Smallville S08E04 - "Instinct" Review
"Instinct" introduced another character from the DC Comics. Maxima, a queen of the Planet Almerac, was searching for her soul-mate after she got a signal from Clark's crystal. Unbeknownst to her, it wasn't Clark sending her the message. She believed that Clark was her soul-mate after knowing the fact that he is the "last son of Krypton". Lois Lane saw Clark and Maxima in an improper position and a new feeling flared up inside her. Chloe and Jimmy had small fight over the fever letter.
Clark Kent had shown a lot of improvement from the premiere of this season. He was also seen using his power more this season. Although with his "not-going-away" heartache for Lana was still there, I don't mind it as much as I used to because he now had something to keep him occupied and he wasn’t brooding all the time. Aside from that, he seemed to be pretty committed with his job. Clark Kent in his work mode was always a good thing. Tom Welling was excellent, as always. I don't think I ever seen him not being excellent.
Lois Lane showed a lot of emotions in this episode. She was showed pretty hyper at the beginning when she called Clark and complained about Jimmy snoring. She let Clark investigate and write for the heart attack story, and later, let herself get more involved after knowing the fact that there are more to that than just heart attack. Lois wanting to get involved with issues like this was well-written and well-characterized. Lois's encounter with Maxima was superb. Then she showed us her jealousy after seeing Clark and Maxima inside the elevator; I have to say, her being jealous was pretty amusing to see, because she didn't cry, instead she was pissed. I love the fact that she's not shaking up by the car throwing, and she even prepared herself for a fight before Clark super-sped Maxima away with him. In the end, she was, once again, the understanding friend. Erica Durance delivered all emotions perfectly.
Lois and Clark relationship has gotten better each episode. Lois still sees herself as Clark's mentor, and bosses him around. I loved it! Lois knew Clark too much to know what Clark was doing when he's alone in the Kents farm. I love Lois' endorsement about Clark's love life. Is it just me, or did you feel the Lois and Clark partnership vibe from Lois & Clark: The New Adventure of Superman when you see them walking side by side with their Daily Planet nametags. Lois got jealous when she saw Clark and Maxima in a lip-lock, and as we all might expected, she denied her feelings. It seems like after this episode, the only two people who do NOT know about Lois and Clark's obvious feelings for each other are themselves; even an alien from another planet can feel the vibe between them. As much as I loved the jealousy, but I do find it a bit weird. Lois got SO PISSED, and Clark wanting to explain what happened -- I mean, they aren't even a couple, and yet they're acting like one. I loved it, but I still think it's weird. I loved it when Lois “convinced” Clark that she was calm, with her finger poking his chest. The end barn scene was amazing. It's always a joy to see Lois and Clark had a little heart-to-heart. I found it somehow weird that Lois turned down Clark's offer to live under one roof. I think what Maxima said to her must be one of the reason for her not wanting to become too attached to Clark. Lois was well-known for being denial of her feelings for Clark, and I loved seeing that.
Maxima really creeps me out. I don't like the way the actress talk. I don't know if her character supposed to talk like that, but it somehow annoys me. This girl is mad, but I loved her scenes so much! The fact that she made the speech on Clark's feelings for Lois was maybe my favorite part about this episode.
I love Chloe in this episode, unlike the previous one. She's becoming more mature each episode, but I do not like the fact that she seems too attached with her new power. She also seems reluctant to let it go. I love her relationship with Jimmy. I think they're sweet together (I LOVED the tender kiss they shared), and people would be crazy if they couldn't see the fact that Chloe really has moved on. I have mixed feelings for Jimmy. He's not onscreen most of the time, and when he is, I don't think he was written all that well.
Chloe asked Clark to give her away for the wedding -- where is Chloe's dad??
Tess was being knocked down! It's so great to see other people got unconscious. It's really amazing to see that Lois is still conscious even after being thrown off the air while she's inside her car. I'm pretty much happy for that fact. Anyways -- Tess was becoming darker each time, but there's something in her eyes that shows her fear. I don't know if she's really evil, but from the way I see it, she is trying to become more like Lex, but was unable to because there's just something a bit off with her.
I love the special effects and the background music for this episode. I especially loved the background music of the scene at the dark alley between Clark and Maxima. The scene was intense, and the catchy background music was really right on spot.
I mentioned this in my previous reviews, but I LOVED the wardrobe department! Tom Welling look hot in the black button-up shirt and Lois’ wardrobe has always been great since the premiere. I also love what they have prepared for Chloe, Jimmy and Maxima, and not to mention Tess. Well done! And please let it be more clothes (that aren’t plaid or that blue/red jacket/shirt). Can’t believe Maxima tore off Clark’s new shirt!
Oh oh -- I can't believe I forgot to say this -- I MISSED SHELBY!
All in all -- I really enjoyed this episode. I'll give it another 5 out of 5 stars.