Review of Smallville Premiere "Lazarus" - The Beginning of the End
One show. Two networks. Last Friday night the 10th and Final Season began. From Farmboy to the Legendary Superman. While many shows that have premiered in a lackluster start Smallville never disappoints in it's premieres. To think this will be the last one we will ever see *sniff*. I spent majority of my young adult life watching this show. As Clark Kent grew so did I as an individual. I had this same sentimental feeling when Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lost ended. Some shows, movies, books, and songs can be forgettable. While there are a few shows, movies, books, and songs that stay with you for the rest of your life. Smallville is one of those shows for me. So seeing their final premiere last Friday night really hit a chord for me along with my family.
Clark Kent - Tom Welling did a great job in this premiere because Clark was on an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. From being in the abyss of life and death to the highly emotional reunion with his deceased father Jonathan Kent. The reunion between Jonathan and Clark was so touching due to the chemistry between the actors (Tom and John still got it) and the dialogue. Seriously, my family and I were in tears after watching that moment. I really loved how Clark reflected on his previous decisions because the destruction of the R.A.O. Towers is a valid, heavy debated subject. I always say reflection shows character progression, and I do think Clark needs to concentrate on the topics he discussed with his father. Plus I was overjoyed to see that there were more touching between them that the episode stills didn't show. The way Jonathan kiss and hugged his son I seriously just lost it lol. Now the question is was Jonathan in Clark's mind enabling Clark to talk about his post-S5 decisions and the present turmoil he is in, or was Jonathan able to exit out of the abyss of limbo along with Clark. I'm glad the premiere was Clark-centric because this is the final season, and it's only right the premiere should go to this character. The abyss limbo was beautifully shot. I loved the green coloring tint of the cornfields, and you really see the contrast of white suited President Lex Luthor and Clark's dark black Blur costume. Just great contrast of coloring. I don't know if they used a brighter tint in this episode, but the Kent Farm scenes with Jonathan were so amazing beautiful as well. Tom looked amazing in the premiere from all wet *drools* to how he looked catching The Daily Planet globe. The two saves of Lois and Metropolis was epic, and that's the closest we got to flight yet! Just Clark/Tom yummy goodness all over the place.
Lois Lane - She didn't have much in this premiere compared to the previous one, but Lois emphasized her importance in Clark's life. She helped bring Clark back from his abyss, and can now give Clark even more support he needs. Lois has always been supportive of Clark, but this time she is doing in her own secretive, comedical way. Lois scarificing wanting to be with Clark was quiet touching, but it also looked a little liberating due to her facial expression in Africa. I do think Lois needs a tad bit of separation from Clark because this is a lot to process to seeing the man she loves come back to life to knowing people will use her to get to him. So even though Lois didn't have much in this episode her scenes were quite significant and iconic.
Tess Mercer - The clone storyline just went up a notch with Tess coming back from the dead and Lex's clones. I've always enjoyed the clone storylines on the show and in the comics. So it's no surprise I truly enjoyed seeing it in this episode. Of couse this time around I have more questions than ever lol. Tess and Lillian look a lot alike especially in the "Lexmas" episode. From the hair to the way Tess dressed at the end of last night's episode. She looked a lot like Lillian in her final scene in the premiere. We begs the question is Tess a clone of Lillian, or somehow connected to Lex's cloning projects.
Will Alexander eventually turn evil? Is he playing Tess? Does he also have Lex's memories? Or will he age at a rapid rate to become the age Lex is meant to be at this point of time? That is if the old Lex clone was telling the truth about the creator...the real Lex Luthor. Unless OldClone!Lex was lying, or he simply doesn't know that the creator is alive. Lex wasn't one to put all of his eggs in one basket. Plus we also have the quote from Dr. Fate. The Lex that died in "Requiem" could have also been a clone.
Right now everything is pretty much speculation. I'm not leaning on either side because there are so many valid theories about Tess, Alexander, and Lex. I'm curious to see how this storyline develops. I wouldn't mind seeing Clark and young Alexander interacting eventually as well. I thought the writers did a great job at leaving the door wide open for Michael to return one way or another. So so many questions, and I'm excited to see where this storyline goes. Plus seeing Tess be so motherly to Alexander was one of the most adoreable things in the premiere. We got to see Cassidy show another side to her character, and I loved it
. It gave me warm fuzzies.
Oliver Queen & Chloe Sullivan - Oliver wasn't shown much, but I truly loved his scenes. Shallow note Justin all wet, dirty, shirtless, and badass is just something I love to see. Even though I'm not big on recasting the same actor in different characters I didn't mind it that much in episode. I always liked Lana's Navy Seal trainer in "Power", and I love seeing him back on the show. He looks like he could break a person in half, and his sexy Southern accent is just *drools*. I know some thought it didn't fit into the episode, but I thought it didn't. The Suicide Squad was heavily used by Amanda Waller in the previous season, and it's a point of view that never goes away. It all goes directly one of the season's theme Anti-Heroism. It's something we seen already from John Corben in "Metallo", and it's a storyline I always been intrigued with. Anti-Heroism as always been a part of this genre, and has been exhibited in Marvel's Spiderman to Pixar's The Incredibles. I can't wait to see how this storyline develops. I think the person behind it for right now is Rick Flag or Rick Flag Jr. since the dialogue sounds quite similar to his character, and he has worked with Amanda Waller and is the leader of the Suicide Squad. I wouldn't be surprised this storyline gets a big jump in progression when General Sam Lane returns later on the season.
I know several Chloe scenes were cut, and there is a big possibility they will use them in later episodes. So they could use Chloe in multiple episodes prior to her character's departure arc. Personally, I'm glad they will air those scenes in other episode for the sake of Chloe fans, and it enabled more screentime for Clark's character. I actually was quite entertained by Chloe's scene with Nabu merely because Nabu's muttering was a trip lol. Nabu always been a direct talker from calling Chloe a "foolish girl" to telling Chloe she is not the next Dr. Fate. Which I'm frankly glad about. Now I'm a pretty lenient viewer these days, but I was dead against Chloe being the next Dr. Fate. 'Cause Chloe's character doesn't exhibit the criteria to become the next Dr. Fate, and Chloe's character would no longer exist. I'm thrilled the writers addressed this speculation right away in the premiere, but now it raises another question. What exactly did Dr. Fate mean in "Absolute Justice" about walking the same path as him? It could be as simple as just putting on the helmet and knowing what the future holds. More questions arise especially considering the Suicide Squad now has Chloe (again). Short but sweet I was glad to see Emil Hamilton in the premiere as well.
The Darkness Within - I know I'm a minority but in some ways A.I. Jor-El and OldClone!Lex Luthor has a point about Clark. I've been rewatching the series all over again this past year since January. During my reviewing I would notice now and then that Clark does carry a sense of pride about himself. Now I'm not saying he's narasstic because he's not, but there have been moments throughout the series Clark has touched upon his sin of pride. They are many, many simple one liners throughout the series if you really pay attention. With the powers he has if Clark didn't I would be surprised. It's something that has been addressed in several Superman comic book issues, so what was spoken wasn't exactly out of the blue. That's how stories like Kingdom Come and Red Son came about. Nearly every Superman project I have read or watched whether it be Superman: The Animated Series or Superboy there were episodes and discussions that Superman has the powers to become the world's most powerful facist dicators. It's something Smallville has touched upon since S2 episode "Rosetta" as well when Clark misinterpretated what was written in his ship. We seen time and time again Clark showing his anger whether it be for protecting or avenging his loved ones. It's one of the reasons I enjoy the show's interpretation of Clark Kent. He's a flawed individual just like everyone else. It also enables him to relate to other individuals. So I love that the show is going back to this "Rosetta" storyline. To nip it in the butt before Darkseid gets a hold of Clark.
There is still some darkness in Clark (remember he is barely coming out of his "darkest year" last season), and I'm glad the show isn't sweeping it under the rug. On many shows they rather do a lightswitch, and automatically say those characters are "fixed". Considering what has happened to Clark during these past nine years I'm glad the writers are addressing these issues with Clark's character. These issues I have seen debated since S3 episode "Phoenix", and the writers are now making it a developmental arc for Clark. As A.I. Jor-El said Darkseid will use anything to crumble Clark, and to face this foe Clark needs to prepare not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. It's really a great storyline to read, and I'm looking forward to see Tom Welling act this out. It's one of the reasons I loved how Tom acted out Clark's emotional turmoil with Jonathan Kent. Tom played that that scene wonderfully with the angst, anger, and acceptance of his adopted father's advice.
Personally, I love this storyline and tough love is something I'm used to with A.I. Jor-El. Plus Jor-El and Jonathan are two sides of the same coin. They both thrive for Clark to reach his highest potential, and all in all I personally think Jor-El wants Clark to prove him wrong. Psych 101 anyone. When I was told I couldn't do something I would always prove that person wrong. It just gives you that fire and determination to go there. I could be wrong, but in the end we all know Clark will prove A.I. Jor-El wrong. Having so many people gone Jonathan's advice is exactly what Clark needed. I do think it was necessary for Clark to listen to OldClone!Lex, Jonathan, and A.I. Jor-El to complete his journey. As Tom Welling said at the San Diego Comic-Con this year Clark will have to earn the suit. That's actually something I like because it's kinda like a trophy not only for Clark but also the viewers. That said it's always tough to see Clark so sad and angry. You truly just want to hug the guy. That's just my two cents on the current, heavily debated subject.
Opening Credits - The editors did a great job at putting all ten seasons into the credits! Love that they used the memorable Scarecrow scene in the "Pilot" for Tom Welling's scene along with the awesome sun supercharge scene from "Lazarus". How cute was it that they had the scenes where Clark and Lois wear glasses hehe. I was happily surprised how many scenes they had of Clark's memorable moments throughout the credits. Good stuff indeed!
Shout-Outs and Callbacks - The episode was full of them!! I was totally fangeeking out with all the references:
- "Pilot" - Scarecrow!Lois calling back to Freshman Scarecrow!Clark in Lawson Field. OldClone!Lex talking about when Clark saved the real Lex Luthor's life on the bridge.
- "Hydro" - Lois, in the rain, smiling at the moment when Clark healed in the sun. Her smiled reminded when Clark smiled after Lois kissed him.
- "Rosetta" - The writers touched upon the what if of Clark being a force of darkness than good.
- "Persuasion" - Clark destorying the R.A.O. Towers
- "Reckoning" 100th episode - Jonathan's death and fight with Lionel
- Luthor Projects - Level 33.1, Level 3, Metron Pharmaceuticals, Project Gemini (on Chloe's screen), and Cadmus Labs
- Superman: The Movie - This one is debatable, but it's one my father and I talked about on Friday night. That dynamic and interaction with the characters Jor-El, Clark, and Jonathan. It's quite similar to what happens in the movie. At the end of the movie Clark hears the valid quotes from both of his fathers, and he is in turmoil on who to listen to. In the Clark's scene with Jonathan it reminded my father and I of those moments in the movie.
- Superman score - It wasn't the one by John Williams, but I swear I thought I heard some notes of it at the end when they showed the suit.
- Superman Returns, cartoons, comics, and more - Catching The Daily Planet globe and the applause from the crowd is an iconic moment for the character of Superman. No matter how many times I see this save it never gets old. Along with Superman accomplishing two tasks in record speed. I know the Superman Returns suit was used a prop in this episode, but you couldn't even tell due to the coloring of it in Smallville along with a brand new cape with it. It truly looked perfect on the show. Of course the Lex Clones have been used in the comics before.
- Comic Villians - Suicide Squad, Rick Flag (speculation), and of course Darkseid. Due to my love for Lost and Supernatural a part of me automatically thought Darkseid looked like the Man In Black Smoke Monster or a demon possessing a human. Ironically, human possession is exactly the first thing Darkseid will do in Smallville's interpretation. I liked that the smoked formed into the iconic form of Darkseid including his bright eyes.
- The Death of Superman Comic- Lois holding a mortally wounded Clark looked just liked Lois holding a dead Superman in her arms in the comic books *sniff*.
Overall, I enjoyed the premiere because it had nearly everything in it. As I sad before Smallville premieres never disappoint, and this one really jumped started the themes of the season. Were there plot holes and inconsistencies? Definitely, but it didn't affect my viewing of the storylines this time. Rather I found them amusing like the reconstruction of the Fortress of Solitude console lol. Thus far this tv season there aren't many premieres on tv that succeeded, but this show definitely wasn't one of them. I'm looking forward to see how the writers close off this series, and a part of me wishes it wouldn't end even though I know it's the right time to lol.