Some of the best acting/writing I have seen in a while...

[Nitrous]

The acting in this episode really stood out in my opinion. Not just one performance, but everyone did a fantastic job with their role. The intensity of Aaron Ashmore was awesome, Sam playing Davis was top notch as always (I think he is arguably one of the best actors on the show), Chloe's crying scenes really felt natural instead of manufactured, and Tess's whole demeanor (especially when revealing things about her past) throughout the episode was perfect, instead of being over the top like it sometimes is (I really thought she did a great job acting "drunk" as well; most people don't pull it off well and look stupid but the way she did it was very subtle and realistic). For once, every scene was serious and believable and nothing to me came off as corny and over-the-top (well, for the most part). The intensity of the whole episode left me on the edge of my seat. For once, I didn't sit there and miss MR's talent because I was too engrossed in the episode to care. I saw this as an episode that someone who is not a fan of the show could watch and still be drawn in, and I haven't seen an episode like that in a long, long time.

It's really astounding how the writers can write such a well thought-out, engaging, and believable episode, and then another week they churn out ridiculous episodes like Lana wearing a kryptonsite suit and having super powers. It's as if some weeks they don't feel like writing and just say "Well I'm tired, I'll just let me ten year-old nephew write this weeks episode."

Anyway, this was an extremely high quality episode in terms of acting and writing and I hope that the rest of the season can follow suit.

[Iluvgreen]

Everyone did do a fantastic job.

[alejandrita439]

i agree..
this was a really good episode :)
love the writing
love the acting :D

[BadToad]

You seemed to forget to mention what an awesome job TW did in this episode. I loved his subtle reactions when Tess started talking about Lex. Nicely controlled, and very layered.

[TOMophilus]

You seemed to forget to mention what an awesome job TW did in this episode. I loved his subtle reactions when Tess started talking about Lex. Nicely controlled, and very layered.
We should know by now that Clark/TW doesn´t count on this show... :(

[actaeon]

I agree, it was a very solid episode. Everyone was given believable motivations, it was tightly plotted, every character had genuine reactions, and they all had something real to react to. AA really surprised me, his character did a virtual turn-around, and he really sold it... a very intense, angry Jimmy... I loved it! Paired with AM, the two of them knocked it out of the park. Great scenes together, to the point where I think both these actors deserve better than Smallville!

TW and CF were good together too. I'd still say TW was the weak link, but as always when he's paired with the right person his acting improves.

I suspect that when these actors are allowed to get away from the "fantasy" stuff they produce their best work. The material AA and AM had to work with in Turbulence was: a troubled marriage, incipient drug dependency, and long-simmering lack of trust and lack of respect. They really went to town with this stuff.

[Anu]

I have to give a tribute to TW as Clark Kent/ Supermainly was he in this episode! Way to go producers, keep to good work!

[devilneedsaride]

Despite a decided lack in the Lois department, this is arguably my favorite episode this season, for all the reasons you guys have mentioned. And I don't like Jimmy.

I thought this was a beautifully crafted episode. Very emotional.

[stenochick]

The acting in this episode really stood out in my opinion. Not just one performance, but everyone did a fantastic job with their role. The intensity of Aaron Ashmore was awesome, Sam playing Davis was top notch as always (I think he is arguably one of the best actors on the show), Chloe's crying scenes really felt natural instead of manufactured, and Tess's whole demeanor (especially when revealing things about her past) throughout the episode was perfect, instead of being over the top like it sometimes is (I really thought she did a great job acting "drunk" as well; most people don't pull it off well and look stupid but the way she did it was very subtle and realistic). For once, every scene was serious and believable and nothing to me came off as corny and over-the-top (well, for the most part). The intensity of the whole episode left me on the edge of my seat. For once, I didn't sit there and miss MR's talent because I was too engrossed in the episode to care. I saw this as an episode that someone who is not a fan of the show could watch and still be drawn in, and I haven't seen an episode like that in a long, long time.

It's really astounding how the writers can write such a well thought-out, engaging, and believable episode, and then another week they churn out ridiculous episodes like Lana wearing a kryptonsite suit and having super powers. It's as if some weeks they don't feel like writing and just say "Well I'm tired, I'll just let me ten year-old nephew write this weeks episode."

Anyway, this was an extremely high quality episode in terms of acting and writing and I hope that the rest of the season can follow suit.

I have to totally 100% agree with this! I especially thought that Tom Welling was top notch, especially compared to Infamous where he seemed under the weather and flat.

[chlo-el]

Yes, sooooo true the acting and writing was beyond fantastic in this ep. Everyone did a superb job. They really did show all characters motivations really well.

[Scribe]

I don't know...this one and Infamous - the acting has just improved significantly. I mean I may not like how the storyline went but the performance has been top notched.

[topping82]

I agree 100% about this. The episode was brilliantly written with lovely nuances. And the acting was superb. The director did an amazing job as well. I definitely have to give everyone props in this episode.

The set dresser/art director did a lovely job of dressing the scenes artistically. Especially the last scene with Davis in the end. I loved how behind Davis' feet there is a crate that says "Beauty" on it. And an apple sitting on another crate to the left. Very cool fairy tale references to tell us Davis was looking up at "Beauty" aka Chloe at the end, wondering if he could be saved and if he could work up his fear of telling Chloe he's a monster.

It takes screen presence to pull off what he did just standing there in the rain. SW's certainly going places after Smallville.

Honestly, best episode of the season in my opinion. Everything about it was very natural, dark, cleverly written, awesomely acted, directed, etc...

Great episode.

[stenochick]

Comparing Infamous to Turbulence, I can see the difference in writing skills.

[Billy Jor-El]

Subtle conveying of complex emotions from all made this an outstanding eppy....

[topping82]

Comparing Infamous to Turbulence, I can see the difference in writing skills.

Definitely! Turbulence was written miles better than Infamous. Infamous had it's good moments, but it also had some REALLY bad ones. Turbulence was brilliant, and I hardly ever say that about a Smallville episode.

The whole connection to fairy tales was brilliantly layered through out the episode to remind us that this season is very much a gothic tale. AKA a fairy tale going really really wrong.

Beautiful episode. Years after Smallville is over, this will be an episode that stands out.

[REebee52]

The acting in this episode really stood out in my opinion. Not just one performance, but everyone did a fantastic job with their role. The intensity of Aaron Ashmore was awesome, Sam playing Davis was top notch as always (I think he is arguably one of the best actors on the show), Chloe's crying scenes really felt natural instead of manufactured, and Tess's whole demeanor (especially when revealing things about her past) throughout the episode was perfect, instead of being over the top like it sometimes is (I really thought she did a great job acting "drunk" as well; most people don't pull it off well and look stupid but the way she did it was very subtle and realistic). For once, every scene was serious and believable and nothing to me came off as corny and over-the-top (well, for the most part). The intensity of the whole episode left me on the edge of my seat. For once, I didn't sit there and miss MR's talent because I was too engrossed in the episode to care. I saw this as an episode that someone who is not a fan of the show could watch and still be drawn in, and I haven't seen an episode like that in a long, long time.

It's really astounding how the writers can write such a well thought-out, engaging, and believable episode, and then another week they churn out ridiculous episodes like Lana wearing a kryptonsite suit and having super powers. It's as if some weeks they don't feel like writing and just say "Well I'm tired, I'll just let me ten year-old nephew write this weeks episode."

Anyway, this was an extremely high quality episode in terms of acting and writing and I hope that the rest of the season can follow suit.

Smallville's #1 problem has always been inconsistency. They can churn out some high quality television, where if anybody saw it they'd be interested. 'Memoria' is one of the best written, best acted, best overall episodes I've ever seen of ANY tv show. But like you said, then they churn out something laughably awful, that would turn viewers away if it was only their first few times to watch the show. Though I didn't hate the Lana arc quite as much as everyone else did. In fact, I think Power was an interesting well written episode, and it could have been awesome if only the suit hadn't worked right, and her plans had backfired. There then would have been an episode for her to realize she doesn't need a suit to be strong, and could have been sent on her merry way (though I thought her last scene was pretty moving).

And when it comes to infamous, it was an episode regular watchers or SV fans could like, but new watchers (if there are any in season 8...) would be turned off by some of the bad writing (like the ridiculously cheesy scene when everybody applauds Clark as he walks down the street).

[Hopefulsuicide]

The acting in this episode really stood out in my opinion. Not just one performance, but everyone did a fantastic job with their role. The intensity of Aaron Ashmore was awesome, Sam playing Davis was top notch as always (I think he is arguably one of the best actors on the show), Chloe's crying scenes really felt natural instead of manufactured, and Tess's whole demeanor (especially when revealing things about her past) throughout the episode was perfect, instead of being over the top like it sometimes is (I really thought she did a great job acting "drunk" as well; most people don't pull it off well and look stupid but the way she did it was very subtle and realistic). For once, every scene was serious and believable and nothing to me came off as corny and over-the-top (well, for the most part). The intensity of the whole episode left me on the edge of my seat. For once, I didn't sit there and miss MR's talent because I was too engrossed in the episode to care. I saw this as an episode that someone who is not a fan of the show could watch and still be drawn in, and I haven't seen an episode like that in a long, long time.

It's really astounding how the writers can write such a well thought-out, engaging, and believable episode, and then another week they churn out ridiculous episodes like Lana wearing a kryptonsite suit and having super powers. It's as if some weeks they don't feel like writing and just say "Well I'm tired, I'll just let me ten year-old nephew write this weeks episode."

Anyway, this was an extremely high quality episode in terms of acting and writing and I hope that the rest of the season can follow suit.

I agree with you completely, i'm left feeling proud to call Smallville one of my favourite shows again. I don't care whether plots are mega exciting or whether they throw in gimmicks like Clark flying. I'd much rather being emotionally engaged, see inside the characters, and feel that the show is well constructed

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


I have to totally 100% agree with this! I especially thought that Tom Welling was top notch, especially compared to Infamous where he seemed under the weather and flat.

Tom Welling rarely impresses me. But he was so good tonight. It felt like the first time in ages that the audience could see Clark as himself again.

Did anyone else love the lip movement he did when he and Tess were talking about Lex? I love stuff like that, it makes the whole conversation look more realistic and animated, instead of something where everyone is posing while they are talking.

[disciples of zod]

I agree. Everyone was definitely at the top of their game last night!!!

~H

[stenochick]

Did anyone else love the lip movement he did when he and Tess were talking about Lex? I love stuff like that, it makes the whole conversation look more realistic and animated, instead of something where everyone is posing while they are talking.

Yes. Everything in his face and his words was so realistic and subtle. He was able to convey to the audience what he was thinking without overacting it. He was so on.

When he asked Tess where the booze was, I thought Clark was channeling his inner Bizarro. But, Clark really does have that in him. He knows he can't trust Lex and Tess with anything, let alone his secret. If absolute tolerance to alcohol is one of his abilities and he is trying to get information out of a 110-pound woman, then go for it. I like how Clark used his intelligence, even if it seemed morally questionable to some.

----- Added 2 Minutes later -----


And when it comes to infamous, it was an episode regular watchers or SV fans could like, but new watchers (if there are any in season 8...) would be turned off by some of the bad writing (like the ridiculously cheesy scene when everybody applauds Clark as he walks down the street).

Those horrible extras totally took me out of that scene with their horrendous over-acting.

[Hopefulsuicide]

Yeah i agree, it was questionable but i respected that it was needed, and so it didn't upset me.

[devilneedsaride]

And when it comes to infamous, it was an episode regular watchers or SV fans could like, but new watchers (if there are any in season 8...) would be turned off by some of the bad writing (like the ridiculously cheesy scene when everybody applauds Clark as he walks down the street).

And the gratuitous water puns. Why? WHY THE WATER PUNS?

*ahem* Okay, moving on...

[Mad Madam Mimm]

You seemed to forget to mention what an awesome job TW did in this episode. I loved his subtle reactions when Tess started talking about Lex. Nicely controlled, and very layered.

I thought so too... and noticed the omission in the original post as well. Have to say, the thing he did with his mouth following Tess's line "Clark, you were his obsession." was so frigging juicy I just about died. Oh yeah, and his acting was good too. Ha ha.

No seriously, I really dig the way TW has injected some subtle changes in Clark's character. He is a little more daring (though just as obvious as was shown in the drinking thing). I like this Clark, he feels more mature, more grounded, and I really like that. TW just gets better and better IMO...

[davidbrenton]

Comparing Infamous to Turbulence, I can see the difference in writing skills.

Absolutely. I was extremely disappointed with the dialogue in Infamous. Although I love her, I still don't understand half of what ED was saying in her poigniant/end of knowing Clark's secret scene. That could have drove home a harder message then I received from it. It honestly didn't make much sense to me.


I thought Linda Lake was hysterical in Infamous, though I realize most people hated her, I thought she tore the place up and did it with a nod and a wink.

[Kryptochloe]

Did anyone else love the lip movement he did when he and Tess were talking about Lex? I love stuff like that, it makes the whole conversation look more realistic and animated, instead of something where everyone is posing while they are talking.

Yeah! Me too! I thought I was the only one who noticed that... Tom used to be more subtle on his face expressions.. and this gesture really add to show the discomfort he was feeling on that moment.

[BULLITT]

Best ensemble acting in many a moon. Definitely the best this year.

[Hopefulsuicide]

Yeah! Me too! I thought I was the only one who noticed that... Tom used to be more subtle on his face expressions.. and this gesture really add to show the discomfort he was feeling on that moment.

It was so refreshing. They've had him all stiff this season, trying to make him seem more mature, but to me he has just seemed more tense and controlled. It was nice to see a bit of emotion really slip into his face.

[Sydney]

It was so refreshing. They've had him all stiff this season, trying to make him seem more mature, but to me he has just seemed more tense and controlled. It was nice to see a bit of emotion really slip into his face.

I agree. I've noticed such a change in TW's portrayal of Clark this season and a lot of last season. Clark is so much more serious, almost humorless, and seems to have this constant furrowed brow. He seems to have 2 moods: serious and angry. I didn't know if it was his way of making Clark more "mature" or what, but I especially noticed it when watching DVD's of past seasons, and frankly, I miss my "Old Clark". (Not necessarily his actions: I appreciate a more mature, confident, "make-my-own-decisions" Clark. I talking more about his personality.)

TW's portrayal of Clark in seasons 1 through 6 was more relaxed, humorous and.... natural. He actually smiled for crying out loud. I've been missing that a lot this season, so I was so thrilled to get some of that back when watching "Turbulence". I especially noticed it in the beginning of the episode, in the scene with Clark and Chloe at the Kent farm. The smile on his face, the spring in his step, and way he delivered his lines. When he was talking to Chloe about slowing down for the traffic cameras and said the line "I wasn't even sure it worked the first few times", I actually said out loud "That's my old Clark!"

This has nothing to do with my opinion of TW's acting. I think he's fabulous. I just wish whoever decided on Clark's new too-serious attitude (the producers, directors, TW himself?) would let Clark "chill out" a little. Superman/Clark doesn't have to be so stern to be a mature hero. There's always been a lot of humor and charm shown in his personality in past incarnations, and I'd like to see more of "Turbulence" Clark from here on out. At least when he's not facing some dire situation where a super-serious attitude is required, of course.

[TOMophilus]

I agree. I've noticed such a change in TW's portrayal of Clark this season and a lot of last season. Clark is so much more serious, almost humorless, and seems to have this constant furrowed brow. He seems to have 2 moods: serious and angry. I didn't know if it was his way of making Clark more "mature" or what, but I especially noticed it when watching DVD's of past seasons, and frankly, I miss my "Old Clark". (Not necessarily his actions: I appreciate a more mature, confident, "make-my-own-decisions" Clark. I talking more about his personality.)

TW's portrayal of Clark in seasons 1 through 6 was more relaxed, humorous and.... natural. He actually smiled for crying out loud. I've been missing that a lot this season, so I was so thrilled to get some of that back when watching "Turbulence". I especially noticed it in the beginning of the episode, in the scene with Clark and Chloe at the Kent farm. The smile on his face, the spring in his step, and way he delivered his lines. When he was talking to Chloe about slowing down for the traffic cameras and said the line "I wasn't even sure it worked the first few times", I actually said out loud "That's my old Clark!"

This has nothing to do with my opinion of TW's acting. I think he's fabulous. I just wish whoever decided on Clark's new too-serious attitude (the producers, directors, TW himself?) would let Clark "chill out" a little. Superman/Clark doesn't have to be so stern to be a mature hero. There's always been a lot of humor and charm shown in his personality in past incarnations, and I'd like to see more of "Turbulence" Clark from here on out. At least when he's not facing some dire situation where a super-serious attitude is required, of course.
I agree. But that´s what happens when you try to make a once light-hearted show darker and darker, and when you heap tragedy and torture on the main character for no good reason. I too wish we would see some more light moments again on SV. But if one of the predicted deaths is Chloe, this tragedy thing is going to continue. No surprise Clark hardly smiles anymore... :(

[Krypto_marcus]

The episode was fantastic and everyone did a terrific job.