Smallville 6.5: "Reunion"

Written by Steven S. DeKnight
Directed by Jeannot Szwarc


“Smallville” is seriously campaigning for the Most Improved Returning Series award. After a couple of seasons with arc elements that quickly disappeared, the writers seem to have learned a few lessons. For one thing, they have a clear sense of where they are going with Clark, and they brought in a recurring characters that facilitates that character development. They also keep referring to the “zoners”, a subject that keeps responsibility to the world at the forefront of Clark’s mind. The show is still struggling in other respects, but this season has yet to miss its mark.

Of all episodes, however, this is the one that had the most potential for trouble, because it focuses less on Clark and more on Lex and Oliver Queen. The ideas behind the episode are solid: Lex and Oliver were rivals with a shared secret, and how they dealt with the consequences of that common tragedy defined both of them. In terms of Lex, this is yet another element contributing to his amoral development. For Oliver, this helps explain why he felt the need to devote his life to helping others.

This particular incident, however, isn’t as profound as it seems. Lex’s betrayal notwithstanding, Duncan’s death was an accident. Oliver and the rest might have felt survivor’s guilt, but it’s easy enough to absolve them of direct responsibility. In the end, it doesn’t matter; Duncan holds them accountable, one way or another. But to hold Oliver guilty for “murder” would be to charge Clark with the death of every person that died because he came to Earth.

So it comes down, surprisingly enough, to the psychology of the characters. Oliver and Clark both feel a burden of responsibility that doesn’t necessarily make sense, but it drives them to extraordinary action. It’s a common bond between them, something that will only help to confuse the issue when Clark finds himself disagreeing with Oliver’s methods.

Lex, on the other hand, holds more direct responsibility, but he either tries to conceal the truth (from himself or others) or allows others to do it for him. It’s something that should ultimately force Lana to leave him or change to accommodate him, and one can only hope that the character gains something in the process.

While Lex becomes more iconic, giving over to his darkest impulses more and more with every season, Lionel becomes more conflicted. As noted in the fifth season, he seems to be shifting into a father figure role for Clark, whether Clark likes it or not. The intent of the writers is unclear. Is he supposed to be fighting his worst impulses, or is he playing games to gain power through knowledge? The former is far more interesting than the latter.

Overall, this episode added a number of interesting layers to the relationship between Clark and Oliver Queen, while continuing the season’s theme of responsibility. Clark is inching closer to the kind of person who would become Superman, and that sense of direction is helping the series regain its focus. Adding a character arc to Lex and Lana would help strength the season even more, but for now, it’s impressive to see the series get back on its feet.

(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