So Smallville has returned for its ninth season (hard to believe, isn’t it?) In a lot of ways, this series is barely recognizable when compared to when it first premiered, with Lex, Lana, Lionel, Jonathan, Martha, and Pete having all been written off. Even classic characters like Kara and Jimmy, who dropped by for a cup of coffee, are no longer on the show.
Not that this is a criticism. Actually, I think trimming down the cast and limiting it, to the most part, with characters that are essential to the Superman mythology is what the series needs at this point. I do wish Lex were still on, but if this season is destined to focus on Clark’s love for Lois and his ability to fly, there will be no complaints from me.
Why not start with those two story points, then. I’m glad that they’ve finally acknowledged that Clark’s not flying, and that they’ve provided some sort of explanation of why. I just hope that they’re not dead set on holding off until the finale before having him succeed. The fact that they’re making it a central aspect of the story (at least it seems that way), I’m cautiously optimistic.
I also enjoyed Jor-El’s advice. Paraphrasing here, but basically telling Clark that strength doesn’t come from sacrificing and rejecting those he cares about. Instead, it’s overcoming the emotional obstacles that inherently come with caring about others. It’s a bit ironic that Jor-El, in his wise words, is actually encouraging Clark to embrace his humanity.
I really loved everything involving Clark and Lois. It started off great, with Clark’s unrestrained glee at seeing Lois in the train. It was great, because it was the only time he let down his guard and allowed himself to show happiness – even if just briefly. I loved that he was the only person he was willing to do that for. I also thought it was great when he realized that SHE was the one thing distracting him. Honestly, when he said, “I have to say good bye to HER,” I had fears that they were going to have Clark seek out Lana. I would have vomited if that had happened.
I also appreciated Chloe’s continued realization that she’s slowly but surely being phased out and replaced by Lois. She was once Clark’s right hand man – now she finds out that he’s been having secret conversations with Lois. And after going into hiding for three weeks, he reemerges because Lois is back on the scene. It also did a nice job of adding some legitimate tension to their confrontation later on, when Chloe begged Clark to go back in time to save Jimmy. It was one of those great, emotionally charged arguments in which both sides had a sensible, rational, and emotional stance. Chloe had sacrificed a lot for Clark – and it’s also true that Jimmy’s death wasn’t because of anything Jimmy did. Instead, he was the victim of circumstances – circumstances that occurred because of the decisions made by Clark and Chloe. But by that same token, Clark understands more than anybody what can happen if you attempt to change destiny.
I haven’t quite decided how I feel about Clark all decked out in black, ditching the “Red/Blue” qualifier of his “Blur” persona. My two only qualms with it are that the red and blue are such a central part of the Superman mythos….why ditch that just as he’s BECOMING that character? And secondly, it’s all a little to Batman-esque. But the Powers that Be have retracted their previous statements that this season will be dark, so I’m somewhat expecting him to ditch the black digs. Although it is a pretty cool outfit.
What else? I’m not completely sold on the whole Tess/Zod thing, just because I don’t really understand what’s going on. Her character has grown on me, though. Her “ends justify the means” mentality is fun, as she’s willing to get her hands dirty if the results bring something good (sorta like Lionel, actually).
I’m interested in seeing how Oliver’s descent plays out. Although it did bring upon an observation: Is it me, or has the series suddenly taken the 90210 route of incorporating very unnatural and forced sounding nicknames? Ollie? Lo? Chlo? Let’s simmer down with those.
Although Not-Real-Jimmy’s “C.K.” was pretty cool.
Matt Basilo has been writing for Inside Pulse since April 2005, providing his insight into popular television shows such as Lost, 24, Heroes, and Smallville. You can visit his blog at [a case of the blog].
