This week marked the 200th episode of Smallville, and while it lacked that spectacle that usually comes with such a landmark episode, this one really had some nice moments. The flashbacks with Lana, Chloe, Jonathan and Lionel seemed like moments of reminiscence, but they turned out to be much more significant to the story. Our first glimpses of Superman and the “mild-mannered reporter” Clark Kent were a kick too.
We’ve been hearing for weeks now that Clark has a darkness inside of him that he has to fight in order to fulfill his destiny. Much speculation has been put forth as to exactly what that darkness is, and the appearance of Darkseid this season has had many believing that he (it?) is the darkness infecting Clark. No Darkseid to be seen this week, but it was good to see Brainiac again … or Brainiac 5, as he’s known in the future. And with Brainiac’s help, Clark — and we — finally learned that the darkness in Clark is simply the past he refuses to let go of. It sounds so simplistic, but to me it’s so very profound because how many of us hold on to things from our pasts: things that may have affected us in negative ways; things that we blame ourselves for; things that we really had no control over; things that have become so much a part of ourselves that we can’t move forward without dragging these weights behind us? How many of us have been afraid of the future because of something in our pasts? That’s some pretty heavy stuff for a “comic book” TV show.
The last few minutes of the show brought tears to my eyes when Clark finally said goodbye to his father, went to give moral support to Oliver (who was being grilled by the least impartial journalist I’ve seen outside of Fox News), and truly embraced Lois for the first time without a care in the world. Of course we all know where Clark’s story will end — or continue — after the series finale, but this episode has really set the stage for what I hope will be a very promising, exciting and moving final season.
“You put the Smallville in Smallville, Smallville.” – Lois to Clark
“Looks like somebody took a bite out of Chloe’s conspiracy cookie.” – referring to the students carrying on Chloe’s Torch
“Okay, I think your virtual weird wall has left you a push pin short.” – to the same students who believe The Blur is from Smallville
“How did I become so uptight … and nerdy? – 2010 Clark to 2015 Clark
Clacked by Chuck Duncan 
on Oct 15, 2010 @ 23:42 EST5EDT
great episode! I’m surprised you didn’t mention 2 significant things: Chloe messaging the kids from the Torch & Clark kinda flying when dancing with Lois. also, the year was 2017
Sorry, slip of a finger on the keyboard. I was so caught up in Clark realizing that his past was the darkness that everything else got pushed to the back of my mind. The levitation was certainly a significant moment. Did Lois notice? I do question the text from “CS”. Isn’t Chloe being held by the people who had Oliver? Would she really be able to send a text? Maybe Clark or Lois did it?
Chloe faked her death and escaped I thought.
I don’t think it’s ever been made clear. Last we saw of her, she was being swapped for Oliver. I thought the Suicide Squad still had her.
Loved everything about this episode. The best part (of many) was that in the Superman future, Lois knows his secret and protects it. In the Superman mythology that has always been the most contentious part for me: she’s brilliant but she can’t see that Clark is Superman? Love that she knows and they are true partners in it. Good job!
Chuck,
Maybe we can leave out the pot-shots at Fox News in the future? Remember: you’re reviewing Smallville.
You made a similar comment in a previous review. Strive to be better than your bias, and you will go far in life.
-cheers
Steve, sorry that my little attempt at humor fell flat with you. I’m only here to offer my own opinions and viewpoints on a show and see what other people have to say, not necessarily to do a journalistic critque. I’m not sure of the other pot-shot you’re referring to, unless it was my comment about Elizabeth Hasselbeck? Wasn’t really a pot-shot, though. The character just reminded me of what I’ve seen of her on The View (and someone else agreed with me in the comments). I’m not here to offend, just to write about what strikes me about the episode. CliqueClack is meant to be like a conversation amongst friends. We say what’s on our minds and we’re not all going to agree, but I am sorry that I offended you.
Chuck, my first thought when that “interview” started was “Why is Oliver talking to some blond from Fox News?” You weren’t the only one with that thought, at all.
As someone who’s watched “Smallville” from the beginning, I was a little disappointed we didn’t see more of Clark’s past. No Lex at all? How about Martha? Even Pete? I can understand their badly-edited, clearly-not-in-the-same-room flashback moments. But why not have a couple more? I did like seeing Brainiac as a good guy, as the “ghosts of Christmas past, present and future” for Clark. And the future scenes were great!
I’m sorry they wasted so many years in between high school, diddling around with “the Blur”, when they could’ve been producing a real Superman series. I liked the high school era, seeing Clark’s formative years. But the show has been drifting for way too long since then, serving mostly as a way to introduce lots and lots of other comic book characters.
Chuck, please leave those true moments of what comes to mind in your review. That reporter definitely had a Fox News vibe to her on the show – no reason not to call a spade a spade, y’know?
Steve, not sure why you’d be so defensive about a cable news network!?
Thanks for backing me up, Scott!
Good to see Clark in the glasses. When we think about it, how long ago was it that he first put glasses on? Back in season 5?
With Clark flying…if you connect that to him hovering in his bed in season 1, what was he thinking about at both times? Happy thoughts about a girl?