I’m beginning to think that Smallville is just sending Clark to different universes and dimensions because the director likes to use these different lighting effects, what with the lens filter of the Luthor world and the lens flare of the Phantom Zone.
Anyway, this episode saw the return of two familiar characters – Oliver (unfortunately not yet sporting the familiar comic book Green Arrow goatee) and last season’s main villain, Zod (fortunately looking very similar to the Terrance Stamp movie bearded version). This episode also brought attention back to Darkseid, and I can’t help but wonder if they took their approach a bit TOO slowly this season. We’re down to, what, two episodes now? We haven’t seen Granny Goodness, likely the most interesting of the three minions, in what feels like forever. I suppose I expected them to not physically unveil Darkseid until the final couple of episodes, but I do wonder if their “slow burn” was a bit too slow.
As the season progressed, I had suggested that they pace themselves with the “big” moments (much like Lost – they didn’t make every single major reveal in the final episode. Significant moments occurred throughout the season). For the most part, they’ve seemingly gone in the opposite direction, saving almost everything for the final two episodes. Just think, in two episodes we will see Lois and Clark get married, Lex return, Darkseid appear and (presumably) get defeated, Clark don the Superman costume, Clark take the Superman name, and Clark fly. Yet two full episodes were devoted to him putting on glasses and acting clumsy.
Keep in mind that this is not necessarily a criticism, as I think the series has done a phenomenal job of handling virtually every one of the major “Superman” moments. They’ve definitely earned the benefit of the doubt here, but I do wonder if they should have scattered things out throughout the season. This is assuming, of course, that all of the aforementioned events actually happen.
But anyway, this episode did do a nice job of reminding the viewers of Darkseid, closing up the Zod storyline, and progressing Oliver’s descent into the darkness (although Clark was a little more oblivious than usual during his closing discussion with Oliver). But hey, how could you complain when you see some kick ass fighting scenes, and we actually got a glimpse of Clark wearing the iconic red cape (granted, it was a gladiator garb version). The Phantom Zone battles also accentuated Clark’s moral code – even during his darkest Blur-in-Black days, he was never willing to cross that line (the one that allies like Chloe, Oliver, Tess, Lionel and arguably Lana have been willing to cross).
And finally, this episode did a wonderful job of establishing Lois’ role in Clark’s superhero lifestyle. Is it her job to be selfless and share him with the world, even if it means sacrificing her husband, or is she the one person who must always look out for his best interests, when others can’t see the forest for the trees? The Spider-Man movies portrayed Mary Jane as somebody willing to sacrifice Peter for the greater good. This episode did a nice job of showing that Lois IS willing to do that, but that doesn’t mean she’s willing to just sit idly by and everybody blindly listens to his orders. Her faith in Clark’s ability to succeed meant waiting three weeks for him to return, even when it looked hopeless.
Besides which, this gave them a nice excuse to fast forward several weeks so that they could have the wedding next week.
By the way, how incredibly awesome does that Lex Luthor Smallville finale promo look? Gave me chills. Utterly, utterly incredible! I’m psyched!!
