Lois picspam #5: The Clark's Sexuality Edition

[bop_radar]

This post comes with a disclaimer: this reading is entirely subjective and tongue-in-cheek. As always, this area is open to interpretation. But it's fun to speculate...


Clark's sexuality is ... interesting. Even if you don't accept the slash reading of the show, it's hard to ignore the fact that Clark is a little scared of girls. While he pines after Lana romantically, their (non)relationship is strikingly chaste for the first four seasons. And Clark remains awkward at best in response to other women, even if they're friends...


Though he's compliant enough if they have something in common and they take the lead (and especially if there's RedK involved).


But while Clark's awkward with his female friends expressing interest or affection, he has no problem expressing affection for Lex.


He's definitely seen as a conquest, more often than a conqueror...


And he's more than comfortable with phallic objects (this cap is never going to get old!).


When faced with a group of horny, obsessed fangirls... Clark hides. (Well fangirls are scary, right?)


And so we find him pinned up against a closet. A very PINK closet. Oh, Smallville, how I heart your visual metaphors. *giggle* But what exactly is in that closet? Well, the answer to that is either very simple or very complex depending on your point of view. Numerous essays have been written on the secrets of Clark's sexuality if you want to take the complex path...


or I could just remind you that it was Lois.


You see, Lois messes with Clark's sexuality. He's not used to responding to someone who he doesn't already have a close emotional connection to--most of his partners or potential partners trigger Clark's interest in one of the following ways:
- they share outsider status with him (Alicia's the perfect example)
- they express adoration or intense admiration for him (Lana, Chloe, Lex, etc.)
- they show that they accept him (tapping into his desire to be 'normal').
Lois may be an outsider, but she's not internally tortured about this--and she certainly doesn't obviously adore Clark; she's constantly teasing him. To begin with, they really don't like each other.

And yet his reaction to this...


is this.


From any other straight male 18 year old, you'd think 'normal red-blooded guy', but this is Clark, and his blood isn't normal.


Of course, when they recognise each other, Clark freaks. That's Lois?!


This is his worst nightmare!


Because the thing about Lois is that she doesn't back away from confrontation, and public embarrassment is as nothing to her, if she's on a mission. And she is. She has a murder to solve in this case.


Lois's idea of keeping up appearances is to climb right onto Clark's lap. Oh, the terror! Hee!


Lois is rather demanding. She won't let Clark off the hook--and again, he's not exactly used to that. She insists that he fulfil his side of the bargain by pretending to pay her for services.


He may be uncomfortable with this, but Lois is totally matter-of-fact.


Oh, the anxiety! Poor Clark! ;-)


A season later, Clark and Lois's relationship has developed. They now acknowledge that beneath the snark there is a friendship, even if there are still clear limitations to that. Those limitations generally don't include Lois stroking Clark's palm.


But he's quite happy, if a little embarrassed about the unexpected attention.


And he lets her do this.


What's most notable is that while Lois is under the influence of RedK already, Clark is not. And while he does flee, he also doesn't put up much of a fight. In fact he seems to be fleeing because he knows he's not putting up much of a flight.


When Lois pulls the old back-him-against-a-wall trick, it's all over...


This is not Clark's usual OHNOES!GIRLS face.


An aroused Clark is a pretty Clark.


Lois thinks so too.


Although he does insist on doing it in front of another man's secret closet... but I've already written about that.


When Clark's on RedK, he's all business.


Red!K does bring out the predator in Clark.


It's unusual to see Lois so submissive too.


The only thing that could distract him at this point in time is Lex Lana... Lexana. Still, it took the big guns. ;-)


Joking aside, I think Lois does in some ways represent a more mature sexual interest for Clark than anything we've seen previously. His relationship with Lana was hyper-idealised. It was sweet and romantic but based on an unsustainable illusion, which makes it the perfect 'first love' story. But Lois challenges Clark in a way that Lana doesn't, and she (*cough*) stimulates him in a different way as well. Their friendship will not crumble beneath the weight of secrecy, lies and obsession, as happened with Lex. Their future is that of complementary forces--Clark's physical strength balanced by Lois's forceful personality, creating an environment in which they can both take the lead in the relationship at different times.

Comments

[mskatej.livejournal.com]

YES TIMES A MILLION!!!

The Clois dynamic is incredibly sexy, mostly because of what she does to *him*. He really doesn't know how to handle his attraction to her, but she brings out in him something Lana and Chloe never did: lust. He represses it, sure (because it's Clark we're talking about here), but it's very apparent in certain scenes they share. Like after they kiss when he's the Green Arrow (*points at icon*). He looks so damn excited there it kills me. You're right: an aroused Clark is a very very pretty Clark.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

He represses it, sure (because it's Clark we're talking about here), but it's very apparent in certain scenes they share
Absolutely! And on Clark, it's so very very cute. Your icon is the perfect example. *g* And so very pretty!

[amandajane5.livejournal.com]

Yes! I love the way they unsettle each other!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

They're too cute!

[c-mantix.livejournal.com]

Whee!! How much fun was that!! *twirls*

I'm going to use a Wikiologism and say that Lois 'disambiguates' Clark's sexuality;) I have a working theory that she also provides him with a great example of what it means to stand by your values and fight for them (without passing 'Go' or taking a full-season to woobie it out).

In your last picspam, someone made a parallel btw Lois and Scarlett O'Hara (so apt!). Here, I'll invoke the resemblance to Emma Peel. Of course, Clark is the anti-Steed. Mwahaha.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

she also provides him with a great example of what it means to stand by your values and fight for them (without passing 'Go' or taking a full-season to woobie it out)
Heee! I'll back that. ;-)

Emma Peel. Of course, Clark is the anti-Steed. Mwahaha.
Hee! Nice! I like the Emma Peel resemblance. *g*

[latteaddict.livejournal.com]

yowza! they are certainly a charged pairing!

The flustered, embarrassed face on Clark when Lois is going for him in Crimson is too adorable. It's like Clark feels a little bit naughty for getting so easily swept up in Lois. I think Clark likes to think himself as being above all that 'human-y' stuff.

Great picspam. I'm thoroughly enjoying these!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

It's like Clark feels a little bit naughty for getting so easily swept up in Lois. I think Clark likes to think himself as being above all that 'human-y' stuff.
I think you're right. ;-) Hee! And it's so fun to watch the future Superman get all swept away... I think Tom does a fantastic job of playing him in these situations.

[jeannev.livejournal.com]

This Lois picspam has been a lot of fun. As you know, it totally inspired me to Clark picspam.

I have to admit, I'm a bit more ambivalent about Lois overall, but not when it comes to the sexual compatablity I sense when it comes to her and Clark. And I really like that she's more of a physical match for him than Lana and Chloe. She never looks like she's going to break, or that he could pick her up and tuck her into his shirt pocket, and thats sexy.

I think one of my favorite scenes between Clois where I find the sexual chemistry incredibly apparent was the end of Crimson, where she comes to the barn to find out what exactly happened between them. In fact, its my favorite Clois scene. Clark is actually flirting, even if he's not entirely aware he's doing it. And its so rare to see him be the one thats showing confidence in a conversation thats about sex. And he's having fun! How often does that happen? And maybe its just me, but I always got the sense that as mortifying as the whole experiance was for Lois, finding out that she had sex with Clark wouldn't have been that terrible. Well, except she wouldn't remember what it was like, and I believe that would nag away at her. Because I do believe that Lois is physically attracted to Clark. And I do love how the teasing turns serious when Lois says "I must've really liked you". Its a very good Clois moment, with lots and lots of sparks.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

She never looks like she's going to break, or that he could pick her up and tuck her into his shirt pocket, and thats sexy.
Hee! Yes. I like that too--she really is a lot more solid a match for him. And while I find the scene at the end of Hidden somehow ridiculously hot (where he lifts Lana into his arms), I do think it's good for Clark to be with someone less 'breakable'.

Clark is actually flirting, even if he's not entirely aware he's doing it. And its so rare to see him be the one thats showing confidence in a conversation thats about sex. And he's having fun! How often does that happen?
That's so true! I nearly included that in this picsm--it would have fit, but it was getting long and I thought I'd save it for another day.

I always got the sense that as mortifying as the whole experiance was for Lois, finding out that she had sex with Clark wouldn't have been that terrible. Well, except she wouldn't remember what it was like, and I believe that would nag away at her. Because I do believe that Lois is physically attracted to Clark. And I do love how the teasing turns serious when Lois says "I must've really liked you".
I loved that. It's the romance that unsettles Lois, not the sex so much. Lois, I think, always knew she found Clark physically attractive--but she dismisses that because she'd never go for someone based on that alone--she needs to find them engaging/admirable as a person. But that's slowly crept up on Lois--she's now said things like 'I'd be lucky to end up with a person like Clark one day' but I think she's hiding from what that means. Clark, on the other hand, hasn't even admitted the physical attraction, though he's more comfortable than Lois with the idea that they're friends--he can joke around, but also express genuine concern for her.

[attaccabottoni.livejournal.com]

Too incoherent with Clois glee, so:
*loves this and loves you*

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Heee! Thank you! :D

[suex.livejournal.com]

That was excellent Boppy. *Big Grins*

I think Clark is just as much afraid of his own sexuality as he is of the opposite sex. He may not overcome that until he engages in a full on sexual relationship with powers.

I may be alone in thinking this, but assuming Lana isnt dead, I do hope that the two of them get it on this next season, because I really want to see how Clark handles it. I think its most important for the audience to see this development. ;)

With regards to Lois, I love the way that they are developing their relationship. It was most clear in Season 6 that they both share the same code of ethics, and we got little tiny glimpses of their physical attraction to each other.

Its an extremely important relationship within the mythology and I'm so glad that the writers are giving the relationship the due care and attention that it deserves.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I think Clark is just as much afraid of his own sexuality as he is of the opposite sex.
I'd definitely agree with that. It's easy to forget how scared he is about what his powers might mean for him sexually. He has deep-seated fears about being 'normal' as well--and those really come out when it comes to sex. We saw that with Lana when he wouldn't re-engage with her after he got his powers back. Poor darling!

I really want to see how Clark handles it. I think its most important for the audience to see this development. ;)
I completely concur! Clark's sexual anxieties have been a big part of the subtext of this show, and he's been on a journey with them as much as with coming to terms with his powers. :-p I want to see the payoff!!!

[ferdalump.livejournal.com]

YES!!! Another great installment in this Lois Love picspam saga. ;) And despite my dreamy, obessive Brois addiction (Clark is on restriction for me over his whole Lana obsession)your pics and commentary do make my Clois heart skip a beat.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Heeee. I can see how Brois would be a lot of fun. I've been reading a lot of comics recently--thanks to literaryll--and there have been some great Brois exchanges. *g* I've been a Clois girl for a long time, but Bruce IS awesome.

[duskwillow.livejournal.com]

Love, love, love this part!

Oh man, how much do I love that giggle in Crimson, how often do we see him that relaxed? And the fact that he's totally into her during that hug - before the influence of RedK.

And like he later said to Martha - if that was his sub-consciousness, does that mean he wants to kiss Lois? *smirk*

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

if that was his sub-consciousness, does that mean he wants to kiss Lois? *smirk*
Hee hee hee. We know it does! ;-) And I think 'kiss' is code for a lot more than that... :-p

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

You're really, really tempting me to watch Smallville despite my mom's and _sterno_'s warnings against it.

Whenever I saw pictures of Lois in icons she didn't do much for me. But after this past week I kind of like her. Especially the backbend stripper picture in this spam ;)

A glorious 6-season marathon.... hmm...

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Sally Sparrow icon! Eeeee! *bounces*

Don't be under any illusions. Smallville is a very nonsensical badly written show. ;-) It is most coherent at a subtextual/metaphoric/symbolic level, rather than at the level of 'text'. The dialogue can be very clunky, the acting in the early seasons is poor from some cast members (though never from the superlatively awesome Michael Rosenbaum who plays Lex) but when it gets it 'right', it really gets it right. And it is a very pretty show. And Lois is awesome--but she only comes into it at S4. Ok, disclaimer over--you should totally watch it!!! :-)

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

Best episode of Doctor Who ever, hands down. I looked up the writer, and he wrote my first favorites, The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances. I swear, I'm going to watch near-everything that guy has written, and get everything the director directed. That episode was brilliant beyond everything. Oh, and I'm also worshiping Carey Mulligan and will read Bleak House then watch the mini.

I don't have any illusions about Smallville. What _sterno_ warned me about is the utter suspension of disbelief that a watcher must have since the characters consistently turn their brains off in terms of understanding what Clark's about. However... you and norwich36 (whom I worship for meta-commentary) love it. That has to say something.

Hence, the temptation.

Isn't Sally Sparrow adorable? I totally have a crush on her.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Steven Moffat! Yes! I adored 'Press Gang', his first show--it had the best ever chemistry between the leads--the writing was brilliant.

And Bleak House is one of my favourite Dickens novels and the series was very well done. Carey was great casting as Amy.

Suspension of disbelief is crucial for SV, yes. I often tell people never to apply logic to the Smallville universe. ;-) And Nora's meta is a great reason to watch. *not helping with the temptation*

Sally is so wonderful! I wish they'd do a spin-off of her.

[kristiinthedark.livejournal.com]

*HEARTS* It's not that I so much love Lois? It's that I love your enthusiasm for Lois. It makes me happpeeeee!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Wheeee! I is bouncy Bop about her.

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

I really love this one. Clois for the win! (Of course, because it's destiny). And now I see where Lois got those red boots she wore in "Combat"--I bet she bought the rest of the outfit to match.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

She so did. ;-) I like the idea that she secretly liked the outfit. :-) Especially the boots. Which... FAIR ENOUGH!

[radioreverie.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, Clark so does not yet know what to do with Ms. Square Peg.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

But when he works it out, it will be HAWT. :-p

[reneec.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for this. After a long bad day it's just what I needed.

Clark is such a woobie when it comes to girls and that scene in Exposed will always be one of my favorites.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Mine too! *g* And you're welcome!

[vibrantharmony.livejournal.com]

So much love! I love everything about this post. He really does react differently to Lois, it's great.

Crimson was just awesomeness. *happy sigh*

I would love to start discussion or something, but I am all warm and fuzzy and cannot think. :D

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Warm fuzzies are entirely the correct response to Clois. *nods* I am satisfied to know I succeeded in my aim.

[fleegull.livejournal.com]

I am still pissed that we didn't get any deleted scenes of Lois as a stripper, I recall Erica saying in an interview that the scene was longer and eventually Lois "really got into the dance" and that she was sure that it would be on the dvd.

But he's quite happy, if a little embarrassed about the unexpected attention.


Cutest screencap of Clark ever!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and wasn't there also a bit where she fell over? It sounded like Erica worked really hard for the scene so it is a pity we didn't get more.

[alissabobissa.livejournal.com]

Holy crap woman! You are so much awesome. Yay for Clark and his sexual hang-ups!

And so we find him pinned up against a closet. A very PINK closet. Oh, Smallville, how I heart your visual metaphors.
*chuckles* They are so very good at that, aren't they? And you're right, that phallic crystal imagery will never get old and will never go over even the simplest of dullards' heads. :)

Oh, the anxiety! Poor Clark!
*pets Clark* It'll be okay, he'll know what to do one day.

he seems to be fleeing because he knows he's not putting up much of a flight.
Hahahaha! Too true! Poor Clarky.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

They are so very good at that, aren't they?
They are! *nods*

that phallic crystal imagery will never get old and will never go over even the simplest of dullards' heads
Yes, sometimes Smallville's visual metaphors are as subtle as a sledgehammer. ;-) And yet they still get past the network's approval process... *boggles*

It's lovely feeling sorry for Clark when he's all flustered by Lois--he's so human in those moments.

[dionusia.livejournal.com]

Okay, I looked at this when maybe I shouldn't have, but I don't feel very spoiled. :D Just amazed. You share such wonderful picspams, K! Good thing I'm already converted! ;)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hee hee hee! I don't think I'm as good at them as you or wisteria_ or mskatej or amandajane5 or numerous other people... but they're fun to make, especially when there's such an inspiring subject. :)

[ender24]

clark is soooooooo pretty, and lois is hothothot!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Indeed!

[transtempts.livejournal.com]

firstly, your picspams are great, secondly, they make me want to write lois/clark/ollie fic. or you know, lois/clark fic in general..

Lois is understanding about the fact that Clark has a superhero gig, she is the one who knows it's his job. She has a job too, and they can both be dangerous, but that won't make either one of them stop doing them.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yay, I'm glad you like them! *g* And yes, they are very determined.