Smallville 6.16: "Promise"

Written by Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders
Directed by Rick Rosenthal

Over the course of the series, “Smallville” has tried to straddle several kinds of genre conventions: superhero fantasy, chilling horror, and soap opera. Fans typically focus on one of these elements in terms of their own personal enjoyment of the series. Those drawn to the show for its “X-Files” meets “Superman” vibe in the early seasons have likely grown tired of the familiar formula over the years. The emphasis has definitely turned towards relationship issues and Clark’s overall development.

This season has been something of a resurgence for the series, if only because the death of Jonothan Kent in the fifth season forced the writers to explore a different side of Clark. The interaction between Oliver Queen and Clark this season has pushed him towards a more global view. Chloe has also been a key factor in that evolution, and when the episodes focus on that aspect of the show, it works very well.

Episodes that focus on the soap opera elements, however, tend to be less successful. They’re still very popular, especially for fans of the Clark/Lana saga, but they also tend to fall into certain clichés. In fact, when the focus is on the Clark/Lana/Lex triangle, Lana’s feeling rarely matter (or they fluctuate greatly from episode to episode). In several recent episodes, Lana was often treated like a prize to be won, not a fully autonomous human being.

Even in this episode, where Lana’s desires are more clearly defined, her emotions are dismissed or outright rejected. Clark wants to sweep Lana away because it’s what he wants more than anything in the world, not because it would be best for Lana. In fact, his rationale for staying away from Lana makes a lot of practical sense, especially now. But her feelings on the matter have always been secondary to his desires.

This is not particularly surprising when it comes from Lex, but this episode makes more of a mess out of that relationship. When the writers deem it necessary, Lex loses all shades of grey, and that’s certainly the case through much of this episode. He acts like he genuinely loves Lana, but he is also using her for some diabolical purpose. That plot element was an unnecessary complication and one that robs Lex of some much-needed complexity. How much better would it have been had Lex been completely sincere about his devotion to Lana and her happiness?

Now that Lana definitively knows about Clark’s abilities (first hand, including a scene that looked remarkably like an effects blunder) and has been coerced into marrying Lex, there’s even more reason to believe that her role is to divide Clark and Lex as bitter enemies through her untimely demise. Anything less will seem like a massive letdown, barring some completely unexpected plot twist that makes survival less contrived.

The focus on soap opera in this episode will appeal to those who still live and breathe by the Clark/Lana relationship, but for those looking for something more substantial, this will come as a disappointment. It’s also likely that those annoyed with Clark’s sense of entitlement will be displeased. Whatever the case, unless the season ends with a tragedy, the saga is unlikely to end any time soon. “Smallville”, for all its flaws, is one of the top-rated shows for the fledgling CW network, and with so many shows on the way out, there’s no chance they’d drop something so successful.

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

Final Rating: 6/10