Return of the Big Dumb Alien!!!

[SGuthrie27]

Okay, I don't know about you, but after watching this episode (which was totally AWESOME, by the way), I have to say that not only has Clark Kent returned with a vengeance to super-heroics and pursuing his destiny (YES!), but he's also shown us a side that I'd hoped had gone the way of the dodo when Lana, the Walking-Chunk-O'-Kryptonite super-sped her way off into the sunset... the BIG DUMB ALIEN.

Seriously, there were several things he did in this episode that were just so cringe-worthy that I'm not sure where to start...

1) Let's start with the most egregious and ridiculous (at least to me): returning to the present right when Lois is about to tell Clark Doomsday's real identity. He couldn't have waited three more seconds for her to finish her sentence before his jaunt to the past?! Lame. In so doing, he just put himself, Chloe, Lois, and the entire world in far more danger. If he'd known the truth about Davis now, perhaps he and John Jones (the Martian Manhunter) could've come up with some way to block off "the beast" in his head (if John got back his telepathy, which he has to eventually according to comic book canon) or send him off to some other planet/dimension where he can't hurt anyone. Whatever the case, Doomsday's crazier than ever, and we all know things will only get worse for our heroes by season's end. :(

2) Destroying the Legion ring. What in the name of Countess Isobel's burnt-at-the-stake socks was up with that?! Seriously, Clark had a way to make right any major tragedy, and I really don't think it would've been much of a temptation for him to use it on a non-routine basis. No wonder the speculated deaths at the end of the season are going to stick now that Clark can't rewind time and save those imperiled by Doomsday. Grrr... And he can't contact or recruit any of the Legion to help him either, which I thought was the whole point of giving him the ring in the first place. Besides, the 31st century sounds like a pretty cool vacation spot for Kryptonians. Why would Clark pass up that?

3) The moronic way he handled the Lois situation... He knew how Lois would react. He saw the way she steadfastly stood by and protected him, even when it put her in danger. I can understand that he can't reveal his secret to her and Lois keep her memory of it on Smallville purely by nature of the show and the overarching Superman story, but it still seems dumb that he wouldn't at least try to let her in a little closer. What sort of crazy doofus blows off a date with a woman that smart, gorgeous, loyal, and with awesome reporting skills, just so he can watch and text-message lies to her from a distance? Oh yeah, the same one that did the same thing to a certain plucky blond reporter that we all know and most of us love... AND, it's the same guy who chased Wonder-Lana after having moved on to throw us onto the Clana roller-coaster of badness for... how many times is it they've gotten together and broken up now? Forget it, I really don't want to know. I guess this lame action shouldn't surprise me considering Clark's track record with making wise relationship decisions, but I still can't help but feel disappointed.

There are probably more ridiculous things he did that I should and could list here, but I'm too tired to think of them all now. Therefore, I open it to you, friends, to share your thoughts... What do you think of our Big Dumb Alien friend tonight?

--SGuthrie ><>' :)--

P.S. I still think Clark is a cool character, and all heroes have flaws, but still... these three things seemed particularly stupid.

[SV'S_immortal_hero]

2) Destroying the Legion ring. What in the name of Countess Isobel's burnt-at-the-stake socks was up with that?! Seriously, Clark had a way to make right any major tragedy, and I really don't think it would've been much of a temptation for him to use it on a non-routine basis. No wonder the speculated deaths at the end of the season are going to stick now that Clark can't rewind time and save those imperiled by Doomsday. Grrr... And he can't contact or recruit any of the Legion to help him either, which I thought was the whole point of giving him the ring in the first place. Besides, the 31st century sounds like a pretty cool vacation spot for Kryptonians. Why would Clark pass up that?


maybe im wrong in saying this but clark was actually smart in destroying the ring, we seen how linda lake wanted to use the ring as a means of predicting stories to make a name for herself

even if this isnt the sole reason but 1 of many clark was smart not to let a dangerous item exist in the current time especially to those who cant respect time, time travel has consequences which the show has proven, and for clark to keep the ring and change things he doesnt like would give him far too much power and bring unforseeable problems

[AgentChaos]

He couldn't have waited three more seconds for her to finish her sentence before his jaunt to the past?!

If Clark found out that Davis is Doomsday at this point in the season, he would take care of the problem right now and there wouldn't be a story arc for Davis after that. It's all about dragging things out until the finale.


Destroying the Legion ring.

As this episode showed, having that ring around is a cheat. Every time Clark or Chloe or anyone else screws up, he would have an easy way to fix things without having lasting consequences. How else is Clark going to grow if he has a magic fix-it in his pocket?

[Syn ver666]

"What in the name of Countess Isobel's burnt-at-the-stake socks was up with that?!"

That is classic... lol

[REebee52]

I just think instead of him basically interrupting Lois by putting on the ring, TPTB should have had Lois try to get his attention and yell "Clark!" right as he put it on.

[Reuben]

I just think instead of him basically interrupting Lois by putting on the ring, TPTB should have had Lois try to get his attention and yell "Clark!" right as he put it on.

Agreed, They should have done something along the line of what you mentioned.

[Dyanara]

Exactly! We know Davis is Doomsday and having Clark screw that up just makes us think he is even more dumb

[devilneedsaride]

What in the name of Countess Isobel's burnt-at-the-stake socks was up with that?!
:rotfl:
Good one!


If Clark found out that Davis is Doomsday at this point in the season, he would take care of the problem right now and there wouldn't be a story arc for Davis after that. It's all about dragging things out until the finale.

As this episode showed, having that ring around is a cheat. Every time Clark or Chloe or anyone else screws up, he would have an easy way to fix things without having lasting consequences. How else is Clark going to grow if he has a magic fix-it in his pocket?

Well clearly they were plot devices, and I agree that it's important that the ring gets destroyed and Doomsday isn't revealed, but there really ought to be a good internal reason for him to be doing these things too. Obvious plot devices without any sort of real justification within the SV universe just pull us out of the story.

[AgentChaos]

Well clearly they were plot devices, and I agree that it's important that the ring gets destroyed and Doomsday isn't revealed, but there really ought to be a good internal reason for him to be doing these things too. Obvious plot devices without any sort of real justification within the SV universe just pull us out of the story.

He had a good reason already not to mess with time at will- the first time he did, it cost his father his life. Clark showed real maturity in removing the temptation to basically play God every time he screwed up, no matter what consequences might come from that.

[harryandginnyfanatic]

Return of the Big Dumb Alien

And his name is Davis Bloome.

[devilneedsaride]

He had a good reason already not to mess with time at will- the first time he did, it cost his father his life. Clark showed real maturity in removing the temptation to basically play God every time he screwed up, no matter what consequences might come from that.

That's fair enough, but is there any kind of explanation for why Clark couldn't wait 3 seconds for Lois to finish her sentence before donning the ring?

[Theshadow129x]

Clark destroying the ring made sense, i just really didnt like the episode. it had terribl acting for mostly everyone save Sam Witwer. Plus, last time i checked, Clark didnt deal with Linda Lake in season 6, Chloe did. That whole thing was a plot hole.

[xrayvision]

The only thing that made Clark look like a BDA in this episode was something that wasn't even his fault---how Chloe devised entirely on her own Clark's logistics for becoming Superman (the duality). This was the biggest disgrace that I have seen with respect to Clark's own hero persona. The last bit of thunder he had left was stolen from him. This is the last area where he needed to be developed, and they had Chloe instead of Clark be the one who came up with it. This is an unforgivable blow to Clark's brains and his journey to becoming a hero.

I'm very disappointed with this. There was absolutely no point in having that scene. This problem was one to have left open ended so the Red/Blue Blur plot could further it along. But they failed again. The bottom line is that TPTB have failed Clark. Over & over they continue to fail him. And it's sickening for Superman fans who watch this show to see how this version of Clark Kent will become Superman.

As far as the ring goes, destroying it meant that he learned something from Reckoning. As far as Lois goes, not meeting her and not telling her his secret means that he's smart enough not to rush into things with her because he actually cares about her and doesn't want to repeat his Lana experience again. It was crystal clear to me from his lines. So SGuthrie27, I have to disagree that Clark was a BDA. He only appeared as one because of that one scene with Chloe towards the end.

[Timester]

2) Destroying the Legion ring. What in the name of Countess Isobel's burnt-at-the-stake socks was up with that?! Seriously, Clark had a way to make right any major tragedy, and I really don't think it would've been much of a temptation for him to use it on a non-routine basis. No wonder the speculated deaths at the end of the season are going to stick now that Clark can't rewind time and save those imperiled by Doomsday. Grrr... And he can't contact or recruit any of the Legion to help him either, which I thought was the whole point of giving him the ring in the first place. Besides, the 31st century sounds like a pretty cool vacation spot for Kryptonians. Why would Clark pass up that?

Destroying a time-machine dumb? Since when?

[Kal-ed]

Destroying a time-machine dumb? Since when?

It sets up Clark not being able to undo certain things in the future, he needs to start living in a way that turning back time is not an option, its only the second time he´s done it but he needs to stop meddling with the cosmic balance or what ever force his altering.

[Timester]

It sets up Clark not being able to undo certain things in the future, he needs to start living in a way that turning back time is not an option, its only the second time he´s done it but he needs to stop meddling with the cosmic balance or what ever force his altering.

And how is that dumb?

Destroying time-machines is the smartest thing one can ever do.

[Kal-ed]

The only thing that made Clark look like a BDA in this episode was something that wasn't even his fault---how Chloe devised entirely on her own Clark's logistics for becoming Superman (the duality). This was the biggest disgrace that I have seen with respect to Clark's own hero persona. The last bit of thunder he had left was stolen from him. This is the last area where he needed to be developed, and they had Chloe instead of Clark be the one who came up with it. This is an unforgivable blow to Clark's brains and his journey to becoming a hero.

I'm very disappointed with this. There was absolutely no point in having that scene. This problem was one to have left open ended so the Red/Blue Blur plot could further it along. But they failed again. The bottom line is that TPTB have failed Clark. Over & over they continue to fail him. And it's sickening for Superman fans who watch this show to see how this version of Clark Kent will become Superman.

As far as the ring goes, destroying it meant that he learned something from Reckoning. As far as Lois goes, not meeting her and not telling her his secret means that he's smart enough not to rush into things with her because he actually cares about her and doesn't want to repeat his Lana experience again. It was crystal clear to me from his lines. So SGuthrie27, I have to disagree that Clark was a BDA. He only appeared as one because of that one scene with Chloe towards the end.

I completely agree with you although I didnt mind that scene that much cause Im used to Chloe looking good while Clark looking dumb; she did teach him how to use his superbreath and She will give him a crash course on how to use his powers in Hex so nothing is beyond Chloe´s forsight and wisdom.

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


And how is that dumb?

Destroying time-machines is the smartest thing one can ever do.

I never said it was dumb... did I???


Nope, I didnt, in fact I implied quite the oposite.

[Timester]

I never said it was dumb... did I???


Nope, I didnt, in fact I implied quite the oposite.

I was agreeing with you. :confused:

[Tompouce]

I don't want to hear bad things concerning Clark this time. Please. Lois is so Lois, Clark is so Clark. This is how it is. He was perfect. lol

[Clark/Lois-fan]

I don't want to hear bad things concerning Clark this time. Please. Lois is so Lois, Clark is so Clark. This is how it is. He was perfect. lol

Absolutely true :D And that's why I love them :p

[Tompouce]

Absolutely true :D And that's why I love them :p
;)

[luthorian]

Clark is written so badly it makes me wonder what are the villains on the show for?

[Jack-El49]

Clark is written so badly it makes me wonder what are the villains on the show for?

Agreed. Here's a guy who has the abilities to shape events around him and instead, stands on the sidelines (or sidewalk) and let event shape him. Very un-hero like.

[SGuthrie27]

Wow, good thoughts, everyone. I'm glad that my comments and questions sparked so much discussion. Now that I've had time to reflect, and I'm not as enraged as a Byron Moore who forgets that he shouldn't go sunbathing, I can look at things a little more clearly...

With my first issue, I really do understand why Clark couldn't learn of Davis's true identity now. I get it! Honestly, it makes perfect logistical sense for the plot of the show not to reveal his dual nature or true intentions yet, because it wouldn't lead up to all the conflict that they've prepared for the remainder of the season. I was only saying that the logic was weak for Clark not being able to wait a few seconds for Lois to be able to finish talking, since Linda Lake was out of commission for the moment and neither Clark nor Lois were in any imminent danger.

You all have made very valid points about the ring, and I must confess that I had a very selfish reason for my wanting him to hang onto it, and it wasn't just for the sake of giving Clark the ability to visit the 31st century... My predominant motivating factor for being angry was that I wanted him to have the chance to rewind the clock when whatever happens in the season finale... well, happens. I'm not going to include spoilers or speculation here -- I just wish there was a way he could end up rewinding to save... well... Agh, go read the spoilers thread, and think about my favorite characters. It shouldn't be too hard to understand my reasonings, as selfish as they are. But anyway, yeah, you all have made plenty of sense in your arguments, so I suppose Clark was totally justified in destroying the ring, and yes, it makes him seem like a better person for it -- showing great self-discipline in denying himself the ability to have a redo for every time he makes a mistake.

I'm still mad about the way he dissed Lois at the coffee shop, though. Grrr...

--SGuthrie ><>' :)--

[Syn ver666]

That's fair enough, but is there any kind of explanation for why Clark couldn't wait 3 seconds for Lois to finish her sentence before donning the ring?

All I can figure is that he didnt think it was important and it had to do with him being in that time line which was about to be wiped out, so he just said to heck with it what ever it is will be fixed by going back *poof*

[Bizarrolover]

I don't want to hear bad things concerning Clark this time. Please. Lois is so Lois, Clark is so Clark. This is how it is. He was perfect. lol

You couldn't have said that any better. Both Lois and Clark were truly themselves in this episode.

----- Added 12 Minutes later -----


You all have made very valid points about the ring, and I must confess that I had a very selfish reason for my wanting him to hang onto it, and it wasn't just for the sake of giving Clark the ability to visit the 31st century... My predominant motivating factor for being angry was that I wanted him to have the chance to rewind the clock when whatever happens in the season finale... well, happens. I'm not going to include spoilers or speculation here -- I just wish there was a way he could end up rewinding to save... well... Agh, go read the spoilers thread, and think about my favorite characters. It shouldn't be too hard to understand my reasonings, as selfish as they are. But anyway, yeah, you all have made plenty of sense in your arguments, so I suppose Clark was totally justified in destroying the ring, and yes, it makes him seem like a better person for it -- showing great self-discipline in denying himself the ability to have a redo for every time he makes a mistake.

I'm still mad about the way he dissed Lois at the coffee shop, though. Grrr...

--SGuthrie ><>' :)--

There's always a consequence when timeline is altered. In this case, Clark didn't learn who is the beast that was sent to kill him. When he recovered his previous life by going back in time, he triggered a much bigger threat. I'm not sure he'll be able to connect this to the events of the season finale, but, after what happened in Reckoning, he should know better and not think that going back in time will fix things, because it actually makes them worse. I guess that his decision of destroying the ring was very wise yet the damage is already done.

[Kal-ed]

I was agreeing with you. :confused:
You would be surprise the amount of times we agree and only argue cause of a misunderstanding.

[SnowBird]

I don't want to hear bad things concerning Clark this time. Please. Lois is so Lois, Clark is so Clark. This is how it is. He was perfect. lol

Exactly!!!

[Supsfan]

I found it to be a very bad episode for Clark overall.

The scenes with Chloe I felt like Clark was 15 again and Chloe was his parents. I hate when people save Clark(in this case Lois taking kryotnite) and Clark seems to get hung up on stupid things to easily(the producers love there drama) in reguards to having coffee.

Can't Clark also articulate his thought process in reguards to how he feels about Lois

[xrayvision]

There's always a consequence when timeline is altered. In this case, Clark didn't learn who is the beast that was sent to kill him. When he recovered his previous life by going back in time, he triggered a much bigger threat. I'm not sure he'll be able to connect this to the events of the season finale, but, after what happened in Reckoning, he should know better and not think that going back in time will fix things, because it actually makes them worse. I guess that his decision of destroying the ring was very wise yet the damage is already done.

I think there was a give & take with altering the timeline. Had he not altered the timeline, we know Chloe would have been dead since Doomsday was in the process of killing her when the scene with Chloe in the car cut away. Also, even though Clark would have been warned, Doomsday would have come straight for him, leaving no time to prepare for him. And Clark would have been killed. So by not changing the timeline, Clark & Chloe would have been killed by Doomsday.

By changing the timeline, the only one who died so far is Linda Lake. Clark has more time to prepare for a threat he knows is out there, but is (as usual) not preparing for. He does not know that Davis is Doomsday now and will probably fall to him as a result. Therefore I think as a result of changing the timeline, Chloe will live, but Clark & Doomsday will kill each other like Superman & Doomsday did in the comics.

[Vindellavon]

Yup. Return of BDA and the entrance of Clana 3.0.

[unfocused]

He had a good reason already not to mess with time at will- the first time he did, it cost his father his life. Clark showed real maturity in removing the temptation to basically play God every time he screwed up, no matter what consequences might come from that.
Agreed. Like xrayvision said, Clark did learn from his mistake in Reckoning, and I am proud of him.


That's fair enough, but is there any kind of explanation for why Clark couldn't wait 3 seconds for Lois to finish her sentence before donning the ring?
Was there any reason why he should have waited? His mind was made up, and Lois accepted his decision. And let's not forget that this wasn't the time or place to have some chit chat about all these knew cell phones the characters are getting (Chloe has the best, an iPhone).


Clark destroying the ring made sense, i just really didnt like the episode. it had terribl acting for mostly everyone save Sam Witwer. Plus, last time i checked, Clark didnt deal with Linda Lake in season 6, Chloe did. That whole thing was a plot hole.
Lol where's the plothole? He didn't deal with her then, so he can't deal with her now? Davis didn't deal with her then, does that mean he can't deal with her now? Or is that a plothole to?


I'm very disappointed with this. There was absolutely no point in having that scene. This problem was one to have left open ended so the Red/Blue Blur plot could further it along. But they failed again. The bottom line is that TPTB have failed Clark. Over & over they continue to fail him. And it's sickening for Superman fans who watch this show to see how this version of Clark Kent will become Superman.

Unfortunately I agree. This must be the first time I am actually angry with this show. I did enjoy the entire episode, except for that part. And as I watched that scene for the first time, my heart sunk. What a waste. I can't call Clark dumb because it was not his fault. But to make Chloe look good at the expense of Clark, is ridiculous. I've been a huge supporter of Smallville since the beginning, and I will continue to be. But I'm very upset with that scene. it could have easily been written in a way that had Clark figuring it out himself while talking to Chloe. He didn't need his iconic future spoon fed to him.

Seriously, if this keeps up, I'm going to start rooting for Chloe to be killed off as soon as possible.

[xrayvision]

Seriously, if this keeps up, I'm going to start rooting for Chloe to be killed off as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty much there now. And the real shame is that I was a fan of Chloe's back in the opening seasons when everyone was gung ho over Lana. But they have seriously changed her character since then---turning her into a know it all & all solution for Clark. It's really a shame. They think that they improved her character by doing what they did at the expense of Clark, but in fact they did the opposite. She was very unique during the 1st 4 seasons. She had her own mind, her own plots, and was enjoyable. Clark and her had their own ideas and had periodic clashes, but in the end they worked well together. Now, it seems like she shares a single brain with Clark, a brain that she has full access to and Clark has very limited access to. It's no way to write any show based on Clark Kent. They pretty much turned Chloe into a robot. The real shame is that I thought they finally stopped doing it since S8 was free of this garbage until Infamous. But Infamous showed that they have no idea how to truly write these characters.

[Alania]

1) Let's start with the most egregious and ridiculous (at least to me): returning to the present right when Lois is about to tell Clark Doomsday's real identity. He couldn't have waited three more seconds for her to finish her sentence before his jaunt to the past?! Lame. In so doing, he just put himself, Chloe, Lois, and the entire world in far more danger. If he'd known the truth about Davis now, perhaps he and John Jones (the Martian Manhunter) could've come up with some way to block off "the beast" in his head (if John got back his telepathy, which he has to eventually according to comic book canon) or send him off to some other planet/dimension where he can't hurt anyone. Whatever the case, Doomsday's crazier than ever, and we all know things will only get worse for our heroes by season's end. :(

That, i agree with agentchaos explanation.


2) Destroying the Legion ring. What in the name of Countess Isobel's burnt-at-the-stake socks was up with that?! Seriously, Clark had a way to make right any major tragedy, and I really don't think it would've been much of a temptation for him to use it on a non-routine basis. No wonder the speculated deaths at the end of the season are going to stick now that Clark can't rewind time and save those imperiled by Doomsday. Grrr... And he can't contact or recruit any of the Legion to help him either, which I thought was the whole point of giving him the ring in the first place. Besides, the 31st century sounds like a pretty cool vacation spot for Kryptonians. Why would Clark pass up that?

My concern now is, will there be any consequences to the usage of it? Last time he reversed time....


3) but it still seems dumb that he wouldn't at least try to let her in a little closer. What sort of crazy doofus blows off a date with a woman that smart, gorgeous, loyal, and with awesome reporting skills, just so he can watch and text-message lies to her from a distance? .

This is not the first time she gotten closer to his secret, that happened in Crimson, Bloodline and now Infamous. But, she just has to forget the whole thing somehow, Clark barely has an alter-ego, so that time she can know and this stick is still to come.
About the standing up thing, Clark still doesn't know how or what he feels about her and it should be exactly like that, after he declared undying love for Lana a month ago. Therefore, he's not ready to talk. I just think he should have said it somehow, when she asked him for a coffee by the stairs; something like: "can we give some time? i'm not ready yet, Lois. I'm still dealing with some things", instead of standing her up there. Lois would understand it, for sure. He hurt her twice big time, now he'll suffer the consequences.
Just don't even go to the text message thing, that pis.... me off!:mad: It is too impersonal and unfriendly; i would have been perfectly fine with a call, they would at least, hear eachother's voice. I didn't see any symbolical meaning to this whatsoever. Symbolical was him watching her accross the street: unconsciously he wanted to go, but he's not ready yet, so he went just half way. But texting lame excuses to not meet that incredible woman, no!

[devilneedsaride]

Was there any reason why he should have waited? His mind was made up, and Lois accepted his decision. And let's not forget that this wasn't the time or place to have some chit chat about all these knew cell phones the characters are getting (Chloe has the best, an iPhone).


What you say is true, but I can't imagine anyone reasonably refusing to wait two seconds for Lois to tell them something that she clearly thinks is very important. Granted, Lois can be crazy, but the woman struggles up after being beat down and breathlessly goes "Clark! Chloe called and she wants me to tell you -" and reversing time two seconds faster is more important than whatever she has to say? All I know is, when I saw that I winced and went "Plot device!"

[rconner]

Smallville's Clark will never be the Superman we know. Clark makes to many stupid decisions.

I think the whole Smallville series has been a glimpse into a parallel universe.

[xrayvision]

What you say is true, but I can't imagine anyone reasonably refusing to wait two seconds for Lois to tell them something that she clearly thinks is very important. Granted, Lois can be crazy, but the woman struggles up after being beat down and breathlessly goes "Clark! Chloe called and she wants me to tell you -" and reversing time two seconds faster is more important than whatever she has to say? All I know is, when I saw that I winced and went "Plot device!"

They could have filmed that scene better---like having Lois check the message a few seconds after Clark left by showing her POV for a little while longer before switching to Clark's in the new timeline.