Kent Screentime Minutes, and some thoughts

[jeannev]

 God, it feels like this took me forever to get around to.

I guess I could blame a busy weekend, or a terrible on-again, off-again headache that has just been messing me up for 2 days.

But in reality?  I expect its just more about my general feelings about the show this season, and the episodes.  Which isn't to say that I didn't like Kent well enough

Comments

[tariel22]

The most obvious thing to take away from this episode is just how great Tom Welling can be when he turns it on.

This episode was a treat for me, just because it gave me so much of Tom, and gave him such an opportunity to shine. Clark Kent and Clark Luthor are so different, and I enjoy them both. I especially loved seeing CK embody Superman so perfectly in his scenes with CL and Jonathan. Believe me, I'm happy Tom's not a part of Snyder's MOS, but he could have rocked it so hard.

CL's possible turn for the better was extremely abrupt, and the episode would have been much better with the kind of character development you suggest. Unfortunately, trying to do too much in 42 minutes has become Smallville's trademark. I did like the scene at the mansion between CL and Tess. His emotional response to the destruction took me completely by surprise, but Tom made it believable as a hidden layer of vulnerability, rather than a moment of OOC behavior.

I thought all the performances were really good. I love this cast. The only parts that bugged me were how none of the mirror box stuff made ANY sense (par for the Smallville course, though), and that last scene at the farm. It didn't make a lot of sense to me either. Exactly what lesson was Clark supposed to have learned there? He's never placed physical things above the people in his life, and he hasn't been glued to the farm since he started working at the DP.

I don't want Clark to give up the farm anyway. Why doesn't Martha keep it, and Clark and Lois can go ahead and rent a place in the city? Why does the decision fall on Clark's shoulders? What kind of senator doesn't maintain a home in her own constituency? I can't imagine Superman without the farm to go home to in times of emotional and spiritual crisis, but of course that's always been about the love and guidance he's found there, from his parents, and on Smallville they don't live there anymore. *sigh*

I think in a lot of ways I've already moved on. Ever since filming ended, I've found myself infinitely more interested in what Tom will do next than in what these last few episodes of Smallville have to offer. I liked Kent a lot, and I think I'll love Booster. I have my doubts about Dominion and Prophecy, but I'm content to wait and see. And I think the finale will be great, as long as whatever they've cooked up for Chloe doesn't make my head explode.

Thank you for the screentime minutes, I so appreciate that you continue to give them to us. I wish Tom had that kind of time onscreen in every episode.

[jeannev]

Its very, very hard for me to dislike an episode with so much Tom, and him being so brilliant. I've always maintained that one can forgive a lot when you get certain things that make you happy. And for me, lots of Tom with great acting is one of those things.

Its true that they were never going to be able to cram everything they needed to truly bring Clark Luthor to life in 42m. And especially when they spent no more then 5m on him in his last outing. But for me, knowing the time constraints doesn't make me more forgiving of the writing, because this is a fact they are well aware of going in. So, as they say "keep it simple Stupid!" Don't create all this intricate scenarios that you can't adequately resolve in 42m

I also liked that scene between CL and Tess at the mansion. I totally agree that his reaction gave us a hint of what lies beneath. I wish the episode had included more of those hints.

It didn't make a lot of sense to me either. Exactly what lesson was Clark supposed to have learned there? He's never placed physical things above the people in his life, and he hasn't been glued to the farm since he started working at the DP.

I agree. I think they sort of invent these issues so they can act like they are getting some big emotional resolution. But really, its manufactured drama. And I just found Tom and Erica very disconnected in that scene. She was giving him a lot, but he didn't seem to be doing the same, which was jarring in an episode where he was so spot on. I guess they were trying to suggest that Clark was lost in thought, or something. But really, he just came off as distant.

I know what you mean about moving on. At this point, S10 is what it is, and for me, its a terrible disappointment. These last few eps aren't going to change that (especially given their descriptions). So, I think a sort of weary acceptance has set in.

And you're welcome :)

[tariel22]

But really, its manufactured drama.

There's been an awful lot of that in S10, IMO, especially between Clark and Lois. I miss the fun, flirty banter between them, and the way they used to butt heads sometimes. Lois is a little too soft for my taste lately. I appreciate that she's always there for Clark, and Erica portrays that beautifully, but where's the fire? Where's that unique spirit that made him fall in love with her in the first place? We get glimpses, but I want more.

At this point, S10 is what it is, and for me, its a terrible disappointment.

That's the thing. For all these seasons I've hoped for certain payoffs from this show, and now I know a lot of them are never going to happen. Not that it's up to me to say what should happen, not at all, but of course I'm disappointed. And it's a done deal, it's over. It's time to put my hopes, and my passion, in the future. Tom's future.

[jeannev]

I think one thing that I've really taken away from S10 Clois is sweet and loving is very nice, but I think I need my TV couples a bit more fiery and tempestuous and spicy. Its just a personal preference.

And why isn't it up to you to say what should happen? There's nothing at all wrong with you having expectations. I think thats a natural reaction when you invest so much time in something.

I hope Tom's next project is a lot more fun for me.

[tariel22]

And why isn't it up to you to say what should happen? There's nothing at all wrong with you having expectations.

Oh, I'm not apologizing for having expectations, or being upset when they're not fulfilled. I just wanted to make it clear that I recognize that my opinion isn't the only one that matters. I get that I'm one voice among many, and that a lot of people are perfectly happy with how S10 has played out.

I may be a hater at times, but I hope I'm not an entitled one. ;)

[jeannev]

You aren't. You are very respectful of other opinions, and very clear that you are always speaking for yourself.

Thats why you're the nice one! :)