Smallville 6.7: "Rage"
Written by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer
Directed by Whitney Ransick
While this episode is relatively self-contained, it does follow through on some elements established earlier in the season and it continues to explore some of the same philosophical ground. In that regard, this continues the surprising level of season arc continuity that has given the sixth season a strong start.
As with so many episodes this season, Clark’s moral development is the highlight of the episode. With Oliver as a good example of how good intentions can lead down the wrong path, Clark has the opportunity to recognize his own perspective on certain moral choices. Not only that, but Clark’s steadfast decision to stick with his strict moral code begins to set him apart among other emerging heroes. In short, Superman is beginning to form out of the clay of Clark Kent.
Which is not to say that Clark is quite there yet, since Oliver continues to make the case that Clark’s choices are too personal. If Oliver has one thing over Clark, it’s that his activities are focused on the greater good instead of the protection of his loved ones. In a very real sense, Oliver is an example of what Lex might have been, and that’s why Clark struggles to keep Oliver from falling into some of the same traps.
This is another episode where relationships are at the forefront, and that continues to push Clark into an interesting type of isolation. This is especially true in the Thanksgiving dinner scene. Clark is definitely aware of the fact that he’s the only person at the table without a significant other, and it seems to be weighing on him a bit. It should be interesting to see what his reaction will be as Lana and Lex continue to get closer.
Lana’s revelation is troublesome for many reasons, but the long-term effect on the season and series is still unclear. If it were to end with the addition of a baby to the show, it would be a massive mistake. Baby plots rarely work out well, and sometimes, it can be the death knell for a long-running series. In this case, however, there’s reason to believe that the situation will develop with more tragedy, perhaps finishing the job of placing Clark and Lex on opposing sides.
Overall, this episode had some interesting things to say about Clark and his emerging philosophy, but I think the focus on relationships keeps the episode from scoring a true victory. More than that, the episode also includes a thinly-veiled anti-drug message, which a little bit too heavy-handed.
(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
While this episode is relatively self-contained, it does follow through on some elements established earlier in the season and it continues to explore some of the same philosophical ground. In that regard, this continues the surprising level of season arc continuity that has given the sixth season a strong start.
As with so many episodes this season, Clark’s moral development is the highlight of the episode. With Oliver as a good example of how good intentions can lead down the wrong path, Clark has the opportunity to recognize his own perspective on certain moral choices. Not only that, but Clark’s steadfast decision to stick with his strict moral code begins to set him apart among other emerging heroes. In short, Superman is beginning to form out of the clay of Clark Kent.
Which is not to say that Clark is quite there yet, since Oliver continues to make the case that Clark’s choices are too personal. If Oliver has one thing over Clark, it’s that his activities are focused on the greater good instead of the protection of his loved ones. In a very real sense, Oliver is an example of what Lex might have been, and that’s why Clark struggles to keep Oliver from falling into some of the same traps.
This is another episode where relationships are at the forefront, and that continues to push Clark into an interesting type of isolation. This is especially true in the Thanksgiving dinner scene. Clark is definitely aware of the fact that he’s the only person at the table without a significant other, and it seems to be weighing on him a bit. It should be interesting to see what his reaction will be as Lana and Lex continue to get closer.
Lana’s revelation is troublesome for many reasons, but the long-term effect on the season and series is still unclear. If it were to end with the addition of a baby to the show, it would be a massive mistake. Baby plots rarely work out well, and sometimes, it can be the death knell for a long-running series. In this case, however, there’s reason to believe that the situation will develop with more tragedy, perhaps finishing the job of placing Clark and Lex on opposing sides.
Overall, this episode had some interesting things to say about Clark and his emerging philosophy, but I think the focus on relationships keeps the episode from scoring a true victory. More than that, the episode also includes a thinly-veiled anti-drug message, which a little bit too heavy-handed.
(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 | 15:42
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