So Smallville returns after a rather lengthy absence (damn you, CW!) and we’re only a few episodes away from the big series finale. And, again, we have a glasses-less Clark!
For what it’s worth, most people have defended the lack of glasses as Clark just being around his friends – people who already know his secret, thus making it unnecessary to “disguise” himself. This is a fair enough point, but I still think it takes a bit away from the episode that was completely devoted to Clark donning those iconic glasses. And we’re so close to the end that it’d be so easy for him to wear the glasses for the remainder of the season. But anyway, it looks like he’s wearing them next week (according to the preview), so perhaps I’m nitpicking over nothing.
Speaking of next week, I’m going to be in Texas so my review for the episode will be a bit late. Or later than usual, I should say. Let’s get to this week’s episode, though.
Believe it or not, in a rare instance, I much preferred the “B” story over the main story. While I quite like the idea that Clark had the potential to grow up into something devious if it weren’t for the Kents, I wasn’t so much a fan of the possibility that the Kents’ marriage would fall apart if it hadn’t been for the arrival of Clark in their lives. There was always something so wholesome and pure about the Kents and their marriage, that the possibility of their relationship falling apart if not for one turn of events is troubling. To be honest, it just seemed like they wanted to squeeze in one more John Schneider appearance and Clark/Jonathan reunion before the end of the series.
This is nitpicking a bit, but I had a bit of a tough time with the fact that alterworld Jonathan and Lois so easily believed Clark’s story. I know Lois had history with him, due to their rooftop moment, but still, it seemed strange that our Clark is so sincere that people in this world could forget that Clark Luthor is this despicably evil person. On the other hand, I quite enjoyed the way that Lois and Tess deduced that alterClark was not their Clark. The telescope thing was a little heavy handed, but I liked Lois noticing Clark’s non-reaction to the police sirens, and Tess taking note of Clark rubbing his pinky, where his ring usually is.
The “B” story, on the other hand, I found rather touching a nice. Clark and Lois’ decision to sell the farm and move to Metropolis was both a significant moment for the fans who have watched the show for the past decade, and for the people anxiously waiting for the moment that Smallville essentially becomes Superman. And this was a big moment in making that happen. I especially liked the fact that Martha didn’t push them to do it – she just gave them the property and left the decision up to them. And I enjoyed the way Lois and Clark each reacted to the decision. I can’t place my finger on why, but Lois sitting on the bench on the porch, with Clark sitting on the floor in front of her, leaning against the bench, was such a warm visual. It felt very understated and real. Clark wearing his father’s jacket, while the two enjoyed a beer together, just made it that much nicer.
By the way, it was also great seeing Terrence Stamp return as Jor-El. Much of this season has been about bringing back characters from the past – Martha and Jonathan, Lionel and Lex, Kara, the Justice League – but Jor-El’s presence has been sorely missed this season. I certainly hope we get a proper (i.e. touching) resolution to the tumultuous relationship between Clark and his birth father.
