Justice

[Pantalaimon]

There was a lot of talk about types of justice in this episode. This is quite pivotal in Clark's perspective on justice for the future. I especially liked Danny's comment about how the capes have no rules. As Superman, Clark will eventually submit to human laws. This is a vital part of Superman's identity, because if there anyone who is likely to stand above the law it's him. After all, that is what Jor-el had in mind for Clark. I really hope we get an episode that will be devoted to Clark choosing to obey earth laws on principal, and in which Clark convinces Jor-el that this is the way to go for him.

[Imzadia]

I'm glad that you brought this up, 'Pantalaimon'. I pointed out the qualities "Bulletproof" had as a story with important issues being addressed, especially pertaining to progressing Clark's destiny along. This, however, was in another thread where there was a heated debate about this episodes perspective on the 'relationships'. They were too obsessed about that topic to see that this was, in fact, a good episode.

I saw it as a very necessary Learning Experience not only for Clark, but for Oliver, Ofc. Danny Turpin, Tess, and even John Jones. It truly Was about Justice and how it's carried out ...or Not, how it's executed on the streets, defended and how it should compliment the 'Laws'. Clark needed to see how Law Enforcement is conducted 'behind the scenes'. No one could capture and hold Clark without Kryptonite involved, so any control over him is voluntary on Clark's part. His parents raised him to Respect the 'established' Laws and to work within the law to accomplish Justice.

It Did seem that Clark was being very observant while trying to 'help' and accomplish his goal, which was to stop the violence in this particular case and impress upon those involved that a 'change' was needed. He saw the 'Frustration' of those who try to uphold the 'law' and he saw them working under the threat of 'laying their lives on the line' everytime they go on duty. Through his association with Danny Turpin, he learned that they did this because 'it's necessary' to maintain 'order' within our society, ...even if it means making Sacrifices by those with families. This was helping to lay the foundation for 'Superman's' behavior within the governing systems of this world and how to work 'in tandem' with them, as a Crimefighter and Hero, in order to Earn their Trust and not get labled as an Outlaw or Vigilante, IMO.

On the 'Hero' Front, Clark, Oliver and MM learned that 'Pride' is a dangerous thing when trying to 'assist' Justice. Overconfidence can sabotage the efforts of their well-meaning intentions and 'Teamwork' is something that they should value highly within their 'Brotherhood'. I see that as the 'heart' and true 'message' of this episode. What was going on between Tess and Lana proved to be a particular 'eye-opening' experience for Tess. In the Opening Sequences in the "Previously on Smallville" section, a segment where Tess told Lois that "Lex was a true believer in 'Truth and Justice' was replayed. I'm supposing that Lana was pointing out to Tess how Manipulative and Abusive Lex really is when it comes to Justice, and how Fragile Trust can become, since Tess believed she had Earned Lex's trust. She learned that her blind devotion was misplaced and undeserved. So, overall, IMO, "Bulletproof" should be considered to be a very Valuable story contributing to Clark's Journey.

[gameface25]

2 very well thought out posts

I wish this board had more of these, as opposed to all the QQing about kisses, and naming every "ship" on the show and why they love/hate it

[bizzaro93]

I really like the fact that ever since season 8 started, Clark is sort of being forced to become Superman, I don't mean it literally, I mean by his actions. "To save life at all cost." Think about the world before himself. Actually trying to save lives on a daily basis outside of Smallville, instead of waiting for something to occur in Smallville.
And the fact that Oliver, John and Clark are realizing they need someone a partner to look after there back, I was like "Sick!"
I hope that when the JL do comeback, Jones is part of it and they bring in a new hero that's part of the JL, such as, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Hawk Girl or Batman. but, I think Batman will be the last person to join becuase Batman is known for working alone, in several cartoons, he doesn't want to join the Justice League even they offer him a position.

ANYWAYS, I do like how they were emphasizing "Justice" in society. It was a different twist.

[HalJordan4184]

I could have done without the teamwork speech. We all know Clark eventually is part of a team, but none of the reasons he joined, were really in that episode. In fact, Clark initially rejected league membership, because he feared it would DAMPER his ability to go it alone. He'd be too busy backing up other people, to take care of the committments he'd already made to his city, and the rest of the world.

It was good to see Clark getting a look at how the law really works, and that Justice is often flawed in our system. It was also good at him seeing how essentially good people can end up becoming bad, when repeated failures in the system they've sworn to protect keeps failing them.

[Pantalaimon]

I agree that the teamwork bit was just a bit too much, but I liked Jones' reflection on their pride. There is something to be said for 'the capes' being modest and not piss of the cops too much, who are doing the same important work.

Like your comment about Tess, Imzadia. I do feel the Lana-Tess storyline was too separate from the main Bulletproof plot (unlike the good plot combining in most of the episodes this season). But then she found out that Lex wasn't as 'just' as she had always thought he was, which ties in sort of nicely with the theme of the episode

[Bizzaro Kyle]

I hope that when the JL do comeback, Jones is part of it and they bring in a new hero that's part of the JL, such as, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Hawk Girl or Batman. but, I think Batman will be the last person to join becuase Batman is known for working alone, in several cartoons, he doesn't want to join the Justice League even they offer him a position.

DC Comics isn't letting Smallville use Batman. I think the article said something about them not wanting to get fans confused with the movies, especially with The Dark Knight's recent success.

[actaeon]

I think the issue of justice needs to be addressed, but I think this episode did a very poor job of it.

Ollie condemned these rogue cops for "taking the law into their own hands". Well isn't that what GA does every time he goes out into the nighttime streets with his bow? As recently as "Bride", he was trying to kill Lex. After Clark's father died, angry-at-the-world Clark Kent pretty much went on a rampage against street punks. He nearly throttled one of them to death, as I recall. So I don't see where these two guys get off claiming to occupy the high moral ground.

I found the moral message of "Bulletproof" extremely confused. All I could see was that the idea seemed to be, it's wrong when cops do it but it's okay when we do it.

I would love to see the issue of justice addressed, but I'm not sure that a show like this can even do it. Clark (and Ollie, and Chloe, etc., etc.) are operating outside the law, and that has been portrayed as OK since day one. Breaking and entering, stealing files, hacking confidential medical records, and defeating the bad guys in street fights.

In the world of Smallville, the cops are (largely) corrupt, the courts are weak and powerless (Lex, Lionel get off scot-free). The government is basically the enemy, a big, shadowy, threatening conspiracy. The way it's set up, it seems the only way "good" can prevail is if a group of clandestine heros work outside the law. That, in my view, is a very problematic notion of Justice.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox now...

[Pantalaimon]

You make some good points Actaeon.

However, I don't think this episode meant to give a definite answer to the question what justice should be, it just tried to show the risks for those who mean to uphold justice. And in that the episode criticised the capes as much as it criticised the cops. Clearly the issue could use some further addressing. In that we can agree.

As for Green Arrow. You're right, he is all over the place this season. I suppose he objected to the cops' method of taking the law into their own hands. I did like how they distinguished him from Clark in him being harder on the cops than Clark. I'd like to see more of that. They're different superheroes after all.