Smallville 7.01 Bizarro

[bop_radar]

Wheee! My show is back!

I found this episode appropriately titled... it was bizarre. While containing the spectacular action set-pieces, it also left me with a lot of questions about the direction of this season. But plenty of time for that! First of all it's playtime...

I'm you... only hotter
Bizarro was GREAT fun. I am deeply sad that they got rid of him in one episode. My only hope is that Supergirl whisked him off somewhere useful and he can return again at some point. :D I completely *lol*ed when she 'fielded' him from the atmosphere. Anyway, I'm jumping ahead of myself. Bizarro! HOTNESS! And he has a really great roundhouse kick too.

Bizarro is yet another brilliant way of exploring an alternative version of Clark. He has all of Clark's memories and thoughts (which he makes a point of calling 'twisted') but not his conscience. So what does he do with them? He heads straight for Lex, and he knows exactly how to manipulate him. Not finding him at the mansion, he tracks him down in prison and immediately proposes that they team up. How very fascinating! Bizarro gets straight to the point: Lex can protect an ungrateful (and recently murderously rageful) Clark who hates him, or he can get a hotass conscience-less Clark who loves him wants to be his ally. It seems like a no-brainer to me! Because this IS what Lex has always wanted.

Lex shows, I believe, amazing clarity in reminding himself that this is NOT Clark: it's a phantom, an alien, something he detests and wishes to destroy. Bizarro knows exactly how to play him though--he knows that Lex desperately wants the truth about Clark and Lex's momentary indecision costs him. What I found most fascinating about this is that Bizarro gained this ability to wrap Lex around his little finger instantly on acquiring Clark's memories and thoughts. That's textual proof that Clark knows that he's more important to Lex than anything and that there are two parts to this obsession: the part of Lex that wants an ally and friend in Clark, and the part that also wants to know the truth about him. Lex Luthor is, it turns out, incredibly easy to play... as long as you don't have a conscience.

Of course I love that Bizarro zero-ed in on Lois as well. And how funny that her ass made his face distorted. :D OK, I get that there was sunlight there too, but it was great comedy and fabulous to see Lois take him to task for his out-of-character behaviour. It was nicely played too--it seems that Bizarro did not glean from Clark's memories that Lois was a complete hottie; he asks how Clark could have missed what was right in front of him (don't we all ask that?!). So apparently Clark's attraction to Lois is still on a subconscious level.

The slash, however, seems completely conscious! Bizarro feels Clark has wasted his life and all the 'pleasures' in it. Considering that his one focus while briefly in Clark's body was Lex, I think that speaks for itself.

Be careful what you wish for
Just when I'm ready for Lex to go all hotly badass, he's given some more angst to work with instead. Sigh. Despite this, I inevitably got caught up again in Lex's emotions. Kudos, Michael! I was very surprised by the car sequence--it was the last thing I was expecting from the season premiere. But the parallel with the pilot was unmissable. And he did mouth the word 'Clark' as he died, right? I wasn't dreaming that?

I'm really not sure what to make of floaty underwater-fairy Kara and I was doubly surprised when she let herself be seen jetting off into the sky after saving him. I was very intrigued by the shot set-up in that scene: Kara stood over Lex blocking out the sun. It's also interesting to compare to the innocence of the original Clex 'meet violent'--then Clark saved him without forethought. Kara's action seemed extremely premeditated and she made a point of showing herself to be otherworldly, whereas Clark denied that part of himself.

So Lex has been given another chance at redemption. And interestingly he's taken it. I'm a little surprised at this point in time--I thought he'd moved past that. But I'll chalk it up to genuine shock at Lana's death combined with Supergirl messing with his psyche--she certainly tapped a nerve there and he always does a great job at conflating people in his mind: I got the impression that the 'angel', Lana and Clark were all melding into one in his mind when he toyed with his ring and spoke about her being the only thing he was living for.

'Be careful what you wish for' is probably one of the best lines ever delivered to Lex. It was Bizarro's greeting as he 'rescued' Lex from prison. And I think Bizarro may be right that redemption doesn't suit Lex, or rather, it will wear off. For we've been down this path before when he was rescued by Clark. And forgive me, but if Clark can't redeem him, I don't think zippy little Supergirl can either.

The undead
I found Chloe's 'death' extremely unsuspenseful because I never for a moment thought they'd really kill her. Sigh. And I had deja vu when she was in the mortuary locker--she's been in a coffin before. *shudders* I did find Clark's 'never mind the details' speech very amusing. Clark, honey, when someone wakes up with a death tag on their toe, they may want a little more than 'you're alright' as reassurance.

I thought finding the death certificate was a profoundly horrible way for Chloe to find out about Lana's death. But I'm not sure watching old videos of her friend was the best way to process her immediate grief... and it also seemed really insensitive to Clark. Clark seemed in real shock--he was very stony and still throughout a lot of the episode and he only briefly relaxed in Chloe's hug, acknowledging some of the underlying pain.

And Lana. YAY! Lana is not dead and I, for one, am happy about this. I think it's fabulous that she's escaped to China. And what a very cool apartment! Not so sure I heart the wig (wouldn't she blend in better without it?) but I'll let that go... Not sure where exactly they're going to take her from here though.

Real heart beneath the comedy
With Chloe on death's door, Lois heads off to get some answers from Lex. Clark tries to stop her. She reacts by telling him she's 'not stupid', that she knows 'he won't just cough up all his deep dark secrets'. I thought this line could have potentially been played for comedy, because that's exactly what Clark's tactic and expectation have been for the past three seasons... but I'm also glad they didn't play it this way. I found Erica's performance in this episode outstanding, spanning not just her usual comedy but also intense emotion. Lois was deeply shaken by what happened at the dam and Erica brought an appropriate intensity in her performance. That scene in the hospital with Clark was really sad to me--Lois assumed that Clark was going to share another episode in the Clana saga. Under normal circumstances, I might have laughed because Clark has been known to emo inappropriately mid-emergency, but in this instance he was struggling with the enormity of having learnt of Lana's death. To his credit he tried to tell Lois this but she cut him off and he was left looking bereft and utterly alone in the hospital corridor as she tore off to save the day.

I absolutely adored the 'forgiveness' scene between them at the end. Lois had obviously done a lot of thinking about what could possibly have led Clark to behave in such a way towards her. It's wildly amusing that she thinks it could have been a kind of mental schism following Lana's death. I can see her thinking to herself 'Clark was completely not himself! Oh, that's probably because he doesn't know how to process grief.' And then she went to forgive him, so magnanimously! *giggle* The really sweet side of this scene is that Lois and Clark really connected. She acknowledges Lana's death and gives Clark a hug, which seems to genuinely touch him. When I got to thinking about it, I realised it was very rare for people to be physically affectionate with Clark without demanding something (comfort) from it for themselves. I think that's what gave this scene a special resonance. And Lois was able to be compassionate and empathetic because she's experienced her own losses. When Lois says to 'trust her' that he'll make it through, Clark really seems to believe her.

While Chloe gave Clark a good pep talk as a friend, ironically only Lois (despite the frivolity and comedy) was really able to connect with him in terms of where he was emotionally. Even the body language in that scene was powerful. Chloe and Clark sat side by side and Clark was quite closed off to her the whole time. But when Lois spoke, they made direct eye contact, facing one another. Lois may be the last person Clark expected compassion from, but once again she did what she does best and took him by surprise.

Clark's path
J'onn J'onzz rocks! He is totally my new favourite. I thought he did a fab job of mentoring Clark in this episode. He didn't chastise him for doing exactly what Jor-El tried to prevent (deja vu!); instead he focussed on what Clark's strength was. In fact, he drew out of Clark the strong assertion that he is proud of his humanity and won't apologise for it. Yay! By challenging Clark, J'onzz is making him assert his own unique identity.

And I'm delighted that the sun link has become textual. It's true that Clark has taken it for granted every day. I loved the way the sunlight was used in this episode; it was so beautiful.

Clark had some really tough emotional territory to work through in this episode. In his rage at Lana's death he wanted to kill Lana--it seems that this is the one time he's felt that kind of pure murderous rage. And he thinks that he truly understood Lex in that moment. That line was profoundly sad but I don't completely agree with Clark there. Clark thinks the only thing he doesn't understand about Lex is his capacity for rage blackouts. But rage is only one extreme of Lex's psyche--the other is obsessional love. So while Clark says that loving someone is hard (duh! we know, honey!), he doesn't see that Lex too is also caught up in that--perhaps to an even more extreme degree than Clark. Clark and Lex are not, after all, so different--which makes this episode both interesting and unsettling. Clark calling hate 'clean' was fascinating. I think it's going to make him stronger to understand the relationship between love and hate and the appeal and complexity of both.

Loose ends
Overall I enjoyed this season opener. It had shirtless Clark, lots of slash, cool actions and effects and completely random hilarious scenes like the fishing dad falling over and conveniently hitting his head so he won't witness Clark's superpowers. Oh, Smallville, I heart you!

However I really don't know what to make of the new chick. Not being spoiled at all, I have no idea what her plot will be and this gave me no clues. It was baffling! So, what? She's been hanging around Smallville just watching everybody for yonks? She chooses to save Lex (with bonus melodramatic floaty costume) and she hangs around in the atmosphere in case Clark hits some phantoms for six? *baffled* And what's with her little cuff thing? I do like her zippiness and they've got the look right for Supergirl. But her nose is kind of bizarrely short, and I find myself making observations like this because so far there is nothing to comment on but her exterior. We were not allowed 'in' to this character at ALL yet. And I think that left me feeling a little perplexed about what they've got planned for her and for this season. She feels like a side issue frankly. Yet she's a big character to bring on board in the final season... I hope she gets explained soon. (I also hope she can act.)

I desperately want to know who took Lionel. If it wasn't a Lex minion I thought at first it might have been J'onn Jonzz as he had the motivation, but on rewatch I don't think so.

Also, I miss Martha already. The Kent house felt empty without her.

But Jimmy's made it to the credits! Woot! Go Jimmy!

I think that's all I've got for now, though I have much to ponder.

ETA: Apparently my brain wasn't on--it was clearly J'onn J'onzz whisking Bizarro off.

Comments

[brandil.livejournal.com]

I thought it was J'onn J'onzz who grabbed Bizzaro and whipped him out of the atmosphere...

It was an excellent episode and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[tragicllyhip.livejournal.com]

it was J'onzz, he said he could help, but it was Clark's battle, and then it was mentioned Bizarro was on the sunny side of Mars now

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Ah! That makes WAY more sense.

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

Ah Bop, I love your enthusiasm for this show. I missed the first half hour so I was majorly confused but what the heck, I would have been majorly confused anyway! I've lost my SV virginity! Eeep!

Also, I think that since I'm watching it only for Lana and since she wasn't in it until the end, I was kind of lost. I liked Lois, though. (Couldn't have been all your picspams of her or anything. ;-)). I guess with Smallville you have to go into it with a sense of fun.

And I missed concious slash? I'll have to catch it again. :-) Next week, I'll try to catch the entire episode but if again, there's no Lana, I dunno know.

This is SV's last season? And I'm just starting to watch it? I must be crazy!

Oh, and I thought I wanted to ship Lana and Clark but then at the last moment I decided to ship Lana with herself. If the series ends with her finding a sense of strength, independence and ability to be without a man, I think it will end well for her.

I'm terrible. She wasn't even really in the episode and I keep talking about her! Hee!

Thanks again!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Welcome to Smallville, DB! \o/

A sense of fun is definitely the best way to approach Smallville, and given that most of the plots are nonsensical, it's FINE if you were lost! Though I think you were unlucky to start with an episode that had so little Lana in it. I am delighted she's alive, but... I don't really know what they'll do with her way off there in China. I'm sure she'll come back to Smallville eventually but you may find you've tuned in right at a very quiet Lana time. Oops!

We don't know for sure that it's SV's last season. But we're guessing it will be.

f the series ends with her finding a sense of strength, independence and ability to be without a man, I think it will end well for her.
That's what I'd love to see too. I would have loved that scene to have been played in reverse in a way, with us ending on seeing her head off into a crowd, alone but confident... Independent Lana is a great thing.

[jeannev.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure it was Martian Manhunter who caught the airborne Bizarro Clark and whisked him into outer space, not Supergirl. I think that it was planned out between him and Clark, hence why Clark didn't register any suprise at the turn of events.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Yes, clearly that was just my fatigued brain not computing. ;) That makes waaay more sense.

part 1 of 2

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Bizarro is yet another brilliant way of exploring an alternative version of Clark. He has all of Clark's memories and thoughts (which he makes a point of calling 'twisted') but not his conscience. So what does he do with them? He heads straight for Lex, and he knows exactly how to manipulate him....Bizarro gets straight to the point: Lex can protect an ungrateful (and recently murderously rageful) Clark who hates him, or he can get a hotass conscience-less Clark who loves him wants to be his ally. It seems like a no-brainer to me! Because this IS what Lex has always wanted.

And yet Lex is actually not planning on really working with Bizarro, even if he hestitates briefly with the gun because he is tempted to learn the truth of Clark's secrets. I would say the slashy subtext is alive and well on SV. But I love your point about how Bizarro's actions are revelatory about what Clark knows about Lex--and how he knows he is important to Lex.

I thought finding the death certificate was a profoundly horrible way for Chloe to find out about Lana's death. But I'm not sure watching old videos of her friend was the best way to process her immediate grief... and it also seemed really insensitive to Clark.

Oh, I had a very different reading of that scene. I assume that Clark had sent Chloe off to research something but she was still trapped in her scene and that Clark was just re-entering as that scene started, not that he'd been there the whole time. I do like that for a change he was the one telling her to pull it together for the greater good, though. That plus their final scene seems to spell out a different Chloe-Clark dynamic that reverses a lot of their previous interactions, which should be interesting.


I absolutely adored the 'forgiveness' scene between them at the end. Lois had obviously done a lot of thinking about what could possibly have led Clark to behave in such a way towards her. It's wildly amusing that she thinks it could have been a kind of mental schism following Lana's death. I can see her thinking to herself 'Clark was completely not himself! Oh, that's probably because he doesn't know how to process grief.' And then she went to forgive him, so magnanimously! *giggle* The really sweet side of this scene is that Lois and Clark really connected. She acknowledges Lana's death and gives Clark a hug, which seems to genuinely touch him. When I got to thinking about it, I realised it was very rare for people to be physically affectionate with Clark without demanding something (comfort) from it for themselves. I think that's what gave this scene a special resonance. And Lois was able to be compassionate and empathetic because she's experienced her own losses. When Lois says to 'trust her' that he'll make it through, Clark really seems to believe her.

I totally agree with everything in this paragraph, and just wanted to quote the whole thing for emphasis. LOIS!!!!! You rock the house!

Re: part 1 of 2

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

And yet Lex is actually not planning on really working with Bizarro, even if he hestitates briefly with the gun because he is tempted to learn the truth of Clark's secrets.
Right! I was actually amazed by his clarity there. No, he won't kill Clark any way he can and he wasn't fooled by Bizarro, just vulnerable.

and that Clark was just re-entering as that scene started, not that he'd been there the whole time.
Oh! Seeing as I apparently was missing a brain while watching this episode and didn't work out it was J'onzz who fielded Bizarro (*headdesk*), this is entirely possible. And much less obnoxious. ;)

I do like that for a change he was the one telling her to pull it together for the greater good, though. That plus their final scene seems to spell out a different Chloe-Clark dynamic that reverses a lot of their previous interactions, which should be interesting.
Yeah, you're right--there was something quite different about their interactions, and my first instinct is to say that it seems to signal that Clark's not the one needing support all the time anymore. Another snail-step on the path to maturity? ;)

Lois was indeed awesome. :D

part 2 of 2

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Clark thinks the only thing he doesn't understand about Lex is his capacity for rage blackouts. But rage is only one extreme of Lex's psyche--the other is obsessional love. So while Clark says that loving someone is hard (duh! we know, honey!), he doesn't see that Lex too is also caught up in that--perhaps to an even more extreme degree than Clark. Clark and Lex are not, after all, so different--which makes this episode both interesting and unsettling.

I love you for your brain, you know?

I think what's really interesting in this episode is that Clark is clearly making strides toward destiny in this episode (even if it's 2 steps forward, one step back), and as you pointed out, he really *does* get Lex's motivations, at least unconsciously, as we find out through Bizarro, but consciously he's missing a lot, probably because he *doesn't* want to acknowledge the similarities between himself and Lex.

Meanwhile, Lex is taking two steps backward and one step forward toward villainy, but that's ok because grasping after redemption (in the form of Kara, coming like unheralded grace precisely when Lex feels he least deserves it) is SO in character for Lex. And I really felt you captured exactly what Lex was feeling here: But I'll chalk it up to genuine shock at Lana's death combined with Supergirl messing with his psyche--she certainly tapped a nerve there and he always does a great job at conflating people in his mind: I got the impression that the 'angel', Lana and Clark were all melding into one in his mind when he toyed with his ring and spoke about her being the only thing he was living for.

Re: part 2 of 2

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

consciously he's missing a lot, probably because he *doesn't* want to acknowledge the similarities between himself and Lex.
Yes. That's what really came through to me from this episode. I was thinking back to season 4 and all the time I spent wondering how the hell Clark could be such an ass to Lex and why he was acting like everything was about him and taking Lex's bad behaviour so personally. Well, this episode seems to suggest that Clark knew, at some level anyway, that Lex was attracted to him/obsessed with him (obviously he also knew about the CoCK by then!) and in a way Clark was right: it WAS all about him. And a lot of Clark's angsting could be read as internal conflict about that knowledge. I guess we always read it that way--but this just backs it up.

grasping after redemption (in the form of Kara, coming like unheralded grace precisely when Lex feels he least deserves it) is SO in character for Lex
It is, it is!! I spent a lot of the episode saying 'Oh, Lex!' ;)

part I

[latxcvi.livejournal.com]

♥ ♥ ♥

Our show, K, she is back! I was delighted by how ... delighted I was as I was watching, if that makes sense. It was entertaining and engaging and raises, I think, a number of potentially meaty questions for the upcoming season. *pinches show's cheeks*

That's textual proof that Clark knows that he's more important to Lex than anything and that there are two parts to this obsession: the part of Lex that wants an ally and friend in Clark, and the part that also wants to know the truth about him.

I actually paused the DVR and rewound Bizarro's little speech to Lex because I was honestly all, "Wait. You've had Clark's memories for, like, ten minutes and you already know that he knows that Lex is obsessed with him? But that would mean it's in the forefront of Clark's mind. So he's thinking about Lex a lot, too? Good to know, B. Great catch there."

The slash, however, seems completely conscious! Bizarro feels Clark has wasted his life and all the 'pleasures' in it. Considering that his one focus while briefly in Clark's body was Lex, I think that speaks for itself.

If I squint, I can sort of, kind of see the non-slashy reading of all these alternate Clarks and Lexi proposing to each other offering to rule the universe together (Red K!Clark, Alexander, Zod!Lex, Bizarro -- it keeps coming up). But the slashy reading is actually the more plausible reading and that just ... like you said, speaks for itself.

And he did mouth the word 'Clark' as he died, right? I wasn't dreaming that?

I thought that, too. But I've seen others who believe he mouthed "Lana". I'll have to watch it again. Oh, the horror (not!). *g*

[Lex] always does a great job at conflating people in his mind: I got the impression that the 'angel', Lana and Clark were all melding into one in his mind when he toyed with his ring and spoke about her being the only thing he was living for.

Oh, definitely. What was also excellent about this storyline is how consistent it is, characterization-wise, for Lex: he's always latched onto people who save him/he thinks can save him (Desiree picked up on this enough to use it as part of her manipulation of him in Heat, for heaven's sake). So his profound reaction to Kara was a nice bit of character continuity.

I thought finding the death certificate was a profoundly horrible way for Chloe to find out about Lana's death. But I'm not sure watching old videos of her friend was the best way to process her immediate grief... and it also seemed really insensitive to Clark.

The whole Clark-and-Chloe-processing-Lana's-'death' aspect of the episode felt off for me. Even bearing in mind that I loved Clark's ability to focus on the task at hand -- neutralizing Bizarro -- it felt too truncated to me. As I told Nora and said in my own post -- if there was ever a time where it was perfectly reasonable, understandable and believable for the characters to wallow about Lana, this was it. Clark and Chloe moved through it almost too quickly for me, particularly when one considers that the series did not save the reveal that Lana is still alive (yay!) for a later episode. Like I said, the characters don't know they have 22 potential weeks to process something like that; their grief and shock would be a lot more immediate.

Re: part I

[mskatej.livejournal.com]

I actually paused the DVR and rewound Bizarro's little speech to Lex because I was honestly all, "Wait. You've had Clark's memories for, like, ten minutes and you already know that he knows that Lex is obsessed with him? But that would mean it's in the forefront of Clark's mind. So he's thinking about Lex a lot, too? Good to know, B. Great catch there."

HAHAHA. Yes. Just YES. *air punch*

part II

[latxcvi.livejournal.com]

I found Erica's performance in this episode outstanding, spanning not just her usual comedy but also intense emotion. Lois was deeply shaken by what happened at the dam and Erica brought an appropriate intensity in her performance. That scene in the hospital with Clark was really sad to me--Lois assumed that Clark was going to share another episode in the Clana saga.

It actually gutted me a little when she cut him off because I knew it was so much more important than "what should I do about Lana?" and because I also knew that Lois was right: that One More Thing would have absolutely sent her over the edge, because she cares about and likes Lana, so it would have been the crap topping on the crap sundae her day had already been.

I absolutely adored the 'forgiveness' scene between them at the end. Lois had obviously done a lot of thinking about what could possibly have led Clark to behave in such a way towards her. It's wildly amusing that she thinks it could have been a kind of mental schism following Lana's death. I can see her thinking to herself 'Clark was completely not himself! Oh, that's probably because he doesn't know how to process grief.' And then she went to forgive him, so magnanimously! *giggle* The really sweet side of this scene is that Lois and Clark really connected. She acknowledges Lana's death and gives Clark a hug, which seems to genuinely touch him. When I got to thinking about it, I realised it was very rare for people to be physically affectionate with Clark without demanding something (comfort) from it for themselves. I think that's what gave this scene a special resonance. And Lois was able to be compassionate and empathetic because she's experienced her own losses. When Lois says to 'trust her' that he'll make it through, Clark really seems to believe her.

I agree with this so much, I had to quote it back in its entirety. I loved that scene like a little kid loves cake, Bop ... and then some.

J'onn J'onzz rocks! He is totally my new favourite.

Word. And word to the rest of your paragraph. And here's the thing that will probably make you happiest, coming from me: I will actually trust J'onn's account of Jor-El if/when he finally gives it and if J'onn vouches for him, then I will be Okay with Jor-El. 'Cause J'onn knew what he was really like, and J'onn won't, I think, sugarcoat him either. IOW, this is probably the best possible way they could do the 'true Jor-El' reveal short of ... giving Clark another flashback episode.

Eee! Our show is back. Oh, Smallville, I really do ♥ you.

Re: part II

[fleegull.livejournal.com]

It actually gutted me a little when she cut him off because I knew it was so much more important than "what should I do about Lana?" and because I also knew that Lois was right: that One More Thing would have absolutely sent her over the edge, because she cares about and likes Lana, so it would have been the crap topping on the crap sundae her day had already been

Which was completely negated when she got all flirty flustered by Bizarro at the Luthor mansion. Her cousin is possibly lying dead at the hospital and then she's kinda ok with Clark playing grab ass? That scene should have been held for after Chloe woke up. Although, it was a good scene on its own and well acted by both ED and TW.

[huzzlewhat.livejournal.com]

Wheee! My show is back!

And didn't it just come roaring back? I loved this episode.

How very fascinating! Bizarro gets straight to the point: Lex can protect an ungrateful (and recently murderously rageful) Clark who hates him, or he can get a hotass conscience-less Clark who loves him wants to be his ally. It seems like a no-brainer to me! Because this IS what Lex has always wanted.

I read that slightly differently, and wasn't surprised when Lex's apparent cooperation was a double-cross. I don't think Lex wants a "bad" Clark — he wants Clark to be good, to be pure, and to save him. It's only when the worst side of him takes over — Onyx, and Vessel — that he'll take Clark as an ally any way he can get him.

That's textual proof that Clark knows that he's more important to Lex than anything and that there are two parts to this obsession: the part of Lex that wants an ally and friend in Clark, and the part that also wants to know the truth about him. Lex Luthor is, it turns out, incredibly easy to play... as long as you don't have a conscience.

I agree that this was fascinating. The estrangement is near complete, but the emotional ties are still there and as strong as ever.

It seems that Bizarro did not glean from Clark's memories that Lois was a complete hottie

Which matches Ollie being surprised at meeting Clark, based on Lois's description of him. I love these moments of the characters just missing each other.

Just when I'm ready for Lex to go all hotly badass, he's given some more angst to work with instead. Sigh. Despite this, I inevitably got caught up again in Lex's emotions.

Right there with you. I was ready to see Lex go really dark, but he completely sold this.

So Lex has been given another chance at redemption. And interestingly he's taken it. ... I think Bizarro may be right that redemption doesn't suit Lex, or rather, it will wear off. For we've been down this path before when he was rescued by Clark. And forgive me, but if Clark can't redeem him, I don't think zippy little Supergirl can either.

Yes. It's perfectly in character for Lex, who is always looking for a savior outside himself. He doesn't quite get that goodness doesn't come through osmosis.

But I'm not sure watching old videos of her friend was the best way to process her immediate grief... and it also seemed really insensitive to Clark.

This was actually a great parallel, I thought, to Clark discovering Martha watching the videos of Jonathan... I forgot to mention this in my rundown!

I found Erica's performance in this episode outstanding, spanning not just her usual comedy but also intense emotion.

I completely agree. She was great in this ep.

The really sweet side of this scene is that Lois and Clark really connected. She acknowledges Lana's death and gives Clark a hug, which seems to genuinely touch him. When I got to thinking about it, I realised it was very rare for people to be physically affectionate with Clark without demanding something (comfort) from it for themselves.

That's... a really good point. I never noticed that.

ironically only Lois (despite the frivolity and comedy) was really able to connect with him in terms of where he was emotionally. Even the body language in that scene was powerful. Chloe and Clark sat side by side and Clark was quite closed off to her the whole time. But when Lois spoke, they made direct eye contact, facing one another. Lois may be the last person Clark expected compassion from, but once again she did what she does best and took him by surprise.

Yes. I loved that scene.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

And didn't it just come roaring back? I loved this episode.
It did. *g* They always do season openers well. Bless!

and wasn't surprised when Lex's apparent cooperation was a double-cross. I don't think Lex wants a "bad" Clark — he wants Clark to be good, to be pure, and to save him. It's only when the worst side of him takes over — Onyx, and Vessel — that he'll take Clark as an ally any way he can get him.
That's true. You are quite right. It's good continuity from eps like Red when we saw Lex initially go along with Clark then head straight for the Kent farm and tell Jonathan to come sort his son out. ;) I was definitely thinking more in terms of Lex's subconscious desires there.

Which matches Ollie being surprised at meeting Clark, based on Lois's description of him. I love these moments of the characters just missing each other.
Right! It's adorably clueless on both parts and perfect for where they are at now.

I was ready to see Lex go really dark, but he completely sold this.
I know! I couldn't believe Michael summoned tears even for that craptastic line of dialogue about Lana's soft skin and hair. He's so good.

This was actually a great parallel, I thought, to Clark discovering Martha watching the videos of Jonathan... I forgot to mention this in my rundown!
Ohh, true.

[mlsky.livejournal.com]

Yay! I've been looking forward to reading your reactions to the premiere. I have to say...I didn't realize how much I missed Smallville until the opening sequence...I was riveted. *LOL*

I'm glad I wasn't the only one to wonder about the intro of Supergirl...I'm interested to see how that ends up playing out. Think Lex will transfer his Clark obsession to her?

I also enjoyed the hospital scene with Clark and Lois. I love how she says whatever pops into her head with so much confidence thinking she knows exactly what Clark is going to say...and couldn't be further off the mark. It's one of the things that seems to define their relationship and I enjoy it. *LOL*

As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts...I always enjoy reading!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize how much I missed Smallville until the opening sequence...I was riveted. *LOL*
Heee! It's a show that sneaks in under your skin. It seems so lightweight you dismiss it easily, but when those credits rolled I was instantly a-squee again.

Think Lex will transfer his Clark obsession to her?
Not fully, I think. I think he's more clue-y this time. He's caught up in the redemption thing right now, but I think that will come apart at some stage and after that he'll return to a focus on Clark. But given the chance I'm sure he'll investigate her too.

I love how she says whatever pops into her head with so much confidence thinking she knows exactly what Clark is going to say...and couldn't be further off the mark. It's one of the things that seems to define their relationship and I enjoy it. *LOL*
Yes, she does. And often she's right. But when she's wrong, as in this scene, it's ouchy and makes me wince for both of them. But very well written and acted.

[duskwillow.livejournal.com]

I completely *lol*ed when she 'fielded' him from the atmosphere.
I assumed that was Martian Manhunter? The flying effect looked more like the one they used for him last season, and he told Clark he'd help.

That's textual proof that Clark knows that he's more important to Lex than anything and that there are two parts to this obsession: the part of Lex that wants an ally and friend in Clark, and the part that also wants to know the truth about him.
And how great was that whole Bizzaro/Lex dynamic? *swoon* We got proof on Clex. From Clark himself, well in a way. *twirls*

I absolutely adored the 'forgiveness' scene between them at the end.
I loved that scene. It was so different from how they usually act, but still so them. She let him off the hook, tried to comfort him. And then does 180° and threatens him with violence if he ever grabs her ass again. lmao I

I'm joining J'onn J'onzz love! He kicked ass!!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm just a duffer to not pick up it was JJ. :)

And how great was that whole Bizzaro/Lex dynamic? *swoon* We got proof on Clex. From Clark himself, well in a way. *twirls*
Hee, yes indeed. And then that hilarious line about how 'loving someone is hard'. Oh, Clark!

I loved that scene. It was so different from how they usually act, but still so them. She let him off the hook, tried to comfort him. And then does 180° and threatens him with violence if he ever grabs her ass again. lmao I
And Clark's response was so cute. At first he's trying to work out what B has done, then he's caught off guard by her hug but likes it, then surprised by her empathy and kind of hoping she'll hug him again... and then blindsided by the threat re. ass-grabbing. :D

I'm joining J'onn J'onzz love! He kicked ass!!
Yay! I hope he will be around more.

[fleegull.livejournal.com]

I found Erica's performance in this episode outstanding, spanning not just her usual comedy but also intense emotion.

Erica has reallt grown as an actress and this was a fine showcase for her skills!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yes, it was great to see her demonstrating greater range.

[obursts.livejournal.com]

So apparently Clark's attraction to Lois is still on a subconscious level.

I so hope Clark begins to develop feelings for Lois in some capacity. I'm not expecting them to date, but... a crumb is all I ask!

And he did mouth the word 'Clark' as he died, right?

I didn't realize that he mouthed anything. I'll have to see that again. Some people are saying that he mouthed 'Lana'?

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I so hope Clark begins to develop feelings for Lois in some capacity. I'm not expecting them to date, but... a crumb is all I ask!
Oh, I think it's there. ;) It'll come out, don't worry! He already straightens when she enters a room, wants to be the protective older brother, feels oddly jealous of her lovers... enjoys her hugs. It'll come.

I didn't realize that he mouthed anything. I'll have to see that again. Some people are saying that he mouthed 'Lana'?
I've rewound several times and I believe it's left deliberately ambiguous. He mouths two words, possibly the same one twice.

[mskatej.livejournal.com]

So while Clark says that loving someone is hard (duh! we know, honey!), he doesn't see that Lex too is also caught up in that--perhaps to an even more extreme degree than Clark.

I initially thought when Clark said that he finally understood Lex that he was referring to Lex's obsession with Lana. Ha! And I was disappointed to learn that he was actually talking about how Lex is just a black hole of hatred, because hi, he's known Lex for far too long to have such a one dimensional view of him.

Clark calling hate 'clean' was fascinating.

Tom's delivery of that line was marvellous. It gave me chills.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

And I was disappointed to learn that he was actually talking about how Lex is just a black hole of hatred, because hi, he's known Lex for far too long to have such a one dimensional view of him.
Yeah, I thought that was reductive too. Which is why I kind of *headdesked* about that moment. Even though I do see what he was getting at. He's seen Lex's rage blackouts and they've always frightened and perplexed him. But (and it's a big but) they're not really the defining part of Lex's personality. And also, Clark's been close to having them himself before even if he won't admit it--at least he's admitted it now.

[legendarytobes.livejournal.com]

As far as I can tell you, and it's not spoiler-y, bracelets and cuffs seem to be a part of Kryptonian culture. Way back in "Skinwalker" (the episode with Khyla), it's established that the Kryptonian who visited the Kawatchee left a silver bracelet for the Numan to give to the woman he loves one day. I doubt Kara's is some sort of engagement ring, but it, too, might have some cultural significance along the lines of family ties.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree. It's very Kryptonian and it clearly carries some symbolic significance. I think I was just slightly frustrated that we weren't given any explanation of it yet. They are playing her as the mystery new element and that feels a little untypical of Smallville to me. But hey, it's a new season and they're trying to hook people in.

the only thing, that jumped directly from your post to my brain

[ender24]

at this midnightly hour was :
//shirtless Clark// O-O!!!
runs to tmelange to dl the ep :D

Re: the only thing, that jumped directly from your post to my brain

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hahah, yes. Though I think they used a body double at some point in that sequence. ;) Still, I'm not complaining.

[xgirl2222.livejournal.com]

Hi, I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to start posting.

First, word to everything you just said. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed how closed off Clark was to Chloe. AM and TW played that scene as Chloe reassurment coming off as hollow and rather stilted. Whereas Lois seemed to really reach him, in her own Lois way. I also like how you pointed out the strings that are usually attached to Clark getting physical comfort.It's something I've never thought about before, but still very true.

On a lighter note everyone's been making such a big deal about Lana's red dress and wig. Am I the only who saw all those 80's movie where the Asian prostitute or "massage therapist" is dressed in the requisite black or red cheongsam with an appropriately outrageous wig (blond, red, blue, and pink being the favored colors). Of course that begs the question of why the costume dept thought that was the proper image to convey.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hi there ! Nice to meet you.

everyone's been making such a big deal about Lana's red dress and wig
Really? I'm yet to read anyone else's thoughts. That's interesting... I totally agree with you about the 'massage therapist' look--especially with that wig. Why? Who knows?! Definitely odd, though they could have been just going for an extremely striking visual as they so often do. I'll wait and see what else we're given.

[serenography.livejournal.com]

When Lois says to 'trust her' that he'll make it through, Clark really seems to believe her.

That exchange between them was probably my favorite Lois/Clark scene to date. How is it I can be a Clana and a Clois shipper? There's something wrong with my brain.

I was so looking forward to reading your comments about this episode, and I'm thrilled that you seemed to have loved as much as I did. It really is an imperfect show in so many ways, and yet, I love it to pieces. Go figure.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Go figure, indeed! :D I know exactly what you mean. And I must confess that I've been verging on doing the whole dual Clana/Clois shippy thing recently myself. Last weekend I was all premenstrual and spent some of the weekend rugged up with a hot-water bottle rewatching Clana scenes and weeping! ;)

I think those ships pair up well together. But nearly all the SV ships tug at my heart at some point--I must say the photo Lex pulled from his pocket of him and Lana made me woobie too! *hopeless*

[suex.livejournal.com]

Just when I'm ready for Lex to go all hotly badass, he's given some more angst to work with instead. Sigh. Despite this, I inevitably got caught up again in Lex's emotions. Kudos, Michael! I was very surprised by the car sequence--it was the last thing I was expecting from the season premiere. But the parallel with the pilot was unmissable. And he did mouth the word 'Clark' as he died, right? I wasn't dreaming that?

Assuming Lana returns to Smallville, which seems inevitable to me, as what's the point in having her in China for the rest of the season,I think Lex's born again Christian lifestyle is a way to give him and Lana a quick annulment/divorce that the story most likely needs.

Great review Boppy, so insightful and yay to Smallville being back. I missed it so much.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I feel that Lana's return to Smallville is inevitable, and you're probably right--they'll need a quick way out of that marriage. I think I'm more confused by the 'ange' scene from Kara's perspective than from Lex's. What the hell was she doing? But hopefully we'll get some insight next week... :D

[latteaddict.livejournal.com]

The episode was pretty exciting. I loved the scenes between the two Clarks. Supergirl (is her name really Kara? because that kinda sucks, lol) was a little too ethereal. I don't get why she had to be floaty robes girl and then teenage chick at the end (unless the robes are her costume). Chloe's fake death would've been unsuspensful no matter how they dealt with it, same as Lana's. I never once thought Chloe or Lana were really dead. The only interesting thing is to see how the other characters react to their deaths. I guess it gives a little insight. But I was oddly disturbed at how one minute Chloe was beside herself with grief and snotty tears, yet within two minutes was dry eyed and down to business clicking away on her computer. The Lois/Clark moments were equally wickedly funny and tender. Lois really has a generous heart. I had the same thought as you about Lana's wig. If she wants to blend in then why make herself stand out? I can't say I noticed any slashy tendencies between the men. But then I never look for it. I guess I just enjoy the classic hero/villain relationship and enjoy the added angst brought on by an early genuine friendship. The effects were cool and the whole ep was pretty fast paced. I really enjoyed it.

Thanks for writing up such an in-depth review. Your knowledge of the characters really shows through :)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

is her name really Kara?
It is! Weird, huh?!

I was oddly disturbed at how one minute Chloe was beside herself with grief and snotty tears, yet within two minutes was dry eyed and down to business clicking away on her computer
Yeah, that whole scene sat very oddly with me. I don't think Allison's a great actress and I suspect she struggled with that material.

I can't say I noticed any slashy tendencies between the men. But then I never look for it.
You're probably lucky! Once you start seeing it, you can't stop! But I agree that the classic hero/villain stuff is brilliant too. I was never one of those people who wanted them to stay friends forever... the angst is way more fun!

Thanks for the comment. I felt a little off my game this week... it's been a long time since I've written any ep reviews!

[attaccabottoni.livejournal.com]

Clark calling hate 'clean' was fascinating. I think it's going to make him stronger to understand the relationship between love and hate and the appeal and complexity of both.
I was completely befuddled about this line until you've prompted me to really think about it. At first I thought Clark meant to refer to love being a messy business in general for people who have a lot of concerns and secrets at stake like Lex and Clark, and hate being easy to exercise for those with power. But then I remembered he was talking specifically about Lana's death and his reaction to it, so was it an acknowledgment that he loved Lana so much that it prompted his pure murderous and mindless rage against Lex (since Crimson and finally in Phantom)? If so, yay for him, and for the writers who are taking steps to Clark's emotional maturity!

I haven't read the others' comments yet and other reviews of this ep, so I hope you don't mind I'm just posing the question to you...

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

But then I remembered he was talking specifically about Lana's death and his reaction to it, so was it an acknowledgment that he loved Lana so much that it prompted his pure murderous and mindless rage against Lex (since Crimson and finally in Phantom)?
Yes, I think so. I think it could be interpreted a few ways, but given that it followed close on the heels of the call about love being 'messy', I think it was also about Clark acknowledging that there was a purity to hate that was kind of alluring and appealing. Where love is hard because you have to work at all those problems and try to overcome them, hate is simple because you can just... hate.

I do think the writers are moving Clark forward into maturity, yes.

[alissabobissa.livejournal.com]

Yes yes yes, yes to everything. Man, I love your reviews. :D

Aside from Bionic!Katee, Smallville was the brightest TV spot for me this week. As per usual, I agree with everything you say oh wise Boppy, my Smallville guru.

I found the scene with Lex and Bizarro fascinating and awesome and hot. Hell, I'm hoping Bizarro can come back too.

Real heart beneath the comedy: YES! Erica was fabulous in this episode and I can't wait to see more of that.

I give Lana some major respect for seemingly faking her own death, which somehow I didn't really register as a possibility all summer.

And Yay! Jimmy is in the credits. And I miss Ma Kent too. What will Lionel do now?

Thanks for another great, thinky review! Smallville is indeed back!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my reviews! :D

I give Lana some major respect for seemingly faking her own death, which somehow I didn't really register as a possibility all summer.
Hee! It's what I was praying had happened and now that it's proved true I'm kind of in shock. I think it's quite evil of her! O.O Or at least it is if she deliberately framed Lex, which I'm less sure of--I think Lionel may have had a hand in that.

Lionel is a mystery to me. He got whisked off... mysterious!