Sometimes I wish they would employ only 2 or 3 regular writers for each season rather than the massive staff of writers they allow for throughout the entire season. The characters in this particular episode had a different feel to them (at least to me). Clark *felt* different; and yes I'm aware that he was hypnotized. Lex *felt* different too. And most of all, I think a lot of my confuzzlement has to do with the way the writers just dove right in with the Simone storyline with no buildup. Before one commercial break began, she and Clark were frantically making out and feeling eachother up outside the Talon. And before the 2nd commercial break began, she and Clark were mostly naked and looking to have intercourse. I didn't feel any connection to Simone. She felt like an intruder in my shiney happy Smallville. I didn't feel this way for Alicia, but for Simone, I did. I didn't care for her interference or her use as a plot contrivance. I wished they had instead worked with the characters already in place; namely Lex, Lana, and Clark. Braniac is welcome. He's been expertly introduced and perfectly set up for evil doings. I love him. But Simone...was an intruder and she offset the balance of the characters and to me, it showed in their performances.

And one more tiny thing...do you think the writing staff wishes they didn't use Metropolis in this episode? Because seriously, how on earth did everyone (who doesn't have super powers) manage to go back and forth, and back and forth so quickly. Couldn't the writers have kept the scenes strictly in the Talon and the barn? They was a crazy oversight for them. And they continued on that path with Metroplis throughout this entire episode.

But your critique was fabulous. I always learn from you and that is priceless in itself. Great review and great incite, once again my dear.