Smallville 6.10: "Hydro"

Written by Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders
Directed by Tom Welling

The best episodes of the season have focused on Clark’s development as a hero for the people and how his personal issues stand in the way of that process. When the writers stray from that character evolution, the results tend to be less satisfying. The previous episode was the worst of the season because it failed to resonate with the theme of the season as a whole. This episode manages to stay on course despite an annoying guest star.

Tori Spelling attacks her role with a campy, over-the-top style that threatens to undermine the credibility of the story from the moment she steps on screen. Ironically, her character represents a somewhat reasonable threat. With Lana stalling on her answer to Lex’s proposal, it makes sense for her relationship to Clark to come under scrutiny as a possible cause. And since gossip reporters have few moral objections to violation of privacy, it makes sense that Clark’s background would be fair game.

All of which puts Chloe in a difficult position, giving her the chance to vent when her ability to keep secrets is questioned. Her rant against Clark has been a long time coming, and it was perhaps the most satisfying scene in the entire episode. Chloe has always been one of the most important elements of the series, but her central function as all-around confidante is a difficult and thankless one.

Clark’s personal isolation and resulting bitterness has done nothing for his sense of perspective. His interpretation of events, particularly in terms of Lex and his relationship with Lana, bears little resemblance to the truth. This petulant anger and resentment gives Lex plenty of ammunition, and it makes Lex more sympathetic. Most frustrating is the simple fact that Clark could easily defuse the tension with a slightly different attitude and approach. Instead, with both Lex and Lana, his actions and choices only reinforce their anger with him.

This episode once again sets the stage for the future relationship between Lois and Clark, which is alternatively amusing and annoying, depending on the scene. To a certain extent, everything Lois is saying and doing with respect to Oliver and Green Arrow is reinforcing Clark’s decision to hide his abilities and isolate himself from his loved ones. If anything were to happen to Chloe because of her knowledge, that would further reinforce those decisions. Considering how much of that played into the breakdown of his relationship to Lana, which in turn cemented his rivalry with Lex, the factors that drive Clark towards heroism also feed into his least heroic tendencies.

Still, if one reconciles the fact that Lois and Clark will be together in the long run, it’s hard not to smile at some of the interactions in this episode. The constant bickering has given way to something a bit more comfortable. As Lois says, Clark knows her all too well at this point, and her reaction to their kiss was cute, if a little overdone. (In all honesty, Chloe’s part in that conversation made the scene work.)

Like many episodes this season, the villain felt like an afterthought, especially in terms of her eventual defeat. It was interesting to see Chloe and Lana taking on one of the super-powered villains, but the resolution was weak, to say the least. In this case, the interpersonal issues were far more interesting than the “freak of the week”, which could be a good sign. The series could benefit from the approach of a series like “Supernatural”, where the focus is squarely on the psychology and development of the lead characters. This season is a step in the right direction, but they’re not quite there yet.

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 1/4

Final Rating: 7/10