Breaking In breaks back into the airwaves

FOX's Breaking In, or breaking_in, as the title is sometimes written as, seemed canceled at the end of last year, but received a last minute reprieve. Fans who were elated at the news have had to wait a long time but new episodes. But that wait is over this week, as the second season premieres with "The Contra Club."

A new secretary begins work at Contra Security. Her name is Veronica (Megan Mullally, Will & Grace, Chrildrens Hospital, Parks & Recreation), and she is annoying, creepy, and a mess. But before the staff can begin pranking her, Oz (Christian Slater) orders them not to. Getting suspicious, the employees dig a little and discover that Veronica works for a company who Oz is trying to sell Contra to. When the deal falls through, the team breaks into Veronica's employer, and fixes it. Except, now they have to work for Veronica, who isn't pleased with their shenanigans.

"The Contra Club" is very much a transition episode, so it's hard to make a judgment call about whether the return of Breaking In is successful or not. Much of this episode centers on the "mystery" of Veronica's character, which is, sadly, not a mystery at all, because of numerous previews and press releases that spoil the twist. In this, FOX kills the suspense of the premiere, and the things that should be enjoyable about the episode are ruined. This is a marketing misstep, not a creative team failure.

Breaking In thrives on the interaction between Oz's team as they pull off jobs. Due to the story structure of "The Contra Club," the job of the week is short, and doesn't allow a lot of reveling in what makes the show good. Add to this the loss of Josh (Trevor Moore), and things don't quite add up to a great example of the series. Worse yet, Melanie will only appear in some of the episodes because Odette Annable is now starring in House, and Breaking In basically drops any romantic story between her and Cameron (Bret Harrison). So that's two out of the four team members MIA most weeks, and a big plot point gone. And Dutch (Michael Rosenbaum), who isn't in every episode of season one, but is fantastic when he is present, has also been dropped. One can assume that Dutch is no longer necessary because Cameron isn't going after Melanie, and Veronica is now the antagonist, though only time will tell if she will be a good fit replacement.

Luckily, Oz and Cameron's relationship, the other major element of the series, remains solid. Cash (Alphonso McAuley) also continues in his plum comedic role. So some things that are proven positives are still present.

There is a wild card that "The Contra Club" doesn't address. The other new main character is Molly (Erin Richards, the UK's Being Human), Veronica's long-suffering minion. She gets scarce screen time in the premiere, and almost nothing about her is revealed, except that she is sorely mistreated, and allergic to cats. How she will fit into the office chemistry is still a mystery.

When a series is pulled back from death like this, networks like to retool to expand the appeal. Unfortunately, in this case, Breaking In had a great formula already, and just needed time and promotion to help it, not changes made to the plot. This new presentation may be better, or it could end up being worse.

So was "The Contra Club" a great episode? Again, hard to tell with the marketing screw up. However, it does get the characters and story set up for what will surely be a make-it-or-break-it sophomore run. Ratings are up a bit for the show, though not as high as normal for the timeslot it is filling, so it will just depend on if an audience can be built as to whether Breaking In will get a third season.

Watch Breaking In Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

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breaking_in goes to "21.0 Jump Street"

     FOX's breaking_inwas recently canceled after a mere half dozen episodes, the last of which aired this week. The episode "21.0 Jump Street," which will serve as the series finale, found most of the team assigned to work for Mike Tyson (guest starring as himself), while Cam (Bret Harrison) is supposed to help a high schooler being cyber-bullied. But Cam finds the assignment harder than expected, and after asking Cash (Alphonso McAuley) to assist with a photo shop project, the situation gets even more complicated. The entire team ends up helping Cam right the situation, but as it turns out, the whole thing may have just been a nice present to Cam from his boss, Oz (Christian Slater).

     It is sad that yet another funny sitcom bites the dust without really being given a chance. breaking_in has a unique concept and a wonderful cast. Oz is the crazy, paranoid boss. Cam is a slacker hacker. Cash is the tech geek whiz. Josh (Trevor Moore) is an expert with disguises. Sexy Melanie (Odette Annable) can pick any lock. And Melanie's crazy boyfriend, Dutch (Michael Rosenbaum), is the wild card. Besides each member fitting into place nicely, with wonderful chemistry, Rosenbaum in particular stands out for making viewers forget all about his many years as Lex Luthor.

     Because there are no other sitcoms with a similar concept, its departure is a major loss to television. The premise is original and fresh, and the writing and acting are solidly funny. There are plenty of pop culture references, and zany, but not wholly unrealistic, situations.

     Even sadder, this marks the fourth project in as many years that has been pulled out from under Harrison, a very talented actor due to get a big break any second. The Loop is only vaguely amusing, but Harrison had a memorable recurring role in the second season of just-canceled V, and his star turn in Reaper, which criminally lasted a mere two seasons, should be remembered for years to come. Harrison picks good projects, that aren't given much of a chance.

     Plenty of sitcoms, much more poorly made than breaking_in, have gotten much longer lives. Currently on the air, Rules of Engagement, The Middle, and Two and a Half Men spring to mind. If justice exists, breaking_in will be rescued, as efforts are currently underway to do just that. It's a slim hope that the series may see a second season, but it's there all the same.

     The episode "21.0 Jump Street" is a great example of the series, allowing each member of the ensemble some meaty material, and so it is as good as any to end with. Cam returns to his high school and finds romance with a former classmate who has long harbored a crush on him. Melanie gets to try out high school for the first time, having been denied the experience by her grifter father. Oz plays things cool, and leaves viewers wondering if the whole episode is in service of helping an employee, or an actual job. Dutch gets to work through finding out that Cam has a thing for Melanie, but does not fall into predictable tropes.

     If you are so inclined, please write to FOX and ask them to bring back breaking_in. It deserves more time.

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Article first published as TV Review: breaking_in - "21.0 Jump Street"on Blogcritics.

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.

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

breaking_in "Pilot" pretty funny

     Most network television shows are winding down by this time of the year, or more accurately, ramping up for a big finale. But there are a few that, for whatever reason, didn't make the schedule until now, and are getting one last chance to succeed. Usually, these series air for less than ten episodes and are never heard from again. There are exceptions, such as Grey's Anatomy, that end up being runaway hits. Wednesday, FOX presented breaking_in, a sitcom that I find really funny, so I hope it's the next exception.

     The story begins with Cameron (Bret Harrison, V, Reaper) in his seventh year of college, easily hacking his way through school, and being paid to help others do the same. A man named Oz (Christian Slater, The Forgotten, My Own Worst Enemy), who runs a security company, catches Cameron in his illicit activities. Oz offers Cameron a choice: be exposed and go to jail, or come work for him. You see, Oz's company breaks into businesses for a living. They are not crooks, exactly, but hired to be crooks by their victims to test security measures. Cameron reluctantly accepts the latter option.

     Harrison is a comic genius, brilliant at playing the straight man forced into situations he doesn't want to be in. He's done it multiple times before, and he accomplishes it just as well as ever here. Slater, on the other hand, exudes power and threat with a glance, and is obviously relishing his role as leader of the crazies. His catch phrase, "I'll allow it," is uttered with a smirk whenever he catches one of his employees pranking another, even if the prank goes beyond the bounds of human decency, as they usually do.

     These are the two actors the show will depend on. One fairly fresh faced and new, the other experienced with an established following. Their interactions are some of the best parts of the episode, and there will definitely be a power struggle between the two as the series goes on. Cameron initially wants out, but by the end of the pilot, decides to stay. However, I do not see him going along easily with Oz's free-wheeling ways, so there are bound to be plenty of clashes.


     Joining Cameron and Oz in this odd job are Cash (Alphonso McAuley), a nerd obsessed with candy bars and hazing the new guy in outrageous ways, Josh (Trevor Moore, The Whitest Kids U'Know), a sometimes jerk and flaw(less?) character actor who vies for leadership, Creepy Carol (Jennifer Irwin, Eastbound & Down, Still Standing), an annoying office worker who sneaks up on people, and Melanie (Odette Annable, formerly Odette Yustman, October Road, Brothers & Sisters, Cloverfield), a total psycho whom Cameron is attracted to. Of course, she already has a boyfriend, with a personality more similar to hers, named Dutch (Smallville's Lex Luthor, Michael Rosenbaum). There are other employees; it's a big office; but none that got any attention or lines.

     Rosenbaum will make you forget all about Lex in seconds. He is unrecognizable with hair and an attitude. Moore basically takes all of the things he does well in his IFC sketch show and does them within a larger plot, a good use for the actor. Irwin is likely a recurring character, but her familiar face is welcome. McAuley is funny, and I assume Cash will be Cameron's best friend before long. Annable is everything you want in a love interest. She's generically sweet and attractive, but it's the flashes of insanity that will set her apart. Ensemble wise, the chemistry is great from the get go. Each different personality brings something unique to the table, which will help with varied assignments.

     As soon as Cameron comes to work at the company, Oz puts him in charge of a mission. Oz is very much of the "toss him in the water and he will sink or swim" persuasion, not a caring mentor. He hires the people he thinks will get the job done, and has little patience for hand holding.

     Josh takes offense, feeling passed over. I find that surprising, because Oz seems the type to give this test to any rookie, and Josh should have seen it before. Cameron also has a temperament that will serve him in a leadership role, as he listens to everyone and cares about people. Josh, on the other hand, will clearly let ego get in the way.

     Don't make the mistake of thinking Josh is dumb, though, or he would never have gotten the job in the first place. Josh subtlely tricks Cameron into stealing the wrong car in his first assignment. Cameron pulls off a complicated, tricky job with the entire team, but has done so at the wrong dealership. Josh does prove he's not a total tool, and Cameron shows his ability to handle difficult people, when Cameron gets Josh alone to help him fix the mistake. Cameron is not a pushover, as one might first suspect. During the second attempt, he just throws a rock through the window and runs inside. Hilarious.

     I think this series has some real comedy gems within it, and I look forward to more episodes. breaking_in airs Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Article first published as TV Review: breaking_in - "Pilot" on Blogcritics.

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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.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

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.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Smallville's final season and the return of Lex Luthor

If you have not watched Smallville's 10th Season premiere, "Lazarus", please watch it before reading this review, as it contains plenty of spoilers about that episode.

You may want to click here to read my review of Smallville's 9th season finale, "Salvation", last May.

     The single most important thing in Smallville's 10th season is this: Lex Luthor is back.  Michael Rosenbaum, the actor who played him for most of the series, is not, but the writers have gotten creative in getting around that absence.  In the first episode, Clark (Tom Welling) is told once again that Lex will be his biggest foe, but he wonders at that, as Lex was last seen blowing up two years ago.  Tess (Cassidy Freeman), who was seen dying the in the hospital at the end of season nine, wakes up in a lab miraculously healed.  She is surrounded by Lex clones, some closer to the real Lex than others.  The worst of the batch escapes, killing almost all of the others, except for a young child version named Alexander (Jakob Davies), whom Tess takes home with her.

     I don't believe that the bad Lex clone will be the true nemesis that Clark will have to face.   He's already dying, and he lis considerably older than Lex.  Even though the bad clone says that the creator died two years ago, I have my doubts.  For one thing, who was in the hood, rescuing Tess? Sure, there will be other villains besides Lex this season, but without a strong Lex presence in the series finale, the last episode is sure to feel off.  I don't know why Rosenbaum keeps resisting overtures, but his return would be much more satisfying than having another actor take over this late in the game.

     The most compelling plot in the premiere, and likely throughout the season, is Clark's battle with inner darkness.  In the premiere, we see both a supportive Jor-El (Terrence Stamp), who wants Clark to vanquish his foes, and one who has deep doubts about whether Clark will ultimately be a villain or a hero.  Because Clark's encounters with Jor-El are dream-like sequences, there is no real way to tell which, if either, actually happened.  However, as Clark's Superman suit ended up in the Fortress at the end of the episode, the disappointed Jor-El is more likely the correct one.  The nice one may well have been Jonathan Kent (John Schneider), who returned to tell Clark how proud he was of his son, and express his faith that Clark would do the right thing.  Jonathan died years ago on the show, but his trippy return may have been something real in some way.  If Clark can talk to his deceased Kryptonian father, why not his human one, too?  Whatever it was, Schneider's return was welcome.

     With only four and a half main characters this year, Smallville is spending the money saved on principal actors by bringing back plenty of important guest stars.  Besides Jonathan Kent, also set to return this season are John Glover as Lionel Luther, who is also dead, Laura Vandervoort (V) as Clark's cousin, Kara, and quite likely Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang, at least in flashback.  I don't much care if the deal with Kruek is finalized or not, as Lana had a fine ending, and there is no real need to see her again.  Keri Lynn Pratt will be bringing to life the comic book character of Kat Grant beginning with next week's episode, "Shield".  As long as Momma Kent (Annette O'Toole) and Perry White (her real-life husband, Michael McKean) come back as well, everyone essential will be covered.

     It must also be noted that Allison Mack, who plays the only original cast member left besides Clark, Chloe Sullivan, is only doing a limited number of episodes in the final season.  She remains in the theme song, at least in the first episode, but she traded herself to save Oliver (Justin Hartley) from his torturers, so I think it unlikely we will be seeing her again soon.  She has promised to return, and we can only hope she does a sizeable arc that includes the finale, as Chloe is such an essential part of the show.

     And with all that going on, Lois (Erica Durance) discovering Clark's secret was actually played quite minorly in the episode.  It's a huge event in the Superman saga, so I was surprised at how little it impacted the main plot, though she did have to be saved by evil Lex, and it did spur her to leave for Africa.  Her discovery will surely have lasting effects, though, and I doubt that the meat of it has been played out.

     Smallville airs Friday nights at 8pm on the CW.

Smallville kneels before Zod

    This past Friday, Smallville ended it's ninth season with "Salvation", an epic battle between beings with more powers than the average person.  Clark (Tom Welling) made the choice to leave earth, despite what he believed about destiny, in order to save the world.  Turns out, though, that he managed to make all the Kandorians leave, but stayed himself.  How?  That's still fuzzy.  Zod (Callum Blue) apparently stayed initially because of his blue kryptonite, which he stabbed Clark with, and then dissolved.   Ok, so the blue kryptonite makes you stay.  Noted.  Then why did Clark not disappear before he was stabbed with it?  However, I won't miss that particular plot, and it was my least favorite role for actor Blue, who has been wonderful in other shows.

     More disturbing is the apparent death of Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman).  After two seasons of filling in for Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), she died in a hospital bed after being burned by Zod.  However, despite her being listed as confirmed dead on Ausiello's blog, I don't buy it.  My evidence is the mysterious knitter in the hall, who I would not be surprised at all to learn was Lex.  Or someone associated with Checkmate, though that seems less likely.  Lex himself appeared to die several times, but the awesome glimpse of Smallville circa 2013 at the beginning of the episode revealed that he is alive and kicking.  And so is Jimmy Olsen, who was played by Aaron Ashmore before his surprise death last year, but I assume this is a different Olsen, which may be may not be explained in the series.  Anyway, does this mean that Rosenbaum may be returning, and that's why Tess was expendable?  Because I don't consider her so, but I would love to see Lex return.

     This also gives the show some kind of timeline.  Many thought season 9 would be it's last (and that was also thought of previous seasons).  With the surprise negotiation of season 10, which would end in spring 2011, that puts us only two years away from Lex running for president.  So if the show would conceivably get more seasons, as the tenth has not been officially revealed as the last, Lex would have to return by the 12th, much to fans' delight.  I don't see twelve seasons as likely, but I also didn't think that of ten.

     The big question is who will be returning next year?  I would be highly disappointed if Oliver (Justin Hartley) is dead, though what was attacking him will hopefully lead into next year's mystery.  Chloe (Allison Mack) is indispensable, but at the time I am writing this article, she has not been signed for next year.  With those two up in the air, that leaves only Clark and Lois (Erica Durance) confirmed.  Though, there are plenty of recurring characters to choose from to bolster the roster.  Even better, are the right to the actual character of Superman at hand?  We got a glimpse of the famous suit.  It would be awesome if the Man of Steel finally joined the show.

   ARTICLE UPDATE: The tenth season will be Smallville's last, and while Allison Mack will appear in multiple episodes, she will not be returning full time.  Also, Tess is listed as full-time for next year on the Season Ten cast roster.

Guess who's coming back to Smallville?

     The CW's Smallville is having an exciting year, especially where guest stars are concerned.  With a new two hour TV movie coming up in a couple of weeks, featuring a whole bunch of other heroes, the show is brimming with talent.  However, some news broke a few days ago that is even bigger for the show.  Two Superman heavyweights are returning.  No, no, sorry.  Michael Rosenbaum's Lex Luthor is not coming back...yet, anyway.  It seems that actor is reluctant to go bald again.  But hey, Gene Hackman played Lex with hair, so why not Rosenbaum?  Anyway, I think you will be pleased with who is returning.

     Annette O'Toole (Nash Bridges) played mother Martha Kent for 132 episodes of the series, leaving almost two years ago.  (Fun fact: Annette O'Toole also played Superman love interest Lana Lang in the movie Superman III.)  The last of the adults to leave the cast, Martha went to take her deceased husband's job as a Senator in Washington D.C.  Though fans had been promised an occasional return of Ma Kent, she has been absent from the show since May 2007.  However, I am please to report that she is returning to the town of Smallville this May in the season's penultimate episode.

     Shortly after O'Toole's return was announced, so was the comeback in the same episode of her real life husband, Christopher Guest movie staple, Michael McKean (Clue, Best in Show, This Is Spinal Tap).  McKean was previously on Smallville back in a  2003 titled "Perry", when he played the legendary editor of the Metropolis newspaper The Daily Planet, Perry White.  White has been portrayed by many actors in many versions of Superman, including Jackie Cooper in four movies, Lane Smith in the television show Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and most recently Frank Langella (Frost / Nixon) in the 2006 film Superman Returns.  McKean's take was memorable, however, as his Perry White has a drunkard, washed up, unemployed loser.  Clark met him and set him on the proper path, and viewers of the show have long awaited his triumphant remergence.  It is not clear if McKean will become recurring, as both Clark (Tom Welling) and Lois (Erica Durance) currently work at The Daily Planet on the show.  There have been several editors of the newspaper on Smallville, including Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher (Star Wars).  Could Perry White have finally arrived once and for all?  And is he romantically linked to Martha Kent?  Considering how important a role White plays in the Superman legacy, his return to the show is big news.

     While O'Toole and McKean won't arrive until May, you can watch Smallville every Friday night on The CW, as it returns from its winter hiatus this coming Friday.

Smallville gets nineteenth wind

     My first article for examiner.com, back in mid-October, complained that the CW's Smallville had lost it's super.  It began the season with a few lame episodes and some less than interesting plots.  But once again, the show is turning itself around.  The last few episodes before the winter break show that the series does still have good storytelling left, and that it can once again become a must-record for your DVR, as it has been many times during it's nine season run.

     The primary plot this season concerns Major Zod (Callum Blue, The Tudors) and his band of Kryptonians.  For long time viewers, you will remember that Clark (Tom Welling) already fought and dispatched the character of General Zod after he escaped from the Phantom Zone, the same character made famous in the movie Superman II.  This, however, turns out to be a clone of Zod and his soldiers made years before the destruction of Krypton.  Not only that, but Jor-El, Clark's Kryptonian father, was among the gang, though he appeared in one short episode before he was taken out.  Lois (Erica Durance) is plagued by dreams of a future that she visited where Zod has turned the sun red and taken Earth from the humans.  Can Clark and the others stop that from happening?  You'll have to wait to find out.

     Meanwhile, the super heroes are coming more and more out of the woodwork.  Adding Oliver Queen, a.k.a. The Green Arrow, (Justin Hartley) to the cast was a good move, and now Chloe (Allison Mack), the only other original cast member left besides Clark, has stepped it up as Watchtower.  Even Tess (Cassidy Freeman), who was Lex Luthor's (Michael Rosenbaum) replacement, has become a gray-area persona, who may be working for either side.  Not to mention, in a recent episode the usually lame Wonder Twins made an appearance, and they were fun and cool this time around!  While Smallville doesn't always stick to the official comic book story, it has found it's own path that is working more often than not, and that's a good thing.  As Clark gets closer and closer to becoming Superman, one can feel the series beginning to wind towards a close, even if it is not currently clear when that close may be.  But when it happens, you can say that's it's been a hell of a ride.

     Smallville will return with new episodes on Friday, January 22nd, and don't miss the two hour TV movie Smallville: Absolute Justice set to air on February 5th.

Smallville less than super

     Smallville, the series about the origin of Superman, was rumored to be nearing a conclusion several seasons ago, and probably should have ended already. The freshman season of the show was rough, a ‘meteor freak of the week’ procedural. By season two the show had found its legs and kept it up through season six with rich, adventure stories, wonderful additions to the Superman back story, two delightfully acted parents, and Chloe evolving from an annoying dweeb to someone truly worthy of sidekick status. After that, things started to take a nose dive, though I admit, getting rid of Lana Lang was the best move made in the last three years.

      First there was Supergirl, Clark’s lame cousin added to the cast merely as eye candy. Then Doomsday appeared, but was only a shadow of the enemy that once killed Superman in the comic pages. Now Jimmy Olsen is ‘dead’, Zod is part of a futuristic army story line, and Clark is known by the uninspired name ‘Red Blue Blur’.

      Last week’s zombie episode entitled “Rabid” was a prime example of unoriginal story telling that has lost the spirit of the original character. Instead of Clark really growing and blossoming into the hero that he needs to be, he’s floundering around, allowing Lois to weaken him, and Oliver, a hero in his own right, is sinking into a deep, dark place that he should never have gone to.

      The only bright spot on the horizon is rumors that Lex Luthor may return to the show, Michael Rosenbaum’s brilliantly portrayed arch-nemesis. If Lex does indeed return in a big way, the show may once again recapture some of its glory. If not, well, Superman has died before. It may be time to do it again.