Must read article: "Chloe Sullivan's loss"

[Jory]

There was a beautifully written article at Press Play blog, and it says everything I feel about this episode. This is such a lovely look at Chloe and what the character has lost due to PS3's horrendous idea to ruin such a loved character.

http://pressplay.bustablog.com/smallville-abyss-chloe-sullivans-loss/


Thanks to a poster at TWOP for finding this article. I think PS3 need to be sent a copy to see what they've ruined. RIP Chloe.

[Kalista]

I feel like crying.

[Jory]

I feel like crying.

Wasn't it one of the saddest tv articles? Everything the author wrote was so true, and that's what makes it so sad.

[Bella882]

They had me by the end of that first paragraph.

Someone ought to print it, and nail it to PS3's office door


One thing is for sure…She may not remember, but the audience is unlikely to forget.

:\

[lm1212]

Now that I think about it... the bond between Chloe and Clark when she found out his secret was truly amazing. I doubt think anyone can build a friendship with him that would be anywhere near that level. I still believe she'll somehow get those memories back before the end of the season.

[Iluvgreen]

I'm AM crying. How could they do this to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dustmite]

Ok, so that made me cry :(

[Bizarrolover]

I think that the person who wrote that is not seeing the big picture. I'm pretty sure that Chloe's memories will come back when needed, but, in the meanwhile, this situation forced clark to make a very tough decision that pushed him closer to his destiny. This memory loss opened the door to a great variety of possibilities, so instead of mourning the loss of those memories for a few episodes I'm now eager to see what else will come out from this bold and super original twist in the story.

[TWNik]

Props to her for so desperately trying to hold onto the memories as they were being ripped from within (and props to Allison Mack for a strong and heartfelt performance throughout). It’s almost as though for a second she was a fellow member of the audience, trying to hold on to moments that have made the character (and the show) so rich.



This is the heart of Smallville. If this wrong isn't fixed, the show completely loses credibility.

[justme_007]

she will recover her memories.... i am sure she will

[Kal-ed]

Aw dont cry. IMO its only temporary, so we´ll have Chlark friendship back in full mode in no time.

[Forever_Chlark]

i cant believe it , i'm crying for this loss

[Kalista]

I don't like being mocked.

[Forever_Chlark]

who is mocking you ?

[Jory]

I don't like being mocked.

Use your ignore button. It's amazing how much your anger disappears when you hit that button. ;)

[Kalista]

I think I have about a dozen people on there already and its growing.

[Kal-ed]

I don't like being mocked.

if you are refering to me, I wasnt mocking anyone, I really mean it, I dont enjoy people being upset about their character getting the shaft.

And I do think she will get her memory back.

[ZODisGOD]

I do think this was a sad goodbye to the Clark/Chloe partnership, but I don't get how mostly everyone is acting like this was a deadly end-of-the-world crime committed by PS3. They did the right thing. Clark has to move on to become Superman. Eventually he has to do that without Chloe's help. I don't think PS3 deserves to go to jail for that.

[Timester]

So, Chloe was defined by Clark's secret? Because that's what the article says.

That's the most reducing thing I ever heard about Chloe AND is coming from a "Chloe" fan.

[chlo-el]

Well, Chloe's secret is a huge part of who Chloe is. It had gave her strength and made her grow as a character. It's not reducing her character at all it shows what helped her become the person she is. It's why she's not reporter anymore, why she has dedicated her life to helping people, why she has done her whole Watch Tower thing.

Chloe used to be defined as a reporter, sidekick, and Clark closest confident and now what does define her? Who is she without all of that? IDK.

THe article was really beautiful. I don't think Chloe's memory loss will last she is meteor infected and she runs the Isis foundation where she helps the strange and abnormal so it's not like she is going to be walking into the sunset to a normal life.

[Timester]

Well, Chloe's secret is a huge part of who Chloe is.

Wrong. Chloe is ALOT more than that.

One question for all, is Chloe Pete Ross?

[gemini]

if you are refering to me, I wasnt mocking anyone, I really mean it, I dont enjoy people being upset about their character getting the shaft.

And I do think she will get her memory back.

I doubt it!
The writers want to do the Clois, and like many Clois fan they believe that Chloe friendship/love for Clark and journalism can be an obstacle for lois as a journalist and the Clois relashionship.
They wanted to keep Chlark fan on board to have good rating, next week the Clana fan will come back!
As soon as Lana is establish as Clark ICONIC secret keeper, they will only concentrate on Clois.

[psyko69]

Look, her loss of memory vastly benefited Clark's character and his growth into Superman. It was very touching the way he made the sacrifice of solace for her so that she could live her life to the fullest. She has done nothing but be a crutch to Clark and that is no good. Definitely not her fault but still. It resonates well with the Angel episode Home. In both cases the sacrifice is made out of love and for the loved ones greater good.

Its not like Clark did it to be a d!ck. He did it because he cares. Its what makes him Superman. His acceptance of solitude is a huge burden but he would rather be alone than put others in danger and make them suffer.

Clark had every reason to do what he did.

-Pete left after being tortured for the second time due to Clark's secret, came back and was tortured again.
-Jonathan died.
-Lionel was murdered for his loyalty.

Clark cares too much to let Chloe continue to suffer when she is defenseless and he sees the full breadth of the danger she suffers due to her knowledge of the truth.

Clark knew Chloe was a great ally and acknowledged this. This allows her to be free of his burden and not have to stick her nose in Clark's dangerous world and suffer because of it.

Chloe is still great. It is a very refreshing dynamic to have Chloe simply be Clark's friend and not spend every waking moment trying to research him. She has a lot of great stuff on the go and Allison is very capable in making her real. Give it a shot.

Remember, as everyone always says, this show is about Clark. This season and this episode truly make that real. Clark grows by leaps and bounds in 45 minutes and it can only do him good.

Its a sacrifice. Thats how it was portrayed. That was the feeling behind the scene and thats what it was.

Superman forgoes his solace so that others may find happiness.

Clark's greatest sacrifice.

[Mars Investigations]

I think that the person who wrote that is not seeing the big picture. I'm pretty sure that Chloe's memories will come back when needed, but, in the meanwhile, this situation forced clark to make a very tough decision that pushed him closer to his destiny. This memory loss opened the door to a great variety of possibilities, so instead of mourning the loss of those memories for a few episodes I'm now eager to see what else will come out from this bold and super original twist in the story.

Agreed!

PS3 hasn't led us wrong so far; we have no reason to doubt them now, and there's definitely no cause for lamenting the loss of knowledge. It's clearly only a temporary change, and I'm just excited to see how this unfolds.

[Storm45]

It's why she's not reporter anymore, why she has dedicated her life to helping people, why she has done her whole Watch Tower thing.

Chloe used to be defined as a reporter, sidekick, and Clark closest confident and now what does define her? Who is she without all of that? IDK.

How many Chloe fans are happy that Chloe is not reporting anymore? How many are really happy to see her at ISIS? How many really liked to see as Clark's google girl?
I'll admit that I was tired of all the same Chlark scenes with Chloe encouraging CK, searching for CK, admiring CK, saving CK, listening to CK, advising CK and so on.
Chloe's life became a never ending circle of Clarkfulness with little places for her own things like wanting to be a reporter, getting insterested in the truth because that's part of who she is not just because it will help Clark.

Perhaps now there is a chance to chake things up a bit.

[ginnyfan]

That was a beautiful article. I hope PS3 have some good answers to the blogger's questions.

[Tompouce]

. I still believe she'll somehow get those memories back before the end of the season.I am like you I really wonder if it is done for good...

[Kalista]

I think some people are oversimplifying what the blogger is saying and how "Chloe fans" are feeling. I don't appreciate being told that we shouldn't feel the way we do or the implication that we are not truly fans because of how we feel about the memory wipe.

Chloe isn't completely defined by Clark's secret but it has shaped the person we have come to admire over the years. We are defined by our experiences and large part of her experiences involve Clark and willingly carrying the burden of his secret.

We have every right to voice our displeasure without nasty insinuations.

[ClarksGal]

I didn't hear any nasty insinuations...I heard someone else voicing an alternate viewpoint that Chloe is more than just Clark's secret keeper. She is still the same person even if she doesn't know Clark's secret...you can still admire her because it's her personality that made her react to Clark's secret the way that she did...not the secret itself. Chloe is the epitome of a loyal friend, and Clark believed that he was being a good friend back. His intentions were good, it was not an easy choice for him but he sacrificed his last and closest true friend for her own safety.

As I said in another thread, there is a possibility that Chloe will get her memory back...and if she does, you can be sure that Chloe will be delivering a tongue-lashing to Clark, so you may yet have your feelings expressed onscreen.

[Krypton935]

Oh my gosh! That is so sad!! But it was so true!! Chloe has brought so much to this show! She is probably my favorite character I can't believe they just killed who she is like that! This show will probably never be the same... :(

[Bizarrolover]

As I said in another thread, there is a possibility that Chloe will get her memory back...and if she does, you can be sure that Chloe will be delivering a tongue-lashing to Clark, so you may yet have your feelings expressed onscreen.

I hope she doesn't berate Clark for this because 1) she's not a resentful b!tch and 2) if she really knows him, she should know exactly why he did it and how bad he felt about it.

[Kalista]

I don't have a problem with an alternate viewpoint and although I can't speak for every Chloe fan, I doubt that they view her as a just Clark's secret keeper. So, why would we need to be told that she is more than a secret keeper? We already know she is more than that.

I don't like being told that I shouldn't be upset about the memory wipe because if I am that mean's I think she is solely defined by knowing Clark's secret.

[ClarksGal]

I don't have a problem with an alternate viewpoint and although I can't speak for every Chloe fan, I doubt that they view her as a just Clark's secret keeper. So, why would we need to be told that she is more than a secret keeper? We already know she is more than that.

I don't like being told that I shouldn't be upset about the memory wipe because if I am that mean's I think she is solely defined by knowing Clark's secret.

The OP posted an opinion piece. Some people agreed with it, and outlined why. Others disagreed with it, and outlined why. Has nothing to do with you personally. No one said you shouldn't be upset about the memory wipe. The discussion is a reaction to the op piece, and whether people agree with the viewpoint of the writer. You obviously do. Fine. Others feel that the viewpoint implies that there is only one side to Chloe's character. Also fine.

[umm]

I feel like crying.

You are not the only one! A good number of us feels like crying! I still can't believe they did that to Chloe! I feel so sad!:(

[Timester]

I didn't hear any nasty insinuations...I heard someone else voicing an alternate viewpoint that Chloe is more than just Clark's secret keeper. She is still the same person even if she doesn't know Clark's secret...you can still admire her because it's her personality that made her react to Clark's secret the way that she did...not the secret itself. Chloe is the epitome of a loyal friend, and Clark believed that he was being a good friend back. His intentions were good, it was not an easy choice for him but he sacrificed his last and closest true friend for her own safety.

ITA.

[RedKRules]

You are not the only one! A good number of us feels like crying! I still can't believe they did that to Chloe! I feel so sad!:(

I know I am ....... what have they done with Chloe??

I hate this season so much!

[ginnyfan]

Thanks for those posts Clark's Gal.

I don't think that the question, "Who is Chloe now?" Is a bad question. I'm eager to see what the answer is. I'm overjoyed that my concerns about Chloe from season 5 onward are being addressed. Being Clark's secret keeper eclipsed everything else in Chloe's life. That's not good. Chloe needs a life of her own. I think that's been developing since season 6. First with Jimmy, then the Justice League, now with Isis, Chloe has interests that have nothing to do with Clark. I think... when she talked about trying something new in "Plastique", maybe Chloe herself was trying to find out who she is apart from her pursuits.

From the beginning of this season, Clark and Chloe redefining their relationship has been a theme. Chloe's getting married, she's drifting away from journalism. These things already caused changes. Chloe was starting to reassert her place in Clark's life as just a friend - not sidekick or love interest - in "Prey" with her friend date. I think they could have continued to develop boundaries in their relationship that put Chloe in less danger with time. So I don't like Clark's choice for that reason. He made a hasty, copout decision. I mean, on one hand he will be really lonely and he's sacrificing Chloe's friendship and companionship when it comes to his secret. On the other hand, now Chloe won't give him any resistance. It's much easier to do this while she's unconscious than to have to negotiate with her. So that's selfish on Clark's part.

As the season goes on, I look forward to seeing the impact that Chloe will make on Clark's life without knowing his secret. I think she will make one. I think Chloe will be in danger EVEN WITHOUT knowing the secret. It would be fun to see just what makes Chloe essentially Chloe apart from her pursuits. AND it will be fun to see how... Chloe either finds out Clark's secret by his choice or how her memories are restored.

I loved the article and I understand why the author is mourning Chloe's character. If I'd known what was coming I may have mourned for "Torch" Chloe at the beginning of Season 5. But I don't see it as saying that there's nothing worth while to come. I guess I'm looking forward to seeing how this will progress Clark and Chloe as separate characters and as friends. I don't see this as Chloe fading away; or character assassination at all. Time will tell and I hope the author of the article's fears are allayed.

[piment]

Really you all think that Clark did the right thing for Chloe?
You think he made a "superman" like decision?
Because the way that I see it he made a very high school Clark decission.
What is this girl, whom he admitted is in danger from brainiac, going to do for protection now?

It's not going to be lets scream Clarks name and in a flash he'll be here by my side.
No, it's going to be run away like an idiot get caught and probably killed.
How could this be a superman like decision?
Oh he thinks he's protecting her? He feels like he's giving up his best friend for her own good and so he supes now?

God I wish Martha or Jonathon were still around because they sure as hell would have pointed out the vulnerable situation Clark has now put Chloe in.

And what about Chloe, what is this girl going to do with herself now? Fraulic around Jimmy Olsen from 9-5? How is she going to be relating to the meteor infected if she isn't one herself? IF Jor-El has successfully swiped Chloe's mind of all of her Knowlegable experiences with the good/I didn't ask to be this way "Meteor Infected" isnt she now going to morph back into the person that referred to them as Meteor FREAKS? She doesn't know that there are those that do good with their powers, because now she's never been around any of them. Think about it every good instance that Chloe has had with someone with abilities has been taken from her because they occured when she knew about Clarks abilities and he used his powers around her or them or both.

The only memories she has now of the infected are negative well except for Ryan and that's not going to be pleasant either because...I could be wronge here...but didn't Chloe know Clarks secret the second go around with Ryan?

This Krypton free Chloe knows nothing of who she is now because she isn't that woman anymore.Most of this characters positive evolution occured once she learned of Clarks powers.

WHO IS SHE NOW? Who is this girl nay this husk of the girl we all...well the smart viewers anyway...love and adore?

This will not end well for our girl people...I just can't see how it will.:(
I'm just so dissapointed with Clark.
Screw the writers they have been making poor character moves for eight years i'm really not that surprised anymore.

But you clark...I've come to expect more. And when/if Chloe gets her mind back I really hope you get the nuclear winter shoulder.

[biggkoz]

Im not sheding tears over it but it did feel like a different chloe afterwards and like the show just time warped from season 3 to right now. Im sure something will happen that she will remember like someone commented on all the info at the isis foundation.

[MBrittan]

What an absolutely HORRENDOUS decision. If they were going to do this, they should have done it a looooong time ago. Maybe 2-3 episodes after she found out. FOUR YEARS LATER?!!? The person who said that they've effectively "erased" the last four years is correct. The show is NOT going to be the same without Chloe knowing. She's the one person he COULD confide in. How deep does this go? Is knowledge of the Justice League gone too? Does she no longer work at the Isis foundation, assisting the meteor infected? Will she go BACK on the trail of uncovering Clark's secret? Is the wall of weird coming back now that she won't have the "guilt" associated with one of her friends being on of them? Will this spark her interest in reporting again? This seems like a HUGE step backward for the show. If they didn't want the "baggage" of having Chloe know Clark's secret, they should have just killed her off. I could have lived with that A LOT easier. It would have been sad, but it would have made more sense.
-M-

[SteveS]

I don't know what that website was but it was an excellent article from a person who realizes what a mature and intelligent friendship based upon earned mutual respect really is. But count me in as one of those that says Chloe's memory is going to come back one way or another.

[skully]

Sorry people. I am a huge Chloe fan but this all reeks of a massive over-reaction.

Chloe has only forgotten (and we don't know if it's permanent) Clark's abilities. She probably hasn't forgotten Ollie or the JLA. I am confident Clark's BFF will again regain her memories or cleverly figure it out all over again. And even if she doesn't remember she will still be a loyal best friend and help Clark whenever he needs it.

This all reminds me of the fans' horror at Doomsday being introduced by PS3 for S8. And look how good that is turning out. :)

I have faith the PS3 will get this right. Patience people.

[TECHWON]

I do think this was a sad goodbye to the Clark/Chloe partnership, but I don't get how mostly everyone is acting like this was a deadly end-of-the-world crime committed by PS3. They did the right thing. Clark has to move on to become Superman. Eventually he has to do that without Chloe's help. I don't think PS3 deserves to go to jail for that.

exactly my feelings it was for the best to push clark's charecter forward

[Ayanne]

Sorry people. I am a huge Chloe fan but this all reeks of a massive over-reaction.

Chloe has only forgotten (and we don't know if it's permanent) Clark's abilities. She probably hasn't forgotten Ollie or the JLA. I am confident Clark's BFF will again regain her memories or cleverly figure it out all over again. And even if she doesn't remember she will still be a loyal best friend and help Clark whenever he needs it.

This all reminds me of the fans' horror at Doomsday being introduced by PS3 for S8. And look how good that is turning out. :)

I have faith the PS3 will get this right. Patience people.

I hope you are right, because PS3 have ripped the foundation & HEART out of Smallville. Chloe & Clark are have a credible connection. We watched it over 8 years. They better fix this travesty.

[j-kent]

There is some truth. ..the article..however I see it a bit melodramatic.. The author of the article is missing the idea of Smallville though- or rather the idea of Superman. We can't be comfortable forever....and have to shed some light....this doesn't mean the "heart" is gone...Any superman mythos/take is about seeing Clark become a Superman. If the "core" was in the companionship of Chlark, then we might as well call the show FRIENDS (w/ Chlark). Regardless the show is entertaining and will provide us with depth no matter what. There are so many more ways that a show can grab the audiences. I think it's rather silly to say things like, "the show has lost credibility" or "they must fix this"...this is what makes "Smallville" an original. The story is in change. Don't like change? Then one should stick to Smallville Seasons 1-4. It doesn't matter....this was a powerful episode and the writers wrote what they saw fit for the smallville journey.

Not to mention such a Superman trait, Clark's sacrifice to save a life...

[Just Another Guy]

I'm a first-time poster, and a longtime fan. I give the writers/ producers immense credit for everything they've done over the years. There's a lot I would've done differently, but everything pleased me in the end. Now, after watching "Abyss," I have to voice my opinion. I LOVED the episode, LOVED the end, and LOVED the sacrifice that Clark made. Yet despite my enjoyment, I agree wholeheartedly with this article. I want to make my feelings very plain, in the hopes that fan reaction will sway the outcome of this storyline.

I can appreciate a twist in story, and I can certainly appreciate the emotional conflict this one brought up. I'd be happy to enjoy it every second of the way-- if I could be assured that it would make itself right again. Don't get me wrong, I sort of hate the idea that they would reverse the plot so... cheaply, for lack of a better word. Unfortunately, in a sense, that's what they're already doing by removing Chloe's knowledge of Clark's secret. To decide after 4 seasons that things would be better off without Chloe knowing is no excuse to retract all these years of development.

To those who have said that we aren't looking at the bigger picture, or that we're overreacting, or that this was a poetic move in the series, I would say that it isn't true. The problem is this: Chloe Sullivan is THE hallmark of "Smallville." Not to say that she is the best part or the best character or the cornerstone of the entire series. But she's been the one unique, universally loveable aspect of the series from the beginning. Of course she's not just about Clark, but as someone else already said, her experiences with him have shaped the person she's become.

Leaving her in this partially amnesiac state is, IMO, disrespectful to the character. After 4 seasons of collaborations with Clark, she is now reduced to an unknowingly ignorant has-been. She's been a part of Clark's loop for so long, and now she is somehow supposed to be a mesh of the unsuspecting friend we knew in the first 3 seasons, and the Jimmy-loving woman of the last 2. And to elaborate further: the Kents are gone, Lana's gone, Kara's gone, Lionel's gone. There's no one left now for Clark to confide in, and if/ when Lois enters that circle, she cannot (or should not) replace Chloe. Neither can John Jones. Chloe does not have to be booted to make room for others.

Leaving Chloe in the dust is not the way to transform Clark Kent into Superman. Superman may not traditionally have a Chloe Sullivan, but "Smallville" has never been a traditional Superman. The mythology of this show should not be abandoned entirely, just so Superman can be established. Give me the best of both worlds, or give me death (you get the idea).

First, Chloe was fired from the Daily Planet, and lost the original, defining element of her character: her nose for reporting (aside from the Wall of Weird, which had inevitably evaporated after high school). That was all right. I got over it. Chloe's bigger than just a newspaper job. Then, the meteor ability that had become such a factor of her present development seemed to vanish. Well, I can handle that. It seemed to be making room for something bigger. After that, her long-held feelings for Clark were finally overcome. That's good. They have to be eventually. But on top of everything else, she's now lost her status (literally) on the show. She lost her position as Clark's greatest ally (something even he acknowledged when he stripped her of her memories). Presumably, her Isis career (and, yes, her Justice League ties) is in jeopardy as well, or should be, if any logic whatsoever is being applied to this alteration.

Everything that comprised Chloe Sullivan has been robbed of her, and of us. She's left now to play Jimmy's fiancee, Clark's best friend, Lois' cousin, Davis' obsession, etc. I'm not jumping the gun here. I'm willing to give this a chance. But I'm expressing my feelings now, in hopes that the show can redeem itself if this fails. Chloe deserves better than this. It isn't fair to leave her in the dark, out of the loop, making jokes about Clark's lack of speed and strength again after 4 years of holding such an esteemed position. (It felt like "Apocalypse," when she didn't know who Clark was, but we knew that the REAL Chloe would still be the same.) She's NOT Pete Ross. She doesn't need this. She's been Clark's rock; she's filled the void Martha and Jonathan left behind. She's filled it beautifully, and NO ONE else can do it. Clark can't talk to himself. As the writer of this article stated, Chloe's last word on the subject was that she would trade NOTHING for her knowledge of Clark's secret. Do the producers now care so little about Chloe's own wishes themselves? Hasn't Chloe earned the right to make this decision on her own?

I don't blame Clark for what he did. I can't say that he made the wrong decision. I'm sure the writers will conveniently make up for any role Chloe would have played now, just to justify his decision. But please, producers, for the sake of Chloe Sullivan, don't desert her like this. If this is to make room for Superman, find a different way. I would've preferred our girl to be killed off in a blaze of glory (and that's not exactly a suggestion) than to be drained of all things Chloe.

I don't want to watch those old episodes and resent the way my favorite TV show turned out. I don't want to watch Chloe find out about Clark, protecting his secret faithfully, just to see it torn away. I don't want to hear her say, "I'd die before I'd betray your secret," knowing she was treated as though undeserving of the chance. (Again, not a suggestion.) I don't want to see her in the Fortress, knowing she'd someday lose all knowledge of its existence. I don't want to see an amazing episode like "Bloodline," knowing it was her last chance to share this dynamic with Clark. I don't want this to be the end of Clark and Chloe as we know them, the way they've become over 7 and a half seasons (particularly the last 4). I don't want Chloe to be unaware of the backstory when things come to a head at the end of the season (and series?).

I'm going to post some familiar lyrics. For those who don't remember them, it's the song Chloe and Clark danced to at the spring formal waaaay back in season 1? Sung, no less, by our very own Remy Zero.

I'll remember you
And the things that we used to do.
And the things that we used to say.
I'll remember you that way.

The name of that song is "Perfect Memory." Please don't let them become a bitter one.

(I'm long-winded.)

[FlashInSV]

straight to the point article conveying the way most people feel...

"She may not remember, but the audience is unlikely to forget"
DAMN RIGHT!!

[abbaspice1]

So, Chloe was defined by Clark's secret? Because that's what the article says.

That's the most reducing thing I ever heard about Chloe AND is coming from a "Chloe" fan.

Agree. Chloe was a far more interesting character when who whole world wasn't wrapped up in Clark's secret-- seasons 1-3. I enjoyed the fact that Chloe was getting a life during this season as well, growing more independent. I'm not sure that the mind wipe was necessary, but it was interested and a bold move.

[Jory]

I'm a first-time poster, and a longtime fan. I give the writers/ producers immense credit for everything they've done over the years. There's a lot I would've done differently, but everything pleased me in the end. Now, after watching "Abyss," I have to voice my opinion. I LOVED the episode, LOVED the end, and LOVED the sacrifice that Clark made. Yet despite my enjoyment, I agree wholeheartedly with this article. I want to make my feelings very plain, in the hopes that fan reaction will sway the outcome of this storyline.

I can appreciate a twist in story, and I can certainly appreciate the emotional conflict this one brought up. I'd be happy to enjoy it every second of the way-- if I could be assured that it would make itself right again. Don't get me wrong, I sort of hate the idea that they would reverse the plot so... cheaply, for lack of a better word. Unfortunately, in a sense, that's what they're already doing by removing Chloe's knowledge of Clark's secret. To decide after 4 seasons that things would be better off without Chloe knowing is no excuse to retract all these years of development.

To those who have said that we aren't looking at the bigger picture, or that we're overreacting, or that this was a poetic move in the series, I would say that it isn't true. The problem is this: Chloe Sullivan is THE hallmark of "Smallville." Not to say that she is the best part or the best character or the cornerstone of the entire series. But she's been the one unique, universally loveable aspect of the series from the beginning. Of course she's not just about Clark, but as someone else already said, her experiences with him have shaped the person she's become.

Leaving her in this partially amnesiac state is, IMO, disrespectful to the character. After 4 seasons of collaborations with Clark, she is now reduced to an unknowingly ignorant has-been. She's been a part of Clark's loop for so long, and now she is somehow supposed to be a mesh of the unsuspecting friend we knew in the first 3 seasons, and the Jimmy-loving woman of the last 2. And to elaborate further: the Kents are gone, Lana's gone, Kara's gone, Lionel's gone. There's no one left now for Clark to confide in, and if/ when Lois enters that circle, she cannot (or should not) replace Chloe. Neither can John Jones. Chloe does not have to be booted to make room for others.

Leaving Chloe in the dust is not the way to transform Clark Kent into Superman. Superman may not traditionally have a Chloe Sullivan, but "Smallville" has never been a traditional Superman. The mythology of this show should not be abandoned entirely, just so Superman can be established. Give me the best of both worlds, or give me death (you get the idea).

First, Chloe was fired from the Daily Planet, and lost the original, defining element of her character: her nose for reporting (aside from the Wall of Weird, which had inevitably evaporated after high school). That was all right. I got over it. Chloe's bigger than just a newspaper job. Then, the meteor ability that had become such a factor of her present development seemed to vanish. Well, I can handle that. It seemed to be making room for something bigger. After that, her long-held feelings for Clark were finally overcome. That's good. They have to be eventually. But on top of everything else, she's now lost her status (literally) on the show. She lost her position as Clark's greatest ally (something even he acknowledged when he stripped her of her memories). Presumably, her Isis career (and, yes, her Justice League ties) is in jeopardy as well, or should be, if any logic whatsoever is being applied to this alteration.

Everything that comprised Chloe Sullivan has been robbed of her, and of us. She's left now to play Jimmy's fiancee, Clark's best friend, Lois' cousin, Davis' obsession, etc. I'm not jumping the gun here. I'm willing to give this a chance. But I'm expressing my feelings now, in hopes that the show can redeem itself if this fails. Chloe deserves better than this. It isn't fair to leave her in the dark, out of the loop, making jokes about Clark's lack of speed and strength again after 4 years of holding such an esteemed position. (It felt like "Apocalypse," when she didn't know who Clark was, but we knew that the REAL Chloe would still be the same.) She's NOT Pete Ross. She doesn't need this. She's been Clark's rock; she's filled the void Martha and Jonathan left behind. She's filled it beautifully, and NO ONE else can do it. Clark can't talk to himself. As the writer of this article stated, Chloe's last word on the subject was that she would trade NOTHING for her knowledge of Clark's secret. Do the producers now care so little about Chloe's own wishes themselves? Hasn't Chloe earned the right to make this decision on her own?

I don't blame Clark for what he did. I can't say that he made the wrong decision. I'm sure the writers will conveniently make up for any role Chloe would have played now, just to justify his decision. But please, producers, for the sake of Chloe Sullivan, don't desert her like this. If this is to make room for Superman, find a different way. I would've preferred our girl to be killed off in a blaze of glory (and that's not exactly a suggestion) than to be drained of all things Chloe.

I don't want to watch those old episodes and resent the way my favorite TV show turned out. I don't want to watch Chloe find out about Clark, protecting his secret faithfully, just to see it torn away. I don't want to hear her say, "I'd die before I'd betray your secret," knowing she was treated as though undeserving of the chance. (Again, not a suggestion.) I don't want to see her in the Fortress, knowing she'd someday lose all knowledge of its existence. I don't want to see an amazing episode like "Bloodline," knowing it was her last chance to share this dynamic with Clark. I don't want this to be the end of Clark and Chloe as we know them, the way they've become over 7 and a half seasons (particularly the last 4). I don't want Chloe to be unaware of the backstory when things come to a head at the end of the season (and series?).
I'm going to post some familiar lyrics. For those who don't remember them, it's the song Chloe and Clark danced to at the spring formal waaaay back in season 1? Sung, no less, by our very own Remy Zero.
I'll remember you
And the things that we used to do.
And the things that we used to say.
I'll remember you that way.

The name of that song is "Perfect Memory." Please don't let them become a bitter one.

(I'm long-winded.)



Wow! Great post.

[Lonnie]

Why fix something that wasn't broken? I really don't get why they would go and do this after such a fantastic begining of a season, possibly the best yet.

"For years, Smallville served up what many - fans and critics alike - have considered to be one of television’s best and most loyal depictions of friendship. A friendship which, one could say, served as the heart of the show for many years. Say what you will about the romances, the deaths, the villains and heroes, but the one thing Smallville creators always got right was the main friendship its main protagonist maintained with a certain blonde reporter."

Gah! This just made me all teary eyed again, couldn't be more true :(

[Bizarrolover]

I wonder if the people who are shouting their anger for what happened were so loud when Chloe killed/lobotomized/mindraped Sebastian two episodes ago. Because the moral dilemma is quite similar. Clark wiped/midraped selectively some of Chloe's memories to protect/cure his friend and Chloe killed/mindraped a person to protect her friend. Neither asked for the other's consent and neither informed the other what they did it. I'm sure Clark would have been angry if he learned what she did to Sebastian, no matter the reason, because he doesn't like people killing/mindraping in his name. It had happened before and Chloe knows perfectly well how Clark feels about it.

On the other hand, Chloe was ready to sacrifice her memories once to heal from her meteor infection. She went to see Curtis Knox at the risk of losing her memories of her BFF. All of them. She told Clark he would be there to fill the blanks but we know (and Chloe knew, too) that Clark would leave a few details out when telling about their beautiful friendhip.

Chloe didn't tell clark of the Brainiac takeover because she was affraid of what would happen to him if he rebuilt the fortress. But, I'm sure that given the choice, she would have consented to the partial mind wipe. She knows what kind of burden that knowledge is, but most of all she knows how much Clark suffers when something happenes to someone connected to his secret.

I truly understand Chlarker's frustration because this is a major change. I personally think that Chloe's memories will be back sooner or later, not because she will find out Clark's secret, but because her 'database' will be necessary for the show at some point. In the meanwhile, let the girl be happy for like 5 minutes. Doomsday is crashing her wedding and nothing good can come from that.

[AndrewVDk]

There was a beautifully written article at Press Play blog, and it says everything I feel about this episode. This is such a lovely look at Chloe and what the character has lost due to PS3's horrendous idea to ruin such a loved character.

http://pressplay.bustablog.com/smallville-abyss-chloe-sullivans-loss/


Thanks to a poster at TWOP for finding this article. I think PS3 need to be sent a copy to see what they've ruined. RIP Chloe.

http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1228_sad_person_crying.gif

[jimmyolsenblues]

What is left of our very own WatchTower?

How will chloe become an integral part of the justice league if she can't know clark's secret?
will clark say...hey chloe does not know me any more and now has to be shunned?

[Kalista]

http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1228_sad_person_crying.gif

I know Milos, many tears have been shed.:(

[harryandginnyfanatic]

She was going through with the wedding, secret or no secret.


She's left now to play Jimmy's fiancee, Clark's best friend, Lois' cousin, Davis' obsession

She would be all these things even if she still knew about Clark.


Chloe does not have to be booted to make room for others

Apparently she does.

She was written out of the Daily Planet so that the writers could get Clark there finally.

[psyko69]

How will chloe become an integral part of the justice league if she can't know clark's secret?
will clark say...hey chloe does not know me any more and now has to be shunned?

I considered this.

Its easy enough to have her simply not know the identity of Boy Scout or anyone else for that matter, for her protection, but still have her be the central informer.

We don't even know if she still knows the Green Arrow's identity, but its more that possible for her to communicate with the JLA without knowing their identities.

[Lonnie]

And I agree with jimmyolsenblues, I just don't see how she can be a part of anything now :(

[Hopefulsuicide]

i've been nothing but angry since i saw Abyss... and now that i've read this article i feel so utterly defeated that i'm now in floods of tears...

i just can't believe they did it to her, even if they did do it really damn well

[chlo-el]

Wrong. Chloe is ALOT more than that.

One question for all, is Chloe Pete Ross?

I know there is a lot more to Chloe then just Clark's secret but it has shaped her into the person she has become. And it's just changed her life in real big way. Chloe is not Pete Ross. She handled it a lot better and went above and beyond then he ever did. She became Clark's side kick but more then that. She also became the Watch Tower and worked w/ other super heroes.

Her experiences w/ his secret has shaped her in the person she is today. Our experiences shape us into who we are.


So to take that away it does take a really big part of who she is. It doesn't take all of her away but a big chunk of who she was as person as been just erased.

----- Added 4 Minutes later -----


And I agree with jimmyolsenblues, I just don't see how she can be a part of anything now :(

Same here. I think Clark will tell Ollie not to work with her anymore, which is really sad. Somehow I think Chloe would still find her way into doing the whole superhero thing dispite Clark's efforts to keep Chloe away from it.

[ginnyfan]

Fantastic post Just Another Guy!

I have faith in the writers. This plot is not going to regress... and it's not going to leave Chloe in the dark.

Oh that was a beautiful post! I got tears in my eyes. :D

[krewsaider]

I hope you are right, because PS3 have ripped the foundation & HEART out of Smallville. Chloe & Clark are have a credible connection. We watched it over 8 years. They better fix this travesty.

Since when was Clark and Chloe's relationship the foundation and heart of Smallville? I always thought it was Clark's journey to become Superman...

[sailordom]

Sorry people. I am a huge Chloe fan but this all reeks of a massive over-reaction.

Chloe has only forgotten (and we don't know if it's permanent) Clark's abilities. She probably hasn't forgotten Ollie or the JLA. I am confident Clark's BFF will again regain her memories or cleverly figure it out all over again. And even if she doesn't remember she will still be a loyal best friend and help Clark whenever he needs it.

This all reminds me of the fans' horror at Doomsday being introduced by PS3 for S8. And look how good that is turning out. :)

I have faith the PS3 will get this right. Patience people.

I don't see how Chloe could still have her memories of her work with Green Arrow and the JL. That was all rather intimately tied up with Clark's secret.

That's part of what bothers me so much about this mindwipe -- from a story standpoint, it doesn't make any sense at all and it wipes out a lot of things that could have been built on to give her a non-Clark-focused storyline.

I was looking forward to Clark Kent becoming Superman. I wanted to see him grow up and become a hero. I wanted to see Chloe find a place for herself that wasn't just "Clark's sidekick."

Now, I get neither of those developments.

I'm saddened by the sentiment that Clark can only become a hero if Chloe is lobotomized. I wanted to see them BOTH grow and find their places in the world.

Part of what I love about the DCU is that it's full of heroes who are ordinary people who go out and become heroes, and I saw Chloe in that light.

I can only hope that maybe, somehow, this story isn't done, yet. I'm willing to be patient, but I've been burned before by shows that would rather take the easy way out of tearing down other characters to prop up "the hero" instead of actually making the star heroic. :(

[Just Another Guy]

Hopefully, everyone is right and this is a temporary move.

For the record, this has nothing to do with Superman or Clark's progression. Chloe should have her own storyline, WITHOUT BACKING UP, and not be shafted for the sake of someone else.

I'm glad that people are speaking out now, to be sure that the producers know how everyone feels. Here's hoping that they can respect the fans' opinion, without reverting Clark to the dependent non-hero that others have apparently seen him as.

[Jory]

I too, am hoping that TPTB will allow Chloe something back, in return for taking everything away from her.

-Why isn't she back at the Daily Planet? Her being fired was directly related to Clark's "secret", and now that that knowledge isn't there, what's stoping her from going back to the DP?

-Why is she working at Isis? The only reason she's there is due to her being fired from the DP. Now that she has no memory, she should return to the DP. Plus, she sucks as a councelor, and isn't qualified.

-She can't be "Watchtower" since the only reason she knows the JL is due to Clark's secret.

I hope that TPTB put her back in the Daily Planet if they aren't going to give her her memory of Clark's secret back. There is no reason for her to not be at the Daily Planet.

[Clarky123]

My theory is that the Chloe fans are worried about chloe beeing not "special" anymore since she dosent know her secret, witch i just find bad since she has so much else to have then just beeing clarks sidekick constantly. she needs to find her own way for life, just like the isis foundation. Clarks secret wasent that big of a deal, except for Clark!

[harryandginnyfanatic]

-Why isn't she back at the Daily Planet?

Because the real reporters are there now.


Her being fired was directly related to Clark's "secret", and now that that knowledge isn't there, what's stoping her from going back to the DP?

Maybe Tess Mercer.


Now that she has no memory, she should return to the DP.

No she shouldn't.


-Why is she working at Isis? The only reason she's there is due to her being fired from the DP.

She may not remember Clark's secret, but she would certainly remember why she hates Lex and wouldn't want to have anything to do with the Luthors. She would also remember why she took over Isis, which had nothing to do with Clark's secret.


There is no reason for her to not be at the Daily Planet.

Actually there is. The DP is Clark's turf now and he wouldn't be much of a hero if he could just ask Chloe to help him all the time.