Episode One: "Pilot"

Written by Miles Millar and Alfred Gough        Directed by David Nutter

1989 Smallville Kansas. A meteor shower rains down on the town of Smallville wreaking havoc on the hamlet, taking the lives of young Lana Lang's parents, and leaving behind a young child, a future Clark Kent and eventually a Superman. The child is taken in by Martha and Johnathan Kent who come to realize this is no ordinary boy as "super" powers emerge in the teenage Kent. Clark establishes relationships with Lana Lang (who wears a kryptonite necklace causing Clark to tumble whenever he is near her) and his future nemesis Lex Luthor, who's life he saves as his car veers off a bridge. Ahh.. then to the A-plot, the villain. A spurned student who underwent the "scarecrow" tradition escaped from a mental institution with new found electric powers to reek havoc on the football players who bullied him. Clark, meanwhile, is chosen by a jealous Whitney to become this years scarecrow.

Episode Two: "Metamorphosis"  

The A-plot took over this show simply because it was purposefully and incredibly gross. Or perhaps it is my constant fear of bugs. Clark, Chloe and Pete discover that their classmate, attacked by kryptonite bugs, has become a human bound to the lifestyle of the insects he so admired. "Eat, Molt, Mate, Die" As the classmate kills his mother, molts in the shower, he decided that his fascination with Lana Lang will prompt him to choose her as his mate. Meanwhile an excellent b-plot... Lex holds Clark's "Trojan horse" to the heart of Lana Lang, her kryptonite necklace. He gives it to Clark urging him to return it while trying to convince Lana that perhaps she is with the wrong man. Clark of course will not manipulate her! and resorts to the noble answer, leaving it on her doorstep. Noble considering he knows it hurts him, but would rather she have the memory of her parents with her.

Episode Three: "Hothead"

Could be called "fathers and sons," once again an excellent and interesting subplot. Clark v. Jonathon. Lex v. Lionel. Lana v. Nell (ok aunt and niece). Clark argues with his father to join the football team, while Mr. Kent holds steadfast that Clark could possibly hurt someone in the heat of the moment. Lex battles his father about business ethics, should he fire employees or expand. My favorite line, "You have to spend money to make money." I love how we're seeing Luthor develop, a pure Lex philosophy. Finally Lana ditches the cheerleading squad (gaining a few points in my book) and goes for a waitress job (another few points choosing my shitty profession) only to find its not that easy. I loved the exploration of all of these characters, but perhaps the best was Lois, or I mean Chloe. A true Lois-like character which is compelling me to Clark/Chloe fanfic. I loved how her reporter skills nearly mimic Clarks future love, the risks and the spying! great!

Ok and the freaky guy with the fire? The football coach with the intention of continuing his "legacy" goes nuts with his fire controlling abilities trying to knock off all in his way only to be confronted by Clark who of course is impermeable to the effects, of course when there is no kryptonite around. Well all I can say is at least they are getting better, much better than bug-boy. Isn't anyone going to catch on to Clark's heroics? I'm wondering how they are going to deal with that.

Episode Four: "X-Ray"

 So the boy of steel can see through people... and the walls of the girls gym locker room. This episode followed the seasons plot line. Clark solves the mystery of a youth irritated by kryptonite, by using his new found ability of x-ray eyes. Upon witnessing his friend (?) Lex Luthor rob a bank, Clark stumbles (or is pushed) upon his new ability, witnessing the skeleton of a person affected by the green glow of kryptonite. His parents convince him to try and condition his new ability to work when he wants it to. (Now this didn't include the viewing of the girls locker room, of course he didn't want to see in there... ok of course he did. and what an adorable face!) Gaining the rains on his ability he spies in a classmates locker to discover the money from the bank robbery. Seems the bank was robbed by a shape-shifting teenager who seeks the money and availability of Lana Lang's apparent perfect life.

The episode was enjoyable, it had good moments, but felt repetitive.  I found more enjoyable the 2 subplots. Of course the Luthor plot was by far the most interesting. We got to see the seeds of evil in the young Luthor. But he is so god damn charismatic. Blackmailing the reporter who was blackmailing him. Can't wait to see what they're doing with Luthor's car. Love the fact that Luthor wants the reigns over the National Inquisitor because his father is "obsessed with the Daily Planet." And Lana's plot. She may smile way to much but at least the writers are attempting to adorn her character with more than that award winning smile. We got to see that she has pain although appearing to be perfect. Also I got the feeling she dislikes the fact that everyone sees her life as perfect. Finally some Chloe and Lana chats and sparks of friendship instead of competition.

Some qualms. (1) Why do the parents always die??  (2) How was the shape shifter "unable to harm anyone else" She just hit a tree?  (3) Just how many people in Smallville are obsessed with Lana Lang? (4) Clark x-rayed the tomb and Lana was awake and trying to get out of the casket... few seconds later she's passed out cold? (5) No THANK YOU from Lana!!!!

Quote: Clark: What would you do if you could see anything?

            Martha: Try to close my eyes.

Episode Five: "Cool"

To begin, I must say this is by far my favorite episode this season, because it seemed to offer us fans a revelation about the boy of steel. But I'll get to that later. First the plots the ice kid, the triple date and the luthor loan.   Sean Kelvin (nice play on names) becomes a permanently hypothermic kid after falling into an iced over pond named Crater Lake, which of course is strewn with kryptonite along the floor. He is then able to live with his condition and also gain the ability to absorb body heat of other individuals (and generators) to keep warm. He chooses to attack the girls at his high school who give him the time of day, including Chloe. (Should have started with the football players, much more meat and heat) I liked this villain much more than the earlier few because he didn't play the part in outrageous fashion. I mean I actually felt sympathy when he would say "I just wanna get warm." That is until he went after Chloe, when his personality seemed to dip into a chauvinist. " That's your Mom? She's hot!" I found Chloe be the best part of this episode, and I am glad the writers are expanding the characters and giving them depth (now lets work more on Lana). As for Chloe, I felt for ya girl, after all we head-strung girls sadly fall for the worst men, because they are the ones that actually give girls attention. She felt flattered that this football kid asked her out that she ignored her head and went with her desire for some kind of social existence. Seems totally against her beliefs, and it is, but that s why it is so much more believable that she fell for this kid.

Now although Chloe's date left her a bit cold, the outcasts of Smallville High seemed to have had a bit of romantic luck this day. Pete scrounged a "date" im sure which was progressed by the wonderful use of the Luthor limo. And finally Clark summons the courage to ask Lana out.. on a date.. ok not a date... that's it a "non-date" OH COME ON! There is no need to label anything when a girl and guy go out, especially if they are friends. Ok maybe the limo increased the probability of the actuality of the date.  Anyway, I am glad h left Lana in the cold to help Chloe, but what I didn't like was that he never explained himself to her. I'm sure Lana would have understood Clark going back to make sure Chloe wasn't being turned into an icicle by Sean. But that isn't what happened, instead he dropped her off at a coffee shop, so she could fall into her defensive reading, and finally be whisked home by Whitney. Agrhhh. Of course Whitney gets into an accident in his new truck on the way and they find comfort and safety from Kelvin at the Luthors.

Now Luthor has offered the Kent's financial security and modern equipment to help their waning farm. Now the real question is why? Being a long time fan of Superman concoctions, I find it hard to believe it was a sincere attempt to help the Kents, however that is what it appeared to be. Unless they follow this up with some kind of reasoning on the part of Lex I think he genuinely wanted to help Clark and his folks, or a least become a person whom they trusted. I think he's just trying to get closer to Clark and his abilities. I think he knows there is something special about our Clark.

Now for that revelation I alluded to earlier. My favorite part, greatly improved by musical accompaniment by Jewel, the ending with Clark standing alone in the hall watching Lana leave after her response to his question: "Why do you stay with Whitney" "Because he's always there for me. He makes me feel safe." This image of Clark standing alone is a common image for Superman fans. But Lana's reasoning for staying with Whitney and Clarks understanding may offer a foreshadowing for Clarks adult relationship with Lois and his persistent need to be there for her and keep her safe. I'll be interested to see if Clark begins to offer Lana more protection (although he ALREADY HAS!) to win her heart.

Points I liked: Chloe, the exchange about what to wear on the "non-date", "Burn-that" and "You look good in BLUE" (some foreshadowing perhaps for a later outfit), Clark saving his mother, the standing still ending. Oh and the fact there was not Kryptonite forcing Clark to the ground. I also was worried that Clark would discover his cold breath or heat vision, therefore creating another learning of superpowers ep. 

Didn't Like: How many times does Whitney have to crash his car before they take away his license.  Lana leaving the coffee shop and accusing Clark of not coming back. Clark not telling Lana why he stopped their date.

Wow these are getting long!

Episode Six: "Hourglass"

Here, unlike "Cool" we were given a glimpse on several revelations of Clark's and Lex's future. This was perhaps the most well written episode and I hope more episodes wind up like Hourglass. I seemed to focus more on the lives of the individuals starring in the series and less on the social life and school scenes of Smallville. We were given severe depth into the main three characters. Pete still remained like Clark's research sidekick and Chloe is still Lois' clone (but I like it!). 

The show's A-plot centers on a freed convict who discovers a kryptonite contaminated fountain of youth. Upon reaching his well desired and lost youth he decides (instead of reliving his lost life) to take vengeance on the futures (or children) of all those who stole his youth (i.e. the jurors who sentenced him). The villain in this episode I found to be very believable and that actor was extremely evil looking and very convincing.  Also the ending was fantastic, with Martha taking on some aggression. And she didn't need saving, that is till she was suffocating, but she handled her own. (Its very good to know that all the Kents are familiar with mouth-to mouth, seems an overused technique, just like crashing trucks). It was a well balanced episode of a man bent of avenging his past while others are interested in understanding their future.

Cassandra (another accurate play on names) is the old woman Clark is assigned to chat with for his volunteer work in the old age home. Cassandra is believed to be able to see the future of the person she touches, and after a bit of discretion Clark gets his first glimpse. Alone in a graveyard surrounded by the gravestones of the ones he loves. Noticeable exception is Lex (his apparent friend in Smallville now), and the reason we all know to be that Lex will not be a loved one of Clarks in the future. My only question in this vision is, is it true that Clark will live longer than all those around him? She also tells Clark that someone close to him will die.

Rattled after his first visit he returns to Cassandra for reassurance and more info. This time he sees lives in distress and people who need his help, as Cassandra points out. She tells him his purpose in life is to help people and save them from darkness, because he is no ordinary man. As Cassandra realizes this she practically signs her death certificate in my opinion, can't have people knowing his secret already.

Cassandra: I've touched people and seen such pain and despair and then you were there and pain was gone. I think that's your destiny, to help people. To save them from fear and darkness.

I felt her advice was appropriate and perhaps made young Clark less ashamed of his powers and his use of them. They have a purpose and he has a reason to be there.

But perhaps the best vision was that of Lex at the end of the episode. Great effects, as well as the knife breaking off of Clarks chest in a previous scene. Lex appears frightened of his future in the beginning of the ep. refusing Cassandra's services, but then relents.  It begins with Lex in a pure white suit, black glove, and a soft white glow, in the presidents office, obviously copying the Lex of the comics, for there is has been voted president and lost his hand due to kryptonite radiation. He then moves to a field of beautiful sunflowers, blue skies and peaceful mountains. He has time to stop and smell the flowers (lol) and then goes to touch the flower, killing it immediately, along with the entire field. The ground turns to bones and the sky a bright red. Thunder commences and rain begins to fall in the form of blood. Lex's suit becomes red and the blood is on his hands so to speak. He doesn't seem surprised or upset. 

Following the vision Cassandra dies, and Luthor appears very upset. Why? Because he was unable to find out his future, or that his future is horrible enough to cause the old woman to die.

Episode Seven: "Craving"

 Ahh... teaching the moral "Be careful what you wish for it may just come true" can be a dilapidating experience. In "Craving" we are introduced to Jodi an overweight (she didn't look all that bad to me other than the overwhelming and obvious facial makeup in the beginning of the episode) Smallvlle high student who designs a diet consisting of green veggie shakes made up from vegetables from her kryptonite contaminated garden. In turn she is converted into a "fat sucking vampire" who takes her cravings out on the student who tormented her schooling because of her weight. The fat sucking vampire ability added a serious "ewww" factor to the episode. The deer eating scene following yet another car accident involving another poor teen driver was disturbing, making it almost laughable; that is unless you are a vegetarian like myself. Perhaps the show should address the problem of teen driving that is the largest cause of death among high schoolers.  Also the snake like jaw expansion seemed unnecessary, is that needed for liposuction really?

Meanwhile Lana is suffering because her aunt is throwing a lavish birthday party at the Luthor mansion for her niece, much to the dismay of Lana who would rather have a intimate gathering of her friends over a pizza. I can sympathize for Lana's emotions concerning her struggle with the life she truly wants but perhaps the show should focus on less trivial problems than cheerleading and a birthday party. After all the girl did lose her parents, grew up in a single household, and appears to have a problem getting angry and being assertive, let focus on more personal issues guys. 

Lana's beau Whitney is offered a tryout at Kansas State, meaning he's not able to attend Lana's party, propelling Clark to ask Lana if he can escort her to Luthor's house for the party. And She Agrees! Loved Martha in that scene. Looking forward to a mother son chat about girls and his infatuation with Lana, Annette O'Toole is wonderful as Martha, her character must be expanded. Martha in the Lois and Clark series was amazing, I'd like to see Annette as involved.

Chloe. of course, is less concerned with the party and more interested in the deer that had lost the entirety of its body fat. The investigation expands when a Smallville student become afflicted and it appears this is when it ends. Clark and Chloe in scooby doo fashion solve the mystery in a single conversation and deduce that Jodi, losing over 40 pounds in 2 days, is the fat sucker. Clark immediately leaves Chloe and searches for Pete who was to be Jodi's escort for the party. 

Pete tries to pick up Jodi, who becomes afflicted by a craving upon seeing him. Wishing not to harm Pete whom she'd grown fond of, Jodi runs from him. Pete chases gets knocked out and avoids losing some weight as Clark intrudes for the rescue. He saves Jodi, after the exploding greenhouse and sends her off to the hospital. (Did anyone else hear a "whoosh" before the explosion, I thought there was kryptonite around, he wouldn't have super speed then would he?)

Problems: Why is Jodi only afflicted by the kryptonite now, hadn't she been eating those veggies all her life? What about her father?

                The conversation investigating of Clark and Chloe, they don't take to long to put two and two together do they?

Liked: Lex was wonderful again, his matchmaking brings a smile to my face. His line about Christmases in Coat rooms. His subplot was a bit confusing. Prof. Hamilton, another name importance, Supermen always seem to have a Prof. Hamilton

Sympathetic Villain 

          Of course I liked Clarks present to Lana, very romantic (wish it would happen to me), and it showed that he actually listens and understands her. She seemed to enjoy herself :) All in all, I would still watch it of course, but not as good as many of the eps so far, especially Hourglass.

Episode Eight: "Jitters"

An early Christmas present for Smallville fans, as "Jitters" mixed up the usual episode formula perhaps marking a change from the FOTW (Freak of the Week) problem. Here we're introduced to a sympathetic villain, Earl, who wanted no part of the kryptonite shaking (or spasming) that was a result of  an explosion on Lex Corps mysterious "Level Three" while he was a janitor.  Earl was played masterfully in this episode and the audience truly felt for this man, especially when he practically goes mad with everyone refusing to admit level three even existed. Although not so much when he shook his friend in Metropolis to death and previous when he PICKED UP HIS BABY. WHY if you have a jitter complex would you pick up a child. Lets not forget shaken baby syndrome people.

    The episode begins with the Ma and Pa Kent leaving for their anniversary for a trip (three hours away of course) to Metropolis. Leaving... for two days. What does this mean to a teenager? Party of course, or should I say... intimate gathering. It of course turns out to be not so intimate. Was that alcohol they were drinking? Clark Kent the not so moral man... underage drinking shame shame. Well the rebellion backfires with the ultimate trashing of his home and the disgusted host. Well OF COURSE he cant get drunk! Bummer :)   I thought the scene where the kid got sick next to him was classic. I loved the slow motion for the bowl, although it didn't exactly look like the right bowl to hurl in. Clark's reaction was wonderful.  Lana of course shows up stag much to the happiness of good ole Clark. I find it odd that Lana looked uncomfortable when he imposed on her the question of Whitney. She knows that Clark likes her so it should be expected, i think she likes it! We all do. But the party doesn't end there. Fireworks commence supplied by Luthor, of course, and also supplied by Whitney who shows up looking for his girlfriend who "mislead" him earlier. Listen guy, she knew you'd be upset that she wanted to go without you so she didn't tell you to spare feelings and yelling. Typical action but she was busted. And man is Whitney a jealous SOB. Not that I don't think he's a brave guy, he certainly is and has done nothing wrong except being cast the jock boyfriend of the hero's love interest. :)

    During a spat between Lana and Whitney, they discover Earl hiding in the barn afflicted with his Jitters prompting the trip to the hospital where police are waiting for him. (pretty quick considering he killed the guy in Metropolis) When Clark goes home, he cleans up super fast only find a standing ovation from his perturbed parents. Great Line : "We called you six times and spoke to six different people. None of whom was you" They quickly forget the party when the find out Earl in in the hospital and accused of murder.

    Zip forward to the good parts. Clark's class gets to visit Luthor's fertilizer plant for a field trip where we meet Chloe's dad. One of the few scenes with Chloe alas. He served to be truly embarassing until Earl appears with a gun to the man's head as he takes the class hostage Clark of course is no where to be found, because he has already gone to look for Level Three. Finding blueprints with no drawing of a level 3 he returns to Earl to deliver the news that it does not exist. Now why fuel the fire? Whitney decides to take Earl on and asks CK for help. I loved this scene. We know Clark can't take on the krypto-guy, but Lana doesn't and her response "It's ok Clark"  when he refuses is like a knife in the heart.  After all she wants someone that makes her safe, and CK is refusing to protect. AHHH. Well then, go for Chloe. she likes ya anyway. :)

    Meanwhile outside is where the real action is going on.  Lex arrives at his plant because of the chaotic hostage situation inside.  He immediately lets the Kents through the locked gates (and they hate Lex for what reason on yea must have been the free car he gave them:) But Lex truly shined when his father showed up to clean up the "mess," "Don't ever do that again!"... man he is a wonderful Lex Luthor, i just can't wait till he turns that anger on the whole word, not just his father. It seems his every move it to agitiate his father, because he enters the plant against his fathers orders, on the notion it is his plant he'll deal with it.

Skip forward to the trip to Level 3. Lex had humored Earl promising to take him to level 3 if he released the hostages, which he did. Only problem Lex is unaware there actually is a Level 3. Clark had gone searching, using X ray vision (yea!) and found the "secret elevator. Now #1. no one questioned how he knocked down the concrete wall #2.  The elevator sill worked? but i digress. I found the catwalk dangling scene interesting but unbelievable. Clark lifted over 300 pounds while under the effects of kryptonite? It just plays to the real hero in Clark that will eventually lead to the suit, he certainly risked his life with an adrenaline rush :) Plus we got to hear Lex cry out Clark <eg>

What better to end with but the pivitol scene where the families are reunited. Lex's expression observing Clark and his parents while he is enduring fake sincerities from his father is unexplainable. He was so powerful in that scene, plus his announcement of the health coverage for earl was priceless. Talk about a jab in his fathers gut. Excellent. 

Back To Smallville