Smallville 6.3: "Wither"
Written by Tracy Bellomo
Directed by Whitney Ransick
So far, this season of “Smallville” has started off on the right note. Granted, a number of essential flaws remain firmly in place, but in terms of sheer entertainment value, there’s a lot to enjoy. In particular, the writers seem to be trying harder, searching for a dynamic that works within the overall mythology while breaking out of the conventions of the past.
Clark may still be pining for Lana, but she’s definitely pursuing Lex, and that has potential. In particular, it should give the writers plenty of opportunity to explore the three characters and their basic psychology, if handled correctly. Lex has a reason to resist his worst impulses, and Lana will be tempted to compromise her morals. That process could help define Lana as a more complete and interesting individual, if the writers are willing to give her a genuine dark side. And of course, Clark’s reaction to the dynamic between Lex and Lana should test his own moral resolve.
In fact, Clark is in a position he has managed to avoid for quite a while. He’s the odd man out in nearly every relationship in his immediate life. Lex and Lana are together. Chloe, who might have been a better match from the very beginning, has finally found someone else: Jimmy Olsen. In this episode, Clark seems a bit jealous of Jimmy. Some part of him might have enjoyed the constant adoration, and that’s something that reveals a flaw in his character, making him more interesting in the process.
For all that, he’s fated to be with Lois, and as he’s coming to the realization that their sparring might hide actual attraction, she’s being swept away by the latest millionaire to step onto the Metropolis stage. The whole Robin Hood motif is a nice touch, and after a little searching, I have discovered that his costume is an homage to the original costume for Green Arrow. This episode helps to flesh out Oliver Queen’s personality a bit, which is a good move. The audience needs to understand him, and even see him in a favorable light, before he can become a suitable contrast to Clark.
Gloria was an interesting enough villain, though her overall impact was minimal. If this were a Batman series, then I might have mistaken her for Poison Ivy. Instead, Gloria’s origin is firmly rooted in the season premiere, a move that made the episode far more intriguing. This is a sign that the premiere will continue to have lingering consequences for Clark and the world, and that’s something that should give the writers a steady path forward. Clark may have defeated Gloria a bit too easily, but the point, it seems, was to have Clark face down one of the villains that escaped the Phantom Zone as a result of his actions.
One other pleasant surprise was the restraint shown at the costume party. I was expecting a lot more skin, but beyond Lois’ Maid Marian costume, the proceedings were fairly tame. Lana was quite gorgeous as Cleopatra, even if her steamy moments with Lex once again included the use of an obvious body double. And any opportunity to see Lex running around as Caesar is worth the time!
(As a sidenote: I also have a podcast associated with my various reviews called “Dispatches from Tuzenor”. Current episodes cover “Smallville”, so it might be something of interest. Go to http://entil2001.libsyn.com if you want to listen!)
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 1/4
Final Rating: 7/10
Directed by Whitney Ransick
So far, this season of “Smallville” has started off on the right note. Granted, a number of essential flaws remain firmly in place, but in terms of sheer entertainment value, there’s a lot to enjoy. In particular, the writers seem to be trying harder, searching for a dynamic that works within the overall mythology while breaking out of the conventions of the past.
Clark may still be pining for Lana, but she’s definitely pursuing Lex, and that has potential. In particular, it should give the writers plenty of opportunity to explore the three characters and their basic psychology, if handled correctly. Lex has a reason to resist his worst impulses, and Lana will be tempted to compromise her morals. That process could help define Lana as a more complete and interesting individual, if the writers are willing to give her a genuine dark side. And of course, Clark’s reaction to the dynamic between Lex and Lana should test his own moral resolve.
In fact, Clark is in a position he has managed to avoid for quite a while. He’s the odd man out in nearly every relationship in his immediate life. Lex and Lana are together. Chloe, who might have been a better match from the very beginning, has finally found someone else: Jimmy Olsen. In this episode, Clark seems a bit jealous of Jimmy. Some part of him might have enjoyed the constant adoration, and that’s something that reveals a flaw in his character, making him more interesting in the process.
For all that, he’s fated to be with Lois, and as he’s coming to the realization that their sparring might hide actual attraction, she’s being swept away by the latest millionaire to step onto the Metropolis stage. The whole Robin Hood motif is a nice touch, and after a little searching, I have discovered that his costume is an homage to the original costume for Green Arrow. This episode helps to flesh out Oliver Queen’s personality a bit, which is a good move. The audience needs to understand him, and even see him in a favorable light, before he can become a suitable contrast to Clark.
Gloria was an interesting enough villain, though her overall impact was minimal. If this were a Batman series, then I might have mistaken her for Poison Ivy. Instead, Gloria’s origin is firmly rooted in the season premiere, a move that made the episode far more intriguing. This is a sign that the premiere will continue to have lingering consequences for Clark and the world, and that’s something that should give the writers a steady path forward. Clark may have defeated Gloria a bit too easily, but the point, it seems, was to have Clark face down one of the villains that escaped the Phantom Zone as a result of his actions.
One other pleasant surprise was the restraint shown at the costume party. I was expecting a lot more skin, but beyond Lois’ Maid Marian costume, the proceedings were fairly tame. Lana was quite gorgeous as Cleopatra, even if her steamy moments with Lex once again included the use of an obvious body double. And any opportunity to see Lex running around as Caesar is worth the time!
(As a sidenote: I also have a podcast associated with my various reviews called “Dispatches from Tuzenor”. Current episodes cover “Smallville”, so it might be something of interest. Go to http://entil2001.libsyn.com if you want to listen!)
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 1/4
Final Rating: 7/10
posted by John Keegan | 15:35
1 Comments:
Yet another great review. How do you have the time? I watch most of the programs you review and after reading the reviews have a deeper understanding of each episode. Just started watching Lost and you're reviews for season 1 are deep to say the least. Didn't realise so much mythology existed!
Anyway wanted to ask where you get the title names from for each episode. On the CW website this Smallville episode is titled "Arrow" and titles aren't even present on the FOX website for the last 2 Prison Break episodes.
Post a Comment
<< Home