Just as Smallville starts making some great strides, they take several huge steps backwards with this episode. Let me clarify my thoughts
I was positively THRILLED when they allowed Clark to show some growth a few episodes ago, by actively putting the whole Lana part of his life behind him. Essentially, he said to her, “you’re a part of my past, your actions don’t affect me anymore, I wish you the best for whatever you end up doing.” That was great. Now, this episode suddenly he realizes he’s still in love with Lana, and he was willing to give up EVERYTHING for her. He was willing to live in a world where Chloe is crazy and dead and where his mother is possibly on anti-depressants and married to Lionel. How messed up is that? The two people in the world who have actually stuck by him, through thick and thin, and have truly trusted him throughout everything, will no longer be a part of his life. But he’s willing to give all of that up for a girl who has been a genuine bitch for a few years now.
I was really glad when they started hinting towards a relationship (or, at the very least, romantic feelings) between Clark and Lois. THAT needs to be the focus of the show. Any feelings he has for Lana need to be let go, especially since so much of this season is about Clark’s growth.
Another reason why I hate Lana: Her sudden feeling of entitlement. Not so much this episode, but a few episodes ago where she felt Clark owed it to her to tell her how she feels about her. Apparently it’s Clark’s problem that she’s having second thoughts about her relationship with Lex. Fact of the matter is, Lana has been cold and, at times, downright cruel to Clark .he does not owe her anything. Along with that, Miss Honesty continues to criticize Clark for hiding things from her (despite the fact that they’re not together), yet he had to find out about their engagement from Chloe (and the newspaper), and her pregnancy from Lex. In fact, when is the last time Lana was actually honest with Clark, unless it benefited her in some way?
Additionally, consider how incredibly awesome the Justice League episode was, sans Lana. It had all the essential aspects: villainous Lex, sidekick Chloe, complex Lionel, motherly Martha, plain old Lois I mean, Lana’s presence only would have held the show back (which it already does).
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a WHOLE LOT right about this show. Lex’s character is absolutely spot-on. His gradual turn towards the dark side was done phenomenally, to the point that his behavior as the explicit villain in the Justice League episode fit like a glove. I could definitely do without his relationship with Lana, however I think the writers are doing a nice job of showing that she’s just as much a trophy to him as a girlfriend. Especially the way he constantly flaunts his relationship with her to Clark. One thing I don’t get, though: Lex constantly says to Clark “your days of just waltzing into my house are over.” We know Lex has security guards, and I think it’s safe to assume he’s not using his abilities to get into the house so how exactly IS Clark getting inside?
Lionel remains one of the true highlights of the show. I particularly enjoyed how he is willingly working alongside Lex in some dastardly deeds (especially with his work in 33.1), and by the drop of a hat he shows his loyalty to Clark (immediately coming to his defense when Lex says one of the guards heard Clark’s voice). Is Lionel a good guy with bad ways? Or is he a bad guy who has a soft spot? Are his intentions genuine, or is his alliance with Clark just to get with Martha? Lionel is without a doubt one of the most intriguing and enjoyable aspects of this show.
Chloe continues to be a fantastic character, and I was actually intrigued by the miscommunication that resulted in her believing that Clark was the Green Arrow. Ultimately, I’m glad they cleared things up, however. Two things I found especially sweet: Chloe’s desire for Clark to hear how much Lois enjoyed kissing him, and Clark and Chloe’s touching talk at the conclusion of this past episode, with Clark telling her how much she means to him. Along with Lionel, Chloe is one of the best developed characters on the show.
I really enjoyed the Green Arrow’s story arc, particularly his role in making Clark realize that there is a world outside of Smallville and Metropolis. He’s also made Clark realize he needs to be more pro-active, as he can’t simply wait for a problem to become personal before intervening. The Justice League episode was also really great, although I’m shocked that they didn’t take the opportunity to make a subtle joke about how the actor who plays the Green Arrow portrayed Aqua Man in the series’ pilot episode. Or maybe they did and I missed it. However, they did make a joke about how Lois gets around, so all’s good.
Next week is another red kryptonite episode, which are always enjoyable (especially since he seems to be getting it on with Lois). So, basically, there’s whole lot great about the show, and one little thing wrong… stands about 5’4″, Canadian, absolutely gorgeous, and probably a great person in real life. Character just needs to go…
