Continuing the trend of this season in which the story shifts between three different arcs, we had a very enjoyable Luthor-centric episode this past week. Best of all, the episode featured the return of the supremely talented John Glover, portraying the patriarch of the infamous family, Lionel.
The hour saw us travel to a (darker, bluer) universe in which Clark was raised by Lionel Luthor. As a result of his devilish upbringing, Clark was a heartless, seemingly promiscuous killer (one who apparently expenses prostitutes) that prowls the streets as Ultraman. Oh, and he hooks up with his not-blood-related half sister. At the Kent Farm, of all places (was THAT ever explained?) And he killed Lex. Long story short: He’s no Boy Scout (I’m sure some people were disappointed that we didn’t see more of evil Clark in the real universe, but to be perfectly honest the story didn’t call for that. It would have just eaten time, rather unnecessarily).
While the episode was loads of fun – and it really was enjoyable seeing a sinister Clark Kent (I love how nonchalantly he told Tess he’d kill her) – I wasn’t completely sold on the idea that he could be so supremely evil simply because Lionel had raised him. My problem with it is that it takes the impact away from the people Clark and Lex grow up to be. To say that Clark becomes Superman and Lex becomes an evil genius simply because of their upbringing is a bit of a tragic outlook. I prefer to think that Lex’s descent was something inevitable. Meanwhile, while the Kents were Clark’s moral compass, I’d like to think he’s a genuinely good guy that would have grown up into something noble and proud even without their guidance. But I guess that’s just nitpicking, because it was an absolute thrill seeing Lionel again.
And how typical is it of Lionel to lace Clark’s foil with blue kryptonite to prevent him from using his natural abilities while they fence? And despite being brief, how incredibly awesome was it seeing Lionel and Tess sharing a scene together? These two are so incredibly twisted and complex (and perhaps above all else, insecure about their nature and legacy) that seeing them trade barbs was a pure joy.
My one qualm with the episode was Clark’s complete condemnation of Lionel. Near the end of Lionel’s life, Clark reluctantly came to view him as almost a father figure (indeed, Lionel’s funeral scene mirrored that of Jonathan’s). And although his methods and even motives were questionable, Lionel literally sacrificed his life in order to protect Clark’s secret. Even in his final moments, Lionel wouldn’t give up the truth about Clark to Lex – and it cost him his life. Sure, there were reasons to distrust him, but the guy wasn’t pure poison, and Clark knew that.
It also appears that Lionel may be back, for good. I find this supremely intriguing. Sure, some might view it as a bit of a cheat, but c’mon. This is the final season, and it’s been years since the character has been on the show. This isn’t some desperate measure to save a sinking show. This seems like a legitimate twist that adds another layer to an already interesting story. And for what it’s worth, I don’t expect to see Lionel back in any regular capacity. I anticipate that this’ll be like much of the rest of the season – we’ll go several episodes without seeing a certain character or story point, and then it’ll abruptly pop up again weeks later.
By the way, I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who though that Lionel’s closing scene (where he essentially talks right to the camera) was rather hokey. It was on the cusp, but I like to think of it as an allusion to the old George Reeves series, where Superman would turn to the camera and acknowledge the audience. That’s how I’m choosing to see it, anyway.
