Web This Site

Friday, May 16, 2008

Commentary with a Co-ed: Smallville finale

by Ashley Gouveia

While I was preparing myself to watch the season finale of Smallville last night, I kept thinking that this was the end of the road for Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor. As that sad Boys II Men song was humming through my head, I could only hope that this episode would be a spectacular send off for Lex as a character.

It started right with the “Previously on…” like it does every season. I always enjoy these trips down memory lane. I think Michael’s voiceover introduction was extremely appropriate. Someone pass the Kleenex!

I had a feeling that ever since Clark’s journey back to Krypton, Brainiac had disguised himself as Kara. She was acting way too weird when they came back. I was impressed with Laura Vandervoort’s portrayal of the Kryptonian artificial intelligence. James Marsters wasn’t in the episode nearly enough. But then again, I could never get enough of James on my television screen. Is it wrong for me to want another Brainiac and Clark face off?

I can’t begin to understand why Jimmy would think Lex wouldn’t want something morally skewed from him in return for Chloe’s freedom. I guess that’s just Jimmy for you. It seemed like his scenes with Lex and Lois were dragging down the momentum of the episode for me. Speaking of Lois, since when is it OK to be happy that your cousin got fired from her dream job? Not cool Lo. The fact that she thought Clark would be interested in working at a paper that’s being run by his enemy is pretty weird. It could be setting something up for season eight. But I stand by the idea that Chloe needs to get her job back first, before Clark can join the bullpen.

Chloe convinced Clark that she wanted to be the one to get Kara under control by using kryptonite. If she had known that it was Brainiac I think she would have backed out. But her willingness to always be there for Clark is what makes her character so great. The Chloe/Brainiac scene was one of my favorites of the entire episode. We haven’t seen these two together since Chloe saved Clark in the Fortress and they stopped him from releasing Zod. I loved that he remembered her and found her actions impressive even though he knew she was no match for him. Or so he thought! When he did his mind sucking pointy finger trick there was a bright light around her before she fell unconscious to the floor. This apparently left Brainiac drained. His face when he said, “What the hell are you?” was awesome. I’m guessing this has something to do with her meteor ability. But why would he be so freaked out by it?

The Clark and Chloe hospital scene was touching, but way too short for my taste. At least it ignited some anger in Clark when he realized that Brainiac was responsible for her being on a ventilator. Clark seemingly killed him but I for one don’t want his demise to stick this time.

With the hold over Chloe and Lana being lifted, Clark headed over to the institution where Lana was staying. She had packed her bags and left Clark a Dear John video telling him that she loved him but not to come after her. Cue the sad song. It’s nice to see that Lana hasn’t lost her touch with those breakup videos. She did the same thing to Whitney back in season two. Tom Welling did a really good job in that scene. It’s always heartbreaking to see Clark cry.

Jimmy proposed to Chloe. (Dead silence.) ‘Nuff said. I was just grateful that DDS came to arrest her before she answered. Although it didn’t look like she would have accepted anyway. Please let me be right about that.

Finally, the moment that every Smallville fan has waited seven years for. Lex finds out about Clark. The final scene with them in the Fortress was amazing. Was it everything I had hoped for? Not exactly. The dialogue was great between the two of them. Lex calling Clark Kal-El was definitely a moment to remember. The final shot was of Clark and Lex in the Fortress as it came crumbling down on top of them.

This was not my favorite season finale of the series. I felt like the momentum dragged a bit at times. I’m going to compare it to Supernatural’s season finale. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time watching it. That’s what a season finale should feel like. Michael Rosenbaum, thank you for giving us an outstanding portrayal of Lex Luthor for the last seven years. Smallville won’t be the same without you.

Sound off on the season finale in the comments. What did you all think?

Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.

2 comments:

wwg said...

The Clark and Chloe hospital scene was touching, but way too short for my taste. At least it ignited some anger in Clark when he realized that Brainiac was responsible for her being on a ventilator.

I loved Clark's reaction.

Tom Welling did a really good job in that scene. It’s always heartbreaking to see Clark cry.

Tom was great in that scene but it lost its impact for me because he was crying over Lana Lang?! He'd admitted that things weren't working out for them; then he's cries over the breakup? Ugh.

Jimmy proposed to Chloe. (Dead silence.) ‘Nuff said. I was just grateful that DDS came to arrest her before she answered.

Lol! I've never been more relieved at a good guy getting arrested.

Finally, the moment that every Smallville fan has waited seven years for. Lex finds out about Clark. The final scene with them in the Fortress was amazing.

It was but it was too short and Clark barely said anything. :/

I’m [not] going to compare it to Supernatural’s season finale. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time watching it. That’s what a season finale should feel like.
SN's season finale was incredible! I loved it.

Excellent commentary, Ashley. :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks wwg! I think if that scene with Clark and Lois was about anything but Lana it would have had more of an impact. At least for me, anyway, lol. But nevertheless, Tom did an excellent job!

Copyright 2007 Tube Talk