Review of Smallville episode "Charade"
The famous triangle of Clark Kent/Lois Lane/Superman is one of the most complicated triangles in the comics. It is also one of the hardest to put on-screen since it deals with the torn emotions of Lois in regards to Clark and Superman along with Clark finding a medium and feeling comfortable with both of his identities. It's quite a complicated, psychological triangle, and I thought Smallville did an excellent job at delivering the emotional angst of this triangle. The last time I saw a great representation of this triangle was from the 1990's Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman. The emotional angst of this triangle was so understandablely intense because each point of view was presented perfectly with great direction from co-showrunner Brian Peterson and acting from Tom and Erica.
Lois Lane - First of all Erica looked adoreablely cute in her playboy bunny costume at Maxwells (which btw I loved that Maxwell's club has a very 1940's "Noir"-ish surroundings). This episode the writers did a great job at showing why Lois Lane will become Superman's wife because without a doubt understands how important his job is to the world. It's something Clark's former loves couldn't tolerate or would never get use to. The writers did a great job at showing how emotionally torn Lois is between Clark and The Blur. Lois might be falling in love with Clark, and is tired of the mystery secrets between them. She is ready to go to the next step, but of course things get complicated once The Blur re-enters the picture in quite a dramatic way. The scenes in the alley and Lord's 3D lab were just so Superman-Lois romantic that I was just in awe. You can just understand why Lois falls in love with The Blur first, and that's something I'm glad the writers didn't change. There are certain steps to take until Clois comes together completely, and where there is no secrets. It's not as simple as one thinks it is.
Ships - While I was hoping for a Chlollie break-up I think for the time being a break-up for Clois would actually be far benefitical for Clark and Lois' characters and relationship. A Clois break-up is standard considering the complicated relationship they have, and they will always find a way to each since they are meant to be. The same cannot be said of Chlollie since Oliver is destined to be with Dinah, and I do agree with Peterson that it's too soon for the Oliver and Dinah romance to begin. I rather they lead up to it slowly in Season 10 just like how they led up to Clois since Lois' arrival in Season 4. Alas, enough about Chlollie because Clois was the one that took the emotional angst to another level in this episode.
My heart just ache for Clark and Lois because you just know where it's heading, and both sides have very valid opinions. There is no bad guy here, except for Zod who just acclerated the events, just bad timing. Like I said earlier I loved the alley and lab moments between The Blur and Lois. Loved how Lois looked up to the sky to see that EPIC Superman shot of The Blur. The Clois scene in the lab was just EPIC because there was very little dialogue between the two characters. Erica just stole that scene, but the direction allowed Tom to bring that Superman precense to The Blur by putting his hand on Lois' shoulders. What I didn't mention yet was that I also loved the last Clois moment in the episode. The lights and dinner set on the roof was simple and yet beautiful, but it was utterly heartbreaking because of the triangle is now out in the open. Clark's frustration that Lois is intertwined with both of his identities is so understandable because how can you really be mad at Lois when she merely admires and loves both sides of you. It's going to take awhile for Lois to get to the point Clark will eventually wants, but for the time being Clark is still trying to get to use to his own duel identities. What I also loved is that the writers were able to bring the competitive reporter angles back with these iconic characters and keep the humor of Clois throughout the episode from the elevator to the punch at the club.
Clark Kent - I know many people were irked by Clark stealing Lois' cell phone, however; compared to last week it didn't irk me. In this case Clark was protecting Lois from his imposter, Sacks, and Maxwell Lord. The Blur's identity is basically a stolen credit card (again -- since the Wonder Twins already done it this season), and Clark has every right to put it to an end and to protect Lois at any cost. The stealing of the cell phone is no different than Lois, Chloe, and etc accessing someone else' computer to get tabs on the location of a loved one. That's how I saw the cell phone case *shrugs*. Tom Welling did a great job at protraying Clark's emotional angst in regards to Lois and doing what is right for the world. The EPIC Superman moments on the roof and lab were awesome, and the vulerable Clark Kent moments on the Kent Farm and roof were heartbreaking. Btw, I just loved how Peterson did the EPIC Superman roof top moment and The Blur jumping into his 3D image at the lab. The "S" was super bright this time in this episode which I loved.
Chloe, Tess, Maxwell Lord & More - These girls weren't in the episode much, but it set-up what is to come in next week's episode perfectly. If Chlollie has such an open relationship now, then I'm wondering if there was a misleading direction in Oliver's office or Chloe is continuing her delusions. 'Cause the direction of Chloe taking even more money from Oliver made it look like Chloe is up to no good. Part of me is expecting Tess to die at season's end, but I hope she doesn't 'cause her character is just awesome and Cassidy does so much with a short scene. It was great to finally see the Red Queen in person, and the standard suspects are Tess, Chloe, and Martha. However; if the Red Queen is meant to be used for Season 10, then I'm going with a brand new character. Gil Bellows did an excellent job at Maxwell Lord from the way he presented himself to his point of view of metahumans. Loved that they continued the Checkmate storyline of by having him be the Black King, but with his own sinister, hypocritical agenda. Looking forward to see what happens with him in "Hostage". It was great to see ex-D.A. Sacks again because Dylan does such a great job at this character, and his intereaction with Lord and Lois were top notch.
I know I didn't touch upon everything, but hey I got busy day today from a birthday BBQ to yard work lol. Overall, I really enjoyed the episode and they did a great set-up of what is to come for all the characters and relationships. Looking forward to see what happens in next week's episode. Can't believe we only have three more weeks left of the season. Man, did this season go by fast and did I love nearly every minute of it.