Clark regressing; headed back to the barn

[galatians221]

This was another episode of CK wanting to ooh and ah over Lana and being told by others like Chloe and Oliver what he should do. When will we see the Man of Steel? It's so tiring seeing CK still act like a school boy. If this is where we're headed with the character then let's not have a season 9. I want Superman. It seems that even if they burned down the barn CK would still be trying to sort out his personal life and in constant anguish over whether he should be saving the world or pawing on Lana. It's as if Gough and Millar are back. Sheesh.

[vikingjedi]

This is called closure. I don't read spoilers but I know this won't last long. They're just saying goodbye.

[susangail]

Agreed. It might not be pretty to watch, but as long as he eventually lets it go, I'm hanging in there.

[CLanaF23]

Clana FOREVER! its bull that they cant be together.. i hate smallville for doing that. seriously.

[Imzadia]

This was another episode of CK wanting to ooh and ah over Lana and being told by others like Chloe and Oliver what he should do. When will we see the Man of Steel? It's so tiring seeing CK still act like a school boy. If this is where we're headed with the character then let's not have a season 9. I want Superman. It seems that even if they burned down the barn CK would still be trying to sort out his personal life and in constant anguish over whether he should be saving the world or pawing on Lana. It's as if Gough and Millar are back. Sheesh.

OK, I don't think that I'm breaking any rules here, but if I am, I expect the Moderators to kick me to the curb quickly enough. That may be unfortunate for my "Bulletproof" crusade, but I want to Defend it, if I may. I plan to prowl the forum in an effort to help others SEE more clearly before they CONDEMN. It is, afterall, only My Opinion. I'd like to 'paste' what I posted in the "Live" thread, "The worst episode ever" thread, "The Hated it, Loved it Poll thread...

:rolleyes: I admit, I may be looking for and finding a little something different than what a lot of fans want out of Smallville. :\ IMO, this episode covered a Lot of ground that I feel really contributed to moving Clark's 'Destiny' along.

:cool: Clark has, for many years, taken part in criminal investigations anonymously. He knows how to look for clues and has learned to trust his own 'hunches' or intuition about people and their innate behaviors (except when it comes to Lana or women in general), :\ and Clark has learned to be very observant. ;) It was a great opportunity for him to see how the 'law' works from the Inside. He learned some things that will serve him well in his future heroic endeavors. There's still much he has to learn, but he needs to learn how to work in tandem with 'law enforcement' to earn their trust, which would allow him the priviledge to continue 'Helping' without fear of being 'branded' an outlaw, IMO.

It was also important for us to Hear from Oliver that MM had interacted with him and that they had begun to form a 'trusting bond' between them as well. It was important to see progression in the growth of the JLA. All that, plus what revelations Lana shared with Tess, made this a great episode, IMO. :D We also got to see Clark in 'Hero mode', and the way he's thinking about how and why he will do what he does. He wants to see People try to be better. He also taught Ollie something about being a 'better' hero. That was truly Special. :)

:\ Only Clark's desire to have more than a life of 'being the hero' for the world's sake, because of his 'memories' of what he believed he could have with Lana, made him slightly falter. :( He has the Same Feelings as every one of us, so he wants the same things out of life. Meeting Danny Turpin and his family with his 'high school sweetheart' made Clark feel nostalgic for what he 'wished' he could have with Lana. He fears that it'll be denied him. :( The writers wouldn't have given us that little 'tidbit' if we weren't supposed to note it. Clark just has to figure it out as he goes along. :\ He's NOT a Loser! :mad: He's been given a tremendous responsibility and the way he was raised, he'll never neglect that 'Mission'.

"Bulletproof" was Different, and a story about people who do difficult jobs and learning how and why they want to do them for the "right" reasons. It seemed to be about Clark learning about 'big city' crime and crime-fighters behind the scenes. It was a Learning Experience for Oliver, Ofc. Dan Turpin, John Jones, Tess, and Clark. Although I don't quite know what it is that Lana was supposed to learn except that maybe she's no longer 'in love' with Clark. :confused: :\

Whatever Lana is doing and whoever she's collaborating with is causing a lot of intentional turmoil, most likely in her on-going quest for revenge against Lex. She continues to keep secrets from Clark, therefore she's still too angry to give her heart to anyone, and I think she knows that. :\ When Clark figures that out, it'll put the final nail in the coffin of their dead romance. When she leaves, the dust she's once again stirred up will settle. Then Clark will see everything more clearer and realize he's in love with Lois Lane, IMO. :p :( Sadly, Clark feels a void in his life that he'd like to have filled with an honest, Committed, intimate relationship. What we're seeing is an 'emotional' set-back brought on by the way Lana broke his heart a few months ago. Her sudden reappearance has thrown him temporarily off balance. That's why he asked her, "why are you staying?" :(

:) We Know Clark. He's Steadfast and Honorable. He probably thinks that he'd seem 'shallow' if he turned his back on the 'love of his life...so far' without making SURE it's the right decision. I'm Deathly Tired of the Clana merry-go-round, too. :mad: Hopefully, we'll get to see him shake it off, because 'temporary faltering heroes' is allowable from time to time... Right? ;) Clark, 'in Smallville', has taught us that he's Not Perfect, just like the rest of us 'humans'. ...But we know that he'll Never stop trying to be better. :)

:rolleyes: Eventhough I wasn't thrilled about the Clana kiss, the only thing about this episode that I truly didn't like and found uncomfortably annoying was the way Clark and Ollie treated each other. Mostly Ollie acted like he doesn't 'like' Clark very much. :confused:

:o One last thing; I was too happy to hear Chloe mention Lois to Clark. She pointed out to Clark how 'Obvious' it was that some 'sparks' are flying between him and Lois. ;) His response was...:eek: Clearly, Clark finds that Lois Amazes or Overwhelms him just by Lois being 'Lois'. :lol: It was as if Chloe had made him pay attention to something that was 'Hot' and he cautiously approached it and wouldn't touch it for fear of getting 'Burned'. :p (Eventhough we're aware that Clark is impervious to physical heat). The Legendary Love Story between Clark and Lois Has Begun. :D So, for this episode, this case, and these sets of circumstances, IMO, "Mission" accomplished... for now.

:o This IS a Review without giving away too many details, right? I Grade it a 9.5 :D

[TheANIMAL (marcus)]

Smiley overload, system crash.

[Cage]

Clana FOREVER! its bull that they cant be together.. i hate smallville for doing that. seriously.

I don't think SV did this - call me foolish - but didn't 70+ years of canon do this

[SGuthrie27]

LOL, no kidding, Cage. :) I don't have a problem with it, since, like many others have said, we know it can only last up through "Requiem," which is Lana's last episode in this season. By then, hopefully both characters will have found that "closure" some of you have been talking about and will be able to move on separately and amicably. So long as they don't have them start making out in the loft again, I think I'll be okay with a brief Clana revisit.

--SGuthrie ><>' :)--

[costas22]

If Clark was the complete Superman article then there would be no need for Smallville.I truly believe he has a taken many things into his own hands and he is gradually becoming his own man.

[galatians221]

If Clark was the complete Superman article then there would be no need for Smallville.I truly believe he has a taken many things into his own hands and he is gradually becoming his own man.

Gradually is the operative word. He's finally in Metropolis and finally working at the DP and finally getting close to Lois and he insists on hanging around the barn and the Talon and trying to do a little smash mouth with Lana. The writers have advanced the Clois arc and the entire show has shown CK ready to become the Man of Steel and then we have this nonsense. This was a huge step backwards imho. If Chloe had seen them swapping spit in the Talon at the end it would have been interesting to see if she can kick Clark's butt. My money's on Chloe. Clark wants to make love, not war.

[cksidekick]

OK, I don't think that I'm breaking any rules here, but if I am, I expect the Moderators to kick me to the curb quickly enough. That may be unfortunate for my "Bulletproof" crusade, but I want to Defend it, if I may. I plan to prowl the forum in an effort to help others SEE more clearly before they CONDEMN. It is, afterall, only My Opinion. I'd like to 'paste' what I posted in the "Live" thread, "The worst episode ever" thread, "The Hated it, Loved it Poll thread...

:rolleyes: I admit, I may be looking for and finding a little something different than what a lot of fans want out of Smallville. :\ IMO, this episode covered a Lot of ground that I feel really contributed to moving Clark's 'Destiny' along.

:cool: Clark has, for many years, taken part in criminal investigations anonymously. He knows how to look for clues and has learned to trust his own 'hunches' or intuition about people and their innate behaviors (except when it comes to Lana or women in general), :\ and Clark has learned to be very observant. ;) It was a great opportunity for him to see how the 'law' works from the Inside. He learned some things that will serve him well in his future heroic endeavors. There's still much he has to learn, but he needs to learn how to work in tandem with 'law enforcement' to earn their trust, which would allow him the priviledge to continue 'Helping' without fear of being 'branded' an outlaw, IMO.

It was also important for us to Hear from Oliver that MM had interacted with him and that they had begun to form a 'trusting bond' between them as well. It was important to see progression in the growth of the JLA. All that, plus what revelations Lana shared with Tess, made this a great episode, IMO. :D We also got to see Clark in 'Hero mode', and the way he's thinking about how and why he will do what he does. He wants to see People try to be better. He also taught Ollie something about being a 'better' hero. That was truly Special. :)

:\ Only Clark's desire to have more than a life of 'being the hero' for the world's sake, because of his 'memories' of what he believed he could have with Lana, made him slightly falter. :( He has the Same Feelings as every one of us, so he wants the same things out of life. Meeting Danny Turpin and his family with his 'high school sweetheart' made Clark feel nostalgic for what he 'wished' he could have with Lana. He fears that it'll be denied him. :( The writers wouldn't have given us that little 'tidbit' if we weren't supposed to note it. Clark just has to figure it out as he goes along. :\ He's NOT a Loser! :mad: He's been given a tremendous responsibility and the way he was raised, he'll never neglect that 'Mission'.

"Bulletproof" was Different, and a story about people who do difficult jobs and learning how and why they want to do them for the "right" reasons. It seemed to be about Clark learning about 'big city' crime and crime-fighters behind the scenes. It was a Learning Experience for Oliver, Ofc. Dan Turpin, John Jones, Tess, and Clark. Although I don't quite know what it is that Lana was supposed to learn except that maybe she's no longer 'in love' with Clark. :confused: :\

Whatever Lana is doing and whoever she's collaborating with is causing a lot of intentional turmoil, most likely in her on-going quest for revenge against Lex. She continues to keep secrets from Clark, therefore she's still too angry to give her heart to anyone, and I think she knows that. :\ When Clark figures that out, it'll put the final nail in the coffin of their dead romance. When she leaves, the dust she's once again stirred up will settle. Then Clark will see everything more clearer and realize he's in love with Lois Lane, IMO. :p :( Sadly, Clark feels a void in his life that he'd like to have filled with an honest, Committed, intimate relationship. What we're seeing is an 'emotional' set-back brought on by the way Lana broke his heart a few months ago. Her sudden reappearance has thrown him temporarily off balance. That's why he asked her, "why are you staying?" :(

:) We Know Clark. He's Steadfast and Honorable. He probably thinks that he'd seem 'shallow' if he turned his back on the 'love of his life...so far' without making SURE it's the right decision. I'm Deathly Tired of the Clana merry-go-round, too. :mad: Hopefully, we'll get to see him shake it off, because 'temporary faltering heroes' is allowable from time to time... Right? ;) Clark, 'in Smallville', has taught us that he's Not Perfect, just like the rest of us 'humans'. ...But we know that he'll Never stop trying to be better. :)

:rolleyes: Eventhough I wasn't thrilled about the Clana kiss, the only thing about this episode that I truly didn't like and found uncomfortably annoying was the way Clark and Ollie treated each other. Mostly Ollie acted like he doesn't 'like' Clark very much. :confused:

:o One last thing; I was too happy to hear Chloe mention Lois to Clark. She pointed out to Clark how 'Obvious' it was that some 'sparks' are flying between him and Lois. ;) His response was...:eek: Clearly, Clark finds that Lois Amazes or Overwhelms him just by Lois being 'Lois'. :lol: It was as if Chloe had made him pay attention to something that was 'Hot' and he cautiously approached it and wouldn't touch it for fear of getting 'Burned'. :p (Eventhough we're aware that Clark is impervious to physical heat). The Legendary Love Story between Clark and Lois Has Begun. :D So, for this episode, this case, and these sets of circumstances, IMO, "Mission" accomplished... for now.

:o This IS a Review without giving away too many details, right? I Grade it a 9.5 :D

i agree with every single word...this episode had almost too much stuff going on...the Clana Drama is a mere side note in an otherwise amazing episode! :D

[badraven]

I disagree with the OP A LOT about Clark in this episode. First, and I know this is petty to point out, but Clark was NEVER in the barn during the entire episode. Second, Clark got advice and or help from Chole and Oliver but it was Clark that wanted to do something about Martian Manhunter being shot. It was Clark that went undercover, it was Clark that investigated what happened, it was Clark that put the pieces together, it was Clark calling the shots and it was Clark that saved the day. What more do you want him to do? I think a lot of people are just turned off by the last scene between Clark and Lana and that has effected how they see Clark in this episode, IMO. But come on- Lana is on her way out, I didn't let it effect me that much.

[cloisornothing]

Clana FOREVER! its bull that they cant be together.. i hate smallville for doing that. seriously.
I know Smallville tells the story of Clark Kent's youth (including Lana's stuff), but for me, it's enough of Clana stuff. Clana lasted too long, now, it's time for Clois!

[galatians221]

I disagree with the OP A LOT about Clark in this episode. First, and I know this is petty to point out, but Clark was NEVER in the barn during the entire episode. Second, Clark got advice and or help from Chole and Oliver but it was Clark that wanted to do something about Martian Manhunter being shot. I was Clark that went undercover, it was Clark that investigated what happened, it was Clark that put the pieces together, it was Clark calling the shots and it was Clark that saved the day. What more do you want him to do? I think a lot of people are just turned off my the last scene between Clark and Lana and that has effected how they see Clark in this episode, IMO. But come on- Lana is on her way out, I didn't let it effect me that much.

I saw Chloe busting his chops, Oliver busting his chops and Lana busting his chops. I'm sick of CK being portrayed as a sensitive, conflicted, tortured soul who needs to run to Chloe with problems. He had to have her decipher a prescription not long ago. I just want to see the Man of Steel and that won't happen with Lana around and Chloe can hit the road also.

[susangail]

Alrighty then. I can agree with your wanting Lana and Chloe outta there, but the only one who really busted Clark's chops was Oliver. Chloe was just looking out for Lois; I'd say that was a gentle enough poke. I can't fault Lana, either; she's trying to push Clark into the present.

Regarding Clark himself, he's continuing to progress. If you set the clana distraction aside, he's doing a lot of his own legwork now, and there's nothing wrong with him using his network. One message of the episode was that even the highly powerful benefit from teamwork.

[Alicia Chipy]

I just pray Clark is more decisive when it comes to life/death situations than he is in his emotional life.Catastrophes,accidents and crime need split second decisions and action.
Start thinking,communicating and soul searching Clark, life waits for no one.

[cksidekick]

I disagree with the OP A LOT about Clark in this episode. First, and I know this is petty to point out, but Clark was NEVER in the barn during the entire episode. Second, Clark got advice and or help from Chole and Oliver but it was Clark that wanted to do something about Martian Manhunter being shot. I was Clark that went undercover, it was Clark that investigated what happened, it was Clark that put the pieces together, it was Clark calling the shots and it was Clark that saved the day. What more do you want him to do? I think a lot of people are just turned off my the last scene between Clark and Lana and that has effected how they see Clark in this episode, IMO. But come on- Lana is on her way out, I didn't let it effect me that much.

i would add to that, that at the end of the day, He inspired a cop to turn from the Darkside...and it was the highlight of his day. just before he went to make out with Lana of course! :lol:

[Tatiana]

You're right Madelyne, I liked your post a lot. I have to say I did like the episode and the parts that bothered me like the kiss, and Clark's reaction during the conversation with Chloe, I still enjoyed the episode and you have pointed out great aspects of it. Thanks for your point of view :)

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


I disagree with the OP A LOT about Clark in this episode. First, and I know this is petty to point out, but Clark was NEVER in the barn during the entire episode. Second, Clark got advice and or help from Chole and Oliver but it was Clark that wanted to do something about Martian Manhunter being shot. I was Clark that went undercover, it was Clark that investigated what happened, it was Clark that put the pieces together, it was Clark calling the shots and it was Clark that saved the day. What more do you want him to do? I think a lot of people are just turned off my the last scene between Clark and Lana and that has effected how they see Clark in this episode, IMO. But come on- Lana is on her way out, I didn't let it effect me that much.


Ya i agree, i really liked how Tom delivered that line "you set me up?" to Danny, it was like ouch i felt guilty lol and I didn't even set him up, I couldn't deal with Superman saying that to me lol I loved that part

[galatians221]

Alrighty then. I can agree with your wanting Lana and Chloe outta there, but the only one who really busted Clark's chops was Oliver. Chloe was just looking out for Lois; I'd say that was a gentle enough poke. I can't fault Lana, either; she's trying to push Clark into the present.

Regarding Clark himself, he's continuing to progress. If you set the clana distraction aside, he's doing a lot of his own legwork now, and there's nothing wrong with him using his network. One message of the episode was that even the highly powerful benefit from teamwork.

I'd just like to see Clark lead. He seems to want to build a consensus among his advisors and then acts. Lana said he's now the man she knew he would be. I don't think so. I've seen him do Supermanish heroic epic things like save a father and son from a wall of water from a burst dam with his eyes and dispatch of Bizarro and do amazing things and then they send him back to the barn as if he only does this once a year or so. If they would stick to the Blur and Clois I would love the show. Going five weeks without Lois is an act of stupidity on the part of PS3. It's almost as if they owed Kreuk money and made her work it out and saved money by not using Durance. If they keep it up the show may not survive.

[Tatiana]

I saw Chloe busting his chops, Oliver busting his chops and Lana busting his chops. I'm sick of CK being portrayed as a sensitive, conflicted, tortured soul who needs to run to Chloe with problems. He had to have her decipher a prescription not long ago. I just want to see the Man of Steel and that won't happen with Lana around and Chloe can hit the road also.


wow so you want Superman to have no feelings at all? I don't think he'd be the superhero he is if he didn't care about people and their feelings, that's including the people around him that have been close to him for years...including Lana lol I don't know, I like that he is so caring and always sees the best in people, I don't think he was running to Chloe with HIS problems, he was worried about helping MM, Chloe was the one that asked how he was doing about Lana anyway. I didn't see him running to Oliver with his problems either, Oliver was the one a little "emotional" in my opinion, Clark actually saved him.

[Alicia Chipy]

If anything sets Superman appart from darker heroes, is his positive humanistic attitude.
He agonizes over some of the descisions he's made to the point of mental trauma.
He loves Lois so much because with flaws and all,they bring out each others humanity.
I would hate for SV Clark to lack this aspect in his pshyche.He is NOT the cold, calculating Eradicator.

[galatians221]

wow so you want Superman to have no feelings at all? I don't think he'd be the superhero he is if he didn't care about people and their feelings, that's including the people around him that have been close to him for years...including Lana lol I don't know, I like that he is so caring and always sees the best in people, I don't think he was running to Chloe with HIS problems, he was worried about helping MM, Chloe was the one that asked how he was doing about Lana anyway. I didn't see him running to Oliver with his problems either, Oliver was the one a little "emotional" in my opinion, Clark actually saved him.

How would you or I act if we were in the midst of a person with super powers? An alien from another planet? Would we treat him as a farm boy from Kansas and scold him and goad him into doing what we thing he would do? I want there to be no reason for goading him. I want him to take charge and take the lead and the others to be there to help him when he gives them instructions or directions. I want him to be strong and the others to be weak. I don't like that situation in reverse. He's supposed to have all of the knowledge of the 28 known galaxies and a super computer mind that enables him to function far above any human level and yet it's as if TPTB want to continue to show him as a work in progress; he can't fly, doesn't have super knowledge, is indecisive, can't figure out whether he should be saving his friends or enlarging his scope to the world and on and on. I want CK to be stronger, more resolute, less conflicted, not moaning over his high school sweetheart. This part of the SV storyline should have been over three seasons ago. He's at the DP, he's working with Lois and he's still not Superman. That's not the way it works. He is the Man of Steel; he is not a teenager and he should know now what his destiny is and his love life should be incidental, not a major focus. Lois is his future and it is well past the time for him to leave his past behind.

[susangail]

I'd just like to see Clark lead. He seems to want to build a consensus among his advisors and then acts. Lana said he's now the man she knew he would be. I don't think so. I've seen him do Supermanish heroic epic things like save a father and son from a wall of water from a burst dam with his eyes and dispatch of Bizarro and do amazing things and then they send him back to the barn as if he only does this once a year or so. If they would stick to the Blur and Clois I would love the show. Going five weeks without Lois is an act of stupidity on the part of PS3. It's almost as if they owed Kreuk money and made her work it out and saved money by not using Durance. If they keep it up the show may not survive.

It's been a long time since "Bizarro," hasn't it? I understand your frustration. I'm feeling Lois withdrawal as well.

About owing KK money, it's the other way around. She owed them five episodes from last season when they let her make that movie. They would never have let her do that unless they'd been able to get her back for this last arc. It's too bad they've used her the way they have; they could have steered Clark through the whole closure thing with more sophistication.

[galatians221]

It's been a long time since "Bizarro," hasn't it? I understand your frustration. I'm feeling Lois withdrawal as well.

About owing KK money, it's the other way around. She owed them five episodes from last season when they let her make that movie. They would never have let her do that unless they'd been able to get her back for this last arc. It's too bad they've used her the way they have; they could have steered Clark through the whole closure thing with more sophistication.

And you're confirming that it was about money. They obviously were able to not pay Durance for a complete season and that's because the CW cut their budget. It's so frustrating and it could mean the end of our hopes for S9. We now have Bones opposite SV and sinking ratings. Not good.

[Tatiana]

How would you or I act if we were in the midst of a person with super powers? An alien from another planet? Would we treat him as a farm boy from Kansas and scold him and goad him into doing what we thing he would do? I want there to be no reason for goading him. I want him to take charge and take the lead and the others to be there to help him when he gives them instructions or directions. I want him to be strong and the others to be weak. I don't like that situation in reverse. He's supposed to have all of the knowledge of the 28 known galaxies and a super computer mind that enables him to function far above any human level and yet it's as if TPTB want to continue to show him as a work in progress; he can't fly, doesn't have super knowledge, is indecisive, can't figure out whether he should be saving his friends or enlarging his scope to the world and on and on. I want CK to be stronger, more resolute, less conflicted, not moaning over his high school sweetheart. This part of the SV storyline should have been over three seasons ago. He's at the DP, he's working with Lois and he's still not Superman. That's not the way it works. He is the Man of Steel; he is not a teenager and he should know now what his destiny is and his love life should be incidental, not a major focus. Lois is his future and it is well past the time for him to leave his past behind.


I understand, I don't think his feelings make him weak though and he was brought up by humans and living among humans, so he has the same emotional feelings in a lot of aspects. I do agree he needs to leave behind the whole highschool sweetheart, I think for a reason they made Lana point out that it wasn't a good thing he felt he was 14 again...he has always put Lana in a pedestal, and I think somehow he still does and feels he HAS to love her. I do think he is acting a lot more heroic, and this episode he really took action in every way, not only using his powers, but he investigated, went undercover and all. I loved how much faith he had in Danny, and he still worked hard to help MM even when Oliver was disregarding what he was doing and even mocking him. I have faith he will soon realize he isn't meant to be with Lana, after all he never got a chance to have proper closure, Lana only left him a video, he didn't get to say goodbye. Ending a relationship, especially a long one like the one they've had,is the same as someone you love dying, and if you can't go thru proper closer, it always leaves an open wound, it'd be like not being able to have a funeral for a loved one.

[galatians221]

I understand, I don't think his feelings make him weak though and he was brought up by humans and living among humans, so he has the same emotional feelings in a lot of aspects. I do agree he needs to leave behind the whole highschool sweetheart, I think for a reason they made Lana point out that it wasn't a good thing he felt he was 14 again...he has always put Lana in a pedestal, and I think somehow he still does and feels he HAS to love her. I do think he is acting a lot more heroic, and this episode he really took action in every way, not only using his powers, but he investigated, went undercover and all. I loved how much faith he had in Danny, and he still worked hard to help MM even when Oliver was disregarding what he was doing and even mocking him. I have faith he will soon realize he isn't meant to be with Lana, after all he never got a chance to have proper closure, Lana only left him a video, he didn't get to say goodbye. Ending a relationship, especially a long one like the one they've had,is the same as someone you love dying, and if you can't go thru proper closer, it always leaves an open wound, it'd be like not being able to have a funeral for a loved one.

I don't disagree but how many times are they going to end the relationship? It's the song that never ends and it's killing the ratings and may bring about the demise of the show.

[Timester]

I don't disagree but how many times are they going to end the relationship? It's the song that never ends and it's killing the ratings and may bring about the demise of the show.

The problem is they didn't really ended last time.

[zHeN_zHeN]

At least we now know for sure that Clana will end forever this time. There's no turning back after she's gone. Hopefully, it'll be the start of a whole new Clark and maybe even the beginnings of the true Man of Steel.

[myankskent]

I don't disagree but how many times are they going to end the relationship?


I think that the only reason why they ended it twice in the past couple of years is because KK missed those episodes last season. So TPTB had to figure out a cheap way for them to breakup last season, throw them back together again this season prior to giving them another breakup. Had KK not left the show last year, I actually think that Clana would've been together this entire time leading up to the end of the series, or close to it.

When it comes to why Clana have had so many breakups? It was done to basically keep them from being happy for too long since they ultimately will not end up together in the end. That's why the relationship was filled with angst and that, in turn, allowed TPTB to keep it around for a long period of time, since TPTB had decided that it was going to be the main relationship on this show. It's for this reason, especially after this latest Clana arc, that I'm not really in favor of romantic Clois. There's just no way that I see them being able to create a romance that can become more important on this series than Clana, unless this show goes 13 seasons.

[galatians221]

At least we now know for sure that Clana will end forever this time. There's no turning back after she's gone. Hopefully, it'll be the start of a whole new Clark and maybe even the beginnings of the true Man of Steel.

I just hope it's not the end of Smallville or it won't matter much.

[Darth Pipes]

This was another episode of CK wanting to ooh and ah over Lana and being told by others like Chloe and Oliver what he should do. When will we see the Man of Steel? It's so tiring seeing CK still act like a school boy. If this is where we're headed with the character then let's not have a season 9. I want Superman. It seems that even if they burned down the barn CK would still be trying to sort out his personal life and in constant anguish over whether he should be saving the world or pawing on Lana. It's as if Gough and Millar are back. Sheesh.

Someone on another board said it best. This Superman had to be coaxed and prodded to become a superhero. His heart never really appears to be in it. Eight years and he's still going through the motions. Like the John Connor character on The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Serioulsy, he should wear a t-shirt with the words "Angst Forever" on it.

I've said it before but Clark HAS to be the one who ends the Lana relationship. He can't allow Lana to be the one to end it. If he's ever going to move on (and I'm sure on the show he won't be portrayed as doing so), then he has to take the initative. I had absolutely no faith that the writers will allow him to do so.

[galatians221]

Someone on another board said it best. This Superman had to be coaxed and prodded to become a superhero. His heart never really appears to be in it. Eight years and he's still going through the motions. Like the John Connor character on The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Serioulsy, he should wear a t-shirt with the words "Angst Forever" on it.

I've said it before but Clark HAS to be the one who ends the Lana relationship. He can't allow Lana to be the one to end it. If he's ever going to move on (and I'm sure on the show he won't be portrayed as doing so), then he has to take the initative. I had absolutely no faith that the writers will allow him to do so.

Good post. It all boils down to having a Superman who is unsure of what he wants to do with his life versus a Superman who has his act together. For this reason, Smallville has run it's course and if they aren't able legally or for other reasons to move on to Superman then it's time to shut it down. I think they could get another 5+ seasons out of a true Superman show. All generations know about and like Superman. Smallville has done some things good and some bad but it's time to move on to the Man of Steel. Burn down the barn and move on.

[myankskent]

I've said it before but Clark HAS to be the one who ends the Lana relationship. He can't allow Lana to be the one to end it.


And I think that Lana will be the one to end it because the table has already been set for that to happen. Lana is leaving Smallville and she confirmed that in the final "Bulletproof" scene. I've said it before and I'll say it again, KK leaving this show is not really the greatest thing for Smallville because it creates a situation where Lana is the one who now has to leave Clark behind when it really should go the other way. I'm sure Clark will eventually agree that it's the best thing for he and Lana to separate, but everything has already been set in motion for that to happen by having Lana prepared to move on from Smallville and go do whatever it is she is going to do. Also, I have to be honest here...these two characters have broken up so many times already. No matter what happens when Lana leaves, what is going to convince the viewers that if by chance Lana re-enters Clark's orbit, their feelings for each other won't come rushing back? Clark's feelings for Lois? Perhaps, but that is why I hate how they handled Clois this season by having the almost kiss pretty much mean nothing to Clark once Lana came back into his life. They should never have done what they did and I fear that this mistake is going to put a permanent scar on how everything plays out post-Lana.

[galatians221]

And I think that Lana will be the one to end it because the table has already been set for that to happen. Lana is leaving Smallville and she confirmed that in the final "Bulletproof" scene. I've said it before and I'll say it again, KK leaving this show is not really the greatest thing for Smallville because it creates a situation where Lana is the one who now has to leave Clark behind when it really should go the other way. I'm sure Clark will eventually agree that it's the best thing for he and Lana to separate, but everything has already been set in motion for that to happen by having Lana prepared to move on from Smallville and go do whatever it is she is going to do. Also, I have to be honest here...these two characters have broken up so many times already. No matter what happens when Lana leaves, what is going to convince the viewers that if by chance Lana re-enters Clark's orbit, their feelings for each other won't come rushing back? Clark's feelings for Lois? Perhaps, but that is why I hate how they handled Clois this season by having the almost kiss pretty much mean nothing to Clark once Lana came back into his life. They should never have done what they did and I fear that this mistake is going to put a permanent scar on how everything plays out post-Lana.

Good points. I accept the fact that Gough/Millar screwed the whole thing up but I'm really disappointed that the new PTB are taking this route. They should have never had Kreuk come back. It is and was a disaster that may tank the ratings and ruin any chance for a S9 that there might have been.