While this was essentially a filler episode, I actually quite enjoyed it once it found its groove. And I have to admit, I was slightly concerned when I saw the previews. I mean, I wasn’t all too eager seeing Clark’s love interest masquerading as a superhero so soon after that Lana debacle. But once it became clear that this wasn’t a legitimate attempt to make Lois into a hero, that worry was gone. And once it became obvious that this episode was REALLY intended to make Clark realize that Lois provides everything that Lana had lacked (at least, that’s how I saw it), I started getting really into it.
To her credit, Lana was in awe of Clark and did what she could to relate to – and to an extent, understand – what Clark has experienced. But did it ever really occur to her to sit down and listen to what he had to say? As Lana’s tenure on the show came to a close, it became abundantly obvious how power hungry she was. And that makes me wonder, was she that much better than Lionel? Lionel did some admirable things, but he was greatly motivated by the inherent power that comes with an association with the most impressive entity on earth. While I don’t think Lana was as explicit or malicious – or perhaps even conscious – regarding this motive, but I do think it was there. She got off on the power.
On the other hand, I don’t think Lois has that ambition. Sure, she wants that front page story, but as we saw in the final moments of this week’s episode, she’s willing to put all of that aside to be a confidant. She’s also expressed that same admiration for Clark the hero, while managing to love Clark the average Joe (which, in fairness, Lana did as well). I guess the difference is that Lana’s attraction towards Clark changed significantly when she found out his secret. I think to a great extent she forgot about Clark the person and could only see Clark the super being. I think that if Lois were to find out his secret, she’d see “Smallville” before she sees “Superman.”
And it was kinda sweet how he took a bullet for her. And I loved how he milked the “injury” later at the Daily Planet.
Rumor has it that a main character is going to be killed off in the finale, and it’s apparently somebody in the opening credits (as in, an ACTUAL main character). As you should all know, I avoid spoilers at all costs, so I haven’t a clue who it’s going to be. And while the show has drifted from the Superman mythos at times by killing characters that are part of the Man of Steel’s future, I don’t think they’re going to take that path with Lois and Jimmy. So I think it’s relatively safe to say that they’re protected. And the articles I’ve read have implied that it’s not going to be one of the characters that just joined the show (meaning Doomsday and Tess). That basically leaves Chloe (and as the Legion episode pointed out, there’s no reference to her in the future), which is my prediction at this time.
Anyway, the reason for this speculation is to make a point. It’s striking to me the way the writers have had these once innocent characters take an extremely dark turn before being written off of the show. First there was Lana, who became so completely obsessed with her anger towards Lex that she pretty much went over the deep end, and now there’s Chloe, who’s literally throwing out dead bodies in the dumpster behind her apartment. It’s practically impossible to remember these girls as the bright eyed, wholesome teenagers we first met eight years ago. That’s not a criticism, exactly, just a disturbing observation.
Speaking of Chloe, did you hear her drop the “D” word? I know she and Jimmy have referred to each other as “their ex,” but I guess I assumed that they were merely separated. Doesn’t divorce take, like, a lot of time? Additionally, isn’t that an awfully traumatic thing to go through at that age (or at any age, really)? And incredibly abrupt? I think I would have just preferred the writers kept them separated.
And I’ll say it once again: Does anybody here want to see Jimmy Olsen – drug addict, crook, and general asshole?
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.
