I don’t recall ever being so simultaneously compelled yet disappointed with a single episode of Smallville. I was honestly engaged throughout, and I thought the flashback plot device was handled wonderfully. Yet when the episode ended, I was severely disappointed. I daresay that it left me dissatisfied with the series as whole.
I honestly do wonder who the powers that be are writing this whole Clark/Lana love story for. At this point in time, I really don’t know WHO they think want to see this. Fans, critics, and you would think the producers (based on their various interviews) are all done with this relationship, and they’re anxiously awaiting the fruition of Clark and Lois. I can just imagine the writer who suggested this idea: “Hey, you know how we’ve been doing an absolutely phenomenal job building up this Clark/Lois romance? Well, let’s completely throw that relationship aside, temporarily write Lois out of the series, and have Clark get back together with Lana. But get this…..she’s got – wait for it – SUPER POWERS now!”
One of the things that really bothered me was the closing scene. Lois and Clark (or Superman) having a personal or romantic moment at the top of the Daily Planet is a ritual of sorts. And the image of Clark (or, again, Superman) kissing Lois at the top of the building, with the Daily Planet globe, is something iconic. I don’t think it’s unfair to say that the writers kinda pissed on that sacred imagery. Honestly, that EXACT shot….from the talk where they decide they CAN be together, to Clark professing that that’s what he wants, to the kiss, to the zoom out where we see the Daily Planet….that could have been the perfect way to end the series. But with Lois, not Lana. And I have to wonder: For what reason did they decide to tarnish it? Was there any conceivable reason why that scene had to take place at the Daily Planet, and not the barn? Or the Talon? Or anywhere else? It’s almost as if they were purposely alluding to the classic Lois/Clark image, but saying, “Nah, this is how WE see it…”
The fact of the matter is that it’s become abundantly clear over the past two years that Lana’s hatred for Lex is far more powerful than her love for Clark. And the natural conclusion of the episode should have been him coming to this realization and accepting it. And it shouldn’t end with Clark boo-hooing about how he’s not the center of Lana’s world. Honestly, Clark never looks weaker than when he’s with Lana. I’m being completely serious….this girl is absolutely twisted. She’s so insanely disturbed that I have to wonder what he even sees in her anymore.
And I understand that bringing Lana back was necessary in order to adequately bring closure to that relationship. But that’s not what’s happening. In fact, the entire series has come to a halt in favor of Lana. Lois and Jimmy have been written out altogether. Same goes for Green Arrow. And Chloe only appears to advance the plot, which inevitably revolves around Lana. And really, I cannot express to how you much I don’t want to see the Super Lana Hour!
And what kills me is that Lana easily could have returned without all of this nonsense. Why couldn’t they just be friends? The character of Chloe has improved by leaps and bounds when she stopped obsessing over Clark and became a multi-dimensional character (and for that matter, Clark looks REALLY p-whipped due to the fact that everybody else is able to get over their past loves, but he can’t). Why couldn’t Clark and Lana develop this sort of relationship? This would have likely rectified the negative backlash the Lana character has sustained over the years.
I don’t want this column to be TOO negative, so I will once again mention that I really enjoyed the use of flashbacks to reveal what had happened to Lana over the past seven months (and I repeat: This girl is f’n twisted). And I loved how Clark’s investigative side entered the spotlight. And I actually didn’t mind his sense of urgency and concern over Lana’s well being. I could totally see him behaving the same exact way if it had been Lois or Chloe in that situation.
That’s it for this week. But really….the powers that be NEED to move past this Clark/Lana garbage. It’s getting ridiculous, and it’s bringing down an otherwise incredible season.
Matt Basilo has been writing for Inside Pulse since April 2005, providing his insight into popular television shows such as Lost, Heroes, Prison Break, and Smallville. You can visit his blog at A Case of the Blog.
