Best of SV S9
RL' being an utter bitch these days. ::sighs:: That's abother story of course, but funny thing is how fandom / SV is proving to be a real respite these days, especially till I can get my holiday mojo on next month. I just rewatched the season in like, two nights, with my boyfriend, who hadn't seen since ep 7 I think. Couple of things stood out to me. That the finale? Is even more amazing on a second watch. And the great part was watching the bf get so affected by it, since he's usually about as disengaged a fan as can be, heh. Secondly, I realized that there are bits and parts of eps that stand out to me as really good, and bad, for that matter. Sure, there are eps that are pretty awful, but even more striking for me, is that there are few I really like ('Metallo', 'Crossfire', 'Kandor', 'Idol', 'Absolute Justice'), even fewer I moreorless wholly love ('Rabid', 'Hostage') and really only one I completely adore ('Salvation.') Similarly there are eps I don't much care for ('Persuasion', 'Escape', 'Charade') but they happen to have certain scenes in them that I absolutely love. So while around this time of hiatus, I usually like going through my list of favorite, non-favorite eps, I thought it'd be more fitting to go over my list of favorite S9 moments instead - characters, scenes, dialogue, anything, really. And no worst list, because I'm on an SV high for once. ;-)
1. John Corben.
A great deal of this has to do with how well BAG portrayed the character - with depth, nuance and resounding resonance. Surprising, because he only had a full two eps come to think of it, but he lefy an impression. I'm on board with SV' take on Metallo - they've clearly spun their own vision, but at the same time you could see things aligning more with his comics counterpart too, if need be.
2. Zod.
All said and done, CB was a welcome addition, for me. I think I appreciated the overall consistency the most - Zod was nothing, if not manipulative and that was a streak that remained in his interactions with everyone. I also appreciated that as a villain he was allowed to interact with more than just one character. Because, one of the problems I had with Davis was that his interactions were mostly only with Chloe. A hero vs. villain showdown can never really work if there's been no emotional investment in the hero vs. villain story leading up to that, and in Clark vs. Davis, that was the case. And conversely, the opposite of this is exactly one of the reasons the Clark vs. Zod fight in 'Salvation' worked. Zod had significant interactions with both Tess and Clark, and to lesser degrees important scenes shared with other characters too, such as Faora and Lois. Favorite Zod moment? To Jor-El, after he's just been thanked by him for passionately pleading on his behalf and saving him: "never forget it, my friend."
3. The Clois rain scene from 'Rabid.'
It's a great ep, with many great scenes but a moment like this is when SV gets things right. It's gorgeous, almost cinematic in quality. The actors give it their all, you're rooting for the characters and the music and direction is superb.
4. Sexily aggressive-in-love Clark.
For all my issues with Clark not coming clean to Lois about his secret before getting serious with her, I can't deny that I loved seeing a more aggressively proactive approach to romance from our guy this season. TW brought the sexy even moreso to certain scenes - there's Clark catching Lois' arm punch mid-air in the final Clois scene from 'Rabid', the earphone flirting from 'Crossfire' ("what's it going to be with us", "I'd like to see him try"), the swoonworthy "hello" from 'Conspiracy' coupled with not taking his eyes off of Lois, the counter top makeout initiation scene from 'Escape', the opening scene from 'Upgrade' and of course the elevator scene from 'Charade.' Confident Clark is sexy Clark.
5. Tess' badass self.
CF may have gotten a raw deal this season in terms of ST, but in eps where she was in her element? She was really on. I can only marvel at her in awe in her final scene with Schott from 'Echo', or her "cheer up, you can fall down drunk in the gutter when it's done" to Oliver from the same ep, when I'm not busy cheering her on in getting a one-up on Zod in the final scene from 'Crossfire' or watching her Alias her way through in the opening of 'Checkmate.'
6. TW' as a comedic genius.
The man is subtle and that's where his genius lies. Just watch the opening scene of 'Crossfire.'
7. Stuart and Chloe' hack-off from 'Crossfire.'
One of the few scenes this season where I've really, truly enjoyed watching Chloe. Great to see her in her element - and thriving on it, no bitchmode on here.
9. ED' performance in 'Idol.'
ED' had a great season, but if there's one ep where she's truly played a gamut of emotions and range from dramatic, to romantic, to comedic, it was this one, and all of it was flawless.
10. Clark' scene with the Wonder Twins from 'Idol.'
Such a Supes moment. Clark was wonderful, and moreover the look of absolute awe on the other two actor' faces helped sell that moment even more.
11. Sharon Taylor as Faora.
SV has been known to often botch up characters and their stories, so lo and behold that they were actually able to infuse depth to a minor, recurring character. A lot probably has to do with the actor again, because ST was absolutely terric - regal, even when vulnerable, and always a presence. From starting her time on the series with a rebellion attempt against Zod, to defending him to Clark while still appreciating the latters help in trying to build her a new life, to concern over her fellow people, including her sister, to finally proving herself noble even in the face of death - Faora' conception as a character is something the writers and actor, can be proud of.
12. The silent, wordless scene of Clark in the JS museum from 'Absolute Justice.'
TW sells the scene for what it is - an insight in to a slice of the comics lore and mythology, and the awe one feels in discovering it.
13. The Wall.
"Welcome to the suicide squad", "you sure are nice to look at", "I like to have my cake and eat it too, mm", "no, the correct anser is I did not properly restrain the detainee!" - it's Pam Grier, bitches.
14. Women unable to resist the allure of Clark Kent.
Random hospital receptionist lady, persistent Zatanna or infatuated Vala, hell, even the silver banshee from 'Escape' - who can resist Clark Kent?! And I love that the show recognizes this. I mean, look at him!
15. Lois' ability to roll with the punches.
One of the things I appreciate about Lois in her interactions with Clark is that placed in situations where others may have gotten snippy with him, she just handles things in her own unique way. Clark all but whoshing off to save the day in 'Disciple?' An understanding smile and wisecrack from Lois. Being stood up in 'Echo?' Banter banter, and soon she's let it go and her and Clark move on from there. Being told that Clark was a in a compromising position with another woman in 'Warrior?' She actually not only believes Clark' apology but accepts it - then and there too. Not before planting a kiss on random bewildered dude, but hey, it wouldn't be Lois. Seeing Clark be ushered away by Faora in 'Conspiracy?' "Go win a pilitzer." I found it refreshing.
16. The barn scene with Clark and Alec from 'Warrior.'
Another classic Supes moment. Clark' kindness and compassion are two of his greatest strengths.
17. Clark 'persuades' Emil to "relax" from 'Persuasion.'
AJ is terrific as Emil Hamilton anyways, but he's hilarity personified here in this scene. "Whatevs" is this season's "the crown is mine, bitch."
18. Lex Luthor lives on.
S9 had none of the tacky fake!Lex stuff of S8. Instead we got some incredible mentions and shout outs - Dr Fate' line in 'Absolute Justice', binding Clex together as forever partners on opposing sides, Zod asking Clark if there was ever someone he considered to be his opposite side of the soul, with Clark replying, "once" and of course newspaper headline from 'Salvation.'
19. The funeral scene from 'Persuasion.'
Alia may remain a mystery and the ep itself is a mess, but this scene was stunning. Not only are the externalities beautiful, like the music and the direction and cinematography, but the scene resonates for what it reprsents for Clark - his one and only real insight in to actual Kryptonian heritage and ceremony.
20. The shower scene from 'Escape.'
One of the only few moments this season where TW and AM have exhibited sparks of their old chemistry. The entire scene, while ridiculously contrived, is nevertheless, ridiculously funny too. From Clark' "I can't tell you Loisss" song to the hilarity that ensues ending with Chloe' horrified expressions, it's all good fun. And TW once again shows off his comedic prowess, as does AM.
21. Clark saves Chloe from 'Checkmate.'
The whole thing is framed and shot as if it were panels straight off the pages of a comic book - I loved it.
22. Clark and Lois get fired.
The editor is wonderfully droll, and TW and ED are on their game as well. The physical touches to the scene are hilarious too, like Lois' one, dejected bunny ear and Clark' hapless, dishevelled bowtie.
23. The Oliver / Clark scene from 'Sacrifice.'
Clark demands loyalty, and Oliver agrees. A shift in tone in the relationship, the effects of which thankfully lasted all the way through the finale.
24. All the Martha / Clark scenes from 'Hostage.'
Not only did these provide some much needed POV from Clark, but it was so wonderful seeing the two actors share scenes again. The scenes were real, believable and so high in emotion.
25. The teaser from 'Salvation.'
One word? Iconic.
26. The Clois kiss / Clark reveal from 'Salvation.'
A beautiful moment, unique to them and gratifying to finally watch.
27. The League scene from 'Salvation.'
A perfect slice of the comics. And all while respecting Clark' character - just goes to show it can be done.
27. The entire last 10 minutes of the finale.
From Clark outwitting Zod, leading the Kandorians to rip off their Zod-bands to embracing Clark fully as their leader - down to that last, intense battle where Clark makes the ultimate sacrifice - Clark Kent remained a hero, right till the very end.
If anyone is willing to share their favorite moments / scenes / characters from the season - please feel free. I'd love to read what worked for others!
1. John Corben.
A great deal of this has to do with how well BAG portrayed the character - with depth, nuance and resounding resonance. Surprising, because he only had a full two eps come to think of it, but he lefy an impression. I'm on board with SV' take on Metallo - they've clearly spun their own vision, but at the same time you could see things aligning more with his comics counterpart too, if need be.
2. Zod.
All said and done, CB was a welcome addition, for me. I think I appreciated the overall consistency the most - Zod was nothing, if not manipulative and that was a streak that remained in his interactions with everyone. I also appreciated that as a villain he was allowed to interact with more than just one character. Because, one of the problems I had with Davis was that his interactions were mostly only with Chloe. A hero vs. villain showdown can never really work if there's been no emotional investment in the hero vs. villain story leading up to that, and in Clark vs. Davis, that was the case. And conversely, the opposite of this is exactly one of the reasons the Clark vs. Zod fight in 'Salvation' worked. Zod had significant interactions with both Tess and Clark, and to lesser degrees important scenes shared with other characters too, such as Faora and Lois. Favorite Zod moment? To Jor-El, after he's just been thanked by him for passionately pleading on his behalf and saving him: "never forget it, my friend."
3. The Clois rain scene from 'Rabid.'
It's a great ep, with many great scenes but a moment like this is when SV gets things right. It's gorgeous, almost cinematic in quality. The actors give it their all, you're rooting for the characters and the music and direction is superb.
4. Sexily aggressive-in-love Clark.
For all my issues with Clark not coming clean to Lois about his secret before getting serious with her, I can't deny that I loved seeing a more aggressively proactive approach to romance from our guy this season. TW brought the sexy even moreso to certain scenes - there's Clark catching Lois' arm punch mid-air in the final Clois scene from 'Rabid', the earphone flirting from 'Crossfire' ("what's it going to be with us", "I'd like to see him try"), the swoonworthy "hello" from 'Conspiracy' coupled with not taking his eyes off of Lois, the counter top makeout initiation scene from 'Escape', the opening scene from 'Upgrade' and of course the elevator scene from 'Charade.' Confident Clark is sexy Clark.
5. Tess' badass self.
CF may have gotten a raw deal this season in terms of ST, but in eps where she was in her element? She was really on. I can only marvel at her in awe in her final scene with Schott from 'Echo', or her "cheer up, you can fall down drunk in the gutter when it's done" to Oliver from the same ep, when I'm not busy cheering her on in getting a one-up on Zod in the final scene from 'Crossfire' or watching her Alias her way through in the opening of 'Checkmate.'
6. TW' as a comedic genius.
The man is subtle and that's where his genius lies. Just watch the opening scene of 'Crossfire.'
7. Stuart and Chloe' hack-off from 'Crossfire.'
One of the few scenes this season where I've really, truly enjoyed watching Chloe. Great to see her in her element - and thriving on it, no bitchmode on here.
9. ED' performance in 'Idol.'
ED' had a great season, but if there's one ep where she's truly played a gamut of emotions and range from dramatic, to romantic, to comedic, it was this one, and all of it was flawless.
10. Clark' scene with the Wonder Twins from 'Idol.'
Such a Supes moment. Clark was wonderful, and moreover the look of absolute awe on the other two actor' faces helped sell that moment even more.
11. Sharon Taylor as Faora.
SV has been known to often botch up characters and their stories, so lo and behold that they were actually able to infuse depth to a minor, recurring character. A lot probably has to do with the actor again, because ST was absolutely terric - regal, even when vulnerable, and always a presence. From starting her time on the series with a rebellion attempt against Zod, to defending him to Clark while still appreciating the latters help in trying to build her a new life, to concern over her fellow people, including her sister, to finally proving herself noble even in the face of death - Faora' conception as a character is something the writers and actor, can be proud of.
12. The silent, wordless scene of Clark in the JS museum from 'Absolute Justice.'
TW sells the scene for what it is - an insight in to a slice of the comics lore and mythology, and the awe one feels in discovering it.
13. The Wall.
"Welcome to the suicide squad", "you sure are nice to look at", "I like to have my cake and eat it too, mm", "no, the correct anser is I did not properly restrain the detainee!" - it's Pam Grier, bitches.
14. Women unable to resist the allure of Clark Kent.
Random hospital receptionist lady, persistent Zatanna or infatuated Vala, hell, even the silver banshee from 'Escape' - who can resist Clark Kent?! And I love that the show recognizes this. I mean, look at him!
15. Lois' ability to roll with the punches.
One of the things I appreciate about Lois in her interactions with Clark is that placed in situations where others may have gotten snippy with him, she just handles things in her own unique way. Clark all but whoshing off to save the day in 'Disciple?' An understanding smile and wisecrack from Lois. Being stood up in 'Echo?' Banter banter, and soon she's let it go and her and Clark move on from there. Being told that Clark was a in a compromising position with another woman in 'Warrior?' She actually not only believes Clark' apology but accepts it - then and there too. Not before planting a kiss on random bewildered dude, but hey, it wouldn't be Lois. Seeing Clark be ushered away by Faora in 'Conspiracy?' "Go win a pilitzer." I found it refreshing.
16. The barn scene with Clark and Alec from 'Warrior.'
Another classic Supes moment. Clark' kindness and compassion are two of his greatest strengths.
17. Clark 'persuades' Emil to "relax" from 'Persuasion.'
AJ is terrific as Emil Hamilton anyways, but he's hilarity personified here in this scene. "Whatevs" is this season's "the crown is mine, bitch."
18. Lex Luthor lives on.
S9 had none of the tacky fake!Lex stuff of S8. Instead we got some incredible mentions and shout outs - Dr Fate' line in 'Absolute Justice', binding Clex together as forever partners on opposing sides, Zod asking Clark if there was ever someone he considered to be his opposite side of the soul, with Clark replying, "once" and of course newspaper headline from 'Salvation.'
19. The funeral scene from 'Persuasion.'
Alia may remain a mystery and the ep itself is a mess, but this scene was stunning. Not only are the externalities beautiful, like the music and the direction and cinematography, but the scene resonates for what it reprsents for Clark - his one and only real insight in to actual Kryptonian heritage and ceremony.
20. The shower scene from 'Escape.'
One of the only few moments this season where TW and AM have exhibited sparks of their old chemistry. The entire scene, while ridiculously contrived, is nevertheless, ridiculously funny too. From Clark' "I can't tell you Loisss" song to the hilarity that ensues ending with Chloe' horrified expressions, it's all good fun. And TW once again shows off his comedic prowess, as does AM.
21. Clark saves Chloe from 'Checkmate.'
The whole thing is framed and shot as if it were panels straight off the pages of a comic book - I loved it.
22. Clark and Lois get fired.
The editor is wonderfully droll, and TW and ED are on their game as well. The physical touches to the scene are hilarious too, like Lois' one, dejected bunny ear and Clark' hapless, dishevelled bowtie.
23. The Oliver / Clark scene from 'Sacrifice.'
Clark demands loyalty, and Oliver agrees. A shift in tone in the relationship, the effects of which thankfully lasted all the way through the finale.
24. All the Martha / Clark scenes from 'Hostage.'
Not only did these provide some much needed POV from Clark, but it was so wonderful seeing the two actors share scenes again. The scenes were real, believable and so high in emotion.
25. The teaser from 'Salvation.'
One word? Iconic.
26. The Clois kiss / Clark reveal from 'Salvation.'
A beautiful moment, unique to them and gratifying to finally watch.
27. The League scene from 'Salvation.'
A perfect slice of the comics. And all while respecting Clark' character - just goes to show it can be done.
27. The entire last 10 minutes of the finale.
From Clark outwitting Zod, leading the Kandorians to rip off their Zod-bands to embracing Clark fully as their leader - down to that last, intense battle where Clark makes the ultimate sacrifice - Clark Kent remained a hero, right till the very end.
If anyone is willing to share their favorite moments / scenes / characters from the season - please feel free. I'd love to read what worked for others!