopefully the stars and network are commited to staying with the show for a few more seasons. Would agree some of the recents episodes have dragged on, but understandably hitting it out of the park, staying on budget is difficult to do week after week. It seems to me that Clark's apparal (jeans ad tea shirt) represent his alter ego "Superman". The color (red and blue) certainly match, minus of course the cape. Great show keep them coming. D
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4-27-2009 @ 9:09PM
avan -luckié- o'so sexXxy said...
i am an avid comic book reader in general.. well, mostly DC and Marvel but others as well...
Smallville is a pretty good interpretation so far of how pre-Superman era
They added and change some things around which I don't mind since that is perfectly expected.
I still do not understand how they could not have implemented the glasses as of yet..
And also, no Bruce Wayne. Even though, they've brought less known characters from DC such as Zatanna and Black Canary. Instead they focus on Green Arrow, which I believe could have been Bruce Wayne's.
But then given the timeline, I bet Bruce at this time is probably in training in Far East
*sighs*
I have many many more...
Well,
I trust the writers will acknowledge all these concerns in upcoming new episodes. After all, they're doing a great job so far
(I'm sure I'm not the only one)
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