Smallville 8.20 Beast; Vidding

[bop_radar]

I found this episode abysmally boring. I just really don't know why I watch episodes without Lois in them these days (apart from the completionism). I thought this was tedious, nonsensical rubbish, and I got really annoyed with Chloe. How long, exactly, did it take her to sell out her new employer? I would have enjoyed the scene where Oliver yelled at her, except that Oliver was also being a dick in this episode. Actually I felt he got the treatment the writers usually reserve for Chloe... he voiced the opposite opinion to Clark purely to create some sense of tension (and give poor Clark a headache: I felt Clark was internally thinking STFU throughout the whole ep). Clark, honey, your plan was JUST FINE. You just need to learn not to telegraph your moves so massively, k? I have no time for the Jimmy-as-addict storyline either (yuck!). So yeah... bored now. Really not interested in watching another episode of Chloe martyring herself in slow mo (which is what this one felt like).

Confession: I have a ridiculous number of WIPs. I'm beginning to think I may never actually finish a vid ever again. I know how this came about. It came about because for a couple of months I was a) deciding what to do about my job, b) enacting that plan, c) going on holiday, d) returning and beginning new phase of life, complete with life-change-y actions a plenty. So, all of this was not very conducive to consistent creative focus on any one vid. But my vidding bug didn't leave me so I just found myself starting up projects when I could hoping to get back to them.

Top of my list of WIPs is my charity vid, which I am totally excited about, and absolutely will complete. But it's a Terminator vid and I started it before the end of Season 2. It needs to be reworked to reflect and encompass the finale, and I need to do some serious planning.

But meanwhile there are three vids that I'd started before that, and one or two I'd fiddled with since. Not to mention the new vid bunnies that really really want attention. Waaah!

When I sit down to focus on one, I get distracted and flit to another. I've lost the continuous thread that usually pulls me through an individual vid. For instance, I go back to my earliest WIP and I totally remember what the plan was, what to put where, and I can go about doing that, but I don't feel that 'zing' that comes with seeing your latest idea come to life. So is it worth it? Should I ditch my old WIPs? What if they are really close to being done (even if there is no actual audience for them)? So many decisions. Sigh. I don't know what to do.

I wish I could get them all done so I could feel guilt-free about starting new vids. Perhaps I should declare May my own personal 'WIP amnesty' month, in which case prepare to be spammed with half-baked Bop vids. ;)

ETA: Any advice?

Comments

[gildinwen.livejournal.com]

So you wanted to punch Chloe and Oliver too? Chloe decided to martyr herself for Clark, except she's not doing just because she cares about him, she also wants to jumps Davis's bones, and how annoy and infuriating is that. And why can't they let Clark make a decision and stick because his plan was the best there was. The PZ was designed for cretures like Davis. I have a feeling that Jor-El (the real one) shared Clark's 'no-killing' stance, and created the PZ so that he could lock them away, without killing them. It's just....Kara was willing to stay behind to protect Earth and make sure no phantoms escaped. Clark was willing to do the same. If Davis and Chloe really wanted to make sure that no more innocent people would, he would have gone willingly into the PZ, and Chloe would have gone with him.

But no. Clark's an idiot and Chloe's th

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I did. I wanted to punch both of them.

I have a feeling that Jor-El (the real one) shared Clark's 'no-killing' stance, and created the PZ so that he could lock them away, without killing them.
Absolutely! It was great to see Clark make use of that, and it really sets him up well to be able to maintain a 'no killing' stance even when his opponents are dangerous on a world-threatening level.

I actually feel that with the characterization we've seen from Davis earlier in the season, he WOULD have been willing to do that. But that wouldn't be nearly dramatic enough...

[gildinwen.livejournal.com]

When Oliver was going off on Clark ? Telling him he needs to kill Davis. I really wanted Clark to say "We did," because they have and I wanted Clark to point that Davis comes back from because he CAN'T die.

Would it kill Oliver to come up with a new plan and respect Clark's moral code?? while doing so, because I can't see that he does.

I've said this to others but I do this that this is the fulfillment of the "Isis" reference WRT to Lana and Chloe, how as Lana has now become the lighter side of Isis, Chloe is now symbolising the darker side of Isis.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

really wanted Clark to say "We did," because they have and I wanted Clark to point that Davis comes back from because he CAN'T die.
I know, right?! Clark's plan made more sense for Davis than any other character. It's only the writers that prevented Clark from pointing that out.

Would it kill Oliver to come up with a new plan and respect Clark's moral code?? while doing so, because I can't see that he does.
Yeah, it pisses me off because I feel like Oliver's characterisation this year has been abandonned to create 'drama'. I don't buy this whole 'Oliver doesn't respect Clark's code' line, because the two of them have explored that in the past and they know well and good that they each have different codes, but they respect the other. I also felt that Oliver telling Clark that CLARK and CLARK ALONE needed to deal with Davis was the biggest load of bull ever. Oliver would never say that! He'd be all 'Clark, we're here for you, let me call the guys and see if we can deal with this together'. And then Clark would be all 'no, Oliver, this is my battle' but eventually they'd work together, only Oliver would have to agree to Clark's 'no kill' line. Instead we got this ridiculous situation where Oliver and Chloe make Clark feel like he's the 'wrong' one.

Good call on Isis--interesting!

[gildinwen.livejournal.com]

If Chloe gets made into a martyr I might just have to throw something. Because the show should take a stand and say "No she was wrong, and Clark was right," because at the end of the day, Clark is the damn hero of this story, and the show should be on his side.

But the show never is and it pisses me off like you wouldn't believe.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I'll openly admit that there are times when I disagree with Clark, but those happened a lot more when it was earlier in his 'hero' journey and they happened mostly because Clark himself hadn't fully developed his values or didn't have the confidence to stick with them. Nowadays I feel like he his really his own man, and he is so close to his future hero self... so to have the show be 'against' him (especially in so ridiculous a matter) is really stupid.

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

Clark, honey, your plan was JUST FINE.

Yes. Clark's plan was really the only viable solution. (and if Davis did care about Chloe or the world more than himself, he would have gone willingly... but he became complicit in Doomsdays actions a while back).

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

He did become complicit, and that journey was interesting, but I'm finding the resolution tedious.

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

You're not into the Davis/Chloe, thing are you? I don't mind them. I think that Sam and Allison are doing a good job acting. I really got Chloe needing to help someone. She needs to be needed. It's totally unhealthy and crazy for her but yeah, that's Chloe. And she and Davis have more chemistry than her and Jimmy, in my opinion. Almost wall!sex! If only he'd stop killing people . . .

And Dr. AJ was on! Last week it was Jammer! I love to see A.J. on my screen. :-)

I found success in a fic finishing community. There needs to be a vid finishing comm complete with support and techniques that help you finish vids. I don't have any vid WIPs or suggestions because I'm so new but it would probably help others.

I hate losing the 'zing'! That's why I learned to vid faster. I can feel the zing slipping through my fingers even as I vid sometimes. The vid might not be perfect in the end, but if I lose the zing the vid will lose something indefinable anyway. Something more than technical pretty.

When zing is lost sometimes the vid has to be put to rest, I think. Other times it just needs encouragement. Like a stunted seedling that needs some sunshine. :-) As for an audience, well, that's true. Some vids are just for you, though. Only you know for sure.

Do a vid-in-progress WIP amnesty if you want. I'm doing a fic WIP amnesty, soon. Speaking of which I should get on that . . .

Oh, I know you have lots of vid friends, but I'm always happy to look at a VIP too. I can be a cheerleader if you need one!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I don't like the way Davis/Chloe is written, though I've enjoyed Davis's personal character story until now. I don't like Chloe, her character make-up, her martyr complex.

A vid finishing community! That is a cool idea. Normally, I totally agree, I vid faster to avoid losing the zing. However I've found my 'big' vids required longer to make them due to their scope and I've therefore learnt how to vid without the immediate zing, but there's still a continuity of focus there that I don't have with these.

Hee, maybe a bit of cheerleading will be useful too... I have lost sight of whether they're any good or not.

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

Hee, maybe a bit of cheerleading will be useful too... I have lost sight of whether they're any good or not.
You know my e-mail. :-) I'd be happy to look!

[anoel.livejournal.com]

I've wanted there to be a vid finishing community! It'd be so, so helpful.

[serenography.livejournal.com]

I think you just go with what zings you the most and not worry about the ones that don't. It's not like you have a deadline to meet on any of them. It's good to go back to them every now and then since one day, you may feel a little zing draw you back into finishing one. If not... meh. :) Vidding should be your pleasure, not a source of stress. At least, that's how I justify my folder of photoshop pieces that are half-done, or total failures that I swore to get back to and fix one day.

Chloe's always had martyr tendencies on this show, IMO. It's part of why I could never really be much of a fan. Just when I was starting to finally appreciate her, they go and take her to this extreme. Ah well...

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Good advice, thank you!

I'm not into martyr characters, and I agree that Chloe is the show's martyr, so when they indulge that plot my eyes glaze over.

[taragel.livejournal.com]

I love any episodes that features a lot of Davis, but I was disappointed with the writing/messages of this one. I wish too that Smallville had the balls (or the time slot) to really go fucking dark with it. And why suddenly are all my shows trying to tell me passion = obsession?

Speaking of passion, vids...I agree with everyone that if you're no longer feeling it, don't feel obliged to do it. It sucks to go through the motions.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

*nods* I've often wished Smallville could exploit the darkness in some of its plots more. And yeah, I hate that passion = obsession message. Grr. I still find Sam's performance excellent, but like you say, I didn't enjoy the writing of this ep.

[duskwillow.livejournal.com]

I think my shortest comment of Beast would be: Clark was right, plan was good, Chloe is a moron.
:)
I also miss Lois. :/

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hee, spot on! :) (and cute icon!)

[chickadilly.livejournal.com]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one bored. I just don't find Davis all that interesting and I was truly annoyed at Chloe. I actually found the storyline offensive. Ugh.

I also hate what the way they're writing Jimmy but that's a whole other rant ... Sigh.

Like you I miss Lois too. The show really drags without her.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it was pretty offensive. And HOW could they do that to sweet Jimmy? He had such an ugly personality in this ep. :(

[hazyshade.livejournal.com]

No Lois makes me sad. :(

I'm envious of your ever-multiplying vid bunnies. I would really like to get back into vidding now that I've got most of this year's uni work out of the way, but I can't think of anything that is begging for attention. And I hate to force an idea - those vids always turn out the worst for me.

Half-baked Bop vids sound quite tasty, though, so I'm happy to be spammed. Maybe they can be reworked into vidlets? If fic writers can have tiny ficlets and huge multi-chapter epics, maybe us vidders should be less insecure about posting vidlets! :)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I hate forcing ideas too, and I'm definitely doing that with at least one of my WIPs at the moment... but another of them definitely CAN be remade as a vidlet, and maybe I can do that with others. Hmm... that's a good thought!

I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling the vidding spark right now. I usually go on obsessive music-listening sprees (or long walks with my iPod) when that happens, until something clicks.

[bofoddity.livejournal.com]

I developed the multiplying plot ideas with my writing, which combined with my poor concentration has lead to barely writing at all. I think a vid finishing community that was suggested earlier might be a good idea; having a deadline and people to support you make a big difference that may not come when you're on your own.

As for Smallville, at the moment it seems like the writers are determined to reach a new low after Requiem and they're getting closer to that. Normally I would have some kind of dark interest in the Chloe/Davis-relationship, but the way they've been handled (Davis especially; I just can't muster sympathy for a guy who can't help being a serial killer) leaves me completely cold. Clark was the one shining spot in this episode and I would have really liked it if the episode hadn't asked me to agree with Chloe and Oliver instead.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I like the vid finishing community idea, yes...

I agree that Clark was a shining light (bless!) but he just got overshadowed by all the surrounding stupidity. I wanted to pull him aside and say 'never doubt yourself! it's these other characters that are bonkers, not you!'

[svgurl.livejournal.com]

In general, Lois episodes are better than non-Lois episodes.

I felt Clark was internally thinking STFU throughout the whole ep). Clark, honey, your plan was JUST FINE.
I wish they had allowed him to voice it. And yes, his plan was great! He was the only character I liked in the episode and other than Lois, is the only one I still love on the show.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they're all a bit unlikeable at the moment, aren't they? Sigh.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

I hate losing the vidding zing. Do you think you WILL someday be motivated to finish these vids or is it a lost cause? Would you be bummed if they were left unfinished? Usually I recommend going with the vid you're most passionate about and then just keep going til it's done even if you lose it a bit later in the process. And don't forget everything doesn't have to be perfect, sometimes good is good enough. I do think if you're *almost* done, it'd probably be best to get it finished. Have you tried getting an extra pair of eyes especially from someone who would LOVE the vid? That could help. Or even see if you could co-vid it with someone else who was more passionate about the idea. In any case, more vids by you is always good :)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hee, this is is all such good advice except I keep coming up with 'but...'s in my head!

Usually I recommend going with the vid you're most passionate about and then just keep going til it's done even if you lose it a bit later in the process. And don't forget everything doesn't have to be perfect
Yeah... I am going with my charity vid for now, and I do genuinely love the idea and have found some spark again about it after making this post. However, it kind of DOES have to be perfect, given that someone paid for it! :p

I do think if you're *almost* done, it'd probably be best to get it finished. Have you tried getting an extra pair of eyes especially from someone who would LOVE the vid?
Hee. This is very good advice, except the vid that is closest to completion literally has NOONE who would love it. It's a very strange creature, vidding one very unlikeable character with a guest actor. Why I did that I have no idea!

But thanks for the advice. For now I'm on a roll with the charity vid so fingers crossed that will stick!

[anoel.livejournal.com]

Even your charity winner doesn't expect perfection, really. Just think of it has a constant rough draft that you can keep fixing.

Well I'm always willing to look at it and cheerlead if you need it. I'm a fan of vidding for vidding's sake (as are others) so I'm happy to get behind any vid :) Good luck with the charity vid!