Smallville presents the series "Finale"

     Ten years in the making, the CW's Smallville finally comes to a close this weekend. Clark Kent (Tom Welling) realizes that to become the Superman the world needs him to be, he must embrace the past and both of his fathers, as well as what they have taught him. It is not a realization reached easily, but once discovered, his destiny is achieved hard and fast, in time to stop Darkseid from destroying the world. As Clark is doing this, Oliver (Justin Hartley) searches for Darkseid's minions, Lois (Erica Durance) tries to stop the government from making a horrible mistake, and Tess (Cassidy Freeman) squares off with Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) for the family legacy. And there's a wedding.


     There can be much written about what is not in the "Finale" of Smallville (the other heroes in the Justice League, for example), but that would be counterproductive. The most important thing that has to happen in the series finale, as known since the show began, is Clark embracing his destiny once and for all, so of course, a very large part of the hour is about that. And that is done incredibly well, leaving nothing to complain about.
     Since Clark must look to his fathers for who he is supposed to be, bringing back Jonathan Kent (John Schneider) seems a no brainer. While it is never clear how exactly Jonathan appears, it can be assumed that Clark thinking about him being there is represented by a visual image for television viewing audiences. Jonathan isn't a ghost, and he isn't resurrected. Clark can imagine the words his father would say to him in his head, and to make that more digestible to viewers, Smallville gives a physical man in place.

     Martha Kent (Annette O'Toole) also comes to town, a real, life person, to attend Clark's wedding to Lois. Having both of Clark's parents sit together in the front row is a nice treat, and a pleasing image. They are both a very big part of who he is, so it is appropriate to have them there for his special day. As such, she doesn't bring her boyfriend, who it would have been nice to have a cameo from, but it is understandable that he would not fit into this scene.

     Jor-El (Terrence Stamp), by contrast, must remain a voice in a cold, ice prison. It's what he's almost always exclusively been, and so it is the best way for Clark to relate to him. It doesn't make his advice less pertinent, or his words less meaningful. In the ultimate show of cohesion, Jonathan and Jor-El, who have been at odds plenty over the years, come together to give Clark the costume that he will wear when saving the world. It's a big moment, symbolizing all of Clark's experiences coming together to make him Superman.

     Once Clark puts on the suit, there's a little too much CGI, but the point is made. We then see Superman in action. While many wondered what rights Smallville would get to show the caped crusader, since DC has another movie currently in the pipeline, clearly, they were given carte blanche. John William's historic score cinches the moment, and there is no doubt that the figure on screen is the legendary Superman. Ten years, and oh such a satisfying pay off!

     Less satisfying is the payoff of the Clark/Lois relationship. Much of the first hour of "Finale" is spent as each have their doubts about the marriage. Those doubts are soothed by reading each other's vows. They belong together, and that is as plain as day to viewers and characters alike. The jitters are calmed, and they go to the chapel, where, interestingly, the vows are read again. Perhaps repeating those words of love drills it into fans' heads that yes, these two feel very strongly and must be together, despite what is about to happen.

     Then, right as the rings are going on the fingers, disaster strikes, and the wedding guests flee. Clark is able to save the day, and the chapel remains only partially destroyed, a triumph compared to other, similar disasters in like series. Yet, after all is said and done, the ending reveals it take seven more years before Clark and Lois make it back to the altar. Why!? Sure, Clark probably gets a little busy as soon as he becomes Superman, but seven years seems pretty excessive to not be able to find time to make it down to the courthouse. The pair are in love! It just doesn't make sense they would wait so long! The best theory is that it puts the characters more in line with the comic book timeline. But it doesn't make it any less frustrating.

     That being said, the rest of the seven years later glimpse is nearly perfect, with Clark and Lois at the Daily Planet, a screaming Perry White (Michael McKean), who we sadly never see, and young Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore) being told he has big shoes to live up to (his brother, also played by Ashmore, was a beloved central character on Smallville before being killed off). Also, a mention on TV of Lex becoming president in 2018 (that's not an election year!). Only thing missing is, no Cat (Keri Lynn Pratt)? Then one last look at Superman as he takes off to save the world.

     One quick note about Ashmore's cameo. While it is more than welcome to see another Jimmy played by the same, very talented actor, it would have been nice if the surprise were not spoiled in the opening credits. Once Ashmore's name pops up on screen, it isn't hard for long-time fans to summarize just why he is here, especially since the episode begins with the seven years later framework, so it is likely to end in the same time frame. Couldn't Ashmore's name have been saved for the ending credits?

     Chloe (Allison Mack) gets the honor of opening the show, reading to a little blond boy who has to be her and Oliver's son, seven years in the future. She is reading him a story called Smallville, about Clark's journey into becoming the great superhero. As a participant in most of the journey, it is an appropriate story for Chloe to be sharing with her child. It's also nice to know that she gets a happy ending, as she has had plenty of pain in her life.

     It is unclear if Chloe and Oliver stay together, though they must have at least had a child together, because the resemblance in the kid is uncanny. In comic lore, Chloe has been added late, after her popularity among Smallville fans, as she is a character created just for this TV series. Oliver, who is the Green Arrow, has a relationship with Black Canary, who has been seen on Smallville, but not in "Finale." Not establishing that Oliver is with Chloe, while leaving room to stay comic canon, does hang a slight bit of sadness over Chloe's happy ending, though.

     Oliver isn't seen in the future sequences at all, but he is more than triumphant in the present. He has been marked with the Omega, a symbol for Darkseid, for awhile, which causes Oliver to betray his friends. While much of Oliver's struggle for redemption in the series is self-driven, this time, Clark comes to Oliver's rescue. Because Oliver is a hero, too, with his own story, this would have been a very unsatisfying end for him. It is nice that Clark can help a friend out, but fans of the show need to see Oliver being personally triumphant, too.

     And so he goes after Darkseid's three minions, and single-handedly takes them down with one shot. It's actually three separate arrows fired at the same time, but still hella impressive. Would Darkseid's minions be quite so easy to take out? It almost seems a cheat, though Oliver already got his fight sequence with Clark, so another is not necessary. It's a slightly weak sequence if over thought, but if emotion is allowed to rule, Oliver is served well.

     Perhaps the second most anticipated thing about "Finale," after Clark putting on the Superman suit, is the return of Lex Luthor. While longtime Superman fans knew that Lex would have to return at some point as Clark's greatest foe, the detaile were sketchy. In Smallville, the writers chose to have the new Lex assembled from the best parts of imperfect clones, then given life by Darkseid in exchange for Lex's father, Lionel's (John Glover) soul. That'll do.

     Lionel himself is dispatched with. Darkseid takes him over, zombie like, and in an encounter where Clark learns to fly (another momentous moment!) Clark destroys both Lionel and Darkseid. At least, that's what appears to happen. The real Lionel's death several seasons ago was shocking and moving. This Lionel has never been more than a shadow than the other one, and he deserves no less than a quick ending, without frills. Which is what he gets.

     Sadly, Tess also meets her fate, as she confronts her brother, Lex. Tess has struggled with her goodness after learning she is a Luthor. In the end, she proves herself on the right side, though that is little comfort as Lex guts her with a knife. She manages to rub something on his face first that wipes his memory, thus making her death heroic, though regrettable. Presumably, since Tess was created just for Smallville, and not part of comic lore, the writers wanted to remove her from play. That's too bad, because she has been a complicated, interesting character, and could have had plenty of story left.

     Lex and Clark's conversation, before Lex's memory goes, is everything Smallville needs for a scene between the two. Lex tells Clark they are connected, and one can only be as great as the other. They do not physically fight, as this Lex is not ready for their first battle yet, and Clark doesn't seek one out. But there is a real sense of set up between the two, a hint of their shared destiny. It's chilling, and perfectly executed between two wonderful actors. Thank goodness Rosenbaum agreed to return for "Finale," as losing this small bit would have weakened the overall episode noticeably.


     All in all, a very strong "Finale" for Smallville. At times, it has the epic power of a movie. Others, it resorts back to a long running, successful TV show. Clark Kent, the boy on his journey will live on on DVD, but Superman has a lot more adventures to come. Is it too soon to start campaigning for a Tom Welling / Erica Durance / Michael Rosenbaum starring full length feature?

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Article first published as TV Review: Smallville - "Finale" on Blogcritics.

Smallville explores what it means to be a "Kent"

     Four weeks are left until the CW's Smallville series finale. The show has been on there air for a decade. Ten full years. There aren't many series that can boast such a long run, and the show now is drastically different from the way it began. With a primary cast of only four characters (five, if counting Allison Mack's Chloe, though she is only doing a handful of episodes this season), the focus has shifted fully into Clark Kent (Tom Welling) becoming Superman. Sure, that has always been the understood journey of the show, but with the end fast approaching, it is more prevalent than ever.

     This week, in "Kent", Clark is sent back to the alternate universe by his doppelgänger, Clark Luthor. Luthor is hunted in his world, and everyone knows how to kill him, thanks to the now deceased Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley). Clark Kent runs into Oliver's widow, Lois (Erica Durance), and then finds the shell of a man that is Jonathan Kent (John Schneider). Jonathan captures Clark, intending to hand him in for the reward money. But would-be father and son bond, and Jonathan lets Clark go, both having new perspectives on their lives.

     Jonathan Kent died in the regular universe years ago, but having Clark face his father once more, right before the end, is not just a throwback to who he was. Jonathan has shaped who Clark has become. He also helps his son see that things in life aren't nearly as important as the people. Clark does know Lois is the most cherished element in his life, but this bit of advice gives him the courage to go through with a momentous event in his life: selling the Kent family farm.

     Giving up his boyhood home may not seen like a major step to many. In fact, many origin Superman stories on screen have dispersed with the farmhouse early in the movie or series. But as the entirety of Smallville takes place prior to Clark putting on the cape and tights, getting rid of the homestead reminds us that the end is very near, and he will soon become the hero he is meant to be. This particular Clark's journey is finishing, as he is about to become the character beloved for decades.

     Back in the 'real' universe, Lois quickly realizes the imposter. She enlists Emil's (Alessandro Juliani) assistance in repairing the one device that can bring her love back home again. Unlike other incarnations of Superman, where Lois is a fiercely independent woman who doesn't 'need' Clark, this Lois has known him since his geeky days, and understands the role they play in each other's lives. It does not detract from her strength to be so bonded to Clark. Rather, it makes them both more complex, interesting individuals as they balance the duality of individualism with their romance. Smallville shows this better than any other version of the story told before. This may be the closest look at Lois and Clark's relationship ever shown on screen.

     Clark Luthor has come to the commonly considered standard reality to find Lionel Luthor (John Glover), his adopted father, who escaped to this side months ago, and kill him. It is a really well illustrated example of nurture winning out over nature. Yet, while Clark Luthor does not accomplish his wicked goal, Clark Kent sees something in his counterpart that may be redeemable. When Clark Luthor is sent back to his universe in the Fortress, it appears he may finally consider Jor-El's (Terence Stamp) wisdom. Even after everything that has happened, a good father figure, as well as a peek into what might have been, could still save his soul. If nothing else, it's a comforting idea. And a reminder that Superman is, at his core, optimistic.

     Caught up in Clark Luthor's games is his half sister, Tess (Cassidy Freeman). Recently realizing she is a Luthor, and struggling over how to deal with her biological father, Lionel, Clark Luthor tells Tess she must help him kill their daddy, or face death herself. She pretends to go along with Clark's wishes, but betrays him, almost resulting in her death. Thanks to a timely rescue, which is never assured so close to a series' end, Tess will breathe for at least another week.

     The fact that Tess chose good shows a real character development for her. Ever since her introduction, she has straddled the line between good and evil, much as Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) used to. As his replacement, that is appropriate. But she is making the opposite decision than her brother did. While Tess's ultimate loyalty may still be up in the air, it seems likely she will stick to the right choice.

     Tess, more than anyone, is not given her due. She is a complicated person, with deeply dark hues. Freeman is an excellent actress, managing to do much with what little she is given. With only four weeks left, Tess will be the one character that provides the least satisfaction. She could be taken so much further than she will be. Freeman deserves much gratitude from the fan base for her contribution to the show.
  
     Smallville still airs Friday nights at 8 p.m. ET on the CW, though not for much longer.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

Article first published as TV Review: Smallville - "Kent" on Blogcritics.

Smallville "Masquerade": Clark, Chloe, Villains, and Weddings

     This being Smallville's final season, after ten long years, I am paying a bit more attention to it than I usually do, and than I do to other shows. As the series ramps up to the two-hour May finale, important pieces of the Superman puzzle keep falling into place. At first, I considered not covering this week's episode, "Masquerade", because overall it was just another run-in with one of Darkseid's minions, Desaad (Steve Byers). Sure, a good chapter in the season-long villain arc, but not particularly noteworthy. However, interspersed within that main story, there was a lot of interesting and important milestones in the Superman saga, and so I feel compelled to address them.

     First of all, Clark Kent is the disguise. Lois (Erica Durance) tried to make The Blur's outfit more costume-y, adding dark sunglasses and a hood. Clark (Tom Welling) didn't really go for that. However, his monologue near the end about how The Blur is who he really is, and that he needs to stay true to himself, was perfect. It really encapsulated who Superman is, and revealed a deep understanding of the character that hasn't always been immediately evident in Smallville. Of course, now that can be excused, as it was all part of the journey of Superman's origin, building to the hero he will become.

     Never has an origin story been told over ten years before, at least not one that I can remember. Usually, the origin is a quick beginning, maybe thirty minutes or less at the start of a movie. At most, a pilot episode of a series. What is so interesting about Smallville is that we finally saw Superman's entire climb to who he is. I've thought for awhile that Clark was getting too old to still be learning about himself, he should be defined by now, but looking back, the progression has been mostly natural and thrilling. Anticipating seeing a true Superman come out in the show in the next few months is incredibly exciting!
 
     I really enjoyed the modern spin as to why The Blur / Superman / Clark needs a disguise. When the character of Superman was first introduced, many decades ago, the glasses and hair costume was plenty. In the age of internet and cell phone cameras, it is a miracle that the Clark / Blur connection hasn't been solidly broken yet. One can only assume that it is because of the great care Clark takes to protect his secret, as well as Clark's relative mid-Western obscurity, that he has managed. Lois is right. It's time to make a change.

     In that same vein, it may seem odd that glasses and a hair style, the latter of which he hasn't even adapted yet, will be enough to disguise Clark in the 21st century. Thus, Clark and Lois rightly agreed that attitude makes all the difference. Perception is reality. Clark Kent's mild mannered-ness is as much a part of the costume as the glasses are. The immediate effect of the new Clark was stunning, but not totally out of left field. Act like a mouse, and thou shall be treated as one. Brilliant handling of a tricky subject!

     Chloe (Allison Mack) has some soul searching to do. No one has undergone more change than her in the course of the show. There have been times when Chloe's story has been far more interesting than Clark's, and as the only other original cast member left, I was sad that she signed for a reduced number of episodes this year. I worry when her latest arc is up that she won't return for the end. That would be highly unacceptable.

     But Chloe was right when she admitted to always defining herself by who or whatever was around her. She was the friend that Clark needed in high school, as well as the different friend that he needed after. Her part in Watchtower was more about him and Oliver (Justin Hartley) than about herself. She was drawn into their world and has embraced it, but almost always in a supporting role. Even her brief stint with powers was used not for herself, but for others. Yeah, that's what heroes typically use them for... most of the time. But usually they get a little help for themselves, too.

     Which is why I understand her hesitancy to commit to Oliver. She doesn't want to fall into the same traps that she always has. She wants to have her own identity. She already achieved that, though, whether she realizes it or not. Fans of the series could tell her so, and so should her friends on the show. Oliver offers support, but his protecting her from battle with Desaad this week shows that he still thinks of her as a less capable combatant than himself.

     This is simply not the case. Chloe is a hero in her own right, for oh so many reasons. Her brain allows her to do many things none of the others can. Plus, she can hold her own in combat, as we saw this week before he benched her. Why did she let herself be benched? Why didn't she leap up after him? Once she gains the confidence to do that, she will no longer need to worry about losing herself. And that is at the top of my list of things I want to see before the series goes off the air for good. This week's episode, at the end, was a decent start.

     What a huge twist at the very end, was it not? If you haven't watched the episode, go watch it before you read further. I am, of course, referring to the revelation that Oliver has been marked with the Omega symbol. The set up was perfect. Of course Oliver would give into base emotions right after being told that Chloe was dead. Despite how far Oliver has come in improving himself, he can be forgiven for the lapse because of the circumstances. Anyone would have done the same thing.

     The question is, what will that mean for the show? Will he soon be joining forces with Darkseid's minions? Will Clark have to battle him? Considering that the Green Arrow has his own comic series, and his own great adventure outside of Smallville (though not shown as a televised show for this incarnation), I find it hard to believe that Oliver Queen is at risk of being killed off. That seems highly disrespectful to the character, and as a fan, I would be pretty upset with the show. The gigantic mythology for these heroes shown in Smallville should make them safer than main characters in other series. But after losing Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore) a few years ago, explanations to the contrary, I worry that no one is safe. Except for Clark, of course.

     As it is the final season, I do love that the show has chosen to go not with one villain, but several. It can be argued that Darkseid is the driving force behind the season, and he is, to some extent. But between the VRA supporters, the alternate Lionel Luthor (John Glover), Alexander (various actors), and Darkseid's minions, as well as the announced upcoming returns of Zod (Callum Blue) and Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), Darkseid is not the be all, end all of season ten. Given this is the last chance to see the show, I highly support that decision.

     A last bit: I very much enjoyed the scene where Lois worried about the wedding seating. I didn't think of it before, but of course Lois's father's military buddies would recognize some of Clark's more super power-endowed friends! Even with the Vigilante Registration Act dead, many military personnel spent a great deal of time and effort looking into the vigilantes. My mind spins with the possible ways Lois will solve this problem. Elaborate disguises? Two weddings? Make the heroes sit in the church loft?

     Also, a brief complaint. Part of tonight's episode was ripped straight from the feature film Date Night starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrel. Really, Smallville? You chose to rip off that movie? Really?


     Smallville's final season continues Friday nights at 8 p.m. on the CW.

Article first published as TV Review: Smallville - "Masquerade" on Blogcritics.

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Smallville - "Luthor"

     Going in, I knew that this week's episode of Smallville, titled "Luthor", would feature the return of John Glover as Lionel Luthor, but I wasn't sure what that meant for the series or the plot.  I have long missed the complicated, often villainous, Lionel.  His untimely death mid-season years ago was hard to take, and I have wished for his comeback ever since that day.  Now that it's hear, I'm not sure this was the best Smallville episode.  It wasn't bad, but I was expecting more.  Hopefully, we'll get it when Lionel returns again early next year.

     Lionel himself was as brilliantly performed as he ever was.  Glover still inhabits the character like skin.  The alternate universe premise, though, is tired.  How many shows have used it over the years?  I get it; we get to see a favorite charcter in an evil incarnation.  In this case, there was also the nature vs. nurture argument, and once again glimpsing how Clark (Tom Welling) could have ended up evil if he was raised differently.  In Clark's case, we've already seen it before enough time that this was far from novel.  What was strange, as compared to most alternate universes in screen and literature, is that Lois (Erica Durance) and Oliver (Justin Hartley) seem to be the same people on both sides of the mirror.

     How big a presence the Luthor name will be in the final season of Smallville has been a topic of much debate among fans.  Obviously, for anyone who cares about the Superman character, Lex Luthor is the ultimate foil.  The character was so wonderfully handled on this series by Michael Rosenbaum, and the actor's reluctance to return has caused grief.  The show's writers have kept things under wraps, but a number of possibilities are brewing.  Tess (Cassidy Freeman), though not a surprising revelation, is fully out as a Luthor family member.  The alternate Lionel, still living long after he died off in the show's normal universe, secretly crossed over, unnoticed by the other characters.  He will be featured in at least one more episode early next year, the season's 13th, which also boasts returning former series stars Annette O'Toole and Allison Mack, according to the imdb page, even though there is no title assigned yet.  Additionally, a young reborn clone of Lex named Alexander is apparently grown and on the loose.  When he is next seen, will he be played by Rosenbaum, as fans long for, or someone else?

     The only character that got serious development this week was Tess.  Her secrets have been exposed to Clark, and although the beginning of the episode, when he initially found out, felt awkward and out of character for them both, the resolution at the end was sweet and true.  I am an ardent fan of Tess, and if anyone could succeed Rosenbaum, as regretable as it is that he needed a fill-in, it's Freeman.  Her struggle with humanity and moral goodness mirrors Lex's own, but unlike him, she seems to mostly be winning hers.  Her inclusion at Watchtower was one of the most emotionally rewarding of the series, and her final season arc has been fantastic.  I can't wait to see how it ends, and how the return of other Luthors will affect her.

     As final seasons go, this one has had far more hits than misses (this week's episode leaning slightly towards hit, despite its problems, because of what it set up), and I believe the series is having one of it's strongest years yet.  Smallville's fall finale will be next Friday night, and will feature many recurring characters including Cat Grant (Keri Lynn Pratt), the not-dead Slade Wilson (Michael Hogan, bringing back the eyepatch again, as he did in Battlestar Galactica), Stargirl (Brittney Irvin), Hawkman (Michael Shanks), and Black Canary (Alaina Huffman).  Plus, this week's Entertainment Weekly showed a picture from the episode with Clark on bended knee to Lois, holding a ring.  It will surely be amazing, and you won't want to miss it.

     Smallville airs Friday nights at 8pm on the CW.

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