Would you consider Stilleto a "filler" episode?

[KryptoKnight]

All you need is a bad storyline with some green K which for some unknown reason has been known to make great ink for counterfeit bills. Then bother putting in bad ?musical? under/overtones that someone must think is needed to create a mood to impress upon the viewer which scenes are dramatic, comedic, or sad. Believe me, I really can tell which are which without the obnoxious tones. Can't they make an episode without the insults? Really, what happened to the real music that once was used? Ohhhh, I almost forgot, you have to throw in a flying Lois who felt all she needed to do fall 3 or 4 stories through a plate glass ceiling and land on her feet to save people.

After all these great episodes, we get some junk like this? WOW:mad:
Sorry, but I had to say this.

[fa8362]

Start by inexplicably turning a young star reporter into a dud. Then turn her into a criminal who fabricates stories. Then have her and her cousin have yet another inexplicable run in with bad guys. Then have Jimmy inexplicably working in a bar for the bad guys. Then have the bad guys (despite having a successful counterfeiting business) inexplicably want to take down "Stiletto." Then have Jimmy inexplicably show up to work with his camera, which the bad guys inexplicably take from him. Then have the bad guys see photos of "surprise" Stiletto. Then throw in the idiotic, old convenient standby kryptonite, and you're in business!!!

[green_arrow_girl358]

green k is good for everything!! bullets, bills, watches-we should just scrap the idea of electric cars and make green k fuel. clark doesn't need one anyway, so i guess we're set! it's just the thing to save the auto industry...

[davidbrenton]

Get Caroline Dries to write it.

[thehenry89]

Start by inexplicably turning a young star reporter into a dud. Then turn her into a criminal who fabricates stories. Then have her and her cousin have yet another inexplicable run in with bad guys. Then have Jimmy inexplicably working in a bar for the bad guys. Then have the bad guys (despite having a successful counterfeiting business) inexplicably want to take down "Stiletto." Then have Jimmy inexplicably show up to work with his camera, which the bad guys inexplicably take from him. Then have the bad guys see photos of "surprise" Stiletto. Then throw in the idiotic, old convenient standby kryptonite, and you're in business!!!

I can agree with most of this, but lois didn't break the law. She simply made a horrible descion career wise, but nothing illegal happened.

[KryptoKnight]

Get Caroline Dries to write it.

AHHHHAHAAAAA
great :lol:

[Polomontana]

It was okay for a filler episode.

Judging by the previews for next week, these next episodes will be Must See TV.

[fa8362]

I can agree with most of this, but lois didn't break the law. She simply made a horrible descion career wise, but nothing illegal happened.

You're correct. I should have said highly unethical and totally out of character.

[Supsfan]

Yeah who wants to watch a show about Clark Kent and Lois Lane when we can watch one focusing on Doomsday's human alter ego and Chloe. For the Clark Kent fans out there, having episodes not having him the center of the story would be considered "filler"

[-Nora-]

Yeah who wants to watch a show about Clark Kent and Lois Lane when we can watch one focusing on Doomsday's human alter ego and Chloe.

No kidding. NO MORE MYTHOS!

[Ella]

The episode was not a filler. It set up Bruno Manheim's storyline for next season as the head of Intergang and it showed Lois Lane becoming the iconic reporter who has finally established a connection with the Red Blue Blur. Nothing filler about that.

[cksidekick]

I don't think it was filler at all. I think it set up quite a great number of things for season 9.

[Ella]

No kidding. NO MORE MYTHOS!
I loved getting insight into Bruno Manheim's character and they did such a great job in casting the actor. He was perfect! I want to see more of him now! I'm like smitten by him even though he is a bad guy he was just so perfect at being himself, so creepy and intense!!! :cool::p

[Sports72Xtrm]

I guess anything that has to do with the comic is unoriginal and thus is a filler?:confused: I guess it is a filler from the Doomsday story arc even though it did touch on that with the Chloe scenes. But then I guess we should count all the Clois episodes as fillers as well which was like the almost all of the first half of season 8. Idk...I didn't feel it was that much of a filler. I don't feel that strongly about it that this episode should have never been made. It still had something to do with Superman.

[Ella]

Get Caroline Dries to write it.
:rotfl:

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


I guess anything that has to do with the comic is unoriginal and thus is a filler?:confused: I guess it is a filler from the Doomsday story arc even though it did touch on that with the Chloe scenes. But then I guess we should count all the Clois episodes as fillers as well which was like the almost all of the first half of season 8. Idk...I didn't feel it was that much of a filler. It still had something to do with Superman.
Seriously. I think bad writing is being confused with bad content. The content was great, the introduction of intergang and the introduction of the iconic Superman/Lois/Clark relationship. Nothing filler about that. But the writing wasn't taht great so that's why I think some people are calling it a filler...although I know some were dubbing it that before the episode had even aired. :rolleyes:

[colibri]

I get the feeling this is definitely setting up season 9 on different levels as well. Bruno knows Lois wrote the article and read Clark's name on his badge. Want to make a bet he escapes next year and comes looking for certain reporters.

I also think it sets up certain aspects of the finale as well.

[KryptoKnight]

When an episode is used to setup for future episodes, that means it IS a filler. On top of the fact it was a filler, there were way too many unquestionably bad decisions made in making this one episode.
Trust me, I am a fan of Smallville, but I am not a fan of poor writing. Please don't make me ask that you read the initial post in this thread. If anyone has a prolem with my posting my opinions then feel free to delete the thread. A well intended original opinion should be removed by someone opposed to it so it doesn't taint reality.

[haydenclaireheroes]

this was defently a filler episode

[Waiting4Superman]

I'm not trying to cop an attitude, I'm genuinely curious --- Would you all rather have every episode be an integral link in the progression of the mythology of superman?

I mean, I am fascinated by the story of superman, in all of its incarnations. And I adore the way that SV plays with that. But personally, I also really enjoy the way some episodes are just fun. As if the writers were sitting around going "Hey, what if this were to happen?" Or, "Wouldn't it be cool if Lois were a superhero?"

Of course it's pretty ridiculous to think that Lois would break the journalism code of ethics, but I enjoy just going with it as a premise, and seeing where it leads. I thought tonite it lead to some interesting reflection on Lois' part, not to mention the sweet chemistry between her and Clark. And not in a, let me examine how this fits into the mythology of their relationship. Rather an interesting development between the SV characters of Clark and Lois.

But I am curious why people seem disgusted by "filler" episodes. Maybe just not your cup of tea.

[Lilah]

Why is it a filler? Cause Chloe didn't have the main plot?? Apparently, the only way to make a filler in the eyes of some is to stick with canon..... it's sad really.

[thehenry89]

I'm not trying to cop an attitude, I'm genuinely curious --- Would you all rather have every episode be an integral link in the progression of the mythology of superman?

I mean, I am fascinated by the story of superman, in all of its incarnations. And I adore the way that SV plays with that. But personally, I also really enjoy the way some episodes are just fun. As if the writers were sitting around going "Hey, what if this were to happen?" Or, "Wouldn't it be cool if Lois were a superhero?"

Of course it's pretty ridiculous to think that Lois would break the journalism code of ethics, but I enjoy just going with it as a premise, and seeing where it leads. I thought tonite it lead to some interesting reflection on Lois' part, not to mention the sweet chemistry between her and Clark. And not in a, let me examine how this fits into the mythology of their relationship. Rather an interesting development between the SV characters of Clark and Lois.


But I am curious why people seem disgusted by "filler" episodes. Maybe just not your cup of tea.

I completley agree, some of the best episodes of "The x-files", "buffy" "angel" "bones" and
"smallville" have been filler. And some of the most eye gougingly dull episodes have been "arc" episodes.

[KryptoKnight]

OMG
Whyis anyone asking WHY this was filler. I explained myself in the initial post. Others have reason to believe this is filler. This was an episode that offended people for one reason or another, and I happen to believe there was a good reason to be offended. Along with my explanation, I will express again, that I am a fan of Smallville and I expect fillers from time to time(you have to have them after 8 seasons). I just think they can write better fillers.

[greatodinsbeard]

Maybe this will be how Clark gets the name Superman. In the comics or at least the Byrne 1985 reboot Clark was saving people in secret and was being called Superman before he had the costume . So maybe He will be called Superman next season but not be in the spotlight.

[thehenry89]

OMG
Whyis anyone asking WHY this was filler. I explained myself in the initial post. Others have reason to believe this is filler. This was an episode that offended people for one reason or another, and I happen to believe there was a good reason to be offended. Along with my explanation, I will express again, that I am a fan of Smallville and I expect fillers from time to time(you have to have them after 8 seasons). I just think they can write better fillers.

I agreed that it was filler, I just don't think it was a bad one. It was killiparsecs better than eternal.

[FLyxNERD]

OMG
Whyis anyone asking WHY this was filler. I explained myself in the initial post. Others have reason to believe this is filler. This was an episode that offended people for one reason or another, and I happen to believe there was a good reason to be offended. Along with my explanation, I will express again, that I am a fan of Smallville and I expect fillers from time to time(you have to have them after 8 seasons). I just think they can write better fillers.

I myself believe this is a filler episode and thought it wasnt that great of an episode.

I already accepted the fact that this isnt a exact adaptation to the mythos but it doesnt excuse the poor writing

[Kschreck]

It was a solid episode but there was some dumb stuff in it like the Kryptonite.

[thehenry89]

It was a solid episode but there was some dumb stuff in it like the Kryptonite.

yeah the krypto money was a bit much but def a solid effort.

[Night_Hawk90]

Start by inexplicably turning a young star reporter into a dud. Then turn her into a criminal who fabricates stories. Then have her and her cousin have yet another inexplicable run in with bad guys. Then have Jimmy inexplicably working in a bar for the bad guys. Then have the bad guys (despite having a successful counterfeiting business) inexplicably want to take down "Stiletto." Then have Jimmy inexplicably show up to work with his camera, which the bad guys inexplicably take from him. Then have the bad guys see photos of "surprise" Stiletto. Then throw in the idiotic, old convenient standby kryptonite, and you're in business!!!
:lol: great post i agree 100 percent

[KryptoKnight]

I think I will go watch another Susan Boyle Youtube video
:)

[batfinx]

I can see how this would be filler for anyone who isn't a Superman fan, or comic book fan, but for those of us who are, it definitely wasn't filler. Bruno Manheim of Intergang, Clark proving that he has what it takes to be a hero even without his super powers. And Lois said "can you read my mind" like from the first Superman movie. As a Superman fan, the Chloe stuff is actually filler to me, but I still like it. Chloe has an interesting and dangerous arc. She's in a bad situation and I felt sorry for her.

[thehenry89]

I can see how this would be filler for anyone who isn't a Superman fan, or comic book fan, but for those of us who are, it definitely wasn't filler. Bruno Manheim of Intergang, Clark proving that he has what it takes to be a hero even without his super powers. And Lois said "can you read my mind" like from the first Superman movie. As a Superman fan, the Chloe stuff is actually filler to me, but I still like it. Chloe has an interesting and dangerous arc. She's in a bad situation and I felt sorry for her.

:) great post!

[Dresden]

I wish people would stop crying out filler so much. Just because an episode is not your cup of tea does not make it filler. I didn't love this episode (it was a bit slow and the writing just wasn't great) but I won't call it a filler because content wise it was anything but a filler episode.

[Sports72Xtrm]

It was a solid episode but there was some dumb stuff in it like the Kryptonite.

Yeah Kryptonite money and Lois dropping through a glass ceiling to drop kick a bad guy like Schumacher Batman was a little out there but other than that it was still a solid episode. It had its inconsistencies but not enough for me to grab my pitchfork over it. I think it was ok.

[Lilah]

I think this episode pushes forth the Clark/Lois/RBB triangle if anything. Clark gave her the interview so now he's going to be all smitten with Lois because of her perfect grade A answers but she's smitten with the RBB. And everyone who knows Clark's secret will be laughing about it.... reminds me of the L&C when Clark would talk to his parents and they'd laugh at him cause it was like but Clark you Superman .

[Lexsghost]

Yeah green k for fake dolla rbills...wow haha. Yeah that nerdy music for comedic scenes is being used alot lately. Also a filler episode this late in the season after a big break comeon.

[Ellsbury]

Yes it was a filler and yes it was a good one!

Everyone's happy?

[Night_Hawk90]

it was a filler and oh gawd was it bad

[marcella]

I didn't know a story about the RBB copuld be considered a filler:rolleyes:

[costas22]

Fillers can be good and this one was. If it was earlier in the season i would have liked it a lot more. It did have a lot of nods to Superman, but they didn't advance the plots that they put in motion in Eternal. Tess and Davis were no where to be seen and Jimmy was more of a plot device. The RBB stuff is one part of this year's main plot. Another big one is Doomsday. In that respect they didn't make any progress and that's why i would consider it mostly a filler.

[baltazor]

It is a filler. But a good one. All you have to do is remember episodes such as Hero or Sleeper which were not that long ago... It was funny, light and a small break from eternal which was very dark. I don't want to give away any spoilers here but the remaining episodes will quite possibly be even darker than eternal.

[CloisKent]

I don't know if this was a 'filler' episode. I do know that whether TPTB and fans want to admit it or not, something got lost after that first hiatus of this program, this season. Something got lost after 'Bride'.

Everything was just humming. The Clark and Lois relationship. The Doomsday arc was weak, but it was building to something. Chloe seemed to be settled in with marrying Jimmy a/o her place in the world.

Then we had a frickin' hiatus and the show returned with the four storyline episode arc from living hell.

I think you can guess what I thought of the Clark/Lana scenes. But because Lana was sort of forced into this show at a most inopportune time, the only way to really give her any revelance, was to keep up a Lex storyline that doesn't and shouldn't exist anymore. Not if you have a new villain in Doomsday it shouldn't. Sam Witwer should have been in every episode this season. Just like Michael Rosenbaum used to be.

So we get Clark forgetting his burgeoning relationship with Lois and sliding into eunachhood with Lana. Chloe is only kidnapped for one episode then prances around Metropolis, perfectly willing to allow her cousin Lois to nurse her own husband back to health in Star City. We don't even see Doomsday during this arc.

Then another hiatus.

Then came the scrambling to try and fix or make sense of those episodes in relation to the earlier good ones.

Then came a shorter hiatus.

Then we had last night's episode. Erica Durance was the saving grace of 'Stiletto'. Clark didn't even need to be in it. And Chloe's story is so pitiful that I actually almost feel sorry for her. Jimmy is being jipped in his storyline.

Then there was that insulting ending. Clark calling Lois using some sort of voice disguising technology in order to...what? How long has this guy known this woman? He knows he can trust her, from the episode where he told her the truth and he then proceeded to change time around. And yet it is now written as if Clark has to test Lois to see if she's trustworthy.

Fucc That!

What's needed to begin fixing this hijacked season, is a two hour season finale. And some serious thought to giving fans a proper final season.

[Mickey_Bickey]

My understanding of a filler episode is something that doesn't show the progression of the characters, tie into the existing storylines/arcs or segway into other storylines/arcs. If I'm wrong, please someone give me a better definition of what "filler" is then.

To classify this as a filler it would have to fit into the category I described above. They introduced Intergang, the iconic Superman/Lois Lane/Clark Kent triangle, demonstrated how Chloe is distancing herself from Clark even further, and progressing both Clark and Lois' character and their relationship including making many references to illustrate that the show is moving into a more iconic Superman type show. Lois Lane is still being developed, and her learning that this is not the best way to go about reporting a story or contacting the RBB shows growth of character. Clark's conversation on the phone to Lois not only moved him closer to her, it also demonstrated that Clark is moving closer to becoming Superman on this show. In fact, he gave Lois the go ahead to come up with a new name, another important element especially if she ends up coming up with the name 'Superman'.

It's one thing not to enjoy an episode, but to call it a filler when it's the exact opposite is IMO a misunderstanding of the meaning of the term filler. Again, if there is another description of filler, please share it with me as this is my understanding.

[Ella]

I don't know if this was a 'filler' episode. I do know that whether TPTB and fans want to admit it or not, something got lost after that first hiatus of this program, this season. Something got lost after 'Bride'.

Everything was just humming. The Clark and Lois relationship. The Doomsday arc was weak, but it was building to something. Chloe seemed to be settled in with marrying Jimmy a/o her place in the world.

Then we had a frickin' hiatus and the show returned with the four storyline episode arc from living hell.

I think you can guess what I thought of the Clark/Lana scenes. But because Lana was sort of forced into this show at a most inopportune time, the only way to really give her any revelance, was to keep up a Lex storyline that doesn't and shouldn't exist anymore. Not if you have a new villain in Doomsday it shouldn't. Sam Witwer should have been in every episode this season. Just like Michael Rosenbaum used to be.

So we get Clark forgetting his burgeoning relationship with Lois and sliding into eunachhood with Lana. Chloe is only kidnapped for one episode then prances around Metropolis, perfectly willing to allow her cousin Lois to nurse her own husband back to health in Star City. We don't even see Doomsday during this arc.

Then another hiatus.

Then came the scrambling to try and fix or make sense of those episodes in relation to the earlier good ones.

Then came a shorter hiatus.

Then we had last night's episode. Erica Durance was the saving grace of 'Stiletto'. Clark didn't even need to be in it. And Chloe's story is so pitiful that I actually almost feel sorry for her. Jimmy is being jipped in his storyline.

Then there was that insulting ending. Clark calling Lois using some sort of voice disguising technology in order to...what? How long has this guy known this woman? He knows he can trust her, from the episode where he told her the truth and he then proceeded to change time around. And yet it is now written as if Clark has to test Lois to see if she's trustworthy.

Fucc That!

What's needed to begin fixing this hijacked season, is a two hour season finale. And some serious thought to giving fans a proper final season.

Sadly. I agree. The second part of the season doesn't compare to the first part. After Bride things just went down hill. :(

[costas22]

To me personally, it was a semi-filler because TPTB have made it clear that they consider Doomsday as big a main arc as Clois and RBB, if not bigger. And no, a shadow of him and his usual routine of dismantling a body are not considered plot advancements by me. There was a lot of movement on the Clark and Lois front but from all the spoilers we have, the season's climax is not about them. It's mainly about the Clark-Doomsday fight. And in that respect we had zero developments. Hence my take on it as a semi filler. Just another personal thought which i don't think deserves it's own thread. Lois' DP career seemed to be down a notch compared to the one we saw in Hex. She wasn't this desperate for a story in Hex and that was just 2 episodes back. But maybe that's just my observation.

[Timester]

My understanding of a filler episode is something that doesn't show the progression of the characters, tie into the existing storylines/arcs or segway into other storylines/arcs. If I'm wrong, please someone give me a better definition of what "filler" is then.

No, you are correct. Ageless was a filler. There is nothing about Stiletto that was filler-like.

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


To me personally, it was a semi-filler because TPTB have made it clear that they consider Doomsday as big a main arc as Clois and RBB, if not bigger.

There is no such thing as semi-filler, or an episode progresses the story or it doesn't. Don't matter which plot is.

[Mickey_Bickey]

To me personally, it was a semi-filler because TPTB have made it clear that they consider Doomsday as big a main arc as Clois and RBB, if not bigger. And no, a shadow of him and his usual routine of dismantling a body are not considered plot advancements by me. There was a lot of movement on the Clark and Lois front but from all the spoilers we have, the season's climax is not about them. It's mainly about the Clark-Doomsday fight. And in that respect we had zero developments. Hence my take on it as a semi filler. Just another personal thought which i don't think deserves it's own thread. Lois' DP career seemed to be down a notch compared to the one we saw in Hex. She wasn't this desperate for a story in Hex and that was just 2 episodes back. But maybe that's just my observation.


She stated that she hadn't had a big story recently, and she over exaggerates her statements. She also stated that "you're only as good as your next story", so how was that not demonstrated in this episode that she was doing well and is now going through a dry streak?

Also, Costas, what about the Iconic Superman mythology and Intergang? That's all leading into next season. I can't classify any of this as a filler or remotely "semi-filler". Too much character development, especially with Lois Lane as well as segwaying into next seasons main arc!

Chloe dragging the bags is demonstrating her throwing away her friendship and close tight relationship with Clark away. That does tie into the main arc. We need not have the entire episode contaminated with it as the next 3 are heavily focussed on it. What I don't understand is that every time we see an episode where Clark and Lois' relationship progresses it's classified as "filler". They are the most important couple in the DC comics if you don't include "Batman and Robin".

[costas22]

There is no such thing as semi-filler, or an episode progresses the story or it doesn't. Don't matter which plot is.

Of course, you are right. It progressed the Clois story into Season 9 but it was a filler for Season 8.

[Ella]

There is no such thing as semi-filler, or an episode progresses the story or it doesn't. Don't matter which plot is.
I agree with this statement. You either have story progression or you don't. Stiletto did. So by definition it is NOT a filler.

[luthorian]

There has been quite many fillers this season.. but this was actually one of the few I liked.

[Ella]

She stated that she hadn't had a big story recently, and she over exaggerates her statements. She also stated that "you're only as good as your next story", so how was that not demonstrated in this episode that she was doing well and is now going through a dry streak?
Yes. It was made clear by the story that some time has passed since the last episode and Lois has been going through a dry run. And that's really how it is with reporting, really. Sometimes you have great periods and others you don't.

[Mickey_Bickey]

No, you are correct. Ageless was a filler. There is nothing about Stiletto that was filler-like.


Thank you, Bruno! I'm glad to see that my understanding of the term filler is correct, and that this episode is far from being classified as a filler.

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


Yes. It was made clear by the story that some time has passed since the last episode and Lois has been going through a dry run. And that's really how it is with reporting, really. Sometimes you have great periods and others you don't.

Exactly! Great episode with great iconic moments! It's going to fun next season for sure with everything that they introduced last night into the series!

[costas22]

She stated that she hadn't had a big story recently, and she over exaggerates her statements. She also stated that "you're only as good as your next story", so how was that not demonstrated in this episode that she was doing well and is now going through a dry streak?

Also, Costas, what about the Iconic Superman mythology and Intergang? That's all leading into next season. I can't classify any of this as a filler or remotely "semi-filler". Too much character development, especially with Lois Lane as well as segwaying into next seasons main arc!

Chloe dragging the bags is demonstrating her throwing away her friendship and close tight relationship with Clark away. That does tie into the main arc. We need not have the entire episode contaminated with it as the next 3 are heavily focussed on it. What I don't understand is that every time we see an episode where Clark and Lois' relationship progresses it's classified as "filler". They are the most important couple in the DC comics if you don't include "Batman and Robin".

We can't understand what every fan thinks about. For example i can't understand how Stiletto was considered the best 19th episode of the series with Memoria, Nemesis, Blank and Quest in the running. Everyone has their own views on things. The Chloe scene outside the dumpster signified that she has finally realised what she has gotten herself into. I didn't tie that to Clark. Not until i see Beast anyway. Besides, she didn't exactly feed AJ to Doomsday as we thought, did she ;)?
As far as why i consider the Clois/RBB and Intergang filler at this point, it's because they won't be the main focuses until the finale. The Clark-Doomsday showdown is. If they become main plots in Season 9, then Stiletto would have done a hell of a job of advancing them. But as far as Season 8 is concerned, Stiletto was their final episode.
I didn't consider Committed, Identity, Infamous or Bride a filler and their plot advanced in those. I did consider Hex and Stiletto fillers because they never followed up on the Doomsday arc. And don't think that i use the word filler in a degrading manner. We have seen a lot of fillers in Smallville that stinked the joint. This and Hex were definitely not one of them.

[Timester]

The problem is not filler being a bad word, it's being the wrong word to define an episode. A filler episode does nothing more than filling a space on a season, with no progression of any plot at all. Like the anime fillers.

[melissan02]

I'm sorry but :rotfl:! A filler episode? You've gotta be kidding me, right?

Guess everyone has their own idea of what "filler" is, but mine is more along the lines of a Power or Requiem episode as being filler!:p I mean, toss in a power suit and take the focus off progressing Clark, and you've got yourself a filler!
This episode progressed the characters (mainly Clark) and the storyline leading into the finale...so how can it be considered filler?:confused:

[oberyn]

To me personally, it was a semi-filler because TPTB have made it clear that they consider Doomsday as big a main arc as Clois and RBB, if not bigger. And no, a shadow of him and his usual routine of dismantling a body are not considered plot advancements by me. There was a lot of movement on the Clark and Lois front but from all the spoilers we have, the season's climax is not about them. It's mainly about the Clark-Doomsday fight. And in that respect we had zero developments. Hence my take on it as a semi filler.


The strain on Chloe and Clark's relationship is a major part of the Doomsday arc, though.

And, at the end of the day, the show itself is about Clark becoming Superman. Clois and RBB are obviously a big part of that, as well.

From that standpoint, I wouldn't label Stiletto "filler" any more than I would give Eternal the filler label. Maybe semi-filler is a good description.


Just another personal thought which i don't think deserves it's own thread. Lois' DP career seemed to be down a notch compared to the one we saw in Hex. She wasn't this desperate for a story in Hex and that was just 2 episodes back. But maybe that's just my observation.

I have mixed feelings on this one.

I guess one could interpret this as a sign that Lois' career had taken a step down from "Hex". Yet, Clark and Chloe reassured her that she was a great reporter.

I think one could also interpret that Lois was "desperate" because of her ambition to be the absolute best. Her statement that a reporter is only as good as their last story might be an indication of this.

[Timester]

I'm sorry but :rotfl:! A filler episode? You've gotta be kidding me, right?

Guess everyone has their own idea of what "filler" is, but mine is more along the lines of a Power or Requiem episode as being filler!:p I mean, toss in a power suit and take the focus off progressing Clark, and you've got yourself a filler!
This episode progressed the characters (mainly Clark) and the storyline leading into the finale...so how can it be considered filler?:confused:

Not even the Power Arc was a filler, because many things that happened on it progressed the story.

[costas22]

The problem is not filler being a bad word, it's being the wrong word to define an episode. A filler episode does nothing more than filling a space on a season, with no progression of any plot at all. Like the anime fillers.

That's my point. In a season that is so focused on the Clark and Doomsday battle, wasn't last night's episode(no matter how iconic it was) just filling space? And personally i feel that fillers do advance some plots. Sleeper for example advanced the plot of Chloe getting involved with the DDS and Clark learning about Kara's whereabouts.

[wafflles87]

I don't think it was a filler.

There are two main plots this year. Doomsday and RBB. This episode dealt with one of the two plots, so... not a filler.

[Timester]

That's my point. In a season that is so focused on the Clark and Doomsday battle, wasn't last night's episode(no matter how iconic it was) just filling space?

No. Because the RBB and Lois it's also a plot that is part of the season structure.

[costas22]

The strain on Chloe and Clark's relationship is a major part of the Doomsday arc, though.

And, at the end of the day, the show itself is about Clark becoming Superman. Clois and RBB are obviously a big part of that, as well.

From that standpoint, I wouldn't label Stiletto "filler" any more than I would give Eternal the filler label. Maybe semi-filler is a good description.



I have mixed feelings on this one.

I guess one could interpret this as a sign that Lois' career had taken a step down from "Hex". Yet, Clark and Chloe reassured her that she was a great reporter.

I think one could also interpret that Lois was "desperate" because of her ambition to be the absolute best. Her statement that a reporter is only as good as their last story might be an indication of this.

Apparently the term semi-filler is abandoned. I said it myself that in the general concept of the show, the most imprtant plot is Clark becoming Superman followed by his relationship with Lois. But i was talking about Season 8 and what this episode added to it's climax. Eternal wasn't a filler(again for the purpose of Season 8 and not in general) because it established that Davis is becoming immortal and that Chloe is harboring him.

I didin't mean that Lois' career took a turn for the worst. I meant that Dries wasn't consistent with the way Bryan Miller depicted Lois' career in Hex. It is something that happens a lot in Smallville. But as someone said, it must have been something that happened only very recently.

[Mickey_Bickey]

We can't understand what every fan thinks about. For example i can't understand how Stiletto was considered the best 19th episode of the series with Memoria, Nemesis, Blank and Quest in the running. Everyone has their own views on things. The Chloe scene outside the dumpster signified that she has finally realised what she has gotten herself into. I didn't tie that to Clark. Not until i see Beast anyway. Besides, she didn't exactly feed AJ to Doomsday as we thought, did she ;)?

That was changed as was the kiss in Infamous.

The fact that the bags were red and blue is an indication that it's linked to Clark! Otherwise, they'd be black like regular trash bags or even white.


As far as why i consider the Clois/RBB and Intergang filler at this point, it's because they won't be the main focuses until the finale. The Clark-Doomsday showdown is. If they become main plots in Season 9, then Stiletto would have done a hell of a job of advancing them. But as far as Season 8 is concerned, Stiletto was their final episode.

But it segways into another important future storyline and arc! That's not filler. How many episodes have we seen that introduced new characters that were linked to future episodes on this show? I mean you can't dismiss that, because they're not linked to the Doomsday story. They're not linked to Clark, Lois and Jimmy which are 3 of the main characters on this show.


I didn't consider Committed, Identity, Infamous or Bride a filler and their plot advanced in those. I did consider Hex and Stiletto fillers because they never followed up on the Doomsday arc. And don't think that i use the word filler in a degrading manner. We have seen a lot of fillers in Smallville that stinked the joint. This and Hex were definitely not one of them.[/quote]


It's okay if you don't like Clark and Lois' relationship, but like it or not their relationship is a very important element of the Superman mythology, and by progressing them in this episode that's not being a filler.

I thought this was a very iconic, important episode, and to me when I hear the term "filler" being used then I feel compelled to offer evidence as to why it isn't.

----- Added 59 Seconds later -----


The problem is not filler being a bad word, it's being the wrong word to define an episode. A filler episode does nothing more than filling a space on a season, with no progression of any plot at all. Like the anime fillers.

Good way to put it!

[costas22]

That was changed as was the kiss in Infamous.

The fact that the bags were red and blue is an indication that it's linked to Clark! Otherwise, they'd be black like regular trash bags or even white.



Now how do we know that it was changed and it was never the original idea? None of us are in the writers' room are they? Ausiello used a phrase that was clearly metaphorical. We will have to see if there is a symbolism to the trash bags.


But it segways into another important future storyline and arc! That's not filler. How many episodes have we seen that introduced new characters that were linked to future episodes on this show? I mean you can't dismiss that, because they're not linked to the Doomsday story. They're not linked to Clark, Lois and Jimmy which are 3 of the main characters on this show.


I have said in 2-3 different threads that if this episode aired mid season, i would have enjoyed it very much and would have never considered it a filler. But after Eternal and before the Doomsday arc reaching it's climax, i was expecting more on that front. That was why i said semi-filler but apparently i am not allowed to use that term. It's alwys risky introducing new characters or new arcs this late in the season because people migth already be fixated on watching the other arcs.


It's okay if you don't like Clark and Lois' relationship, but like it or not their relationship is a very important element of the Superman mythology, and by progressing them in this episode that's not being a filler.

I thought this was a very iconic, important episode, and to me when I hear the term "filler" being used then I feel compelled to offer evidence as to why it isn't.


Whether i am in favor or not of the Clark-Lois relationship has nothing to do with this. That's not what this is about. It's not my fault that they won't make it the focal point until the finale.

[Mickey_Bickey]

Now how do we know that it was changed and it was never the original idea? None of us are in the writers' room are they? Ausiello used a phrase that was clearly metaphorical. We will have to see if there is a symbolism to the trash bags.

It was in the original script as was a kiss for Infamous and jealous look from Clark in Bride.


I have said in 2-3 different threads that if this episode aired mid season, i would have enjoyed it very much and would have never considered it a filler. But after Eternal and before the Doomsday arc reaching it's climax, i was expecting more on that front. That was why i said semi-filler but apparently i am not allowed to use that term. It's alwys risky introducing new characters or new arcs this late in the season because people migth already be fixated on watching the other arcs.

Well, I think especially approaching the season end it's important to introduce a character that will have an impact on not just the current arcs (Clois and RBB), but to also impact next season which by episode count is only 4 episodes away.


Whether i am in favor or not of the Clark-Lois relationship has nothing to do with this. That's not what this is about. It's not my fault that they won't make it the focal point until the finale.

It's been a focal point or showing buildup all year actually, but it's coming to more of a climax if you will in the finale. I'm just pointing out that an opinion about liking or disliking an arc doesn't classify it as a filler.;):)

[costas22]

It was in the original script as was a kiss for Infamous and jealous look from Clark in Bride.


It's been a focal point or showing buildup all year actually, but it's coming to more of a climax if you will in the finale. I'm just pointing out that an opinion about liking or disliking an arc doesn't classify it as a filler.;):)

As i said, we have no proof what was in the original script. If you do have evidence, please tell me where you saw it. I think that even Ausiello's spoiler, if interprated correctly, did reveal what happened in Stiletto. Chloe unintentionally fed Dooms his next victim. Michelle read my lines(you can't see my lips unfortunately ;)): this is not about how i feel about an arc. It's not my concern what he does with Lois to be honest. I am more interested in his development as Superman. And of course an opinion about an arc shouldn't classify an episode as a filler. But in the same respect, an opinion about an arc, shouldn't classify it as better than other classics when it isn't. But you know what? It's both cases, everyone will have their own views on them. You won't see all the board members agreeing 100% on any subject.

[davidbrenton]

I think it was just a wierd episode. There were things that really worked, but the "cheeziness" and slow build of the episode lacked the honest humor necessary to make it work through and through.

[costas22]

I think it was just a wierd episode. There were things that really worked, but the "cheeziness" and slow build of the episode lacked the honest humor necessary to make it work through and through.

Hex was better in that respect. At least there they decided not to use Jimmy at all instead of using him as a plot device. We waited 3 episodes to see what Jimmy is up to and we had a 30 second scene confirming that he is addicted. Yeah thanks.

[IHeartClois]

I know using green K to make up ridiculous stories (like fake notes) is done for filler episodes but at least now they do it much less, in the previous seasons we used to see this kind of thing ALL the time..remember the "freak of the week" times?

[Ella]

Hex was better in that respect. At least there they decided not to use Jimmy at all instead of using him as a plot device. We waited 3 episodes to see what Jimmy is up to and we had a 30 second scene confirming that he is addicted. Yeah thanks.
That was a major problem in the episode. Too little Jimmy. :(

[hero`s passion]

Caroline Dries is the worst writer of this show, IMO...She spoiles Infamous and Stiletto too, I still like these episodes very much, but if they were written by B. Miller for example, it ` would be even more wonderful...because the idea was great, but the way it was written, let`s just say not as great as I expected from these two episodes...it`s sad...but I still like them, because of the great cast members and good directing:))))

[HeroesUnlimited]

We've been having a pretty spirited discussion on the "Loved it? Hated it?" thread about whether or not Stilleto qualifies as a "filler" episode. I certainly do but a lot of people disagree with me (which is fine). I'm just curious what others think.

My definition of a "filler" is any episode that:

-is overly corny or cheesy (see Thirst, Ageless, Stilleto)

-does not focus largely on the main story arc of the season

-focuses more on a supporting character than the main character

All three of these apply to Stilletto in my opinion.

Please vote!

[Ella]

Your definition of a filler episode is wrong.

Not to mention that Stiletto did focus on the main story arc of not just the season but of the series, which has always been Clark Kent and his journey. Lois Lane and the RBB are part of that journey. Add to the mix Bruno Manheim and the episode was simply not filler.

[supercatmom]

Yes and No but WHO CARES

Any episode with this much Clois is a winner for me.

Also part of Clark's journey into being Superman also involves him finding his soulmate.

And the things that Clark found out about Lois in Stilletto, I'm sure moved him forward on that journey.

And the Doomdays arc was moved forward. The whole hiding of Davis by Chloe has to come to a head soon.

[HeroesUnlimited]

Your definition of a filler episode is wrong.

Well, since no established definition of a "filler" episode exists, then I'm free to interpret things as I wish.

----- Added 49 Seconds later -----


And the Doomdays arc was moved forward.

Not really. It was barely even touched on.

[Bizarrolover]

Stiletto was not just about Lois, it was also focused on the main character of the show, Clark Kent/RBB, who has been left aside for practically the second half of the season in favor of Doomsday's arc. Clark is still the main character of this tale and any episode that moves him forward cannot be considered a filler. It was refreshing to see Clark acting like the hero he is. He was proactive, he came up with the ideas, he tracked criminals without anyone doing the intellectual work for him. Also, seeing the RBB having his first contact with someone who doesn't know who he is was a huge step forward in Clark's development. I think that the best part of this episode was that Lois' story wasn't written at the expense of Clark's character like it happened in every non Clark centric of this season. This episode was about a lesson learned and Clark was the one to show Lois her mistake. And Clark did some personal growth in Stiletto, too, he learned a whole new side of his futre wife.

----- Added 7 Minutes later -----


Not really. It was barely even touched on.

It was touched briefly, but significantly. We saw Chloe throwing Doomsday's leftovers in the dumpster and we saw her hiding the truth from Clark. I think that was important enough.

[Supsfan]

Well, since no established definition of a "filler" episode exists, then I'm free to interpret things as I wish.

My definition of Filler is if the plot doesn't somehow revolve around Clark and his destiny it's filler.

Clark's future love interest and something that could potentially get him to change his name from RBB to Superman is not filler in my books, although one could argue borderline filler.

Now having a Human locked in the basement of a secondary character, would be considered filler because at this point what else do we need to know about Davis/Doomsday before he has his big huge fight when it happens(everything else up to that point is needless). I think we got enough background on his character in Prey and Bloodline that we don't need him being put front and center in plots that push Clark to the background.

[HeroesUnlimited]

Stiletto was not just about Lois, it was also focused on the main character of the show, Clark Kent/RBB, who has been left aside for practically the second half of the season in favor of Doomsday's arc. Clark is still the main character of this tale and any episode that moves him forward cannot be considered a filler. It was refreshing to see Clark acting like the hero he is. He was proactive, he came up with the ideas, he tracked criminals without anyone doing the intellectual work for him. Also, seeing the RBB having his first contact with someone who doesn't know who he is was a huge step forward in Clark's development. I think that the best part of this episode was that Lois' story wasn't written at the expense of Clark's character like it happened in every non Clark centric Clark of this season. This episode was about a lesson learned and Clark was the one to show Lois her mistake. And Clark did some personal growth in Stiletto, too, he learned a whole new side of his futre wife.

----- Added 7 Minutes later -----



It was touched briefly, but significantly. We saw Chloe throwing Doomsday's leftovers in the dumpster and we saw her hiding the truth from Clark. I think that was important enough.

But once again, Clark was a background character in his own story. This is supposed to be his show, but once again, it felt like the writers were throwing the Lois fans a bone. It's frustrating.

[Bizarrolover]

But once again, Clark was a background character in his own story. This is supposed to be his show, but once again, it felt like the writers were throwing the Lois fans a bone. It's frustrating.

I disagree. But I guess you have your opinion and I have mine. AFter watching Power, the adventures of Superlana and Clarkyboy, i can't understand how someone can say Clark's role was secondary in STiletto. He investigated, he took a bullet trying to save someone, the RBB made a phone call to a reporter. That's huge.

I don't like the Doomsday arc, I'm really tired of the Chlavis drama and I'm really bored that they wasted most of the second half of the season building that story. I would have preferred if Doomsday was just a monster that fights Clark to death and be spared of the unnecessary Chloe angst they gave us these past episodes. I would have liked to see Clark growing as a reporter, investigating, chasing stories, alone or with Lois, and not Davis' inner struggles. I don't care about his inner fight because his is a lost battle, so why wasting so much time showing him trying to fight the monster that is inside of him?

[Supsfan]

I don't like the Doomsday arc, I'm really tired of the Chlavis drama and I'm really bored that they wasted most of the second half of the season building that story. I would have preferred if Doomsday was just a monster that fights Clark to death and be spared of the unnecessary Chloe angst they gave us these past episodes. I would have liked to see Clark growing as a reporter, investigating, chasing stories, alone or with Lois, and not Davis' inner struggles. I don't care about his inner fight because his is a lost battle, so why wasting so much time showing him trying to fight the monster that is inside of him?

I would actually argue the Chlavis storyline ruins the actual impact of Doomsday's fight with Clark. Why do the producers want us to feel sorry for a guy who potentially can kill Clark. There is many better ways they could have built up Doomsday without wasting so much screen time.

[borednow]

It was all about the red-blue blur and dealt with exploring Chloe's hiding things from Clark angel, the two big story lines of the season.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

LONG POST WARNING. Skip at will...


Filler - noun - Journalism. material, considered of secondary importance, used to fill out a column or page.- Dictionary.com definition

Okay, so you've given your definition. Now I'll give the definitions readily available from Internet sources and based on where the term is derived. When it comes to writing, the term 'filler' is generally associated with writing letters, jokes, tips, anecdotes and recipes for magazines. Basically a filler is a short item used to fill a space in a publication (or to fill time on the radio or television - on television starting out as the equivalent of a test card). It is also a term widely used in the Anime/Manga world.

This time I'll do the long versions of the definitions of a 'filler'. The full version from Wiki answers:


A filler episode is generally an episode in which there is no plot development.

Good filler episodes generally keep with the tone of the overall series while developing the original cast. Some examples of filler episodes may include, flashbacks and recaps where events up to the current point are once again stated or summarized, introduction of new and strange characters or sidestories though sometimes this may have influence in the outcome of the series as a whole, random conflicts that are resolved in a single episode are sure signs of a filler episode, and others.

An exception to filler episodes include episodes where although an episode may seem out of place, since the genre of the series implies different ordeals per episode, the only real filler type in these shows would be flashbacks.

A sure sign to tell that a filler has past is when after the episode or in some cases arc the main characters show no real improvement.

Another common definition of a filler generally is that it is any plot event that does not coincide with its source.

When it comes to the version of the term derived from from Anime, the same basic rules of thumb would hold true when it comes to a television series, particularly when based on a comic book character. In which case, adapted from Bulbapedia:


Fillers are often used to put distance between the anime (show) and its source material (the Superman story), preventing an overlap which would cause trouble for both forms of the series.

Filler episodes may follow a formulaic (and often predictable) plot, loosely based on a main episode, which will either enter the backstory of a certain aspect of a show or tell a completely new tale involving the main or supporting and even one-shot characters from previous episodes.

Fillers also may introduce aspects that may complement or contradict the canon of the original source. It is not uncommon that whole story arcs comprised of filler episodes will be used within a series in order to fill an episode count and subsequently build up to a main story arc.

So once again I will say that Stiletto WAS NOT a filler. And here's why...


A filler episode is generally an episode in which there is no plot development

Stiletto took the source material and used it in this episode as part of the RBB/Clark Kent and Lois Lane love story plots. Since Clark Kent's story is the journey of the man who will become Superman and therefore will line up with the Mythos as stated by the shows creators and producers, this is part of the overall/main/largest plot on Smallville from seasons 1 to 8 inclusive. There was plot development, therefore according to this definition of a filler, it was NOT a filler.


Another common definition of a filler generally is that it is any plot event that does not coincide with its source.

It coincided with the source material, therefore according to this definition of a filler, it was NOT a filler.


Fillers are often used to put distance between the anime (show) and its source material (the Superman story), preventing an overlap which would cause trouble for both forms of the series.

It did not put a distance between the show and the source material (the Superman story) - in fact it brought it closer - therefore according to this definition of a filler, it was NOT a filler.

The Lois Lane/Clark Kent romantic relationship is part of season eight's main plots. Stiletto picked up on the romantic relationship between Lois and Clark introduced in the last scene at the end of Odyssey and last touched on in Chloe's conversation with Clark at the end of Hex. That storyline has run throughout season eight in Odyssey, Plastique, Instinct, Committed, Identity, Bloodline, Bride, Infamous and Hex.

The RBB plot is part of season eight's theme of secret identities and is therefore a season eight plot. Stiletto picked up on the part of the RBB storyline dealing with Lois Lane's determination to track down the mystery superhero as seen at the end of Identity. The RBB arc and the theme of Clark's secret identity as a Kryptonian superhero has run throughout season eight as a whole but specifically in Plastique, Instinct, Identity, Bloodline, Legion, Requiem, Infamous, Turbulence, Hex and Eternal.


A sure sign to tell that a filler has past is when after the episode or in some cases arc the main characters show no real improvement.

Stiletto dealt with Lois Lane's journey to becoming the iconic reporter known from the source material. All of the main characters on Smallville have been shown to be on a journey and making mistakes along the way. Making a mistake, admitting to that mistake and learning from it is therefore character development. Therefore according to this definition of a filler, it was NOT a filler.


Another common definition of a filler generally is that it is any plot event that does not coincide with its source.

Lois Lane using a spur-of-the-moment, unscrupulous, under-handed, devious, sneaky, morally questionable or generally not well thought out plan to track down a front page story is recognizable from the source material of the Superman stories. Learning from the mistake and having Clark Kent point out the error of her ways is also commonplace. Therefore Stiletto lined up with the source material and by this definition of a filler, it was NOT a filler.


A filler episode is generally an episode in which there is no plot development

Stiletto also dealt with the subject of Chloe's growing rift with Clark and the difficulties associated with harboring Doomsday. It showed the emotional toll it is having on her since she closed the basement door at the end of Eternal - setting up for Beast. It showed how Clark had tried to communicate with her and she wouldn't tell him what she was doing - continuing from Eternal and setting up for Beast. It also showed Doomsday murdering someone while Chloe was there, demonstrating that Chloe does not have as much of a calming effect on Davis as might have been assumed at the end of Eternal - setting up for Beast. Therefore Stiletto took the Doomsday/Chloe/Clark storyline and added to it while providing an understandable storyline from Eternal to Beast - forwarding the plot that leads to the season eight finale. Therefore, according to this definition of a filler, it is NOT a filler.

As per your definition of a 'filler' episode:

- At no point could I find a definition of the term filler that included cheesiness or bad writing as ways of identifying what is generally understood to be a filler.

- At no point did I find a definition of the term filler that said the lack of focus on one plot while continuing other plots from one season of an eight year ongoing story was a way of identifying what is generally understood to be a filler. In fact the definitions I've supplied refer to the source material and Stiletto does indeed continue the plot that aligns Smallville with the source material.

- At no point did I find a definition of the term filler where it suggested one of the main characters - as identified by the placing in the opening credits - having an episode focussed on them and used to develop their character was a way of identifying what is generally understood to be a filler. Stiletto not only develops the character of Lois Lane, it also continues her journey to aligning with the source material.

In summation:


A filler episode is generally an episode in which there is no plot development

There was plot development in Stiletto, therefore it was not a filler by this definition.


Good filler episodes generally keep with the tone of the overall series while developing the original cast. Some examples of filler episodes may include, flashbacks and recaps where events up to the current point are once again stated or summarized, introduction of new and strange characters or sidestories though sometimes this may have influence in the outcome of the series as a whole, random conflicts that are resolved in a single episode are sure signs of a filler episode.

Stiletto did not include flashbacks, recaps where events up to the current point were once again stated or summarized (excluding the usual opening recap used on the majority of Smallville episodes), the introduction of new and strange characters or side stories though sometimes this may have influence in the outcome of the series as a whole (Lois' experience as Stiletto brought her closer to the RBB and Bruno Mannheim is more than likely a pre-cursor for Intergang in season nine), or random conflicts that were resolved in the episode (Lois made a mistake, admitted to it and learned from it which added to her character development). Therefore Stiletto was not a filler by this definition.


An exception to filler episodes include episodes where although an episode may seem out of place, since the genre of the series implies different ordeals per episode, [U]the only real filler type in these shows would be flashbacks

Smallville frequently used episodes where there are different ordeals per episode - as it was Stiletto dealt with conflicts that were already in place. There were no flashbacks. Therefore Stiletto was not a filler by this definition.


A sure sign to tell that a filler has past is when after the episode or in some cases arc the main characters show no real improvement.

The arc of Lois Lane and Clark Kent's romantic relationship was continued. Lois Lane's desire to track down the RBB was continued. Lois Lane's character was developed. Chloe's mental state was developed. Jimmy's drug addiction storyline was continued. The Smallville journey of Clark Kent to Superman was brought closer to the mythos. Therefore Stiletto was not a filler by this definition.


Another common definition of a filler generally is that it is any plot event that does not coincide with its source.

Stiletto coincided with its source - the Superman story. It also coincided with it's own canon by continuing several of the arcs of season eight. Therefore by this definition was not a filler.

I don't see the point in going any further. Bottom line - and using researched definitions of the word filler, not my personal definition of what makes a filler (though mine would have been similar both personally and professionally speaking) - Stiletto by NO MEANS was a filler episode. For examples of filler episodes this season we can look at Toxic (flashbacks and backstory), Abyss (flashbacks, backstory and dropped storyline), Power (flashbacks, backstory of the new Lana) and Eternal (flashbacks, backstory on top of a backstory) according to these definitions. We could even consider Requiem a filler because it did not develop the main characters or line up closer to the source material (Lana the superhero, Oliver murdering Lex).

IMO not liking an episode doesn't automatically make it a filler.

[redkryptoniteisthebest]

Yeah, but it was a less-filler than other fillers. :lol:

[Violet-Shadow]

It was not a filler. Do I really need to explain why? Because I think Annie did a pretty good job of it.

But, I'll just state, briefly, it's not a filler because: it develops the Clois storyline, the RBB storyline, and progresses Clark in his journey to becoming Superman.

So, not a filler.

ETA: It also developed the Doomsday storyline, even though Davis was absent.

[aceofclubs]

For me it was filler, but its not like I didn't enjoy it! For me the only way for it to not have been filler would have been Davis morphing into Doomy.

[ginevrakent]

For me it was filler, but its not like I didn't enjoy it! For me the only way for it to not have been filler would have been Davis morphing into Doomy.

Doomsday isn't the only arc on the show right now. Davis didn't morph into Doomsday in Hex, was Hex a filler?

[Night_Hawk90]

Doomsday isn't the only arc on the show right now. Davis didn't morph into Doomsday in Hex, was Hex a filler?

hex was a definite filler that episode advanced none of the story arc, all it did was put down the theory that chloe= lois which is common sense. i do believe that stiletto was a filler as well

[redkryptoniteisthebest]

It was not a filler. Do I really need to explain why? Because I think Annie did a pretty good job of it.

But, I'll just state, briefly, it's not a filler because: it develops the Clois storyline, the RBB storyline, and progresses Clark in his journey to becoming Superman.

So, not a filler.

ETA: It also developed the Doomsday storyline, even though Davis was absent.

Very true, I forgot about that part.

[ginevrakent]

hex was a definite filler that episode advanced none of the story arc, all it did was put down the theory that chloe= lois which is common sense. i do believe that stiletto was a filler as well

This is the episode where Chloe officially became Watchtower, right?

[cloisthelegendbegins]

But once again, Clark was a background character in his own story. This is supposed to be his show, but once again, it felt like the writers were throwing the Lois fans a bone. It's frustrating.

Going by my previous researched definitions of a filler, and Bad Toad's screentime numbers, this seasons filler episodes:

Toxic (Oliver backstory) - Clark: 16m 1s, Oliver: 24m 49s (Clark 8m 48s less)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - Clark: 20m 57s, Chloe 29m 46s (Clark 8m 49s less)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - Clark: 15m 2s, Lana 20m 15s (Clark 5m 13s less)
Eternal (Davis backstory) - Clark 16m 1s, Davis 22m 42s (Clark 6m 41s less)

Clark's overall screentime in Season Eight:

Odyssey (return of Clark) - 17m 24s (highest screentime minutes)
Plastique (Clark at DP) - 22m 15s (highest screentime minutes)
Toxic (Oliver backstory) - 16m 1s (second highest to Oliver)
Instinct (Clark & Maxima) - 22m 33s (highest)
Committed (Lois & Clark investigate) - 19m 6s (second highest to Lois)
Prey - (Clark investigates) - 19m 55s (highest)
Identity (Clark/RBB) - 24m 23s (highest)
Bloodline (Phantom Zone & Kara) - 20m 26s (highest)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - 20m 57s (second highest to Chloe)
Bride (Wedding & Doomsday) - 19m 38s (highest)
Legion (Superhero-centric) - 24m 21s (highest)
Bulletproof (Clark undercover) - 22m 24s (highest)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - 15m 2s (second highest to Lana)
Requiem (Clark/Lana/Lex) - 23m 35s (highest)
Infamous (Clark/RBB) - 27m 31s (highest)
Turbulance (Clark/Tess) - 16m 6s (highest)
Hex (Chloe-centric) - 22m 41s (second highest to Chloe)
Eternal (Davis Backstory) - 16m 1s (third behind Davis and Chloe)
Stiletto (Lois-centric) - 18m 56s (second highest to Lois)

That's 12 out of 19 episodes where he's had the highest screentime minutes, 6 out of 19 where he's had second highest (when the episode focussed on another character) and 1 out of 19 where he's been third highest.

ALL of the characters add to Clark's story on Smallville and therefore ALL the characters are on a journey and ALL the characters will be developed because their experiences add to Clark's experiences and help shape the man he becomes.

As to the complaint of 'catering to Lois fans':

Abyss - Chloe: 29m 46s (highest screentime and 9m 11s more than Clark)
Hex - Chloe: 26m 57s (highest screentime and 4m 16s more than Clark even though ED played Chloe for 17m 7s)
Eternal - Chloe: 16m 14s (second highest screentime behind Davis)

Compared to:

Committed- Lois: 21m 52s (highest screentime and 2m 46s more than Clark)
Stiletto - Lois: 22m 48s (highest screentime and 3m 52s more than Clark)

And:

Toxic - Oliver: 24m 49s (highest screentime and 8m 48s more than Clark)
Power - Lana: 20m 15s (highest screentime and 5m 13s more than Clark)
Eternal- Davis: 22m 42s (highest screentime and 6m 41s more than Clark)

So how exactly are Lois fans - which is talking about a fanbase btw - being 'catered to' more than fans of Chloe, Lana or Davis in episodes that focus on them? And Clark is in the lead screentime wise per season and highest screentime wise per episode (12 out of 19). Seems to me the show is doing plenty to 'cater' to as many Smallville fans as possible.

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


This is the episode where Chloe officially became Watchtower, right?

Where she started out depressed and lacking in direction, thought she envied someone else's life, learned that she had a direction of her own and became Watchtower. Yes, you're right.

So that would be a main character taking a major step in her journey with character development evident for both Chloe and Clark by the end of the episode. Therefore NOT a filler.

[tibbit78]

No, I do not think that Stiletto was a filler episode. And it wasn't even boring. This is just my opinion.

[Promise]

But once again, Clark was a background character in his own story. This is supposed to be his show, but once again, it felt like the writers were throwing the Lois fans a bone. It's frustrating.

Exactly. Watch how next week flows. When there is no Lois, we actually get a Smallville episode.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

^^^ Define a Smallville episode then.

[LorelaiG]

^^^ Define a Smallville episode then.

I can help you: Lana being the center of the world "everything she does is beautiful.....everything she does is right!"

If fact we had SMALLVILLE this season on Requiem and Power

[cloisthelegendbegins]

According to the CW's description of Smallville:


Forging ahead into its eighth season, this modern retelling of the Superman legend and its classic characters continues to blend realism, action and emotional depth to reveal a new interpretation of the enduring mythology. This season Clark Kent (Tom Welling) moves closer than ever to embracing his calling as the iconic superhero he is destined to become.

Spending less time in his hometown and more time in the big city of Metropolis, Clark will encounter new challenges and a few new faces, both friend and foe, as he begins his career at the Daily Planet. This season will feature visits by characters from every corner of the D.C. universe, including Plastique, the heroine-to-be with an explosive personality; Maxima, the seductive, intergalactic goddess; and Superman's most formidable adversary, Doomsday, the only character who is able to kill Superman. This season will also feature an appearance by D.C. Comics' time-traveling Legion of Superheroes, who come back from the future in an episode to be penned by renowned comic book writer Geoff Johns.

Last season came to a stunning conclusion with a confrontation between Clark and his longtime nemesis, Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) under the frozen columns of Clark's arctic Fortress of Solitude. Years of secrets came to a head as Clark's former friend finally discovered the truth about Clark's alien heritage. Clark's world soon came crashing down as the fortress crumbled in an icy avalanche, leaving both characters' fate a mystery. Lex's moment of truth didn't come without a price. He murdered his father Lionel (John Glover) for the information about the legendary "Traveler." Clark also had to defeat Brainiac (James Marsters), who had banished Clark's Supergirl cousin Kara (Laura Vandervoort) to the Phantom Zone and attacked both Chloe (Allison Mack) and Lana (Kristin Kreuk), leaving them both in catatonic comas. Though Brainiac's demise ultimately lifted their trances, Chloe was soon arrested for hacking into federal databases - just as she was about to respond to Jimmy Olsen's (Aaron Ashmore) marriage proposal. Meanwhile, in a tearful, videotaped goodbye, Lana told Clark that she was leaving Smallville and his life forever, encouraging Clark to fulfill his destiny - something he cannot accomplish with her in his world. While one chapter of his life seemingly came to an end, another one was about to begin. With fewer commitments tethering Clark to the farm, Lois Lane (Erica Durance) asked him to apply for a job opening at the Daily Planet.

The season eight premiere takes place a few weeks after the Fortress' icy collapse, as a LuthorCorp arctic excavation team investigates Lex's whereabouts. Meanwhile, members of the Justice League, including Green Arrow (Justin Hartley,), Black Canary (guest star Alaina Huffman) and Aquaman (guest star Alan Ritchson), reunite in the search for Clark, who has been rendered powerless by the fall of the Fortress.

As episodes unfold, Clark's new position at the Daily Planet will mean working across the desk from Lois. The two will be forced to team up to cover some of Metropolis' most pressing goings on. Sometimes it's Lois herself who becomes Clark's biggest obstacle, especially when he's on a deadline. With Clark and Lois thrust into such close proximity, sparks are bound to fly, and feelings will start to surface that come as a surprise to both of them. At the same time, Clark begins to discover the balancing act he must perform as he explores his dual identities as both reporter and superhero.

Even with Lex gone, the Luthor mansion isn't vacant for long. Its newest resident is the beguiling Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman), who, according to Lex's written instructions, has been placed in charge of LuthorCorp and all of its projects, including oversight of the Daily Planet. Tess proves to be as inscrutable as she is cunning, and an enigmatic new presence in our characters' lives. It won't be long before Tess' attention turns to Clark. But Clark is wary of her intentions, and as the layers of her past are peeled away, new mysteries surface. Through it all Tess' resolve remains unshakable - to find Lex Luthor, who she is convinced is still alive.

Clark isn't the only one who will face formidable challenges. Oliver Queen has come back to make Metropolis his home, where he finds himself at a crossroads, forced to travel through some dark terrain - especially when demons from his past are reawakened. Oliver ultimately begins to question his role as a superhero, just as Clark is embracing his own.

With a new fiancé and puzzling new abilities that intrigue her as much as they frighten her, Chloe decides to turn her attention towards helping others. She takes over where Lana left off and reopens the Isis Foundation to provide counseling for those with meteor-powered abilities. She soon finds just how tricky the meteor-powered can be.

Chloe's life is further complicated when she meets Metropolis paramedic Davis Bloome (Sam Witwer). A tireless public servant, Bloome strikes up a fast friendship with Chloe. Soulful and mysterious, Bloome has demons of his own. He's troubled by large gaps of time that he can't remember, and as he comes closer to the answers, he must confront his own worst fear - that at his core he is pure evil.

"Smallville" was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar ("Shanghai Noon," "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor"), based on the DC Comics characters. Kelly Souders & Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer serve as executive producers, along with James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television. SUPERMAN was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster.

[jayyjayy]

This season has a clear, main storyline arc. The rise of Doomsday against Clark. Some seasons have them, some don't. This season does.

Look at it this way, why don't they just use Doomsday in every episode if it's the main story? Because, for whatever the many artistic/financial reasons, it's not done. They put in other episodes around this arc. Call these episodes sub-arcs if filler sounds negative. But the writers and the audience know where the main arc is, that it will begin the season, end mid season breaks, begin mid season breaks, and end the final 2 or 3 episodes of the season. These are the cash cow episodes, the ones that are relied on to bring the most viewers. The ones they save the budget for. These episodes make up roughly what... 9 or so episodes give or take, less than half the season. The rest of the episodes FILL out the remainder of the season schedule, hence the term.

I mean, of course Clois is part of the future and advances the Superman story, no one is debating that...filler doesn't mean having Clark sit in his loft and throw the rubber ball against the barn for 42 minutes. When the writers sit down at a table, they know beforehand if this is a main arc episode, or the other type. Stiletto is the other type.

[Bizarrolover]

This season has a clear, main storyline arc. The rise of Doomsday against Clark. Some seasons have them, some don't. This season does.


The season's theme is Double identities. Doomsday is an arc, as was Lana's, as is Chloe's (maybe DD's was more important that those). But the birth of the Red Blue Blur and it's development is no secondary plot, is the main theme of the season. So anything that moves Clark closer to his double identity cannot be considered a filler.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

This season has a clear, main storyline arc. The rise of Doomsday against Clark. Some seasons have them, some don't. This season does.

I always understood that the clear, main storyline arc is Clark Kent's journey to becoming Superman. That makes every other story arc, whether it's the focus of a season or not, a sub-arc. His journey has been the premise of Smallville from the beginning with the story telling how it lines up to the known Mythos.

That makes every episode that adds to Clark's journey part of the main storyline. Sometimes an episode will focus on one of the other characters and their journey as it parallels, mirrors, conflicts with, intertwines and adds to his journey. Sometimes the balance will swing to the main arcs of a particular season, sometimes it will swing much more obviously to lining up with the Mythos. But all of it adds to his journey and is part of a continuous path. If it doesn't and isn't and there is no development then it can be classed as a filler. Particularly if an episode focusses on a plot that is dropped and never brought up again.


Look at it this way, why don't they just use Doomsday in every episode if it's the main story? Because, for whatever the many artistic/financial reasons, it's not done. They put in other episodes around this arc. Call these episodes sub-arcs if filler sounds negative. But the writers and the audience know where the main arc is, that it will begin the season, end mid season breaks, begin mid season breaks, and end the final 2 or 3 episodes of the season. These are the cash cow episodes, the ones that are relied on to bring the most viewers. The ones they save the budget for. These episodes make up roughly what... 9 or so episodes give or take, less than half the season. The rest of the episodes FILL out the remainder of the season schedule, hence the term.

By saying that Doomsday is the only story this year that matters then we're saying that every episode Davis and Doomsday aren't in and that doesn't focus on that storyline and how it impacts Clark is a sub-arc or a filler. That makes Odyssey, Plastique, Toxic, Instinct, Committed, Identity, Abyss, Legion, Bulletproof, Power, Requiem, Infamous, Hex AND Stiletto sub-arc fillers. That's 14 out of 19 episodes this season.

Seems to me that's a big fat waste of money and time. Unless of course the clear, main storyline is Clark Kent's journey - part of which is all the characters who surround him...


I mean, of course Clois is part of the future and advances the Superman story, no one is debating that...filler doesn't mean having Clark sit in his loft and throw the rubber ball against the barn for 42 minutes. When the writers sit down at a table, they know beforehand if this is a main arc episode, or the other type. Stiletto is the other type.

If they're not sitting in the writing room knowing that every episode should add to Clark's story and every character should have an impact on or add to his journey then there's something VERY wrong IMO. Doomsday is ONE of this seasons arcs - and there's no doubting it's a huge one - but like ALL of the arcs they are part and parcel of the clear, main storyline that is Clark's journey.

[ginevrakent]

This season has a clear, main storyline arc. The rise of Doomsday against Clark. Some seasons have them, some don't. This season does.

My problem with this explanation is that the rise of Doomsday by nature has nothing to do with Clark. Davis' development into Doomsday has largely taken place independent of Clark, and has involved Chloe more than Clark. In this sense, Clark is passive in this storyline. Meanwhile, he is an active participant in the crafting of the RBB persona.

I think this season has been about Clark embracing his destiny. On the one hand, we have Tess and Oliver who say that Clark needs to confront an "island" or a Judas in order to accomplish this. On the other hand, we have Clark who is making decisions like working for the DP, allowing Jimmy's photo to be printed in Identity, and calling Lois as the RBB that advance his Superman persona. Odyssey and Identity were significant episodes, and neither involved Doomsday.

This whole season's theme has been dual identities. Interestingly, I think the season itself has had a duality to it. Each part of the story is important, and while Stiletto contributed to both aspects of the dual identity theme and the embracing destiny theme, it's focus was largely on the RBB while Eternal was about Doomsday. So those episodes are about Davis moving towards his destiny, while the others are more about Clark moving towards his destiny. Both will collide in the episode Doomsday.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

My problem with this explanation is that the rise of Doomsday by nature has nothing to do with Clark. Davis' development into Doomsday has largely taken place independent of Clark, and has involved Chloe more than Clark. In this sense, Clark is passive in this storyline. Meanwhile, he is an active participant in the crafting of the RBB persona.

I think this season has been about Clark embracing his destiny. On the one hand, we have Tess and Oliver who say that Clark needs to confront an "island" or a Judas in order to accomplish this. On the other hand, we have Clark who is making decisions like working for the DP, allowing Jimmy's photo to be printed in Identity, and calling Lois as the RBB that advance his Superman persona. Odyssey and Identity were significant episodes, and neither involved Doomsday.

This whole season's theme has been dual identities. Interestingly, I think the season itself has had a duality to it. Each part of the story is important, and while Stiletto contributed to both aspects of the dual identity theme and the embracing destiny theme, it's focus was largely on the RBB while Eternal was about Doomsday. So those episodes are about Davis moving towards his destiny, while the others are more about Clark moving towards his destiny. Both will collide in the episode Doomsday.

Great Post!

I think another problem I have with saying that Doomsday is the main and only storyline is that it buys into Tess' thinking that in order to become the world's saviour Clark has to face his greatest foe. To me that is part of the Batman Begins ethos of every hero needing one thing; a villain. In which case the show would be saying that all the previous villains Clark faced have nothing to do with him becoming a hero. That none of the experiences that shape who he becomes are anything to do with him becoming a hero. That none of the experiences he's had with the people around him have anything to do with him becoming a hero.

Plus - as you pointed out - this year we have seen him exploring a secret identity, from many different angles. The independent story of Davis/Doomsday has nothing to do with that, nor would the problem be solved when Clark faces him.

There are many different themes and arcs and the Doomsday one, though important this season and in Superman's future, is but one of them. The main story is, has been and will until the final credits roll, be Clark's journey to becoming the man who will be known as Superman. THAT'S the clear, main storyline.

[zHeN_zHeN]

Filler or not, I thought it was a good episode. :)

[ginevrakent]

Great Post!

I think another problem I have with saying that Doomsday is the main and only storyline is that it buys into Tess' thinking that in order to become the world's saviour Clark has to face his greatest foe. To me that is part of the Batman Begins ethos of every hero needing one thing; a villain. In which case the show would be saying that all the previous villains Clark faced have nothing to do with him becoming a hero. That none of the experiences that shape who he becomes are anything to do with him becoming a hero. That none of the experiences he's had with the people around him have anything to do with him becoming a hero.

Plus - as you pointed out - this year we have seen him exploring a secret identity, from many different angles. The independent story of Davis/Doomsday has nothing to do with that, nor would the problem be solved when Clark faces him.

There are many different themes and arcs and the Doomsday one, though important this season and in Superman's future, is but one of them. The main story is, has been and will until the final credits roll, be Clark's journey to becoming the man who will be known as Superman. THAT'S the clear, main storyline.

Thanks! You've made great points as well. I really like the bolded part in particular. The series' arc is Clark's journey, whereas Doomsday is just a part of that as one story arc included in this season.

Stiletto contributed to Clark's overall journey while still including some Doomsday development without Sam Witwer even being in the episode. So, honestly, no matter what way I look at it I cannot see how Stiletto was filler.

[Kal-ed]

This season has a clear, main storyline arc. The rise of Doomsday against Clark. Some seasons have them, some don't. This season does.

Look at it this way, why don't they just use Doomsday in every episode if it's the main story? Because, for whatever the many artistic/financial reasons, it's not done. They put in other episodes around this arc. Call these episodes sub-arcs if filler sounds negative. But the writers and the audience know where the main arc is, that it will begin the season, end mid season breaks, begin mid season breaks, and end the final 2 or 3 episodes of the season. These are the cash cow episodes, the ones that are relied on to bring the most viewers. The ones they save the budget for. These episodes make up roughly what... 9 or so episodes give or take, less than half the season. The rest of the episodes FILL out the remainder of the season schedule, hence the term.

I mean, of course Clois is part of the future and advances the Superman story, no one is debating that...filler doesn't mean having Clark sit in his loft and throw the rubber ball against the barn for 42 minutes. When the writers sit down at a table, they know beforehand if this is a main arc episode, or the other type. Stiletto is the other type.

You would be right but the problem is you based your whole argument under the premise that Doomsday is the only arc, Clark becoming the RBB and doing his thing more openly is IMO an arc just as important, the producer´s said themselves the main theme for this season was double identities, we had Chloe with brainiac inside her, doomsday/Davis and of course Clark/RBB heck we even had Lois/Stiletto, even if it was for just one episode, the thing is Clark/RBB to me is as important arc as the Doomsday one and IMO the producer´s feel the same way.

Just cause people dont like Lois or hate Clois doesnt mean that what happens between them is a filler specially if its about RBB.

I hate Chlavis and I although I think Sam plays an excelent character I hate that Doomsday´s human side has taken so much relevance, yet I still aknowledge its importance and I wouldnt deem Eternal a filler just cause I dont like that arc.

[Supsfan]

Exactly. Watch how next week flows. When there is no Lois, we actually get a Smallville episode.

So do you think an episode that is going to focus heavily on Chloe and Davis is a "smallville" episode? If people hate Clark not being the main focus in a episode I can't wait to see there take on that episode.

[jon-el87]

YES!

[costas22]

I have called it semi filler but the term wasn't appreciated a lot. The reason i said that, was because i felt that Stiletto advanced Clois and introduced Intergang but not with immediate effect. I think that these will be main plots that will be touched upon next year. Ever since the Power arc concluded, the main focus for Season 8 has been the Doomsday-Clark pending battle. And since Stiletto didnt' advance that, it was a filler for the rest of the season. I have bolded that part to make it clear. Many will say that this term can't exist but it's my take on it. One final thing. Eternal wasn't a filler. In the general purpose of the show it was also a semi-filler. It's developments might not have a major impact on the general idea of the show which is Clark's journey, but it was very important in setting up the final episodes of Season 8. To wrap this up, when you deal with a story every second episode, this is what you will get. Episodes that will divide the audience(not in half obviously) as to whether they are fillers or get called semi-fillers by others(ahem ahem).

[amalie]

Not a filler in my book. This season has two plots, the davis to DD arc and the RBB, double identity arc and Stiletto covered both.

[Selina]

In no way was it a filler.

The episode advanced Clois, Clarks double identity, Lois's career and Chloe/Doomsday.

All of which will shape the rest of the season and in Clark and Lois's case - the rest of the show.

Just because the episode focused more on Clark and Lois than it did on Davis/Doomsday and Chloe does not make it a filler.

[Clark/Lois-fan]

I'm sorry but why do we need ANOTHER thread to discuss if Stiletto was a "filler" episode, when the first thread got closed ???

[hero`s passion]

1. Lois is the main character NOT supporting!!! She is Clark`s love interest that makes her the main character after Clark, so episode about her and Clark can`t be a filler...

2. First mention of Bliss(their talk) - iconic!

3. Clark risks his life to save his friend- shows us 1st- he is a great hero and second his feelings for Lois(who is his future wife so that makes this important to the history of Superman)

4. we see Lois Lane becames the woman whom Superman and all his fans will be in love with...

5. we also see that Clark becomes a better reporter, not just a copy boy!

these arguments are more convincing than yours about Stillito a filler epi, I think...

[Davis Bloome]

This was a bit of a filler. There were some important and interesting points in it that added to the general story. I keep hearing that this episode was for the red blue blur story arc. However the red blue blur story arc is connected to the Doomsday story arc. Clark's progress and evolution will be highlighted in the Doomsday episode. It will probably show how his progress has paid off.

[costas22]

An episode about Clark and Lois can be filler, or semi-filler. Lois is not all there is to Superman. The dynamic of his relationship with villains like Lex is equally as important as the romantic relationship he will develop with Lois. As Davis Bloome above said, the development of the RBB arc will come when he comes up against iconic enemies, since he has developed all of his powers(sans flight). Granted, in this episode it was established that Clark will need someone like Lois Lane in his life to share his double identity with, but that falls under the Clois development rather than the RBB one in my eyes.

[Mickey_Bickey]

RBB, Clois advancement, introduction of the iconic triangle, Intergang, plot advancement red and blue trash bags Chloe discarded in the dumster will result in next week Clark discovering that Doomsday is alive , as well as continuing character progression with both Lois, Clark and Jimmy (story continued from makes this episode the furthest thing from being classified as a filler.

This show is about Clark Kent becoming Superman. We saw that in spades in this episode, and in a lot of respects it was very iconic and introduced characters and plot lines for future episodes. That is not a filler episode. In fact, this episode was very important in terms of talking about the RBB's name being changed to Superman. It brought Clark Kent and Lois Lane closer together, had the trio of Jimmy, Clark and Lois fighting crime together! We heard Clark call Lois "Miss Lane" for the first time. How is this a filler? Because Lois wore a tight, black leather suit to lure the RBB which is yet another element that Lois Lane is known for. She's known for doing outlandish things to get Superman's attention.

Regardless, I think by having knowledge of the Superman mythology helps, but even if you're just a Smallville fan without knowing much about Superman, there's too many ties to the main arcs, RBB, Clois and Doomsday to be considered a filler.

[BadaBingBadaBoomsday]

Is this still being argued? Hahaha

Why do people want to insist that its a filler? I don't understand.

Its not a filler, but so what if it is.

[Tompouce]

No, it was not. This episode shows at last how Clark can handle things and help Lois to grow up and not the opposite. Everybody says Clark is more mature when Lois is around but here, it was Clark who was there for her. Thanks to him, she admitted she was wrong, for once, we can see Lois emotional side. It was very important. Their relationship begins to be balanced. We see how Clark is important for Lois character. And what about the romance ? It was so delightful ! Un vrai régal (I think the best translation is "a true delight" but in French, I can feel exactly what I mean lol)
Seriously, this episode was perfect for Clois and Clark becoming step by step Superman. I have to admit the first part with only Lois as Stiletto was slow and boring but after, it was GREAT.

[Mickey_Bickey]

Is this still being argued? Hahaha

Why do people want to insist that its a filler? I don't understand.

Its not a filler, but so what if it is.

Exactly!

[izanami]

Is this still being argued? Hahaha

Why do people want to insist that its a filler? I don't understand.

Its not a filler, but so what if it is.

Well, I can only speak for me, but this episode was a filler for two reasons (1) Too much Lois Lane and (2) not enough of the Adventures of Moose and Squirrel! Er, I mean, of the Adventures of Doomsday and Chloe.

You give me any of these and I don't care what the storyline is or how much progress is made in a story. It's automatically a filler. No question about it. On the other hand, give me the most retconned and unbelievable story ever, such as Tess reading from Lionel's pictured story book, and add Davis go Boom (er, I mean, Davis go Doom) and it will be the most epic most iconic most non-filler episode evah.

Well that's according to my definition anyway. I guess nowadays everyone has their own personal definition to words so who knows what others think...

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


Going by my previous researched definitions of a filler, and Bad Toad's screentime numbers, this seasons filler episodes:

Toxic (Oliver backstory) - Clark: 16m 1s, Oliver: 24m 49s (Clark 8m 48s less)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - Clark: 20m 57s, Chloe 29m 46s (Clark 8m 49s less)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - Clark: 15m 2s, Lana 20m 15s (Clark 5m 13s less)
Eternal (Davis backstory) - Clark 16m 1s, Davis 22m 42s (Clark 6m 41s less)

Clark's overall screentime in Season Eight:

Odyssey (return of Clark) - 17m 24s (highest screentime minutes)
Plastique (Clark at DP) - 22m 15s (highest screentime minutes)
Toxic (Oliver backstory) - 16m 1s (second highest to Oliver)
Instinct (Clark & Maxima) - 22m 33s (highest)
Committed (Lois & Clark investigate) - 19m 6s (second highest to Lois)
Prey - (Clark investigates) - 19m 55s (highest)
Identity (Clark/RBB) - 24m 23s (highest)
Bloodline (Phantom Zone & Kara) - 20m 26s (highest)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - 20m 57s (second highest to Chloe)
Bride (Wedding & Doomsday) - 19m 38s (highest)
Legion (Superhero-centric) - 24m 21s (highest)
Bulletproof (Clark undercover) - 22m 24s (highest)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - 15m 2s (second highest to Lana)
Requiem (Clark/Lana/Lex) - 23m 35s (highest)
Infamous (Clark/RBB) - 27m 31s (highest)
Turbulance (Clark/Tess) - 16m 6s (highest)
Hex (Chloe-centric) - 22m 41s (second highest to Chloe)
Eternal (Davis Backstory) - 16m 1s (third behind Davis and Chloe)
Stiletto (Lois-centric) - 18m 56s (second highest to Lois)

That's 12 out of 19 episodes where he's had the highest screentime minutes, 6 out of 19 where he's had second highest (when the episode focussed on another character) and 1 out of 19 where he's been third highest.

ALL of the characters add to Clark's story on Smallville and therefore ALL the characters are on a journey and ALL the characters will be developed because their experiences add to Clark's experiences and help shape the man he becomes.

As to the complaint of 'catering to Lois fans':

Abyss - Chloe: 29m 46s (highest screentime and 9m 11s more than Clark)
Hex - Chloe: 26m 57s (highest screentime and 4m 16s more than Clark even though ED played Chloe for 17m 7s)
Eternal - Chloe: 16m 14s (second highest screentime behind Davis)

Compared to:

Committed- Lois: 21m 52s (highest screentime and 2m 46s more than Clark)
Stiletto - Lois: 22m 48s (highest screentime and 3m 52s more than Clark)

And:

Toxic - Oliver: 24m 49s (highest screentime and 8m 48s more than Clark)
Power - Lana: 20m 15s (highest screentime and 5m 13s more than Clark)
Eternal- Davis: 22m 42s (highest screentime and 6m 41s more than Clark)

So how exactly are Lois fans - which is talking about a fanbase btw - being 'catered to' more than fans of Chloe, Lana or Davis in episodes that focus on them? And Clark is in the lead screentime wise per season and highest screentime wise per episode (12 out of 19). Seems to me the show is doing plenty to 'cater' to as many Smallville fans as possible.

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



Where she started out depressed and lacking in direction, thought she envied someone else's life, learned that she had a direction of her own and became Watchtower. Yes, you're right.

So that would be a main character taking a major step in her journey with character development evident for both Chloe and Clark by the end of the episode. Therefore NOT a filler.

Ahh, it makes a difference when you add facts to your argument now, doesn't it? Good job! ;)

[amalie]

Well, I can only speak for me, but this episode was a filler for two reasons (1) Too much Lois Lane and (2) not enough of the Adventures of Moose and Squirrel! Er, I mean, of the Adventures of Doomsday and Chloe.

You give me any of these and I don't care what the storyline is or how much progress is made in a story. It's automatically a filler. No question about it. On the other hand, give me the most retconned and unbelievable story ever, such as Tess reading from Lionel's pictured story book, and add Davis go Boom (er, I mean, Davis go Doom) and it will be the most epic most iconic most non-filler episode evah.

Well that's according to my definition anyway. I guess nowadays everyone has their own personal definition to words so who knows what others think...

I guess if you're watching this show as a story about Chloe and Davis then you're right it's a filler. I suspect the majority of us (as the poll indicates) are watching this as a show about Clark Kent which if we're honest, is what it's meant to be about, hence it's not a filler.

[Dustmite]

I voted yes.

[izanami]

I suspect the majority of us (as the poll indicates) are watching this as a show about Clark Kent which if we're honest, is what it's meant to be about, hence it's not a filler.

Hold on a minute. I'm slightly confused. We're still talking about Smallville, right? If so, who in the world is this Clark Kent fellow you speak of, and more importantly does he go doom? What about "smaaaaaaaaaaash"? Hmmm?

[red_sun1938]

Your definition of a filler episode is wrong.

Not to mention that Stiletto did focus on the main story arc of not just the season but of the series, which has always been Clark Kent and his journey. Lois Lane and the RBB are part of that journey. Add to the mix Bruno Manheim and the episode was simply not filler.


Yeah, major themes being Chloe now covering for Davis. Lois trying to track down The Red Blue Blur and Clark seeing Lois as more than a co-worker but a person to rely on. I hated the Stiletto plot but this was not filler at all.

The phone booth scene and Allison's grief after disposing of AJ's remains were fantastic.

[BadaBingBadaBoomsday]

Well, I can only speak for me, but this episode was a filler for two reasons (1) Too much Lois Lane

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[badraven]

You know I really dislike the term "filler episode." First it mainly only applies to serialized shows (which SV is now but for most of its run it was not.) Second at the end of the day every episode is about one thing...it exists to entertain. That's it, every episode's most basic objective is to entertain you. So...the question becomes: did/does the episode entertain me or not? If you answer "yes it was entertaining" then the episode succeeded at a basic level, if you answer "no it did not" then it failed. That's it.

I understand that in serialized shows everyone wants the story arc to advance and "filler episodes" usually don't do that. They "fill-in" for for the arc, thus the term but even those episodes, as all episodes, can be good and entertaining. Just judge the episode for what it is and how much you like or dislike it. Not everything has to been seen through the prism of the overall story arc of a show.

I really liked 'Stiletto.' I was entertained. Thus, for me at least, it was a successful episode of SV. Also it advanced the story arc of Davis/Doomsday-Chole, Clark/Lois, and IMO Clark's progression towards becoming Superman. Which is the series arc and thus the most important. So no I would not consider 'Stiletto' to be a "filler." But that's just me.

[superjude]

IMO, a nope!!! It was great for the larger picture and not just about the Chloe/ DAvis/ Doomsday story arc.

[Tatiana]

Nope I don't think so because it developed the story of Clark's double identity, more about RBB and even the idea of Lois coming up with his new name, also developed their relationship, their lovetriangle really...developed what is going on with Chloe and Davis, and even showed us where Jimmy was. Plus brought new villains that could definitely be used in the future, Bruno could get out of jail and try revenge against Lois, Clark and Jimmy...could be a good storyline.

[ginevrakent]

I have called it semi filler but the term wasn't appreciated a lot. The reason i said that, was because i felt that Stiletto advanced Clois and introduced Intergang but not with immediate effect. I think that these will be main plots that will be touched upon next year. Ever since the Power arc concluded, the main focus for Season 8 has been the Doomsday-Clark pending battle. And since Stiletto didnt' advance that, it was a filler for the rest of the season. I have bolded that part to make it clear. Many will say that this term can't exist but it's my take on it. One final thing. Eternal wasn't a filler. In the general purpose of the show it was also a semi-filler. It's developments might not have a major impact on the general idea of the show which is Clark's journey, but it was very important in setting up the final episodes of Season 8. To wrap this up, when you deal with a story every second episode, this is what you will get. Episodes that will divide the audience(not in half obviously) as to whether they are fillers or get called semi-fillers by others(ahem ahem).

I'm sorry, but I don't think you can just slice and dice the season and series in order to justify calling this episode a filler or semi-filler. If Stiletto continues the development we got in Identity (an episode with no Doomsday and a fave of TPTB), the season's theme of dual identities/embracing destiny, and the overall series arc of Clark becoming Superman then it simply does not fit any definition of filler. The episodes have been divided--with Doomsday development on the one hand and RBB development on the other (some episodes have both). That's why we get episodes like Hex that develop Chloe's character, the JL, and Clark's progress into embracing his role as a hero then one's like Eternal that focus more on Davis. However, while Hex had zero Doomsday development Stiletto at least showed us how Chloe was dealing with her new burden and even included a glimpse (sort of) of Doomsday.


An episode about Clark and Lois can be filler, or semi-filler. Lois is not all there is to Superman. The dynamic of his relationship with villains like Lex is equally as important as the romantic relationship he will develop with Lois. As Davis Bloome above said, the development of the RBB arc will come when he comes up against iconic enemies, since he has developed all of his powers(sans flight). Granted, in this episode it was established that Clark will need someone like Lois Lane in his life to share his double identity with, but that falls under the Clois development rather than the RBB one in my eyes.

The development of the RBB arc is not something that will happen instantaneously as soon as he faces a villain. If that was all there was to it, it would be so lightswitchy to be rendered meaningless, at least to me. I think the RBB arc advances when Clark makes conscious decisions to develop his heroic identity, which we saw in Prey, Identity, Hex, and Stiletto. The development in Stiletto was not about Clois, as you say. Sure, it was part of it, but there was more to Clark's decisions and actions than any flirtation he's starting with Lois.


I voted yes.

Care to explain why?

[davidbrenton]

I think Stilleto was marketed as a BIG filler episode, but definitely was not one. It was significant, but the whole episode had a "hokey" tone which undermined a lot of the progression this episode bore.

[costas22]

The development in Stiletto was not about Clois, as you say. Sure, it was part of it, but there was more to Clark's decisions and actions than any flirtation he's starting with Lois.



What was the development that had to do with Clark but not Clois? His decision to take a shot when is weakened? He has done it before. The fact that he accepted that he should seek a better nickname? Perhaps. Clark has been like this for most of Season 8. He didn't become more Supermanly in Stiletto. And i obviously don't like to slice and dice but we are into the final 100 metres of the season and if you look at this episode compared to Eternal and the 3 that we are going to get, it seems a bit off. I would have liked to have seen it closer to Identity because as you said, to an extent it picked up from that.

[ginevrakent]

What was the development that had to do with Clark but not Clois? His decision to take a shot when is weakened? He has done it before. The fact that he accepted that he should seek a better nickname? Perhaps. Clark has been like this for most of Season 8. He didn't become more Supermanly in Stiletto.

Forget for a minute that the journalist Clark contacted was Lois Lane, and consider what a big step it is for him to publicly speak out as the RBB when in Turbulence it was seen as a progress for him to simply slow down his superspeed so he could be caught on surveillance cameras.

Clark has not been like this for most of Season 8. For most of Season 8, he was content and even weary of bringing the RBB out of the shadows. The promise of the "Superman" nickname is just symbolic of this important step towards his ultimate destiny.


And i obviously don't like to slice and dice but we are into the final 100 metres of the season and if you look at this episode compared to Eternal and the 3 that we are going to get, it seems a bit off. I would have liked to have seen it closer to Identity because as you said, to an extent it picked up from that.

First of all, it did not pick up from Identity "to an extent." Stiletto was a direct follow-up to that crucial episode, which was specifically highlighted on the "Previously on Smallville" preceeding the episode. Second of all, Stiletto clearly followed up on the Doomsday arc from Eternal. It showed us what harboring Doomsday entails and its consequences for Chloe.

I am just getting sick and tired of everyone claiming that episodes that develop key characters from the series are somehow less interesting or less important than the glut of Chlavis filler we have been spoonfed this year. Everyone is so busy pointing the finger at Stiletto and calling it the filler episode while Eternal actually has many of the hallmarks of a filler, according to multiple definitions. Beast isn't even going to feature a lot of Clark Kent since Tom will be preparing to direct. It is going to develop Davis and Chloe's story while Clark once again remains a reactive bystander in his own life story. I watch Smallville to watch Clark's story not a tragic and twisted Beauty and the Beast fantasy.

[costas22]

First of all, it did not pick up from Identity "to an extent." Stiletto was a direct follow-up to that crucial episode, which was specifically highlighted on the "Previously on Smallville" proceeding the episode. Second of all, Stiletto clearly followed up on the Doomsday arc from Eternal. It showed us what harboring Doomsday entails and its consequences for Chloe.

I am just getting sick and tired of everyone claiming that episodes that develop key characters from the series are somehow less interesting or less important than the glut of Chlavis filler we have been spoonfed this year. Everyone is so busy pointing the finger at Stiletto and calling it the filler episode while Eternal actually has many of the hallmarks of a filler, according to multiple definitions. Beast isn't even going to feature a lot of Clark Kent since Tom will be preparing to direct. It is going to develop Davis and Chloe's story while Clark once again remains a reactive bystander in his own life story. I watch Smallville to watch Clark's story not a tragic and twisted Beauty and the Beast fantasy.

If Stiletto picked up immediately from Identity, that's all the worse because Identity was 12 episodes back. It wasn't even winter when that episode aired and now we have spring. That's why i said that it should have aired sooner. Hey, i was also sick and tired of seeing Stiletto voted as a better episode than Memoria or Quest but i am not complaining. At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am with you on the Chlavis issue, but i didn't make it the focal point of the show along with RBB/Clois. PS3 did. My issue with Stiletto wasn't that it developed key characters. It was that it wrongly placed. If you felt that i was taking shots at Stiletto because i am so in love with the Chlavis arc you are wrong.

[ginevrakent]

If Stiletto picked up immediately from Identity, that's all the worse because Identity was 12 episodes back. It wasn't even winter when that episode aired and now we have spring. That's why i said that it should have aired sooner. Hey, i was also sick and tired of seeing Stiletto voted as a better episode than Memoria or Quest but i am not complaining. At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am with you on the Chlavis issue, but i didn't make it the focal point of the show along with RBB/Clois. PS3 did. My issue with Stiletto wasn't that it developed key characters. It was that it wrongly placed. If you felt that i was taking shots at Stiletto because i am so in love with the Chlavis arc you are wrong.

I wasn't directing my comments about Chlavis at you. It was just general venting so sorry if it came out that way.

I agree that Stiletto was probably misplaced, but it still doesn't make it a filler episode. This whole season has been poorly structured. The Lana arc felt completely out of place, in my opinion. It doesn't change the fact that Stiletto was an important episode.

This is not a response to something you said, costas22, but several people have claimed that Stiletto was filler because it was "hokey" or "cheesy," which is something I want to address. In Season 4, I think Spell could be considered one of the cheesiest episodes (witches, potions, possession), yet it still was critical to the stones arc for that season.

[clois-destiny-forever]

NO, this was not a filler episode. It was dealing the double-identity arc that has been the main thing for Clark this season. That's right, Clark, the main character!

[costas22]

I wasn't directing my comments about Chlavis at you. It was just general venting so sorry if it came out that way.

I agree that Stiletto was probably misplaced, but it still doesn't make it a filler episode. This whole season has been poorly structured. The Lana arc felt completely out of place, in my opinion. It doesn't change the fact that Stiletto was an important episode.

This is not a response to something you said, costas22, but several people have claimed that Stiletto was filler because it was "hokey" or "cheesy," which is something I want to address. In Season 4, I think Spell could be considered one of the cheesiest episodes (witches, potions, possession), yet it still was critical to the stones arc for that season.

I didn't take anything personally :). Just call me Costas though ;). My issue was never that it was cheesy. First of all, as a male i didn't mind seeing Erica Durance in a leather costume. Second and most important, i think we have seen other episodes that have been more cheesy. My complaint is stricly what you said: the structure of the season. From the Lana arc, to the disjointed RBB arc(in terms of how often we see an episode about him) to the draggred out Chlavis arc it just hadn't clicked well. Not to mention the poor use of a certain fiery red haid i like :rolleyes:. Only one arc has been carefully constructed throughout the season: Doomsday's. That's why it felt like the most important acr to me. Wrapping up, had they dumped the DD arc, gave Clark more screntime and put this episode closer to Identity i would have rated it just as good. I loved Identity. Stiletto wasn't a filler. Semi filler was my term but if it doesn't make sense, i replace it with "important episode just at the wrong place".

[ginevrakent]

Wrapping up, had they dumped the DD arc, gave Clark more screntime and put this episode closer to Identity i would have rated it just as good. I loved Identity. Stiletto wasn't a filler. Semi filler was my term but if it doesn't make sense, i replace it with "important episode just at the wrong place".

That is a label I can live with, Costas:)

I do think that Stiletto wouldn't have fit early on in the season, though. Clark needed to experience the events of episodes like Infamous to get to the point where he is now. If Stiletto had occurred earlier, the development of the RBB identity would have seemed lightswitched, IMO. I think it would have been better to have combined the Eternal/Beast storyline into one episode and given us another RBB episode to set up Stiletto. As a Lois fan, I appreciated having an episode like this prior to the finale because we haven't really seen a lot of Lois lately since she is absent for episodes at a time and her role in Hex was minimal at best. I think that we needed to see both Lois and Clark developed in this episode because it will help set up the action in the finale.

[costas22]

That is a label I can live with, Costas:)

I do think that Stiletto wouldn't have fit early on in the season, though. Clark needed to experience the events of episodes like Infamous to get to the point where he is now. If Stiletto had occurred earlier, the development of the RBB identity would have seemed lightswitched, IMO. I think it would have been better to have combined the Eternal/Beast storyline into one episode and given us another RBB episode to set up Stiletto. As a Lois fan, I appreciated having an episode like this prior to the finale because we haven't really seen a lot of Lois lately since she is absent for episodes at a time and her role in Hex was minimal at best. I think that we needed to see both Lois and Clark developed in this episode because it will help set up the action in the finale.

Now that i think about it, my personal definition of filler is an eppie that features unnecessary stuff that add nothing to the plot. Stiletto, even when Lois wore the suit and posed didn't do that. It always looked to add to the main stories. So i might have been harsh in that respect. Sleeper had useless stuff. Noir(beautifully shot, don't get me wrong) had pointless stuff. And i perfectly understand, every Lois fan who might feel frustrated about allegations of Stiletto being a filler. In reality, the last Lois eppie was Infamous so it's obvious you guys have waited a long time. What we can do now is pray that next year they rectify this ridiculous thing with Lois and Jimmy getting 12-13 episodes max. Speaking of Jimmy, he has also gine through some rough treatment. He got bumped out of Hex and in Stiletto they didn't focus at all on him. At least we got the iconic trio in action as many people said.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

What was the development that had to do with Clark but not Clois? His decision to take a shot when is weakened? He has done it before. The fact that he accepted that he should seek a better nickname? Perhaps.

Okay, I'll play. When in this episode did Clark have someone tell him what to do beyond Lois suggesting he track down the guy who was arrested?

When during this episode wasn't Clark pro-active?

Who told Clark how to track down Stiletto?

How many lectures did Clark get?

Was Clark seen to be a positive influence?

Did people listen to what Clark had to say without hitting him with a 'The World Needs You' type conversation that put pressure on him to do something?

What changed Clark's mind about talking to a member of the Press when at the end of Infamous he was determined never to do that again?

At any point during the episode was Clark seen to consider how lonely he is or isn't?

Does Clark now know something is wrong with Chloe?



Clark has been like this for most of Season 8. He didn't become more Supermanly in Stiletto.

There is more to Superman than swooping in for a save. He is supposed to have a positive influence on people and his sense of right and wrong, his empathy, the way people react to him, the way he can connect with them, and his ability to assess a situation and come up with a solution to it, are all part and parcel of the kind of superhero the world will look up to. We've had glimpses of this when he talked down Bette in Plastique, when he put the pieces together in Committed, when he sought out Oliver and Chloe's help in a plan to put Jimmy off the trail in Identity, when he took the lead in Bloodline, when he took on the position of mentor in Legion, when he understood and helped Dan in Bulletproof, when he realized his mistake in Infamous, and with the way he handled Tess in Turbulence. Each was a different situation, but each and every one was Clark taking charge of the situation and showing us glimpses of why he will take on the role of the world's greatest Superhero and at the same time will make a great investigative reporter. Stiletto did exactly the same thing with a different set of circumstances and with someone who is hardly renowned for listening to the advice of others let alone doing what they say she should do. In Stiletto Clark demonstrated why he's a good influence on Lois and Lois showed us another glimpse of why Clark falls for her. Add that to Lois making a mistake, admitting to it and learning from it and that's progression in BOTH characters as individuals as well as in another step of their romantic relationship.


And i obviously don't like to slice and dice but we are into the final 100 metres of the season and if you look at this episode compared to Eternal and the 3 that we are going to get, it seems a bit off. I would have liked to have seen it closer to Identity because as you said, to an extent it picked up from that.

In season six we had the episode Nemesis, Clark and Lex trapped underground with Clark debilitated by Kryptonite and the two of them having to work together to get out. It was part of the first part of the Project Ares storyline that hadn't even been introduced before in the way the RBB/Lois Lane storyline had, yet was used to help move towards the finale leading to the dam where Lois was stabbed, Lex's experiments were discovered, Clark found the phantom and Bizarro was released. It was the fourth episode from the end of the season. It was written by Caroline Dries.

In season seven we had a much worse episode than Stiletto in the form of Sleeper - Jimmy Olsen secret agent, remember? But as cheesy and cringe-worthy as that episode was in places, it set up Chloe and the supposed DDS for the finale, it re-introduced the Naman and Sageeth storyline for the finale and it set up the Lex/Jimmy blackmail for the finale. It was the fourth episode from the end of the season. It was written by Caroline Dries.

See the pattern?

Three episodes from the end of season six we had Noir. A black and white detective story in Jimmy Olsen's head. Was the episode cheesy in places? Yes it was. Did it add to the plot? Yes it did. In season seven we had Apocalypse three episodes from the end of the season, showing Clark that his existence on Earth was needed and ending with Kara dropping the milk which solidified the set up for Brainiac at the end of the season and into season eight. Was it part of the ongoing Veritas storyline that culminated in the finale of season seven? No it wasn't. Did it add to the plot? Yes it did.

See the pattern?

Stiletto not only dealt with the iconic relationship between Lois Lane, Clark Kent and the RBB that may or may not be a small part of the season finale, but it also set up Bruno Mannheim and Intergang for season nine if that's the way the show is going to introduce Darkseid, AND it added to the Doomsday story by showing the strain Chloe is under and her widening rift with Clark and the people who care about her. That not only leads us from Eternal to Beast and towards the finale, it also sets up any Clois for the finale and leads us into the next season in the EXACT SAME WAY this show has used final four episodes for THREE SEASONS.

The Doomsday plot is NOT the only plot in season nine and Clark's progression with his secret identity and as the man behind the suit is INDEPENDENT of Davis Bloom's story as evidenced right up until the end of Eternal. As far as Clark is concerned, Davis is DEAD. He doesn't know any different, so his life continues on the path it was on before he even knew of Davis' existence. Having had an episode to focus on other things, finding out that Davis is alive in Beast will be even more of a shock for him and having kept it secret from him even when Clark said he was there for her, makes the emotional impact of what Chloe had done even more of a blow to Clark in Beast. And showing his relationship with Lois bringing them closer in Stiletto, when the last time we saw them together was Hex, leads in to the moment Cloisers will apparently be happy with in Doomsday.

There IS a Smallville pattern to this kind of thing. Stiletto was NOT a filler.

When was the last time the Injustice League was mentioned this season? How much has the Justice League had to do with the Doomsday storyline? And yet they're both being introduced in the second episode from last. Is that a filler too?

[gardy1]

Hi Everyone,

I really liked Stiletto, and it was one of my favorite episodes of the season. It was fun, it advanced the story between Clark/Lois/RBB, and the sooner Smallville dumps the whole Doomsday/Davis/Chloe idea, the better I like it.

It's time for Clark to begin to move into the future. The scene at the end with Clark on the phone with Lois was great. I will remember it until season 9. I would rather have Chloe come back next year with a new mission as Watchtower.

Thanks
gardy1

[costas22]

There IS a Smallville pattern to this kind of thing. Stiletto was NOT a filler.

When was the last time the Injustice League was mentioned this season? How much has the Justice League had to do with the Doomsday storyline? And yet they're both being introduced in the second episode from last. Is that a filler too? <!-- / message --><!-- edit note -->

Never said it was a filler. As i said above, more like an important episode wrongly positioned. It's this Smallville pattern that i have always hated. They should always be looking to find a better balance between the final 5 episodes so that they slowly build towards the finale. On that note and based on what you said, are Noir and Sleeper considered fillers? Because that was the general notion when they aired. Every episode will give you some character developments. But if it involves some unnecessary elements, in my eyes it is considered a filler. That's why i put Ageless, Noir and Sleeper in that category and that's why i didn't put Stiletto in that category. Just a note though. The Nemesis arc about Reeves Dam didn't come out of nowhere. The experiments on Wes Keenan were supposed to be a continuation of 33.1.

I am not denying the significance of Clark's actions in Stiletto. I just don't feel that he did many groundbreaking things. He has got very close to being Superman anyway. In this episode he just established that. There were some new developments as far as his relationship with Lois are concerned. I focus more on his pending showdown with Doomsday instead of how his relationship with Lois develops, if that's ok. Injustice isn't a filler. But then again i never said that Stiletto having some new stuff made it a filler either. Never said it was a filler, period. Just saying what didn't thrill me. I know that for many the focus is on Clark and Lois and given their importance to the mythos that's understandable. But i would have liked to have seen some follow up on Tess and the orb as well as a more in depth look at what has been going on in Jimmy's life.

[Kal-ed]

What was the development that had to do with Clark but not Clois? His decision to take a shot when is weakened? He has done it before. The fact that he accepted that he should seek a better nickname? Perhaps. Clark has been like this for most of Season 8. He didn't become more Supermanly in Stiletto. And i obviously don't like to slice and dice but we are into the final 100 metres of the season and if you look at this episode compared to Eternal and the 3 that we are going to get, it seems a bit off. I would have liked to have seen it closer to Identity because as you said, to an extent it picked up from that.

Its the first time Clark has spoken to someone as the RBB, up untill now it had been: superspeed in, save the day, superspeed out, first time he´s gotten in touch with someone while being the RBB. IMO that´s a huge step, just as big as him starting to make himself more public, this is giving way to RBB(later Superman) to be a complete alter ego, not just a disguise.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Never said it was a filler.

Subject of the thread hun ;)


As i said above, more like an important episode wrongly positioned. It's this Smallville pattern that i have always hated. They should always be looking to find a better balance between the final 5 episodes so that they slowly build towards the finale.

Thing with being a Smallville fan IMO is that we have to accept the less-than-Requiem with the good (the Power and Requiem are as bad as it gets IMO). It's nowhere near perfect and never will be but then neither is the source material. I'm not arguing that they have problems with structure. They do. They always have. But I don't see that changing tbh.

Could Stiletto have slotted in earlier in the season? Not before Identity it couldn't. And after Identity we had Bloodline. It could have replaced Abyss, but then Infamous would have been out of place and Clark would have been clearly getting closer to Lois prior to the Lana Arc of Suck. Everything went to hell in a hand-basket to accommodate Lana mid-season and THEN we had Infamous, which was the next part of the story arc, so IMO Stiletto could not have been done prior to Infamous because it was a continuation from Identity. Could it have been done before Hex? Maybe. Could it have been done before Eternal? Yes it could. Was it? No. But that's a structural problem again and like so much in this season IMO it comes down to the Lana arc. If the Lana arc had been at the start of the season we wouldn't have had anywhere near as many problems as far as I'm concerned. But then personally I could have done without it FULL STOP. The fact it was planned PRIOR to the planning of the rest of season eight pretty much says it all. They suck at structure.


On that note and based on what you said, are Noir and Sleeper considered fillers? Because that was the general notion when they aired. Every episode will give you some character developments. But if it involves some unnecessary elements, in my eyes it is considered a filler. That's why i put Ageless, Noir and Sleeper in that category and that's why i didn't put Stiletto in that category.

Anything that has character development and adds to the plot cannot be considered a 'filler' IMO, or by the definitions I discovered of the word. Are there some woefully badly conceived episodes? Yes indeedy there are. Was Stiletto as pointless or even more pointless than Noir or Sleeper? Looking at the threads set up in both those episodes to lead into the finales they weren't pointless episodes and they did add to the plot, but were they works of literary genius? No. Did they add to the bigger story of Clark Kent's journey to lining up with the mythos the way Stiletto did? No they didn't. They could therefore be considered more 'filler-like' to some but they're still not fillers in the way several episodes this year have been.

Did Stiletto have a set of flashbacks with a conclusion that was gone two episodes later and never brought up again like in Abyss? No. Was it a set of flashbacks to retcon the Dear Clark video and the set up to deify a character that was leaving the show at Clark's expense like in Power? No it wasn't. Was it a set of flashbacks in the form of a retcon of a retcon of the original backstory in an attempt to fit this years main arc into the canon of the show while ignoring existing continuity like in Eternal? No it wasn't. Was it cheesy in places? Heck yes. No-one's denying that. But was Lois dressed as Stiletto any more cheesy than Lois as Ultra Woman in LnC or the Movies version of Lex Luthor? I don't think so. Superman stories have always had an element of cheesiness IMO and it's not like it's the first time Smallville has fallen down that hole. ILL is frequently used that way - she wears numerous disguises, gets into many ridiculous situations while chasing a story, needlessly puts her life on the line and has been known to trick Superman into rescuing her and to steal stories from Clark Kent. And let's just remember the number of times the characters will do something stupid or cheesy on Smallville as a plot device in the story shall we?

It's not Dostoevsky we're talking about here. It's Smallville.


Just a note though. The Nemesis arc about Reeves Dam didn't come out of nowhere. The experiments on Wes Keenan were supposed to be a continuation of 33.1.

I know it was a continuation of 33.1. The point that I was trying to make that I wasn't clear about - and I apologize for that - is that Project Ares wasn't mentioned until Noir and it was Jodi Kennan, the wife of Wes Keenan who trapped Lex underground in Nemesis which connected Lois to the storyline that led to the finale through her previous relationship with Wes Keenan, as seen in Prototype - which made Nemesis the first link in the chain that connected Lois to the story. That then led her to Reeves dam in the finale which became part of the Lex secret project/phantom/Bizarro/Chloe's meteror abilities storylines that led us into season seven.

In Stiletto the same thing happens. For the first time, Lois gets a glimpse of the fact there's something wrong with Chloe. She also learns a lesson the hard way about using questionable means to track down a story while missing the real story. And she finally connects with the RBB. That then ties her into the events of the finale in the same way she was tied to the events of the finale of season six from the moment Jodi Keenan appeared in Nemesis and Lois discovered the flash drive in Noir. And in the same way that Jimmy getting involved with the DDS and Lex in Sleeper led to Lex blackmailing him to keep Lois off the scent in the finale of season seven. It's all inter-connected and part of the plot and therefore the episodes can't be considered fillers, no matter how cheesy they may be.


I am not denying the significance of Clark's actions in Stiletto. I just don't feel that he did many groundbreaking things. He has got very close to being Superman anyway. In this episode he just established that.

I agree he's a lot closer than he was last season, but he's still not there yet. And how many episodes this year had him doing ground-breaking things? Was his role in Eternal ground-breaking in Superman terms? How about his role in Turbulence? Requiem? Power? Committed? Were his actions in Odyssey more groundbreaking than his actions in Infamous? There are moments and glimpses that all add to the bigger picture in each and every episode where Clark is pro-active and mature IMO. Stiletto was one of those episodes.


There were some new developments as far as his relationship with Lois are concerned. I focus more on his pending showdown with Doomsday instead of how his relationship with Lois develops, if that's ok.

Course it's okay. I never said it wasn't. Each to their own ;) I'm a bigger picture kinda gal if that's okay. To me the Lois and Clark relationship is every bit as important as the relationships he has with every other character on the show. Maybe more, from the point of view of her significance in his life in the future. I'm also interested in his relationship with Jimmy. These are the people who will be a big part of his life as Superman, so to me they need to be developed. And considering how little screentime they have episode count wise, any episode that deals with a part of their journey is a welcome addition to me, PARTICULARLY when Clark isn't made to look bad because of it.

Eternal dealt with the Doomsday storyline, so will Beast, Injustice and Doomsday. That's MORE than enough for me considering I HATE what it has done to Chloe and her relationship with Clark along the way. By focussing on one storyline and ignoring others the show is taking a chance on alienating the fans who aren't keen on that storyline. It's as simple as that. They had me with the early development of Davis and his struggles, but I've had a gut full now and am ready for the showdown already. After the train wreck of Eternal, I'm dreading Beast. By connecting Lois to the story and advancing the Doomsday angle with Chloe's deteriorating mental state in Stiletto, I'm more open to watching what happens than I would have been after Eternal and I'm more sympathetic towards Chloe's dilemma. Plus it was a welcome break from the heavy dramatic darkness which to me is more Batman than Superman. So unless we're suggesting they should ignore fans like me in favour of fans who want all Doomsday all the time...


Injustice isn't a filler. But then again i never said that Stiletto having some new stuff made it a filler either. Never said it was a filler, period. Just saying what didn't thrill me.

The subject of the thread is whether or not it's a filler. You said you saw it as a semi-filler didn't you? Maybe I misread that. But as I've said before, not liking an episode doesn't mean it was a filler of any kind. Neither does it mean that there weren't events in the episode that aren't valid to the overall story. Different people watch for different reasons and expect different things. That's fair enough. But as per the subject of the thread, cheese or no cheese, Stiletto wasn't a filler. That's all I'm saying. I'm not trying to make it personal. Simple fact is if Tess had been in the episode you might have enjoyed it more, right? :p


I know that for many the focus is on Clark and Lois and given their importance to the mythos that's understandable. But i would have liked to have seen some follow up on Tess and the orb as well as a more in depth look at what has been going on in Jimmy's life.

For me the focus is on Clark. I'm a Lois fan so any development of her character is more than welcome. I'm also a Mythos gal so ANY glimpse or nod to that is wonderful. The Lois and Clark relationship has been one of the storylines this year, to see it dropped completely when it was developed in the early part of the season would have bugged me when it's but one of the elements of this season I've enjoyed. Do I want them madly in lurve after the Arc Of Suck. No I don't. Stiletto was but one step closer. And why as a mythos/Clark/Lois fan am I any less worthy of seeing something I enjoy? Tess and the orb can be dealt with in Beast, Injustice or Doomsday (whichever episodes she may be in) - it's not like there isn't time. And unless I'm mistaken hasn't Tess had the same episode count this year as Lois? ANY glimpse of Jimmy this season is better than the long periods of time he's been in Offscreenville IMO. And there WAS a continuation of his story in Stiletto and he IS in Beast unless I'm mistaken. So I'm sorry, but I really don't see what the problem is with the second Lois heavy episode in a season where her episode count is one DOWN from what it should have been.

As per Hex, Lois had no connection to the storyline leading to the finale and Stiletto was her last appearance until Doomsday. Could it have been done with less cheese? Yes. But in an episode that didn't damage Clark in any way - in fact just the opposite - that had character development for Lois and for Clark's relationship with Lois as well as a continuation of Chloe's part in the Doomsday storyline AND nods to the mythos, I don't feel it was unnecessary either. Just seems to me that every time Lois has a big part in an episode there are cries of unnecessary and that she takes away from the focus of the story. And quite frankly I'm sick of it. PARTICULARLY when there's a reason for her to be there, when it advances the story, when it connects her to the story leading to the finale and when Clark is so pro-active when she's around.

[Kal-ed]

I am not denying the significance of Clark's actions in Stiletto. I just don't feel that he did many groundbreaking things. He has got very close to being Superman anyway. In this episode he just established that. There were some new developments as far as his relationship with Lois are concerned. I focus more on his pending showdown with Doomsday instead of how his relationship with Lois develops, if that's ok. Injustice isn't a filler. But then again i never said that Stiletto having some new stuff made it a filler either. Never said it was a filler, period. Just saying what didn't thrill me. I know that for many the focus is on Clark and Lois and given their importance to the mythos that's understandable. But i would have liked to have seen some follow up on Tess and the orb as well as a more in depth look at what has been going on in Jimmy's life.

Again, if Clark for the first time, talking as the RBB is a minor detail, then I guess Clark deciding that the RBB isnt just means to save people but a side of him and an alter ego that as of Stiletto, interacts with other people as such, means nothing.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Its the first time Clark has spoken to someone as the RBB, up untill now it had been: superspeed in, save the day, superspeed out, first time he´s gotten in touch with someone while being the RBB. IMO that´s a huge step, just as big as him starting to make himself more public, this is giving way to RBB(later Superman) to be a complete alter ego, not just a disguise.

And is a much better way of advancing that than having someone present the idea to him as a done deal IMO.

[Tompouce]

Annie, I was wondering two weeks ago, where you were, it is a relief to see how good you seem to be:D

[Mickey_Bickey]

Going by my previous researched definitions of a filler, and Bad Toad's screentime numbers, this seasons filler episodes:

Toxic (Oliver backstory) - Clark: 16m 1s, Oliver: 24m 49s (Clark 8m 48s less)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - Clark: 20m 57s, Chloe 29m 46s (Clark 8m 49s less)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - Clark: 15m 2s, Lana 20m 15s (Clark 5m 13s less)
Eternal (Davis backstory) - Clark 16m 1s, Davis 22m 42s (Clark 6m 41s less)

Clark's overall screentime in Season Eight:

Odyssey (return of Clark) - 17m 24s (highest screentime minutes)
Plastique (Clark at DP) - 22m 15s (highest screentime minutes)
Toxic (Oliver backstory) - 16m 1s (second highest to Oliver)
Instinct (Clark & Maxima) - 22m 33s (highest)
Committed (Lois & Clark investigate) - 19m 6s (second highest to Lois)
Prey - (Clark investigates) - 19m 55s (highest)
Identity (Clark/RBB) - 24m 23s (highest)
Bloodline (Phantom Zone & Kara) - 20m 26s (highest)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - 20m 57s (second highest to Chloe)
Bride (Wedding & Doomsday) - 19m 38s (highest)
Legion (Superhero-centric) - 24m 21s (highest)
Bulletproof (Clark undercover) - 22m 24s (highest)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - 15m 2s (second highest to Lana)
Requiem (Clark/Lana/Lex) - 23m 35s (highest)
Infamous (Clark/RBB) - 27m 31s (highest)
Turbulance (Clark/Tess) - 16m 6s (highest)
Hex (Chloe-centric) - 22m 41s (second highest to Chloe)
Eternal (Davis Backstory) - 16m 1s (third behind Davis and Chloe)
Stiletto (Lois-centric) - 18m 56s (second highest to Lois)

That's 12 out of 19 episodes where he's had the highest screentime minutes, 6 out of 19 where he's had second highest (when the episode focussed on another character) and 1 out of 19 where he's been third highest.

ALL of the characters add to Clark's story on Smallville and therefore ALL the characters are on a journey and ALL the characters will be developed because their experiences add to Clark's experiences and help shape the man he becomes.

As to the complaint of 'catering to Lois fans':

Abyss - Chloe: 29m 46s (highest screentime and 9m 11s more than Clark)
Hex - Chloe: 26m 57s (highest screentime and 4m 16s more than Clark even though ED played Chloe for 17m 7s)
Eternal - Chloe: 16m 14s (second highest screentime behind Davis)

Compared to:

Committed- Lois: 21m 52s (highest screentime and 2m 46s more than Clark)
Stiletto - Lois: 22m 48s (highest screentime and 3m 52s more than Clark)

And:

Toxic - Oliver: 24m 49s (highest screentime and 8m 48s more than Clark)
Power - Lana: 20m 15s (highest screentime and 5m 13s more than Clark)
Eternal- Davis: 22m 42s (highest screentime and 6m 41s more than Clark)

So how exactly are Lois fans - which is talking about a fanbase btw - being 'catered to' more than fans of Chloe, Lana or Davis in episodes that focus on them? And Clark is in the lead screentime wise per season and highest screentime wise per episode (12 out of 19). Seems to me the show is doing plenty to 'cater' to as many Smallville fans as possible.

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



Where she started out depressed and lacking in direction, thought she envied someone else's life, learned that she had a direction of her own and became Watchtower. Yes, you're right.

So that would be a main character taking a major step in her journey with character development evident for both Chloe and Clark by the end of the episode. Therefore NOT a filler.

Wow, Annie! How could I have missed this post this morning! Those are very compelling numbers, and I agree that Stiletto was the last thing from a filler episode.

[HeroesUnlimited]

Exactly. Watch how next week flows. When there is no Lois, we actually get a Smallville episode.

Wow, POST OF THE YEAR!

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Annie, I was wondering two weeks ago, where you were, it is a relief to see how good you seem to be:D

Awww thanks Karine! I'm still around. I'm always around ;) Nice to know I was missed though... :)


Wow, Annie! How could I have missed this post this morning! Those are very compelling numbers, and I agree that Stiletto was the last thing from a filler episode.

They make for interesting reading, don't they Michelle? I'll admit some of the numbers surprised me. But the argument that Stiletto was a filler because there was less Clark doesn't hold any water with me, particularly when you look at some of the episodes that WERE Clark light. To me it all comes down to how he comes across in the episode and how it adds to the story.

----- Added 55 Seconds later -----


Wow, POST OF THE YEAR!

And again I'll ask for the definition of a Smallville episode.

[HeroesUnlimited]

1. Lois is the main character NOT supporting!!!

Wow, I couldn't disagree more. Clark is this show's main character. Lois is a supporting character. When Lois steals the spotlight from Clark, I lose interest.

[Mickey_Bickey]

They make for interesting reading, don't they Michelle? I'll admit some of the numbers surprised me. But the argument that Stiletto was a filler because there was less Clark doesn't hold any water with me, particularly when you look at some of the episodes that WERE Clark light. To me it all comes down to how he comes across in the episode and how it adds to the story.

Very interesting!!!! This episode advanced so many things, plus it did tie into the Doomsday arc, which is for the most part the other argument I keep hearing.

When Thirst aired, how goofy was that episode? Yet, we can't even call that a filler, because it advanced Chloe's story! We may not like every episode, but for many there seems to be enough scenes to add to an existing arc or introduce a new one or new characters for future storylines.

Thanks for posting those numbers again, because those alone debunk the argument that it was a filler, because Clark didn't have the most minutes!

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Wow, I couldn't disagree more. Clark is this show's main character. Lois is a supporting character. When Lois steals the spotlight from Clark, I lose interest.

How about when Chloe steals the spotlight from him? Or Oliver? Or Davis? Or Lana?

[Mickey_Bickey]

Wow, I couldn't disagree more. Clark is this show's main character. Lois is a supporting character. When Lois steals the spotlight from Clark, I lose interest.

Lois Lane enhances his character. If it were just Clark by himself, the show really wouldn't be as interesting. It's the relationships that make the show interesting to watch along with the action and villians.

I think when they're (Lois and Clark) in the same scene together, they are very much equals, and that's why I enjoy watching them so much. It's because she's doesn't take away from his character like some others have in the past.

Either way, it was a great episode that advanced a number of arcs and introduced next year's arc in the process.

[HeroesUnlimited]

And again I'll ask for the definition of a Smallville episode.

Why do you need one? Why can't someone just recognize one when they see one? I thought some quintessential Smallville episodes were:

-Perry (had some foreshadowing about Clark's future, had Clark stepping up and helping a lost soul, had characters behaving in moral way)

-Ryan (had Clark stepping up and advocating for someone who was too weak to do it for himself, showed Clark taking the initiative to fight hard for someone, even if it was a lost cause, the family element, etc.)

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but Stiletto was a Lois episode. Sure, Clark was there (his onscreen minutes prove that), but his ROLE wasn't that of "the guy". It's like he was a supporting character in a Lois story. And quite frankly, when I started watching Smallville, that's not what I signed up for. I signed up to watch a show that show's Clark's journey. Not Lois's. Not Chloe's. They exist to support him. I know that's not what Lois fans want to hear, but that's just me being honest. At some points during the show this season, I get the impression she's "taking over" the show from him and I don't care for it. The Stilletto character was just hokey and unneccessary. That's why I call it filler. It reminded me of Lana as a vampire. You guys can keep pulling out the dictionary and quoting screen time minutes to us, but that's not really changing my mind. Sorry.

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


When Thirst aired, how goofy was that episode? Yet, we can't even call that a filler, because it advanced Chloe's story!

Thirst was absolutely a filler.

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


How about when Chloe steals the spotlight from him? Or Oliver? Or Davis? Or Lana?

I don't care for that EITHER. I thought I've been pretty consistent about that. This is Clark's show. They exist to support HIM.

[Mickey_Bickey]

Why do you need one? Why can't someone just recognize one when they see one? I thought some quintessential Smallville episodes were:

-Perry (had some foreshadowing about Clark's future, had Clark stepping up and helping a lost soul, had characters behaving in moral way)

-Ryan (had Clark stepping up and advocating for someone who was too weak to do it for himself, showed Clark taking the initiative to fight hard for someone, even if it was a lost cause, the family element, etc.)

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but Stiletto was a Lois episode. Sure, Clark was there (his onscreen minutes prove that), but his ROLE wasn't that of "the guy". It's like he was a supporting character in a Lois story. And quite frankly, when I started watching Smallville, that's not what I signed up for. I signed up to watch a show that show's Clark's journey. Not Lois's. Not Chloe's. They exist to support him. I know that's not what Lois fans want to hear, but that's just me being honest. At some points during the show this season, I get the impression she's "taking over" the show from him and I don't care for it. The Stilletto character was just hokey and unneccessary. That's why I call it filler. It reminded me of Lana as a vampire. You guys can keep pulling out the dictionary and quoting screen time minutes to us, but that's not really changing my mind. Sorry.

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



Thirst was absolutely a filler.

To be honest, I would love to call it that myself, but it introduced Chole into the DP (if I'm recalling correctly), so by definition you really can't call it a filler, because it advanced the plot. I'll admit, the vampire stuff was stupid plain and simple. I won't argue that.

Also, it dived more into Professor Fine aka Brainiac.

[HeroesUnlimited]

Lois Lane enhances his character. If it were just Clark by himself, the show really wouldn't be as interesting.

The show seemed to do pretty well in seasons 1-3

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


To be honest, I would love to call it that myself, but it introduced Chole into the DP, so by definition you really can't call it a filler, because it advanced the plot. I'll admit, the vampire stuff was stupid plain and simple. I won't argue that.

You can't hand pick one or two scenes out of en episode like Chloe's scenes in Thirst and ignore the rest of it. You have to judge an episode by what it is mostly about.

[Selina]

At some points during the show this season, I get the impression she's "taking over" the show from him and I don't care for it.

I dont get that. Lois has been in 12 episodes this year and apart from Stilletto, she hasn't really had a leading role in an episode. If anything the Doomsday and Chloe part have been more towards the "taking" over, than anything we've seen from Lois.

As for it being filler, I still stand by that it wasn't. The episode advanced alot of arcs so it can't be. As for Thirst, mostly Filler because Lana becoming a vampire had absoultly nothing to do with the future episodes. Though I will say this was the episode that Chloe got her job at the DP so in that sense not 100% filler.

[costas22]

Annie you realise i can't do you justice by answering to every single thing right :)? I don't have to anyway because we agree on much. Just one or two things that i read and i feel that i should give my two cents on.


So unless we're suggesting they should ignore fans like me in favour of fans who want all Doomsday all the time...


Of course we shouldn't. It all goes back to what you said. They haven't done a good job of structuring their episodes. To be honest i am not crazy about Doomsday episodes because they carry the Chlavis baggage with them. The point that i was making and it came out a bit negative, is that i have watched the show from the start because i was always intrigued by the dynamic Clark develops with his enemy, whether that is Lionel, Lex, Brainiac or Doomsday. The romantic stuff always came as a second priority for me. For me, i stress that. That said, i would never say, give me 22 Doomy episodes with no Clois elements whatsoever. They should have found a balance. As they say, there is plenty of room for everyone and everything.


The subject of the thread is whether or not it's a filler. You said you saw it as a semi-filler didn't you? Maybe I misread that. But as I've said before, not liking an episode doesn't mean it was a filler of any kind. Neither does it mean that there weren't events in the episode that aren't valid to the overall story. Different people watch for different reasons and expect different things. That's fair enough. But as per the subject of the thread, cheese or no cheese, Stiletto wasn't a filler. That's all I'm saying. I'm not trying to make it personal. Simple fact is if Tess had been in the episode you might have enjoyed it more, right? :p

Damn, you figured it out :lol:! Seriously, Tess' absence has nothing to do with it. I admit i entered this conversation because my opinion was that it was a semi filler. As you can see above, i did take that term back saying that even by my interpration i wouldn't consider it a filler. Just wrongly positioned. Semi filler i figured was an unfair term.


And unless I'm mistaken hasn't Tess had the same episode count this year as Lois? ANY glimpse of Jimmy this season is better than the long periods of time he's been in Offscreenville IMO. And there WAS a continuation of his story in Stiletto and he IS in Beast unless I'm mistaken. So I'm sorry, but I really don't see what the problem is with the second Lois heavy episode in a season where her episode count is one DOWN from what it should have been.


Tess might get one more episode than Lois will(although her screen time won't be anywhere near Lois'). I sense that you believe that Stiletto being Lois heavy was my problem. That isn't the case and i really believe that people should be less sensitive whenever a Lois episode doesn't get a good review. Eternal has been heavily critisized but i have never asked people what was their problem with Tess. I am saying this because Eternal was supposed to be Tess-heavy(with 13 minutes of screen time by her no less :rolleyes:). My issues with Stiletto aren't about how long Lois was on my screen. I am a guy, you think i would complain about that? As far as Jimmy is concerned, i will respectfully disagree there. If they were intending of having him as iconic Jimmy, then they could have kept him offscreenville as much as they wanted. But after Turbulence i felt that we should have seen more of him. In Hex they took him out at the editing room and in Stiletto he was mostly involved in other characters' arcs. But, i will lay off that one, because as you said, we will be seeing more of him in the next episode.

[jayyjayy]

The season's theme is Double identities.

Yes it is. And maybe we will get to see the other side of Shelby, Shemaleby the untold story by Lois Lane. Themes are not arcs.


I always understood that the clear, main storyline arc is Clark Kent's journey to becoming Superman

That is the overall purpose of Smallville of course. By this definition, no episode is filler. Which may be how you like to view it and that’s fine. I see a season of sub-arcs like Clois and RBB but the focus of the season, its premiere, its finale is going to be about…anyone? Anyone? Bueller?


You would be right but the problem is you based your whole argument under the premise that Doomsday is the only arc.

You would be right but the problem is you based your whole argument under the premise that I said only arc.


By saying that Doomsday is the only story this year that matters then we're saying that every episode Davis and Doomsday aren't in and that doesn't focus on that storyline and how it impacts Clark is a sub-arc or a filler. That makes Odyssey, Plastique, Toxic, Instinct, Committed, Identity, Abyss, Legion, Bulletproof, Power, Requiem, Infamous, Hex AND Stiletto sub-arc fillers. That's 14 out of 19 episodes this season.

Seems to me that's a big fat waste of money and time. Unless of course the clear, main storyline is Clark Kent's journey - part of which is all the characters who surround him.


Saying that the Doomsday story is the only story that matters is your interpretation, I certainly did not say that. Tom Welling is the star of a show called Smallville and people tune in every week to watch, whether we call them filler episodes or not. There is no waste of time and money here. Filler doesn’t equal junk. It better not because that’s more than half the season.

My point is if the season has been setup in such a way in which we know where the main focus is going to be for the premiere, mid-season breaks, and finale, then have Doomsday comb his hair cuz he’s gonna be on your Season 8 DVD cover.

[asha14]

Why do you need one? Why can't someone just recognize one when they see one? I thought some quintessential Smallville episodes were:

-Perry (had some foreshadowing about Clark's future, had Clark stepping up and helping a lost soul, had characters behaving in moral way)

-Ryan (had Clark stepping up and advocating for someone who was too weak to do it for himself, showed Clark taking the initiative to fight hard for someone, even if it was a lost cause, the family element, etc.)

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but Stiletto was a Lois episode. Sure, Clark was there (his onscreen minutes prove that), but his ROLE wasn't that of "the guy". It's like he was a supporting character in a Lois story. And quite frankly, when I started watching Smallville, that's not what I signed up for. I signed up to watch a show that show's Clark's journey. Not Lois's. Not Chloe's. They exist to support him. I know that's not what Lois fans want to hear, but that's just me being honest. At some points during the show this season, I get the impression she's "taking over" the show from him and I don't care for it. The Stilletto character was just hokey and unneccessary. That's why I call it filler. It reminded me of Lana as a vampire. You guys can keep pulling out the dictionary and quoting screen time minutes to us, but that's not really changing my mind. Sorry.If you have been watching this show from the first episode you know good and well this has not just started. The whole witch arc was Clark Kent being a guest star In his own story and that happened in season four. But those episode were not fillers because they added to the over all arc of the season. And lets not forget the Lexana arc Clark was only featcherd in that arc in the last five episodes of the season. Lois gets one episode and its like the sky is falling. The episode was more about Clark than you think at least the Lois charactor serves Clarks 's. Clark is now considering coming out to the press. The double identity arc was touched on again. Contrast that with the Davisday arc. Doomsday has nothing to do with Clark 's story, Clark thinks his dead. So it seems to me Clark is taking more of a backside to Doomsday than he is to Lois Lane

[Mickey_Bickey]

The show seemed to do pretty well in seasons 1-3

I said that the relationships are what makes the show along with the action and villians, so I don't understand your point. Are you suggesting that seasons 1 -3 didn't have those elements?


You can't hand pick one or two scenes out of en episode like Chloe's scenes in Thirst and ignore the rest of it. You have to judge an episode by what it is mostly about.

No, actually you're wrong. If the episode has elements that advance the plot or storylines, then it's not a filler. It's a black and white issue, and your post is trying to give it a gray area. There's no gray area. It's either a filler or it's not.

[Tompouce]

I am the first to shout and complain when I find we don't see enough Clark but here, he was "in the air" even when we didn't see him. Everything was connected to him. At least this is my feeling. So, no, it is not a filler. Clark and love in the air, just perfect for me:)

[costas22]

I am the first to shout and complain when I find we don't see enough Clark but here, he was "in the air" even when we didn't see him. Everything was connected to him. At least this is my feeling. So, no, it is not a filler. Clark and love in the air, just perfect for me:)

Yes apparently a dead body in red and blue garbage bags was also in the air :lol:! Smallville has really done a fantastic job of combining romance and darkness in the same episodes.

[Tompouce]

Yes apparently a dead body in red and blue garbage bags was also in the air :lol:! Smallville has really done a fantastic job of combining romance and darkness in the same episodes.
Rohhhhh:mad::DYes and Clark was there for both. Remember the scene with Chloe when he tries to know what is going on...Clark is THE man:p

[dcmarriott]

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but Stiletto was a Lois episode. Sure, Clark was there (his onscreen minutes prove that), but his ROLE wasn't that of "the guy". It's like he was a supporting character in a Lois story. And quite frankly, when I started watching Smallville, that's not what I signed up for. I signed up to watch a show that show's Clark's journey. Not Lois's. Not Chloe's. They exist to support him. I know that's not what Lois fans want to hear, but that's just me being honest. At some points during the show this season, I get the impression she's "taking over" the show from him and I don't care for it. The Stilletto character was just hokey and unneccessary. That's why I call it filler. It reminded me of Lana as a vampire. You guys can keep pulling out the dictionary and quoting screen time minutes to us, but that's not really changing my mind. Sorry..

How do you show Clark's journey without showing how he interacts with the other people in his life? In the early years of the show, Clark's relationship with Lex and with his parnets were the significant ones in showing thathe was growing up, and accepting his powers. In the later seasons, it was his relationship with Lana and Chloe (after she learned his secret) that really showed his progress (or lack thereof). Now that he's at the Planet, Clark's relationship with Lois is the most significant one in terms of showing his maturity, both as a reporter and as a hero. This episode showed how much Clark has grown in the past few months, by showing how his relationship with Lois has changed. How else would you tell his story?

[Tompouce]

How do you show Clark's journey without showing how he interacts with the other people in his life? In the early years of the show, Clark's relationship with Lex and with his parnets were the significant ones in showing thathe was growing up, and accepting his powers. In the later seasons, it was his relationship with Lana and Chloe (after she learned his secret) that really showed his progress (or lack thereof). Now that he's at the Planet, Clark's relationship with Lois is the most significant one in terms of showing his maturity, both as a reporter and as a hero. This episode showed how much Clark has grown in the past few months, by showing how his relationship with Lois has changed. How else would you tell his story?
Exactly, ITA. This epi is one of the best to show how Clark is mature now. That is why it is so important.
It is a little late but welcome here:)

[HeroesUnlimited]

I said that the relationships are what makes the show along with the action and villians, so I don't understand your point. Are you suggesting that seasons 1 -3 didn't have those elements?

Seasons 1-3 didn't have Lois

----- Added 6 Minutes later -----


No, actually you're wrong. If the episode has elements that advance the plot or storylines, then it's not a filler. It's a black and white issue, and your post is trying to give it a gray area. There's no gray area. It's either a filler or it's not.

Who's the authority on what is a filler and what isn't? There isn't one. The stuff people have been posting here comes from WIKIs, which is public-generated material. Which means anyone can write material on those sites. They're not authorities any more than you are or I am. Do you need to look up a definition of a "good movie" when you go to the theatre? Or do you trust your own eyes? It's a subjective thing. You can keep quoting me WIKIs, but that's not going to change my mind. You have your opinion, and I have mine (and that's fine).

----- Added 9 Minutes later -----


How do you show Clark's journey without showing how he interacts with the other people in his life? In the early years of the show, Clark's relationship with Lex and with his parnets were the significant ones in showing thathe was growing up, and accepting his powers. In the later seasons, it was his relationship with Lana and Chloe (after she learned his secret) that really showed his progress (or lack thereof). Now that he's at the Planet, Clark's relationship with Lois is the most significant one in terms of showing his maturity, both as a reporter and as a hero. This episode showed how much Clark has grown in the past few months, by showing how his relationship with Lois has changed. How else would you tell his story?

Well I'm not going to totally rewrite Smallville's history, but just speaking about this one episode only, they could have told the story from Clark's point of view instead of Lois's. They could have kept the audience in the dark about Stilletto's true identity until Clark found out. We could have learned the secret when he did. That would have made it a little better IMO.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Why do you need one? Why can't someone just recognize one when they see one? I thought some quintessential Smallville episodes were:

First up. Please don't presume what I can and can't see. When people say they want a Smallville episode back, I want to know what they consider to be a Smallville episode. Because until they do I can't discuss it. It's as simple as that.


-Perry (had some foreshadowing about Clark's future, had Clark stepping up and helping a lost soul, had characters behaving in moral way)

- Stiletto (had some foreshadowing about Clark's future, had Clark stepping up and helping a misguided soul, had a character realizing their mistake from a moral and professional and personal standpoint) How is that less Smallville than Perry?


-Ryan (had Clark stepping up and advocating for someone who was too weak to do it for himself, showed Clark taking the initiative to fight hard for someone, even if it was a lost cause, the family element, etc.)

- Stiletto (had Clark stepping up and demonstrating to someone why their actions were wrong when they were too blind to see it, showed Clark taking the initiative to rectify the situation even if that person should have know better, his influence on the people closest to him, etc) How is that less Smallville than Ryan?


I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but Stiletto was a Lois episode. Sure, Clark was there (his onscreen minutes prove that), but his ROLE wasn't that of "the guy". It's like he was a supporting character in a Lois story. And quite frankly, when I started watching Smallville, that's not what I signed up for. I signed up to watch a show that show's Clark's journey. Not Lois's. Not Chloe's. They exist to support him. I know that's not what Lois fans want to hear, but that's just me being honest. At some points during the show this season, I get the impression she's "taking over" the show from him and I don't care for it. The Stilletto character was just hokey and unneccessary. That's why I call it filler. It reminded me of Lana as a vampire.

No more of a broken record than those who disagree with you ;) No-one's denying it was a Lois-centric episode. Clark was there, (his screentime minutes do prove that which is why they were brought across), and his role was entirely that of "the guy" IMO because he was the one who looked at each of the problems, sought out the solutions to them, was pro-active in solving them, had a positive effect and at the same time realized that someone close to him who is unaware of his secret can still have an understanding of the life he lives as a superhero. In a Lois-centric episode he was pro-active and self-assured and confident and was taking on the role of a superhero both in and out of the RBB disguise. That's EXACTLY what I signed on for. I too signed on to watch a show that's Clark's journey and his journey is influenced by those around him and their actions and experiences in the same way that their journeys are influenced by his. In a character driven show that makes perfect sense to me. Because it's true to life, and because none of the people in Clark's life are or should be cardboard cut-outs of the originals.

As to whether I tune in for a specific character over Clark. NOT TRUE. I was brought to the show by Clark, watch for Clark and will watch until the end for Clark. It is how CLARK is with other characters that matters most to me and how their journey's add to his. I am ALSO a Lois fan. If Clark was written with her the way he was with Lana and at times is with Chloe, I wouldn't like it. If Lois was made to look like more of a hero than Clark, I wouldn't like it. ANY TIME that Clark is made to look like an idiot or is led by the nose I don't like it. As far as I'm concerned Clark is the sun and every other character should orbit him like the planets, with some closer than others. But the simple fact is on Smallville he is not becoming Superman without both personal experience and the experience of others. This year there have been episodes that focussed on the other characters that had an impact on him as a result. When they focus on them and don't show him in a good light THEN I get mad.

Was he shown in a bad light in Committed? No. Was he shown in a bad light in Stiletto? Not in my opinion and in the opinion of many others. Those were the two Lois heavy episodes this season.

Was he shown in a bad light in Abyss? He made a bad decision IMO but no. Was he shown in a bad light in Hex? No. Those were the two Chloe heavy episodes this season.

Was he shown in a bad light in Toxic? No. That was the Oliver heavy episode. How about Eternal? No. That was the Davis heavy episode. Power? THAT'S a different story. The same could be said in Requiem. Both Lana heavy episodes.

It's got less to do with who the episode is focussed on than it has to to do with how Clark is shown within that episode IMO. I don't see an episode as a filler simply because it focusses on one character a little more or a lot more than another.


You guys can keep pulling out the dictionary and quoting screen time minutes to us, but that's not really changing my mind. Sorry.

Because facts don't matter? It's all about personal preference, right? Which means that Stiletto being a filler, is your personal opinion. To which, you are of course entitled. But so are others. Why ask for an opinion if there's no interest in what others have to say? We're all here to discuss the show.


Thirst was absolutely a filler.

Thirst, although badly conceived and cheesy (which is one of your definition's of a filler episode) led to Chloe going to work at the DP, which eventually led to Chloe being fired from the DP, which led to Lois bringing Clark the application form for the DP, which led to Clark coming to work there when he left the farm behind. So although it was hardly a stellar piece of work and most certainly did not add to the season arc the way Stiletto did, it was a link in a chain of events. Therefore it was not totally pointless.


I don't care for that EITHER. I thought I've been pretty consistent about that. This is Clark's show. They exist to support HIM.

And one dimensional, cardboard cut-out characters can help shape him through their experiences how exactly? Why not simply have him go the fortress at the end of season two and have done? Again I'll say that Smallville is a character driven show and therefore is reliant on the journeys of all the characters and how they influence Clark along the way. The theory of Superman as the real person who flies above the Earth with little or no interaction with the people around him is an out-dated concept IMO and that kind of thinking would have stopped Smallville from existing in the first place. Heaven knows it did wonderful things for Superman Returns. :rolleyes: I'm not suggesting by any means that every single episode should focus on the other characters, but this season we have seen - Power and Requiem apart - a pro-active and mature Clark taking steps towards his iconic destiny. Which is EXACTLY what I've been waiting eight seasons for. YMMV.

[Mickey_Bickey]

Seasons 1-3 didn't have Lois

See below.


Who's the authority on what is a filler and what isn't? There isn't one. The stuff people have been posting here comes from WIKIs, which is public-generated material. Which means anyone can write material on those sites. They're not authorities any more than you are or I am. Do you need to look up a definition of a "good movie" when you go to the theatre? Or do you trust your own eyes? It's a subjective thing. You can keep quoting me WIKIs, but that's not going to change my mind. You have your opinion, and I have mine (and that's fine).

It's fine. I'm right about it not being a filler, because it advanced plots and focussed on 3 arcs not to mention introducing other iconic elements and Intergang which will play a part in next year's storyline. It's not a matter of opinion actually. At this point, there's no sense in quoting a definition to you, because you obviously just want to call it a filler because Lois Lane was in it. Your quote above states it all, and that's where you just lost this argument.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Annie you realise i can't do you justice by answering to every single thing right :)? I don't have to anyway because we agree on much. Just one or two things that i read and i feel that i should give my two cents on.

I know we agree on a lot of things Costas, but I kinda love that we don't agree on everything. You know me and a good debate ;)


Of course we shouldn't. It all goes back to what you said. They haven't done a good job of structuring their episodes. To be honest i am not crazy about Doomsday episodes because they carry the Chlavis baggage with them. The point that i was making and it came out a bit negative, is that i have watched the show from the start because i was always intrigued by the dynamic Clark develops with his enemy, whether that is Lionel, Lex, Brainiac or Doomsday. The romantic stuff always came as a second priority for me. For me, i stress that. That said, i would never say, give me 22 Doomy episodes with no Clois elements whatsoever. They should have found a balance. As they say, there is plenty of room for everyone and everything.

ITA with finding a balance. And it comes down to trying to cater to everyone IMO which kinda contradicts what I said before when I said everyone watches for different reasons and has as much of a right to the things they like as the next person. But I still maintain it comes down to having a balance and that comes back to structure. That's the problem with most TV series with an ensemble cast IMO. There's always a fine line, particularly when the show is long running.

Personally I love the villains too, and think that Smallville in general does a much better job with them that it does with it's heroes. However since this is a show centred around a hero, that's kind of a problem. Look at Lex for example. He's my all time favorite Lex Luthor hands down and was wonderfully layered and nuanced. Would we have got that if he hadn't had the screentime to develop his character? If he hadn't been as great a villain would Clark's experiences with him along the way have had as much of an impact? That to me, is something that is lacking in the Doomsday story so we therefore have to see it as running parallel to Clark's journey. How does it intersect with Clark's life? Through Chloe. So if we didn't have screentime devoted to Chloe how could that happen? I may not like what it has done to Chloe along the way and to her relationship with Clark, but I understand WHY it was done. I just don't think it's the only arc of the season for the very fact that it runs parallel to Clark's journey.

That means Clark's journey continues independently until their paths cross in Eternal. As of the end of Eternal Clark thinks that Davis is dead so his journey continues. Part of that journey is his relationship with Lois Lane and the subject of dual identities. I've NEVER liked it when a character's soul purpose is as a love interest and considering I think none of the characters should be cardboard cut-outs I think they should all have some time put into their development. Stiletto did that with Lois while connecting her to Clark and continuing his journey and hinting at his future. Job done.


Damn, you figured it out :lol:! Seriously, Tess' absence has nothing to do with it. I admit i entered this conversation because my opinion was that it was a semi filler. As you can see above, i did take that term back saying that even by my interpration i wouldn't consider it a filler. Just wrongly positioned. Semi filler i figured was an unfair term.

:lol: And I don't entirely disagree with you that it may have been misplaced, but at the same time I don't see where else it could have gone except between Hex and Eternal... I'm not gonna crucify them for that in the greater scheme of things though. Not when they've made MUCH WORSE mistakes.


Tess might get one more episode than Lois will(although her screen time won't be anywhere near Lois'). I sense that you believe that Stiletto being Lois heavy was my problem. That isn't the case and i really believe that people should be less sensitive whenever a Lois episode doesn't get a good review. Eternal has been heavily critisized but i have never asked people what was their problem with Tess. I am saying this because Eternal was supposed to be Tess-heavy(with 13 minutes of screen time by her no less :rolleyes:). My issues with Stiletto aren't about how long Lois was on my screen. I am a guy, you think i would complain about that?

I'm all for fair criticism. Believe me, if I wasn't, I'd have one heck of a problem with my work in real life. Book reviewers don't pull any punches. Have I said Stiletto was perfect? Have I said it wasn't cheesy? It wasn't one of my favorites, but neither was it a Power or a Requiem. The reason I heavily criticized Eternal and will continue to, is because continuity wise it was a train wreck. I don't think it's too much to expect the showrunners to know their own material, ESPECIALLY when it comes to the continuity of SEASON EIGHT. If they're so damn forgetful then they could use Google and look it up. And the Judas/religious stuff really rubbed me the wrong way. It was a mess. And it was a mess that didn't make sense. But it had nothing to do with the characters or the screentime of those characters or how Clark was portrayed in the episode. And in fairness I have never seen an Eternal criticism aimed directly at Tess and blaming her for the failure of the episode. Now lets' just take a look around and see what Stiletto is being criticized for and who is being blamed shall we? Am I overly sensitive or reacting to what I consider to be unfair criticism?


As far as Jimmy is concerned, i will respectfully disagree there. If they were intending of having him as iconic Jimmy, then they could have kept him offscreenville as much as they wanted. But after Turbulence i felt that we should have seen more of him. In Hex they took him out at the editing room and in Stiletto he was mostly involved in other characters' arcs. But, i will lay off that one, because as you said, we will be seeing more of him in the next episode.

I couldn't agree more that Jimmy is badly written (see my above comment about characters whose sole purpose is as a love interest). The problem is, in the scramble to try and give him something else to do, their immediate response was to give him a darker storyline. Like I said. Not as good at writing heroic characters as they are villains and characters on a dark path. Having said that, the drug addiction storyline isn't the worst thing they could have done to him (see harboring a serial killer and removing body parts as an example). And to have him fight back from that, get back on his journalistic path and become closer to Clark along the way independent of a love interest would be a giant leap forward for Jimmy IMO. But to do that, they have to give him half-decent storylines and screentime and episode appearances that are better spaced out so that he can interact with the rest of the cast and more specifically, with Clark. I think they see him as further down the food chain than the majority of the other iconic characters. But frankly that's always been the way in the Mythos too.

His part in Stiletto was small, but it continued on from the end of Turbulence and it presumably formed a bridge to his appearance in Beast when coupled with the brief Lois and Chloe Facebook chat about him to highlight the rift between him and Chloe. Why having been shown that in Stiletto why is he doing what he's doing in Beast? It opens the question. Which continues the plot.

[tibbit78]

How can this be a filler episode when it had some classic Superman music at the end of Stiletto, and Lois said what (Margot Kidder says in the Superman movies):

"Can You Read My Mind?" I just love that song.

This cannot be a filler when it reminds me of the Superman movies (especially Christopher Reeve's Superman movies).

I just loved that Superman music at the end!!

[costas22]

I'm all for fair criticism. Believe me, if I wasn't, I'd have one heck of a problem with my work in real life. Book reviewers don't pull any punches. Have I said Stiletto was perfect? Have I said it wasn't cheesy? It wasn't one of my favorites, but neither was it a Power or a Requiem. The reason I heavily criticized Eternal and will continue to, is because continuity wise it was a train wreck. I don't think it's too much to expect the showrunners to know their own material, ESPECIALLY when it comes to the continuity of SEASON EIGHT. If they're so damn forgetful then they could use Google and look it up. And the Judas/religious stuff really rubbed me the wrong way. It was a mess. And it was a mess that didn't make sense. But it had nothing to do with the characters or the screentime of those characters or how Clark was portrayed in the episode. And in fairness I have never seen an Eternal criticism aimed directly at Tess and blaming her for the failure of the episode. Now lets' just take a look around and see what Stiletto is being criticized for and who is being blamed shall we? Am I overly sensitive or reacting to what I consider to be unfair criticism?


Eternal was the worst episode i have seen in a long time continuity-wise. I made the Tess referrence as an analogy. I know that she wasn't critisized, although a lot of people(including me) were perplexed about this whole Judas thing and how it came about. It was a mess for the reason you stated above. In a way they are forced to create a rivalry betweem them in one season. Clark and Lex had such a wonderful love/hate relationship because it was slowly built for 7 seasons. And if Davis doesn't stay we wil have the same problem next year with the next villain. On the other side, just like you liked everything about Clark in Stiletto, i think he did justice to Superman in Eternal as well. Pity he didn't have a long time to showcase that(oops, wrong thread! :)). About your question. Stiletto in this thread is critisized by some as being a filler and to be fair some people blame the role Lois played in it. I can't speak for those that think so. As we have clarified over the last 2 posts, my issues are different with Stiletto and they don't involve Lois. May i just say this Annie with all the respect i have for you: We can't please anyone or change their mind. I probably can't teach you anything that you already don't know, but i think that sometimes we can get trapped into pointless debates. As i said above, i also had an issue with Stiletto being voted the best 19th episode over Memoria which gives me goosebumps to this day. I can't change their mind though. It is what it is. So no. You are not overly sensitive. Just sensitive and protective of the things that give you joy. Never change that, just know when you have to look past things that don't deserve time to dwell on them ;). Damn i have become phylosophical around you! It's almost 2 at night here so i will say Goodnight.

[Polomontana]

Yes, it's a Filler episode.

If you go by some of the threads here, we might as well throw out the term filler episode.

A filler episode advances the story and there's character development in a filler episode.

It's just like songs on an album. Some songs are singles other's are there to fill out the album. Both the filler and the single's are part of the album. There part of the overall story.

Stiletto was a filler episode. It's the perfect example of a filler episode because a good filler will still advance the overall story.

If it wasn't a filler, they would have promoted another aspect of the story. They even promoted it as a filler with Lois acting like a superhero. There's no substance in that and there wasn't meant to be any.

This is just a filler until the final episodes.

I bet the red/blue blur is barely mentioned if at all in these last episodes.

This was a filler.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Themes are not arcs.

And how is a theme explored? You take a theme and you run it through a story-arc so it becomes inherent to the plot. The subject of dual identities has run throughout every plot this season. Clark the reporter at the DP while saving lives as the RBB. Chloe hiding Brainiac. Oliver backing away from his dual identity while Clark embraces his. Jimmy the happy-go-lucky trouble free fiancé who comes from a broken home and has an alcoholic father. Davis Bloom the nice guy paramedic who is really a serial killer and Doomsday. Tess, good or bad or both? Lois the hard-nosed reporter who hands out rules then breaks them herself. John Jones the Metropolis cop from Mars. Lois the brusque, combative woman with the deep seated need to be needed. Chloe the heroine reduced to aiding and abetting a murderer...

There's not a single storyline that hasn't contained this theme and been part of the plot.


That is the overall purpose of Smallville of course. By this definition, no episode is filler. Which may be how you like to view it and that’s fine. I see a season of sub-arcs like Clois and RBB but the focus of the season, its premiere, its finale is going to be about…anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

No episode that furthers the plot, has character development and adds to the arcs of the season is a filler IMO. Do some episodes have wasted screentime and cheesiness? Yes. But if it has nothing that adds to the overall story of Clark's journey in any way and has plotlines that are dropped and never revisited then it's a complete and utter waste of time and money. Freak of the Week episodes could skirt dangerously close to that edge in seasons past IMO. Like chapters in a book that could be skipped without effecting the understanding of a story. Action would be a good example of the latter. Thirst for the most part could be too if it wasn't for Chloe getting her job at the DP and the continuation of the Brainiac arc. Toxic would be a good example this year. As would Abyss. Some might consider that to be closer to the definition of a filler and I would agree to a certain extent, but NOT when there's something to further the plot that couldn't have gone into another episode. What did knowing Oliver's backstory add to the season beyond a connection to Tess for example? Couldn't that have been done in the next episode? Not like there wasn't Tess/Oliver interaction there. She could have given him the file on his parent then. Could Chloe's Brainiac problem have come an episode later? Oh wait, that's right, it DID. Because in Instinct she had Kryptonian knowledge and could speed read faster than Clark. Was there enough Davis/Chloe interaction in Toxic to make it worthwhile? I don't think so. All that added to flashbacks and backstory and less impact on Clark makes it a filler to me. Show me where in Infamous, Hex or Doomsday - the last few episodes of Lois Lane in season eight - there was room to show her making a mistake with her journalism career so that Clark could be a positive influence on her, she could admit to the mistake, learn from it, Clark could become closer to her as the RBB as a result and she could have her first inkling of the fact her cousin was having problems. Anyone?

Now what was the lead in arc to season one's finale Tempest when we had the tornado? Was it the entire focus of the last four episodes of the season? How about season two's finale Exodus when Jor-El told Clark it was time to leave Smallville? Was it the entire focus of the last four episodes of the season? Okay, so someone is gonna tell me there wasn't a major villain back then. Lets' jump to season five and Zod. Was the entire focus of Mercy, Fade and Oracle the run in to Vessel? The phantom that was Bizarro in season six. Was the entire focus of Nemesis, Noir and Protoype the run in to Phantom? How about the Veritas arc in season seven. Was the entire focus of Sleeper, Apocalypse and Quest the run in to Arctic?

OR did the show take the time for character to development and to add threads for each character to follow through to their part in the finale? In the same way it's doing on the lead in to Doomsday? A character driven show takes the time to develop the characters as well as forwarding the plot. That's what Stiletto did.


You would be right but the problem is you based your whole argument under the premise that I said only arc.

Fair enough. But it's fair to say you consider it the most important plotline? And that all four episodes should lead up to the finale focussed entirely on that arc? IF that's the case then I stand by what I've said about previous seasons of Smallville, particularly when that season had a major villain in the final arc.


Saying that the Doomsday story is the only story that matters is your interpretation, I certainly did not say that. Tom Welling is the star of a show called Smallville and people tune in every week to watch, whether we call them filler episodes or not. There is no waste of time and money here. Filler doesn’t equal junk. It better not because that’s more than half the season.

Well I would argue that it's more than half the season. Six episodes out of 19 at the very most. But in general I agree with this statement and apologize if I got the gist of your argument wrong.


My point is if the season has been setup in such a way in which we know where the main focus is going to be for the premiere, mid-season breaks, and finale, then have Doomsday comb his hair cuz he’s gonna be on your Season 8 DVD cover.

It follows the same pattern every season for the most part. Season eight is no different and therefore takes time to link all of the characters to the finale in some way while continuing to develop them so we give a stuff what happens to them in the finale. I don't know about Doomsday being on the cover. Was Lex in season seven? Davis maybe at a push, but then how does the man on the street know he's Doomsday? I'd put more money on Chloe and Lois being there. Or Clark on his own in front of the DP Globe. We'll have to wait and see. But the bony monster? That would be a first :)

[Mrs. Superman]

Going by my previous researched definitions of a filler, and Bad Toad's screentime numbers, this seasons filler episodes:

Toxic (Oliver backstory) - Clark: 16m 1s, Oliver: 24m 49s (Clark 8m 48s less)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - Clark: 20m 57s, Chloe 29m 46s (Clark 8m 49s less)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - Clark: 15m 2s, Lana 20m 15s (Clark 5m 13s less)
Eternal (Davis backstory) - Clark 16m 1s, Davis 22m 42s (Clark 6m 41s less)

Clark's overall screentime in Season Eight:

Odyssey (return of Clark) - 17m 24s (highest screentime minutes)
Plastique (Clark at DP) - 22m 15s (highest screentime minutes)
Toxic (Oliver backstory) - 16m 1s (second highest to Oliver)
Instinct (Clark & Maxima) - 22m 33s (highest)
Committed (Lois & Clark investigate) - 19m 6s (second highest to Lois)
Prey - (Clark investigates) - 19m 55s (highest)
Identity (Clark/RBB) - 24m 23s (highest)
Bloodline (Phantom Zone & Kara) - 20m 26s (highest)
Abyss (Chloe flashbacks) - 20m 57s (second highest to Chloe)
Bride (Wedding & Doomsday) - 19m 38s (highest)
Legion (Superhero-centric) - 24m 21s (highest)
Bulletproof (Clark undercover) - 22m 24s (highest)
Power (Lana flashbacks) - 15m 2s (second highest to Lana)
Requiem (Clark/Lana/Lex) - 23m 35s (highest)
Infamous (Clark/RBB) - 27m 31s (highest)
Turbulance (Clark/Tess) - 16m 6s (highest)
Hex (Chloe-centric) - 22m 41s (second highest to Chloe)
Eternal (Davis Backstory) - 16m 1s (third behind Davis and Chloe)
Stiletto (Lois-centric) - 18m 56s (second highest to Lois)

That's 12 out of 19 episodes where he's had the highest screentime minutes, 6 out of 19 where he's had second highest (when the episode focussed on another character) and 1 out of 19 where he's been third highest.

ALL of the characters add to Clark's story on Smallville and therefore ALL the characters are on a journey and ALL the characters will be developed because their experiences add to Clark's experiences and help shape the man he becomes.

As to the complaint of 'catering to Lois fans':

Abyss - Chloe: 29m 46s (highest screentime and 9m 11s more than Clark)
Hex - Chloe: 26m 57s (highest screentime and 4m 16s more than Clark even though ED played Chloe for 17m 7s)
Eternal - Chloe: 16m 14s (second highest screentime behind Davis)

Compared to:

Committed- Lois: 21m 52s (highest screentime and 2m 46s more than Clark)
Stiletto - Lois: 22m 48s (highest screentime and 3m 52s more than Clark)

And:

Toxic - Oliver: 24m 49s (highest screentime and 8m 48s more than Clark)
Power - Lana: 20m 15s (highest screentime and 5m 13s more than Clark)
Eternal- Davis: 22m 42s (highest screentime and 6m 41s more than Clark)

So how exactly are Lois fans - which is talking about a fanbase btw - being 'catered to' more than fans of Chloe, Lana or Davis in episodes that focus on them? And Clark is in the lead screentime wise per season and highest screentime wise per episode (12 out of 19). Seems to me the show is doing plenty to 'cater' to as many Smallville fans as possible.

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



Where she started out depressed and lacking in direction, thought she envied someone else's life, learned that she had a direction of her own and became Watchtower. Yes, you're right.

So that would be a main character taking a major step in her journey with character development evident for both Chloe and Clark by the end of the episode. Therefore NOT a filler.
EXCELLENT post. ITA

[Cogito17]

By my personal definition, I consider this episode to be filler. This doesn't make it a bad episode by any stretch, it just makes it enjoyable filler.

The way I see it, there is nothing added in this episode that is essential for future understanding of events. I think you could skip this episode and still have a full understanding of this season's story. Whereas with an episode such as Eternal (which I consider not to be filler), you would be confused with what happened in Stilleto (DD at the Talon, Chloe disposing of bodies) and presumably upcoming episodes if you had not seen it. There was no major development that I see having a lasting impact on the season.

Regardless of whether you consider it "filler" or not, it was a fun episode, and that's what is most important to me.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

Seasons 1-3 didn't have Lois

Nor did it have Oliver or Jimmy or a Chloe who knew Clark's secret or MM or Tess or Davis etc, etc, etc. So we're saying that Clark shouldn't interact with those around him? That having him in their lives shouldn't influence THEM? Seems to me he had plenty of people to interact with in seasons 1 - 3 and learned from them and was influenced by the things that happened to them and how knowing his secret had an impact on them or how difficult it was to keep his secret from them and so on and such forth. He should what? Live in a bubble with his cardboard cut-out friends on the outside looking in? How can he connect and care about the human race if he doesn't interact with them and allow people to get close enough for him to understand their problems, emotions and difficulties?

You want him to be Kal-El devoid of emotion and linked only to his Kryptonian heritage?

And if your problem isn't specifically with Lois but a rule that holds true for all characters apart from Clark, then why keep bringing her up?


Who's the authority on what is a filler and what isn't? There isn't one. The stuff people have been posting here comes from WIKIs, which is public-generated material. Which means anyone can write material on those sites. They're not authorities any more than you are or I am.

Since it was me who introduced the quotes to help with a definition that wasn't based on emotional reaction or character/personal preference, I'll answer this one. When it comes to what constitutes a filler episode on a TV series, only the writers can decide. The word as a writing term does not exist outside of the original form in journalistic terms, according to the dictionary. How do I know this apart from my research? Because I'm a professional writer who has studied, teaches and makes a living from the business of fiction. I have dozens upon dozens of books here on various types of writing and the term 'filler' with regards to a television show does not have an official definition that can be applied in the way people use it on the internet and on these boards. The term has been stolen from other forms of writing and, as is often the case with the internet, is frequently abused. I sought to find a definition of it having seen it used so often, and posted the information I found. I can honestly say that any writer who would use the term 'filler' to describe something they have written, be it a chapter in a book or an episode of a long running TV show, would be admitting they have written something badly IMO. I hardly think that's likely. What they might do is look at how the chapter or episode of a TV show fitted in with the rest of the story and admit when sometimes it didn't move the plot along the way it should have or that the way they did something didn't quite work. That's my opinion anyway. YMMV and that's fine, but I don't see that cheesiness or even the use of plot devices can be a way of deciding whether or not an episode has validity to the overall story and therefore is automatically a 'filler', never mind basing that assumption on personal preference. If we're saying the term 'filler' can't be definitively defined by anyone then my preference would be to drop it altogether and just say why we did or didn't like the episode and why it did or didn't work.

To say that someone can't say if the episode is or isn't a filler because the term doesn't have a definition and then to use the word filler to define the episode seems completely pointless to me.

Did Stiletto have wasted screentime? Yes it did - IMO. Was it cheesy? Without a doubt. Did it add to the story? Yes it did - IMO. Were there storylines that won't be picked up again. Time will tell, but I bet the answer is no. Was it award winning stuff in the writing department? Well again that's a matter of opinion, but mine says no. On Smallville it rarely is. Did I enjoy it? Yes I did. Did I love Clark in it? Heck yes. Did I cringe at some of the decisions Lois made? Hell yeah. Did I feel sympathy for Chloe when at the end of Eternal she was losing me? Yes, I did and bravo show for managing that. It did what it had to do as far as I'm concerned; nothing more, nothing less. The fact it nodded at the Mythos made me very happy and I really loved a couple of the scenes. But it was by no means the worst thing Smallville has ever done, nor was it a filler IMO.

Developing the characters around him may seem like a waste of time to some people, but the more depth there is to the characters, the more Clark can learn from their experiences and the more connected he can become to the people around him. Like I've said, it's a character driven show. That means all the characters have to be developed - not just Clark. Though Clark is the most important one IMO. If the show didn't take the time to develop the other characters Clark would never have had the experiences he did with Lex. And I for one, wouldn't have wanted to miss that.


Do you need to look up a definition of a "good movie" when you go to the theatre? Or do you trust your own eyes? It's a subjective thing. You can keep quoting me WIKIs, but that's not going to change my mind. You have your opinion, and I have mine (and that's fine).

For the record - even though I agree people don't have to know the definition of a "good Movie" (and good luck finding that and having everyone agree on it btw) - it's worth keeping in mind (for anyone who does want to know) that the three act structure of a Movie is different to a long running TV series that has to answer to it's network and the demands of sweeps while continuing season story arcs that feed into the main story of the series. Those demands often interfere with how the show is written and it means the dramatic highs and lows can be more varied. We're talking a couple of hours versus in the region of 120 hours of Smallville since the series began. We'd have to find what we considered to be a good Movie, look at what we each considered to be wasted screentime and then multiply it accordingly to get an idea of what's acceptable to us as individuals IMO. Again that's why I'm a 'bigger picture' kinda gal when it comes to Smallville. In order to decide the part a particular episode had to play in the bigger picture I have to look at the seasons past and the season as a whole and how it led into the next season with Clark's journey first and foremost in my mind. Part of that journey for me is the characters who surround him and yes, that includes Lois Lane.

Yes it's a subjective thing and yes people are entitled to their opinions and yes there's no-one who can say that someone else is wrong to feel the way they do. I totally agree on all counts. But by the same token, just because someone doesn't like an episode doesn't automatically make it a filler. To me it's simpler to say why I don't like it and discuss it and leave it at that. Which is pretty much what I'm going to do after this post.


Well I'm not going to totally rewrite Smallville's history, but just speaking about this one episode only, they could have told the story from Clark's point of view instead of Lois's. They could have kept the audience in the dark about Stilletto's true identity until Clark found out. We could have learned the secret when he did. That would have made it a little better IMO.

I completely agree it could have been done better. I feel the same way about a lot of Smallville's episodes frankly. But this season, on the whole, is a vast improvement to the last couple of seasons IMO. I'm interested and invested enough in all the long term characters to want to get to know them better and to delve beneath the surface so for me, that means seeing things from their point of view. If we didn't have glimpses of that then we could miss out on some of the dramatic moments when we can clearly see them making a mistake and we can get behind Clark when he tries to fix things. I want to know why he cares about these people. And I wouldn't want to miss out on other peoples' POV's from Martha to Jonathan to Chloe to Pete to Lex to Lionel to Lana to Lois to Jimmy to Oliver, Tess, Davis and even Brainiac and Bizarro. It's that adage of there being two sides to every story. I want to know both. I already knew coming into Stiletto how Clark would react to what Lois was doing, so to see it from her point of view gave me the other side of it while Clark stepped up to the plate to show her the error of her ways; remaining pro-active and connecting all the different threads of the story together. In my opinion it's that Clark we see the most of around Lois and I'd far rather see that Clark than the Clark I saw in Power and Requiem.

[Diego*Chloe]

I dont get it, so episodes that dosent develop Clarks story is a filler? please even him needs to take a break or I would fall asleep lol Abyss cant be a filler because it moved forward the Doomsday arc, Chloeiac etc etc and if Abyss is a filler then Memoria must be a filler too because it was all about flashbacks so Abyss wasnt a filler and Stiletto wasnt a filler either.

[llk6165]

IMO, the Chloe stuff was filler b/c where is it ultimately going? The Chloe/Davis could have been great, but I think they went too far too fast and it will burn out. I would have done more with that

There was good development of the Clois story, particularly of Clark's feelings. It was also a good introduction of Lois to RBB.

I think they did develop Clark's character. It set up how he is gonig to get his name, and gives him a way to reintroduce himself as Superman to the world (through Lois b/c he knows she is interested in his feelings and worries he is alone rather than just being impressed that he has powers). This is a start of how Clark finds a way to be connected to humanity without foresaking his destiny. To me, after that episode, he is one step closer to Superman.

[Diego*Chloe]

IMO, the Chloe stuff was filler b/c where is it ultimately going? The Chloe/Davis could have been great, but I think they went too far too fast and it will burn out. I would have done more with that

There was good development of the Clois story, particularly of Clark's feelings. It was also a good introduction of Lois to RBB.


Actually I felt the Lois/Clark was kind of a filler :o

[Kal-ed]

You would be right but the problem is you based your whole argument under the premise that I said only arc.



Actually that´s what you said:


This season has a clear, main storyline arc. The rise of Doomsday against Clark. Some seasons have them, some don't. This season does.


Its clear for you, for me its clear that there are two arcs this season (for all intents and purposes all others would be called sub-arcs) or two main arcs if you would like to frase it so, to you Doomsday is the ONLY main arc, to me the RBB is an arc just as relevant and per the Producers Im right. Even if more emphasis has been put on the Doomsday arc (and lets be honest a large part of that has been specifically focused on Chlavis and not Doomsday perse, just as some part of the RBB arc has been focused on Clois and not RBB perse) either way both arcs are just as important and if we take in consideration that the OVERAL SHOW PREMISE is Clark´s path towards becoming Superman, Id say that in the biger picture the RBB arc is much more relevant, Tess and Ollie may say what ever they want, the villans they face, dont make/define heroes.

[llk6165]

Actually I felt the Lois/Clark was kind of a filler :o


;).

Did Chloe's story work for you or was it all a bust?

[Kal-ed]

Actually I felt the Lois/Clark was kind of a filler :o

Just cause you like a nother paring it doesnt make Clois less important or a filler.

[llk6165]

I am bumming about the whole Doomsday arc because I fear that it will be over too soon. I almost hate to watch it, because if it is not there next season, I will miss it. That's what I meant when I said where is the Chloe/Davis thing going. I really would love to have it in season 9, but I sadly pessimistic about that. It would have been awesome though.

[Kal-ed]

I dont get it, so episodes that dosent develop Clarks story is a filler? please even him needs to take a break or I would fall asleep lol Abyss cant be a filler because it moved forward the Doomsday arc, Chloeiac etc etc and if Abyss is a filler then Memoria must be a filler too because it was all about flashbacks so Abyss wasnt a filler and Stiletto wasnt a filler either.

Abyss was considered a filler, much after it aired, at the time I thought it had been relevant due to the Chloiac but lets look at the big picture, the consecuences of this episode were Clark took out brainiac from Chloe, Clark ereased Chloe´s memories of him having powers, two episodes later, Brainiac was back in Chloe and Chloe´s memory was completely restored and no negative consecuences came out of that , unfortunatelly the writers made everything that happened in Abyss, inconsecuencial and at the end, the flashbacks was all we had left from it.

[llk6165]

Diego,

I am not jumping on you because I respect if the Clark/Lois thing did not work for you. Was it just a lack of interest in the characters or is there something specific or just the way the story played out overall? Would there have been a way to write it that would work better for you? For some reason, this strikes me as an interesting conversation.

[Kal-ed]

I am bumming about the whole Doomsday arc because I fear that it will be over too soon. I almost hate to watch it, because if it is not there next season, I will miss it. That's what I meant when I said where is the Chloe/Davis thing going. I really would love to have it in season 9, but I sadly pessimistic about that. It would have been awesome though.

Im not, its Lexana all over again: the lead leady falls for the villan at the expense of Clark and its become a screentime vacum taking up airtime that could be devoted to developing the RBB, frankly most of the RBB development has been offscreen, since Prey we havent seen clark going around saving various random people on the streets, I think that should be a strong focus next season, Clark saving normal people being muged, or in car accidents or fires, etc. But no, I have to watch scenes of Chloe cooking for Davis:\

[GrimmReeper]

Yes and No. I really can't decide.

[Supsfan]

Im not, its Lexana all over again: the lead leady falls for the villan at the expense of Clark and its become a screentime vacum taking up airtime that could be devoted to developing the RBB, frankly most of the RBB development has been offscreen, since Prey we havent seen clark going around saving various random people on the streets, I think that should be a strong focus next season, Clark saving normal people being muged, or in car accidents or fires, etc. But no, I have to watch scenes of Chloe cooking for Davis:\

I don't think it's as bad storywise as Lexana, but that a good comparison. Do we in all honestly need all that drama before the big fight, or is Chloe and the Beast key to the storyline. I guess that's a matter of one's opinion if it filler or not. I guess the same can be said if you think having an episode dedicated to Clark and his future wife is important to the overall storyline of the show, or if it is just filler as well.

[llk6165]

Im not, its Lexana all over again: the lead leady falls for the villan at the expense of Clark and its become a screentime vacum taking up airtime that could be devoted to developing the RBB, frankly most of the RBB development has been offscreen, since Prey we havent seen clark going around saving various random people on the streets, I think that should be a strong focus next season, Clark saving normal people being muged, or in car accidents or fires, etc. But no, I have to watch scenes of Chloe cooking for Davis:\


I never thought about the similarity to Lexana. Interesting.
For me the difference is in the villian.

Lexana has a villian that I do not find at all attractive. IMO Lex = ew.
Davis, on the other hand, is sexy in his own way. That what makes me be able to do the Chloe/Davis thing.

Now that I just typed it all out, I sound pretty shallow. :o At least I am honest.

PS I do agree with you about the cooking

[jqedward]

My problem with this explanation is that the rise of Doomsday by nature has nothing to do with Clark. Davis' development into Doomsday has largely taken place independent of Clark, and has involved Chloe more than Clark. In this sense, Clark is passive in this storyline. Meanwhile, he is an active participant in the crafting of the RBB persona.

I think this season has been about Clark embracing his destiny. On the one hand, we have Tess and Oliver who say that Clark needs to confront an "island" or a Judas in order to accomplish this. On the other hand, we have Clark who is making decisions like working for the DP, allowing Jimmy's photo to be printed in Identity, and calling Lois as the RBB that advance his Superman persona. Odyssey and Identity were significant episodes, and neither involved Doomsday.

This whole season's theme has been dual identities. Interestingly, I think the season itself has had a duality to it. Each part of the story is important, and while Stiletto contributed to both aspects of the dual identity theme and the embracing destiny theme, it's focus was largely on the RBB while Eternal was about Doomsday. So those episodes are about Davis moving towards his destiny, while the others are more about Clark moving towards his destiny. Both will collide in the episode Doomsday.

I agree with you 100% the season as a whole as been about both Clark and Davis struggling with the dual identities. Clark is trying to decide if he wants to even have a seperate identity from being Clark Kent. Something that he has always struggled with because he still sees himself as being human instead of an alien from another planet who was sent to this planet to inspire and save its people. If he accepts the fact that he needs two seperate identities he would have to accept his Kryptonian heritage as Kal-El aka Superman. Davis' struggle is something that most people can relate to. The struggle between Davis his loving and caring persona, and Doomsday. His vile and evil side.

[alexjones50]

I consider it filler, there wasn't any real progression to the sotry arc apart from one of those mobsters getting killed by doomsday and chloe crying about it.

[Polomontana]

I consider it filler, there wasn't any real progression to the sotry arc apart from one of those mobsters getting killed by doomsday and chloe crying about it.

Exactly, this was a filler and it was promoted as a filler.

A Lois story about dressing up as a superhero is a filler at this point in the season and that's why the ratings tanked.

People are in the middle of A Doomsday story arc, not Lois playing superhero. I bet next weeks episode has much better ratings.

A filler advances the general story (Lois&Clark) but it doesn't advance the arc. Chloe was just protecting Davis and we already knew this.

This was a filler.

[Kal-ed]

Exactly, this was a filler and it was promoted as a filler.

A Lois story about dressing up as a superhero is a filler at this point in the season and that's why the ratings tanked.

People are in the middle of A Doomsday story arc, not Lois playing superhero. I bet next weeks episode has much better ratings.

A filler advances the general story (Lois&Clark) but it doesn't advance the arc. Chloe was just protecting Davis and we already knew this.

This was a filler.

It had Intergang and it had the RBB, the First is potencially important for next season, the later it so happens to be the other Main arc of the season, thus it was not a filler. Just cause Chloe has been kept kind of distant from the RBB plot, doesnt mean its not a main arc as well. This season´s main theme is double identities and Clark´s double identity, being the main character is consecuently a main arc. First interaction Clark has had with someone as the RBB, I think that´s a huge step.

If you dont like Lois or dont consider her relevant is your prerogative.

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


I consider it filler, there wasn't any real progression to the sotry arc apart from one of those mobsters getting killed by doomsday and chloe crying about it.

acoording to you, what´s the story arc of this season?? cause the fact that you´r saying it did not progressed at all, TPTB might disagree with you

[Diego*Chloe]

;).

Did Chloe's story work for you or was it all a bust?


Well yeah.:o

Kal-ed: No, this isnt about pairing ;)

Well Im saying that for me the Lois/Clark stuff was kind of a filler(for me) because it didnt got me excited or anything, well is really normal for Clark to not get me excited but with Lois is kind of rare to no get me excited so I think its all about the characters llk6165.

[cloisthelegendbegins]

My point is if the season has been setup in such a way in which we know where the main focus is going to be for the premiere, mid-season breaks, and finale, then have Doomsday comb his hair cuz he’s gonna be on your Season 8 DVD cover.

Oooohhh. What do we have here? :)

http://www.kryptonsite.com/s8dvdart.htm

Would appear there's more than one arc this season then. In which case, I add this as Exhibit A for the defence that Stiletto wasn't a filler...

[herolee10]

indeed, Stiletto was by in no means a filler episode.

It showed the very first contact for Lois and the RBB, which is something very important towards the mythology of superman.

the episode showed the beginnings of the reformation of Intergang under the leadership of Bruno.

We were finally made aware of what Jimmy had been up to since we last saw him in Stiletto.

Lois learned a valuable lesson by the end of the episode.

We saw the the beginning of Chloe's deteriorating relationships with both Clark and Lois by her not allowing anyone to help her with her own problems.

When I really think about it, I can't really think of any real filler like episodes this season, even the episodes that were considered filler by some:

Toxic: Showed the origins of Oliver learning to use a bow, established on how Oliver met Tess, and gave closure somewhat to the whole Lois and Oliver relationship.

Prey: It showed Jimmy's interest on getting a photo of the RBB/Good samaritan, we saw Tess's people recruiting more meteor freaks in her group, and we got a deeper look into Davis's history and what's going on with his black outs.

Abyss: Chloe lost her memory due to Clark's choice, and Brainiac took over the FOS in preparation for Doomsday

Bulletproof: Clark got to see the reaction of the law enforcers of his actions and got a better in take on possibly having a balance between his hero life and personal life.

Power: Lana got her power suit and what she had been up to since leaving in artic.

Requiem: Temporary Lex closure, Lana leaves SV for good.

Turbulence: Jimmy returns, end of Chimmy relationship

Eternal: Davis's full origins are revealed

[Clana Kent]

Exactly, this was a filler and it was promoted as a filler.

A Lois story about dressing up as a superhero is a filler at this point in the season and that's why the ratings tanked.

People are in the middle of A Doomsday story arc, not Lois playing superhero. I bet next weeks episode has much better ratings.

A filler advances the general story (Lois&Clark) but it doesn't advance the arc. Chloe was just protecting Davis and we already knew this.

This was a filler.
I totally agree.
Plus it was written by Caroline Dries. Need I say more?

[Supsfan]

Abyss: Chloe lost her memory due to Clark's choice, and Brainiac took over the FOS in preparation for Doomsday

Problem I had with Abyss is 2 episodes after it Chloe got reinfected by Brainiac(so what exactly was the point of that?) and gets her memories back(what exactly the point of taking them away?). The only thing you can take away from the episode that might add to the story was the Fortress was rebuilt and Brainiac infected it, but they could have taken way less time and did it many other ways, making the first 30 minutes of the episode pointless.

[herolee10]

Exactly, this was a filler and it was promoted as a filler.

A Lois story about dressing up as a superhero is a filler at this point in the season and that's why the ratings tanked.

People are in the middle of A Doomsday story arc, not Lois playing superhero. I bet next weeks episode has much better ratings.

A filler advances the general story (Lois&Clark) but it doesn't advance the arc. Chloe was just protecting Davis and we already knew this.

This was a filler.

Doomsday is only one of the many arcs of this season.

one of the things that was set in motion earlier in the season was Lois meeting up with Clark's hero persona (identity), and here at the end of Stiletto, she finally got her chance.

One of the most important aspects of the superman mythology was Lois's first talking encounter with Clark's hero persona, the special relationship they established, which again was shown in this episode.

We also learn what Jimmy had been up to since Turbulence and we get a look introduction to Intergang...a criminal organization that Clark will have to face in the future and who will have connections with Darkseid.

And this episode showed character progression, that Clark is getting more comfortable with having a double identity and progressed the RBB arc nicely.

This episode also showed the beginning consequences of Chloe hiding Davis without telling anyone.

SV wasn't the only show to have been hurt by the ratings, since I believe there was some basketball playoffs going on, so a lot of good shows were hurt that night.

And might I add that Stiletto didn't get that much promotion as other episodes.

If ratings for next week's episode do good, in my opinion, it's because Stiletto help bring back the audience again after the 2 week hiatus was over.

[Mickey_Bickey]

What I keep reading over and over again is a lack of acknowledgement that there is any other arc besides Doomsday.

To ignore over and over again that there were three arcs addressed in this episode, not just one along with introducing Intergang into the show for a future arc demonstrates a weak argument. There was more than character development in this episode. It advanced three plots.

I'm not being disrespectful when I say this, but many posts are just throwing out the statement that it's a filler without backing it with an intelligent argument.

[Selina]

What I keep reading over and over again is a lack of acknowledgement that there is any other arc besides Doomsday.
This is what I'm reading too. There are other storylines going on right now which dont concern the A Plot. Just because we had a B-Plot episode this season doesn't make it a filler.
<O:p</O:p
It seems that some people are viewing this episode as a filler because it didn't focus on the Davis/Doomsday plot but rather Lois dressing up as a Superhero. We have to look at the bigger picture here.
<O:p</O:p
Yes, Lois did become Stiletto but it's important to see the ramifications for Lois doing this. By Lois becoming Stiletto, she got involved with intergang, she managed to lure the RBB and the ending scene was the start of the iconic love triangle for two. All that will shape next season. Now what part of that screams filler to you?
<O:p</O:p
Yes, all that could have been achieved without the Stiletto plotline but even so, it still advanced all the current arcs so it's virtually impossible to define it a filler. Hate the episode if you must, hate Lois's role in the episode if you feel that way but I cant understand how it can be described as a filler episode. Love it, hate it, but ALL the scenes developed storylines for the forseable and long term future. That’s a fact.<O:p

[Mickey_Bickey]

This is what I'm reading too. There are other storylines going on right now which dont concern the A Plot. Just because we had a B-Plot episode this season doesn't make it a filler.
<O:p</O:p
It seems that some people are viewing this episode as a filler because it didn't focus on the Davis/Doomsday plot but rather Lois dressing up as a Superhero. We have to look at the bigger picture here.
<O:p</O:p
Yes, Lois did become Stiletto but it's important to see the ramifications for Lois doing this. By Lois becoming Stiletto, she got involved with intergang, she managed to lure the RBB and the ending scene was the start of the iconic love triangle for two. All that will shape next season. Now what part of that screams filler to you?
<O:p</O:p
Yes, all that could have been achieved without the Stiletto plotline but even so, it still advanced all the current arcs so it's virtually impossible to define it a filler. Hate the episode if you must, hate Lois's role in the episode if you feel that way but I cant understand how it can be described as a filler episode. Love it, hate it, but ALL the scenes developed storylines for the forseable and long term future. That’s a fact.<O:p


Well said, and I agree completely!

Basically, the reason no one can come up with a legitimate, intelligent argument to back that it's a filler is because it isn't.

[dcmarriott]

Read Doug Trumble's review on the Superman Home Page. He explains, better than I ever could, why this episode is NOT filler. In fact, he says the final moments are epic.

[Kid Collins]

For me it's always about whether the ep entertained me. Was it funny, exciting, well written or surprising? I never watch thinking, this isn't as good since it's a filler. I judge the episode on it's own.


Start by inexplicably turning a young star reporter into a dud. Then turn her into a criminal who fabricates stories. Then have her and her cousin have yet another inexplicable run in with bad guys. Then have Jimmy inexplicably working in a bar for the bad guys. Then have the bad guys (despite having a successful counterfeiting business) inexplicably want to take down "Stiletto." Then have Jimmy inexplicably show up to work with his camera, which the bad guys inexplicably take from him. Then have the bad guys see photos of "surprise" Stiletto. Then throw in the idiotic, old convenient standby kryptonite, and you're in business!!!

ITA.

[HeroesUnlimited]

First up. Please don't presume what I can and can't see. When people say they want a Smallville episode back, I want to know what they consider to be a Smallville episode. Because until they do I can't discuss it. It's as simple as that.

Who said anything about you? I said I'D know it when I see it. I provided you with two examples of what I'd consider "typical" Smallville episodes (Perry, Ryan) and the reasons why I consider them "typical" Smallville episodes. That's about all I can do.



- Stiletto (had some foreshadowing about Clark's future, had Clark stepping up and helping a misguided soul, had a character realizing their mistake from a moral and professional and personal standpoint) How is that less Smallville than Perry?

I've already answered this about a dozen times now (you just don't like my answer). Too much Lois and not enough Clark. Clark should never be second fiddle in any Smallville story. That's my opinion and that's my problem with Stilleto.


No more of a broken record than those who disagree with you ;) No-one's denying it was a Lois-centric episode. Clark was there, (his screentime minutes do prove that which is why they were brought across), and his role was entirely that of "the guy" IMO because he was the one who looked at each of the problems, sought out the solutions to them, was pro-active in solving them, had a positive effect and at the same time realized that someone close to him who is unaware of his secret can still have an understanding of the life he lives as a superhero. In a Lois-centric episode he was pro-active and self-assured and confident and was taking on the role of a superhero both in and out of the RBB disguise. That's EXACTLY what I signed on for. I too signed on to watch a show that's Clark's journey and his journey is influenced by those around him and their actions and experiences in the same way that their journeys are influenced by his. In a character driven show that makes perfect sense to me. Because it's true to life, and because none of the people in Clark's life are or should be cardboard cut-outs of the originals.

I'm afraid we're just going to have to agree to disagree on this point. If I'm understanding you correctly, you view Smallville as an "ensemble" cast. I don't. I don't view Lois and Clark's equal (on the show). She may be every bit his equal as a reporter, as a person, etc. but on the show, she's background.



As to whether I tune in for a specific character over Clark. NOT TRUE. I was brought to the show by Clark, watch for Clark and will watch until the end for Clark. It is how CLARK is with other characters that matters most to me and how their journey's add to his. I am ALSO a Lois fan. If Clark was written with her the way he was with Lana and at times is with Chloe, I wouldn't like it. If Lois was made to look like more of a hero than Clark, I wouldn't like it. ANY TIME that Clark is made to look like an idiot or is led by the nose I don't like it. As far as I'm concerned Clark is the sun and every other character should orbit him like the planets, with some closer than others. But the simple fact is on Smallville he is not becoming Superman without both personal experience and the experience of others. This year there have been episodes that focussed on the other characters that had an impact on him as a result. When they focus on them and don't show him in a good light THEN I get mad.

Fair enough. It was starting to sound like you were coming from a totally Lois point-of-view. I'm glad you cleared that up.


It's got less to do with who the episode is focussed on than it has to to do with how Clark is shown within that episode IMO. I don't see an episode as a filler simply because it focusses on one character a little more or a lot more than another.

That's not the only thing that makes an episode a "filler" in my opinion. There's the "hokey" factor too. It just didn't seem to "fit" with what they were trying to do with the rest of the season IMO. I think there were less cheesy ways of accomplishing what they wanted to accomplish without dressing up Lois as a wannabe vigilantee and faking a news story.


Because facts don't matter? It's all about personal preference, right? Which means that Stiletto being a filler, is your personal opinion. To which, you are of course entitled. But so are others. Why ask for an opinion if there's no interest in what others have to say? We're all here to discuss the show.

?!!? Of course it's an opinion! And of course you are entitled to one just as well as I am. Because I defend my position doesn't mean I'm somehow robbing you of your right to have an opinion! And who said I didn't have interest in what others had to say? If I didn't, I wouldn't even be answering you!

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


Nor did it have Oliver or Jimmy or a Chloe who knew Clark's secret or MM or Tess or Davis etc, etc, etc. So we're saying that Clark shouldn't interact with those around him?

That wasn't the point. You're taking this quote out of context. The poster suggested that it would be boring without Lois and I pointed out that seasons 1-3 didn't have Lois (and they weren't boring).

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


By my personal definition, I consider this episode to be filler. This doesn't make it a bad episode by any stretch, it just makes it enjoyable filler.

The way I see it, there is nothing added in this episode that is essential for future understanding of events. I think you could skip this episode and still have a full understanding of this season's story. Whereas with an episode such as Eternal (which I consider not to be filler), you would be confused with what happened in Stilleto (DD at the Talon, Chloe disposing of bodies) and presumably upcoming episodes if you had not seen it. There was no major development that I see having a lasting impact on the season.

Regardless of whether you consider it "filler" or not, it was a fun episode, and that's what is most important to me.

Well said, good post. I agree totally.

----- Added 7 Minutes later -----

I have another question. Just curious really. Why are people getting personally offended at the notion that others think this episode was a filler? There's absolutely no reason to take it personally! We're all friends here, right? ;)

[actaeon]

I thought there was a lot of character development for Lois... and since Lois Lane is Superman's other half, since Lois & Clark are a legendary couple, inseparable, I don't see how such a Lois-centric episode can be termed "filler".

Plus, Clark was front and center in this episode. I really liked Clark in this episode-- he was intelligent, clear-sighted, moral, kind and generous, and in control. Very hero-like, in fact. No pouting, no pining, no whining, no yelling. This Clark Kent really looks like Supes to me... so no, not filler.

[blink2matrix]

i considered it a filler because it took away from what was being built towards. It had its elements of following along with a major arc (Clois) but since the episode preceding it and those following it all lead towards another arc i vote that this is a filler.

I did really like it regardless of if it was a filler or not so whatevs :)

[Promise]

I agree, it was a filler. If I want Clois adventures I will watch Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher. This week and next week were back to Smallville episodes. Yes!!

----- Added 5 Minutes later -----


Wow, POST OF THE YEAR!

Why thank you. :)

[Violet-Shadow]

I agree, it was a filler. If I want Clois adventures I will watch Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher. This week and next week were back to Smallville episodes. Yes!!


If you consider Clois adventures as "filler," did you also consider the first half of this season all "filler?" Many of those episodes were Clois centered.

And that's part of the reason why I don't think this episode is filler. One of the main arcs of the season, introduced before the Doomsday arc, is the CLOIS arc. And...the Doomsday arc was continued in this episode. Plus, the RBB. This episode touched on all arcs.

[Promise]

Why do you need one? Why can't someone just recognize one when they see one? I thought some quintessential Smallville episodes were:

-Perry (had some foreshadowing about Clark's future, had Clark stepping up and helping a lost soul, had characters behaving in moral way)



Thank you, why do we need one? I agree.

But I love your point about the episodes, especially Perry! That episode was perfect for foreshadowing about Clark's future and they left it at 1 episode, because why, he's in the future. They didn't keep him on for 12 more episodes, aka filler stories just to keep him around. Just imagine how Smallville would be if that did happen. ick....

Perry is just as big as Lois, especially with the Daily Planet, where's the out cry for Perry not being on Smallville??, anyways good point.

[Violet-Shadow]

But I love your point about the episodes, especially Perry! That episode was perfect for foreshadowing about Clark's future and they left it at 1 episode, because why, he's in the future. They didn't keep him on for 12 more episodes, aka filler stories just to keep him around. Just imagine how Smallville would be if that did happen. ick....

Perry is just as big as Lois, especially with the Daily Planet, where's the out cry for Perry not being on Smallville??, anyways good point.

Well that answers my question. It's every Lois episode that is filler. Okay. I, obviously, disagree.

And there is, actually, an outcry for Perry. A lot of people have wanted him for a long time now.

[ginevrakent]

Thank you, why do we need one? I agree.

But I love your point about the episodes, especially Perry! That episode was perfect for foreshadowing about Clark's future and they left it at 1 episode, because why, he's in the future. They didn't keep him on for 12 more episodes, aka filler stories just to keep him around. Just imagine how Smallville would be if that did happen. ick....

Perry is just as big as Lois, especially with the Daily Planet, where's the out cry for Perry not being on Smallville??, anyways good point.

So, now all episodes that included Lois Lane were filler? If we go by your rule that all characters traditionally associated with Clark's future must remain in the future otherwise their presence is merely a nuisance and fodder for filler, then Lex Luthor was the biggest time suck in Smallville history.

I would have loved to have seen Perry White on Smallville starting in Season 5, but until Clark was at the DP, what sort of role would he have had that would be worth including his character?

[Promise]

If you consider Clois adventures as "filler," did you also consider the first half of this season all "filler?" Many of those episodes were Clois centered.



Do you consider that the 5 arc episode with Lana this season were "fillers"?

But no I didn't, because Clark was still the focus, key name, Clark. In Stilleto, he wasn't, plus the story had nothing to do with Clark's journey, nothing.

In the beginning of this season, Clois was rushed and put together so Clois fans could smile and that is the truth.

I do enjoy the Lois character at moments, but if your going to give me Lois in Smallville, at least let the stories be tasteful and kept in the background.

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


And...the Doomsday arc was continued in this episode.

Where? oh the part when Chloe feeds Doomsday?:confused: I mean runs back to the Talon and Doomsday saves Chole?

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


Well that answers my question. It's every Lois episode that is filler. Okay. I, obviously, disagree.



No, there were many filler episodes that didn't have Lois.

----- Added 5 Minutes later -----




And there is, actually, an outcry for Perry. A lot of people have wanted him for a long time now.

Oh yeah, Show me the Avatar's that prove it. :D

[Violet-Shadow]

Do you consider that the 5 arc episode with Lana this season were "fillers"?

But no I didn't, because Clark was still the focus, key name, Clark. In Stilleto, he wasn't, plus the story had nothing to do with Clark's journey, nothing.

In the beginning of this season, Clois was rushed and put together so Clois fans could smile and that is the truth.

I do enjoy the Lois character at moments, but if your going to give me Lois in Smallville, at least let the stories be tasteful and kept in the background.

I didn't think that Bride, Legion or Bulletproof were filler, actually. Power, yes. I didn't watch Requiem so I have no comment about that. Clark was NOT the focus in Power - Lana was.

And Clark's journey DID progress in Stiletto. He grew as the RBB, stepped into that super-manly role. He even had the iconic phone booth scene. Lois may have had the most screen time in Stiletto but the episode still had SO much to do with Clark's progression, IMO.

Clois was rushed because tptb believed it to be the last season and wanted the Clois relationship to blossom before series end. They've obviously slowed it down. But even it was rushed that doesn't make it any less of an arc.

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



Where? oh the part when Chloe feeds Doomsday?:confused: I mean runs back to the Talon and Doomsday saves Chole?

The Doomsday arc has a lot to do with Chloe and Clark's relationship. Tptb explored that in this episode so the Doomsday arc was furthered.



Oh yeah, Show me the Avatar's that prove it. :D

Avatars? *blinks* That's the proof you want? I don't have any...but if you explore the threads you will see plenty of people asking for Perry to return to SV.

[Promise]

So, now all episodes that included Lois Lane were filler? If we go by your rule that all characters traditionally associated with Clark's future must remain in the future otherwise their presence is merely a nuisance and fodder for filler, then Lex Luthor was the biggest time suck in Smallville history.



I answered the first part all ready.

No Lex Luthor was written good. As a Superman fan, I accepted it because it was different. But trust me, my first thought when I heard about Smallville having Lex Luthor and Clark meet before he was Superman, I was like what???? But back when Smallville was written well, the writers were able to still tell two stories while keeping Clark the focus. So no time suck happened.

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



I would have loved to have seen Perry White on Smallville starting in Season 5, but until Clark was at the DP, what sort of role would he have had that would be worth including his character?


My same question about keeping Lois on, but I lost that arguement, but you see the results of that, episodes like Stilleto. And believe me, its not a bash, its the sad story they had to create to honor Eric D. contract to play Lois Lane.

[ginevrakent]

Do you consider that the 5 arc episode with Lana this season were "fillers"?

Only two of those episodes explored Lana's "arc." I thought Bulletproof was an excellent episode for Clark, but Power failed the moment Lana undermined her journey towards personal empowerment by choosing manufactured strength over the innate strength she always possessed. Out of Lana's 5 episodes, the only one I would call filler was Power because the rest focused on Clark's story.


But no I didn't, because Clark was still the focus, key name, Clark. In Stilleto, he wasn't, plus the story had nothing to do with Clark's journey, nothing.

I have to disagree. Clark making his first public contact with a reporter disguised as his alter ego, plus there was the added bonus of hinting at the name "Superman," which made this episode critical to Clark's journey.


In the beginning of this season, Clois was rushed and put together so Clois fans could smile and that is the truth.

First of all, Clois was being developed long before Season 8. Second of all, how could Clois be rushed when they are still only friends? Lastly, just because you say something is the truth does not make it so. As a Clois fan, I am not easily placated. Most fans of the ship, including myself, do not even want to see romantic Clois on Smallville because we actually want to see the relationship properly developed.


I do enjoy the Lois character at moments, but if your going to give me Lois in Smallville, at least let the stories be tasteful and kept in the background.

I fail to see what was distasteful about Stiletto. Lois wore leather? If that's the case, Black Canary is beyond trashy. Is it distasteful to make a mistake, admit it, and learn from it?

Yes, let's keep Lois in the background. Every other character can be developed, but Lois Lane should just go hide in a corner?

[Promise]

I didn't think that Bride, Legion or Bulletproof were filler, actually. Power, yes. I didn't watch Requiem so I have no comment about that. Clark was NOT the focus in Power - Lana was.

And Clark's journey DID progress in Stiletto. He grew as the RBB, stepped into that super-manly role. He even had the iconic phone booth scene. Lois may have had the most screen time in Stiletto but the episode still had SO much to do with Clark's progression, IMO.

Clois was rushed because tptb believed it to be the last season and wanted the Clois relationship to blossom before series end. They've obviously slowed it down. But even it was rushed that doesn't make it any less of an arc.





1st part answer. Well that's fine, Lana is/was an original cast member, plus power progressed the story to what Lex was building, the power suit. Clark was still equally in the episode.

2nd part The whole episode was out of order anyways and those RBB and phone booth is getting old now, we get the point, blah blah...How about the glasses?????

3rd part Right, its not less of an arc, but its less of a connection hence the rushing. I don't believe the chemistry between them. I feel Clark and Tess more than I do Clois.

[ginevrakent]

No Lex Luthor was written good. As a Superman fan, I accepted it because it was different. But trust me, my first thought when I heard about Smallville having Lex Luthor and Clark meet before he was Superman, I was like what???? But back when Smallville was written well, the writers were able to still tell two stories while keeping Clark the focus. So no time suck happened.

When has the development of Lois Lane ever taken the focus off of Clark? She's been featured in 12-13 episodes for five years, many times for mere minutes. Lois gets one episode where her character is developed in such a way that Clark also grows, yet she is the one wasting precious time?


My same question about keeping Lois on, but I lost that arguement, but you see the results of that, episodes like Stilleto. And believe me, its not a bash, its the sad story they had to create to honor Eric D. contract to play Lois Lane.

I don't know how sad a story it is when it has gotten several rave reviews most of which cite it as a great character development episode for both Lois AND Clark.

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


2nd part The whole episode was out of order anyways and those RBB and phone booth is getting old now, we get the point, blah blah...How about the glasses?????

I don't know how the phone booth is getting old when the first Lois/Superman interview has never taken place near a phone.

Yeah, boring Superman mythos. It's not like it is the foundation of the show and the show's ultimate end point.

[Promise]

I fail to see what was distasteful about Stiletto. Lois wore leather? If that's the case, Black Canary is beyond trashy. Is it distasteful to make a mistake, admit it, and learn from it?

Yes, let's keep Lois in the background. Every other character can be developed, but Lois Lane should just go hide in a corner?

I will answer more, but I'm going to bed, but I had to respond to these.

First off it wasn't the leather, and sorry for not being clear that you had to think that, but distasteful probabaly was a storng word, so how about a waste of time. For me, it was me thinking about the past episodes/seasons, to how the writers were throwing the Lois character in episodes that she really didn't mean to be in. But what was distasteful was Lexana. Not because I'm a Clana fan, but because how it ruined Lex's character. He was better off dealing with his own relationships like when he was with Helen to which I'm wondering if she is still going to pop up. lol, Did she jump off the plane or what?? lol

No, all characters in the background. I didn't like the Green arrow arc, thankfully that only lasted 2 episodes.

[ginevrakent]

I will answer more, but I'm going to bed, but I had to respond to these.

First off it wasn't the leather, and sorry for not being clear that you had to think that, but distasteful probabaly was a storng word, so how about a waste of time. For me, it was me thinking about the past episodes/seasons, to how the writers were throwing the Lois character in episodes that she really didn't mean to be in.

What kind of episodes do you recommend Lois be in then? What kinds of things should she be doing that would advance her character as well as Clark's character?


No, all characters in the background. I didn't like the Green arrow arc, thankfully that only lasted 2 episodes.

Then I guess, according to this logic, Promise was an epic fail. Unless, of course, only the characters you like can be developed. The ones you don't like should just disappear.

[Supsfan]

Do you consider that the 5 arc episode with Lana this season were "fillers"?

But no I didn't, because Clark was still the focus, key name, Clark. In Stilleto, he wasn't, plus the story had nothing to do with Clark's journey, nothing.


Can you please tell me how Power pushed Clark's story forward in anyways or Clark was the main focus? If Stiletto was a filler, Power was way worse in that reguard. At least with Stiletto if you didn't care for the Story of L&C or the RBB moving forward, you still had the other plot of Chloe and Doomsday pushed in the background and Jimmy as well. Power was 100% about Lana.

I think the perfect example of filler would be episodes like "Ageless" or "Subterranean" where we see nothing of importance to the overall storyline pushed in either, not even a character(let's say like Fierce was for Kara) or relationship(which Stilleto was for L&C) building episode.

As much as I hated Power, I wouldn't consider it "filler" since it did lead to to the Requiem but it definantly added less to the story of this season then any other episode(unless you a Lana fan).

[Davis Bloome]

Cogito17[/B]]By my personal definition, I consider this episode to be filler. This doesn't make it a bad episode by any stretch, it just makes it enjoyable filler.

The way I see it, there is nothing added in this episode that is essential for future understanding of events. I think you could skip this episode and still have a full understanding of this season's story. Whereas with an episode such as Eternal (which I consider not to be filler), you would be confused with what happened in Stilleto (DD at the Talon, Chloe disposing of bodies) and presumably upcoming episodes if you had not seen it. There was no major development that I see having a lasting impact on the season.

Regardless of whether you consider it "filler" or not, it was a fun episode, and that's what is most important to me. I agree except for one thing that made progress in the whole story of the 8th season and that is to connect the RBB with Lois. I just think that the rest of the story was all just filled up with a story not connected to the main story. This connection between the RBB and Lois could easily have been established in an episode that you could not consider a filler and showed some real progress in the main story.

[targis]

Yes, Stilleto is a "filler" episode

[Mickey_Bickey]

Still haven't read any strong or convincing arguments that this was a filler. Without backing it up with strong points it's a weak argument.

----- Added 8 Minutes later -----


I've already answered this about a dozen times now (you just don't like my answer). Too much Lois and not enough Clark. Clark should never be second fiddle in any Smallville story. That's my opinion and that's my problem with Stilleto.

Actually, a few pages back you stated that S1-3 didn't have Lois Lane's character, so you insinuated that the spotlight being taking away from Clark (as it was many times in those seasons by Lex and Lana especially) is only a filler when it's Lois' character that does it. I saw them equally strong in this episode, and Lois didn't take anything away from his character. She only enhanced it, especially in the DP and the phone booth scenes.


I'm afraid we're just going to have to agree to disagree on this point. If I'm understanding you correctly, you view Smallville as an "ensemble" cast. I don't. I don't view Lois and Clark's equal (on the show). She may be every bit his equal as a reporter, as a person, etc. but on the show, she's background.

Actually, Smallville is an ensemble cast. That's not even debatable.


That wasn't the point. You're taking this quote out of context. The poster suggested that it would be boring without Lois and I pointed out that seasons 1-3 didn't have Lois (and they weren't boring).

NO, that's not what I suggested at all. I stated that Clark being the only character without having relationships would be boring. I did not state or imply that the show would be boring without Lois Lane. Go back and read my post again. Also, IMO Lois Lane does add to the show, but I did enjoy it before she came on because of Clark's relationships with his friends and parents. Without any of them, the show would not be interesting.


I have another question. Just curious really. Why are people getting personally offended at the notion that others think this episode was a filler? There's absolutely no reason to take it personally! We're all friends here, right? ;)

There's nothing personal! I agree, we are all friends here!:) It's fun to discuss and debate the episodes and spoilers.

[Davis Bloome]

So what was so useful in this episode except for connecting the red blue blur with Lois and make Lois feelings stronger for Clark by pity that he got hurt? Let's put up this scenario which in my opinion could have saved us an extra episode. Warning though there are possible spoilers in it.

Lois gets interested in the murders DD committed and goes after the story herself. She thinks there is no danger in it. Chloe tries to talk her out of it but doesn't succeed. She is overconfident and besides the red-blue blur will probably save her if she does get into trouble, which is a joke she makes but in reality she thinks it is a possibility which just adds more to the story she wants if it happens. Chloe though warns Clark and proposes that he should keep an eye on her. Meanwhile criminals are after revenge for the murders Davis committed. They find him in the apartment and he knocks them out cold before he changes into the monster. But he has difficulty keeping himself under control so he calls Chloe says he has to let them go even if they are criminals. She's stuck in a dilemma cause yes they are criminals and should be taken into custody, but if Davis is keeping them hostage then DD could kill them any moment. Davis agrees to let them go though but he asks Chloe to flee with him from Smallville. Chloe agrees. Meanwhile the criminals escape and knock Davis down. The criminals run downstairs and they run into Lois who just comes to visit Chloe as she is unable to find the killer, (ironically she did find him). Now I'm just making this up as fast as I can so let's say one of the criminals wears a Kryptonite ring. Clark gets in and falls down. The criminals need to flee as fast as they can, but Lois stands in there way. The criminal shoots. Clark jumps and catches the bullet. Chloe runs in Talon too and helps Clark up. The criminals run out of the Talon in the alley where DD awaits them and kills them. Clark when wounded sees DD changing back to Davis as Chloe calms him down. Lois only saw Davis cause she was concentrating too hard on Clark. Chloe then decides to leave the city with Davis as she agreed. Clark is heartbroken because of Chloe's treachery but luckily Lois doesn't know anything. She's just disappointed that she didn't get the story she wanted plus she didn't have the chance to encounter the red blue blur. Then the same happens cause Clark doesn't want to leave her completely disappointed. He contacts her as the RBB. The end

Now I know there might be some holes in it which I could have filled if I had more time to write it, but you got almost two episodes here in one. Cause there was enough space in this episode to fill up with the points of the story of the next episode.

[Selina]

I still stand by my original points. It was not a filler in any shape or form.

Can someone name me one scene where it didn't advance the arcs? I bet they can't.

[Davis Bloome]

I don't think we should see it that black and white. Yes it had two scenes that advanced one of the story arcs, but the rest was all just fill up material just to get to those points. I think they could have handled a better scenario to get to those points, cause the rest of the episode is just a waste of space considering the story arcs. That doesn't make it a bad episode, it just means that the rest of the episode was not important for the story arcs.

[devilneedsaride]

I strongly believe that this episode wasn't filler. A filler episode is an episode that is simply there to make the season longer and doesn't advance any of the story arcs or include any important character development. Anyone disagree?

First, the end phone booth scene of this episode was very significant. It had the first contact between Clark's crime-fighting alter-ego and Lois, which is incredibly important to the Superman mythos. It had Clark giving her permission to come up with a better name than RBB, which, again, crazy important. I recommend checking out the reviews of this ep on supermanhomepage.com if you want to see a really well reasoned argument why this scene was so vital to the Superman mythos.

Even if the Lois Lane in leather thing at first looked like filler, it was all leading up to the final scene. Would any of us have bought Lois dropping the RBB story in favor of compassion without the earlier blunder in her single-minded pursuit of a headline? She needed to make that mistake and realize that it was a mistake in order for her character to progress. Not filler.

And Clark's character was advanced here as well. Even under excruciating pain of Kryptonite, he managed to activate his superspeed and throw himself in front of a bullet when he saw his friend in harm's way. It wasn't just a goo-goo-ga-ga Clois moment, it was showing how Clark has what it takes to be a hero even without his invulnerability. Also not filler.

It also had Chloe actually seeing Doomsday kill for the first time and disposing of the body, and it established that she, for some reason I cannot fathom, doesn't feel able to tell her friends about the situation she's gotten herself into or ask for help.

It also has Bruno Mannheim and the start up of Intergang, and I don't think I have to tell anyone how much that all relates to Superman's future.

[ooglebug]

Get Caroline Dries to write it.

:rotfl:


anyway i think the issue here is the fact that the term, a "filler" episode, sounds derogatory, as if the episode is less valid or important that the rest of the season.

i think it was a "filler" episode in the sense that it wasn't massively to do with the main plot based arc of season 8 - doomsday - and its storyline will not carry over to next week.

HOWEVER i dont mean to say that it is irrelevant or that there was no plot or character development in it - its just that Lois isnt going to still be stiletto next week and chances are the RBB phonecalls will have to wait to season 9.

Its a lot like in doctor who, i promise this is relevant lol, where you get one doctor-lite episode a season because its too much of a strain on David Tennant to do all the episodes in the time given to film. The first time this happened the episode was pretty rubbish and doctor-lite episodes got a kinda bad rep - think B-movie i guess - like filler episodes seem to have...
HOWEVER then along came Blink - doctor lite but AMAZZZING! its like my favourite dr who episode ever...

so yeah basically, even though Stiletto is not my favourite smallville episode ever, i think to be a filler epsiode is most definitely not a bad thing to be.

and i think we should change the name... more like one-off episodes, plot-wise.

so ye just my thoughts...

[Cogito17]

Reading through some of the posts on here, it seems like there are two ways of looking at it. My initial instinct was to call this episode "filler", because in terms of this season's story, there was really nothing that was required viewing to understand the rest of the season. If I skipped "Stilleto", I don't think I would be confused by anything I saw next episode, whereas if I skipped an episode like "Eternal", I would be confused by Chloe disposing of DD's bodies/DD being at the Talon.

But, in terms of the overall Superman mythology, I wouldn't consider this filler. The introduction of Intergang and the first interaction between Lois Lane and Clark Kent's alter-ego are fairly important steps.

Looking at it from the perspective of Smallville's story this season, I can see how it would be considered filler. But, from the perspective of Superman's mythology, this episode would almost certainly not be filler. I initially voted "Yes, it is a filler episode", but I'd probably change it to "both", if I could.

[Sarevokcz]

I don't think we should see it that black and white. Yes it had two scenes that advanced one of the story arcs, but the rest was all just fill up material just to get to those points. I think they could have handled a better scenario to get to those points, cause the rest of the episode is just a waste of space considering the story arcs. That doesn't make it a bad episode, it just means that the rest of the episode was not important for the story arcs.

if you consider Stiletto as a wasted filler, what would be Eternal then? pointless retcons, illogical biblical references and the only important scenes the cage one and the talon basement one? not that Eternal was filler, it was pivotal episode, but everyone could use same meter for it as others are using for Stiletto and find alot more filler worthy stuff, when not looking in a bigger picture of the season.

yes, Stiletto started slooooowwwww, mostly because 2 pretty long Bruno scenes in the Ace of Clubs, but was the whole first part unimportant? if only for the Intergang introduction and proactive Clark investigator, i would say this episode had shown alot more importance for future with all its parts then basically most of the other episodes this season imo.

[ginevrakent]

anyway i think the issue here is the fact that the term, a "filler" episode, sounds derogatory, as if the episode is less valid or important that the rest of the season.

i think it was a "filler" episode in the sense that it wasn't massively to do with the main plot based arc of season 8 - doomsday - and its storyline will not carry over to next week.

According tho this definition, Identity was also a filler episode, which doesn't make any sense.


Reading through some of the posts on here, it seems like there are two ways of looking at it. My initial instinct was to call this episode "filler", because in terms of this season's story, there was really nothing that was required viewing to understand the rest of the season. If I skipped "Stilleto", I don't think I would be confused by anything I saw next episode, whereas if I skipped an episode like "Eternal", I would be confused by Chloe disposing of DD's bodies/DD being at the Talon.

I'm confused. I thought this was a story about Clark Kent not Chloe and Doomsday. In Stiletto, we were shown that Chloe was purposefully deceiving Clark about the survival of Davis/Doomsday, which will potentially damage their relationship in Beast.

Eternal actually fits the definition of filler better than Stiletto because it includes flashbacks and retcons to the original source material (Kawatche legends, Pilot episode, Lionel knowing about Clark/Davis since both were children). We also didn't learn anything about Davis that we didn't know before, and Clark's character was not developed at all.


Looking at it from the perspective of Smallville's story this season, I can see how it would be considered filler. But, from the perspective of Superman's mythology, this episode would almost certainly not be filler. I initially voted "Yes, it is a filler episode", but I'd probably change it to "both", if I could.

This assumes that Doomsday is the only story this season. This season has had just as many episodes devoted to Clark's development of a dual identity. In fact, the RBB has been Clark's dominant story arc this year. The part of the show that is about Clark and his journey has been almost exclusively about the RBB and not Doomsday. The Doomsday story has been largely separate from Clark. This is because the arc of Season 8 is not Doomsday it is about dual identities. Both Davis and Clark are on separate paths towards their ultimate destinies. Each have had episodes exploring and advancing those destinies. Their separate journeys/storylines will come to head, however, in the finale when both of their alter egos face off.

[Davis Bloome]

Well the whole set-up where Davis got exploded is important cause Clark should find out about the murders. The history of Davis, certainly relevant to the story arc as he had to know more about his history and certainly to find a way to kill himself. And of course the conclusion is important to lead to Chloe's decision and feelings which is still debatable of course.

Lois playing superhero? Relevant to the story? Not much... Was it important for the story that she realized fake reporting is bad? No, for her character maybe, although people could say that this only marks her as a bad reporter. Okay she recovers herself, so no harm done, but does this advance her character, no it only goes up and down.

[Chloe Bloome]

It did kinda feel that way. Mainly because everything has been revolving around Doomsday (no complaints there!), but it was nice to have a Clark and Lois episode, need more like it, especially since the pointless Lana episodes earlier in the season buggered up a good thing lol Need to get it back on track says I

[ginevrakent]

Well the whole set-up where Davis got exploded important cause Clark should find out about the murders. The history of Davis, certainly relevant to the story arc as he had to know more about his history and certainly to find a way to kill himself. And of course the conclusion is important to lead to Chloe's decision and feelings which is still debatable of course.

Why was it important for Davis to learn that he could kill himself via kryptonite shower if it actually does not kill him? The audience could simply assume that kryptonite does not affect Davis like it affects Clark. In the end, nothing changed. Davis knew all that he needed to know about his backstory in Bloodline and Bride, and at the episode he is still alive and indestructible. If Eternal was eliminated, Davis could just as easily show up at the Talon at the beginning of Beast, tell Chloe the exact same things he told her at the end of Eternal, and they could proceed to tell the story they intend to tell without any significant gaps. Unless, of course, you think Davis and Chloe's development is more important than Clark's.


Lois playing superhero? Relevant to the story? Not much... Was it important for the story that she realized fake reporting is bad? No, for her character maybe, although people could say that this only marks her as a bad reporter. Okay she recovers herself, so no harm done, but does this advance her character, no it only goes up and down.

Stiletto definitely advanced Lois's character. She started the episode wanting the interview with the Blur because it would be a big deal for her career and she believed that becoming the story was a way to get ahead. At the end, Lois not only understands the reality of life as a superhero, which makes her a better friend and future press agent to Superman, but it also added another rule to Lois Lane's Rules of Reporting. All of Lois's rules are the consequence of a learning experience actually depicted on the show, which adds to her development because it sets up the reasons why Lois Lane the basement dweller becomes Lois Lane the Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter.

[Davis Bloome]

So it seems that you think the details about Davis' character which imo were more relevant, are not important to you? Davis was strong, but he wasn't immortal. The green K was necessary to make him stronger potentially more than Clark. And the cage scene was necessary to show us and not only us but Clark how Chloe and Davis feel about each other.

The Lois scenes in Stiletto were only for her development and it didn't develop that much. She only realized that fake reporting does seem to pay off since the RBB does contact her after playing superhero. Is it so important for her character that one can't just play superhero? If you say so... We all are entitled to our opinions. But as I said this only develops her character. What does it develop for others except for the ending where we have a romantic moment between Lois and Clark and the settling between the RBB and Lois. Like I said in an earlier post, all this could easily have been done in the next episode.

[ooglebug]

Reading through some of the posts on here, it seems like there are two ways of looking at it. My initial instinct was to call this episode "filler", because in terms of this season's story, there was really nothing that was required viewing to understand the rest of the season. If I skipped "Stilleto", I don't think I would be confused by anything I saw next episode, whereas if I skipped an episode like "Eternal", I would be confused by Chloe disposing of DD's bodies/DD being at the Talon.

But, in terms of the overall Superman mythology, I wouldn't consider this filler. The introduction of Intergang and the first interaction between Lois Lane and Clark Kent's alter-ego are fairly important steps.

Looking at it from the perspective of Smallville's story this season, I can see how it would be considered filler. But, from the perspective of Superman's mythology, this episode would almost certainly not be filler. I initially voted "Yes, it is a filler episode", but I'd probably change it to "both", if I could.

i think youve hit the nail on the head - maybe it depends on whether youre looking short term, as in that season, or the entire series....



According tho this definition, Identity was also a filler episode, which doesn't make any sense.


very true!
ive kind of revised what i think about Stiletto being filler after having read what Cogito (omg lattinn?? as in i know? oh no wait thats cognosco, or is that to find out? hmmm anyway) said about it being a filler in terms of the season's plot but not in terms of the whole mythology, and Identity applies to that way of seeing things too.

[ginevrakent]

i think youve hit the nail on the head - maybe it depends on whether youre looking short term, as in that season, or the entire series....

That would work if the RBB was just important to the series, but not the season, which it isn't. If that were true, then all of Clark's development this year is considered filler. This kind of thinking places Clark's journey this season as secondary to Doomsday's. Are we really at a point where we consider the development of the villain as more important than the development of the hero?

[Davis Bloome]

Imo they go tie in tie. One can't live without the other. Although honestly so far DD's development is important for both his character and the story in this season. While the story of the Red Blue blur is important to both Clark's character and his story this season and for the entire development of his character through smallville, however it is not so essential for the whole story of Smallville as there is none in my opinion. Though some would say that Clark's character development is the story is smallville which is an opinion I don't share, cause to me all characters can be evenly as important as Clark even if they weren't there from the start.

[ginevrakent]

Imo they go tie in tie. One can't live without the other. Although honestly so far DD's development is important for both his character and the story in this season. While the story of the Red Blue blur is important to both Clark's character and his story this season and for the entire development of his character through smallville, however it is not so essential for the whole story of Smallville as there is none in my opinion.

So, let me make sure I am understanding you correctly, in your opinion, Clark's development towards Superman is not essential to the story of Smallville? If that is true, and I am not misinterpreting your meaning, then I have no words to describe how wrong that is.


Though some would say that Clark's character development is the story is smallville which is an opinion I don't share, cause to me all characters can be evenly as important as Clark even if they weren't there from the start.

Then, an episode that develops both Lois and Clark is just as important as an episode that develops Doomsday. Why is it that a one-season character like Doomsday can be alotted 9 episodes worth of character development, but the development of other long-running characters like Lois and Clark are insignificant?

[Davis Bloome]

So, let me make sure I am understanding you correctly, in your opinion, Clark's development towards Superman is not essential to the story of Smallville? If that is true, and I am not misinterpreting your meaning, then I have no words to describe how wrong that is.
I'm sorry but Clark's development to Superman is important for the character. Smallville is described as Superman's childhood and it is packed of stories we see in episodes in seasons that go on and on and on. And Clark's rise to superman develops as long as those stories (not story) goes on. Cause to me it seems that your main focus on Smallville is Clark and while to me and to others for sure he is one of, and certainly to others, THE most important character, other characters can be just or almost as important to me. Smallville develops as their characters develop, not only as Clark develops.


Then, an episode that develops both Lois and Clark is just as important as an episode that develops Doomsday. Why is it that a one-season character like Doomsday can be alotted 9 episodes worth of character development, but the development of other long-running characters like Lois and Clark are insignificant?Only the ending develops Clark and Lois' character and like I said it could have been done in a better way. But that is just my opinion. And if you have a complete episode that is all about Doomsday's story compared to a story that adds a little extra to both Lois and Clark, well then I say the episode of DD was more significant. If you have an episode where it shows a development that goes deeper like commitment imo then that is more significant.

[ginevrakent]

I'm sorry but Clark's development to Superman is important for the character. Smallville is described as Superman's childhood and it is packed of stories we see in episodes in seasons that go on and on and on. And Clark's rise to superman develops as long as those stories (not story) goes on. Cause to me it seems that your main focus on Smallville is Clark and while to me and to others for sure he is one of, and certainly to others, THE most important character, other characters can be just or almost as important to me. Smallville develops as their characters develop, not only as Clark develops.

So, according to you, an episode that develops Lois can be considered important? What if this episode does more to develop Lois, however, and also develops Clark?

Or, in your opinion, is Lois fundamentally unimportant compared to every other character on the show?

[Davis Bloome]

No I don't think she's unimportant, she's just as important as Chloe. Sh,e Clark and Lois are the most important characters imo. I just think this episode did little (not nothing) to develop her character.

[ginevrakent]

No I don't think she's unimportant, she's just as important as Chloe. Sh,e Clark and Lois are the most important characters imo. I just think this episode did little (not nothing) to develop her character.

I disagree, obviously. So, let's just leave it there :)

[Davis Bloome]

Sure, it's all okay. Just talking here;)

[Cogito17]

The difference here, again, is looking at it from a "Superman mythology" vs. "Smallville season" perspective.

I don't think this episode will be considered "filler" when looking at it from the Superman mythology perspective.


That would work if the RBB was just important to the series, but not the season, which it isn't. If that were true, then all of Clark's development this year is considered filler. This kind of thinking places Clark's journey this season as secondary to Doomsday's. Are we really at a point where we consider the development of the villain as more important than the development of the hero?

Also, I don't think that the RBB or the Clark and Lois relationship is unimportant to this season's story. BUT, my question is, what fundamental change was there in this episode that was essential to understanding this season?

Clark becoming a reporter at the DP = Not filler, because I wouldn't understand what he was doing there if I didn't see that development.
Clark developing the identity of the RBB = Not filler, because I wouldn't understand what they were talking about when they say "The Red Blue Blur".

What changed in this episode that will prove crucial to my understanding of subsequent episodes this season? I don't mean to downplay the importance of Clark/RBB/Clois, I'm just saying that not a lot changed in this episode.

[ginevrakent]

What changed in this episode that will prove crucial to my understanding of subsequent episodes this season? I don't mean to downplay the importance of Clark/RBB/Clois, I'm just saying that not a lot changed in this episode.

Clark gave his first interview to a reporter. This is one of the key plot points in every Superman origin story. It is a complete shift in Clark's approach to being a superhero because he recognizes the importance of being a public hero rather than a mysterious savior in the shadows. It has been something Clark has struggled with all season long, but in this episode he took his final leap. The fact that it was with Lois Lane is just icing on the cake.

[Davis Bloome]

I agree with her on this, given an identity to Clark is important to his character. It gives the character a chance to be known in the world, however not yet as Superman it creates a bridge to that and opens new possibilities for more development in becoming Superman. However my opinion differs with ginevrakent in how important Stiletto was to the story of the RBB.

[harryandginnyfanatic]

Definitely NOT a filler.

It dealt with Clark's dual identity arc with the RBB.

[smallville_is_awesome]

I dont count Stiletto as a "filler" episode. But if it was then it was one awesome "filler". IMO

[ooglebug]

That would work if the RBB was just important to the series, but not the season, which it isn't. If that were true, then all of Clark's development this year is considered filler. This kind of thinking places Clark's journey this season as secondary to Doomsday's. Are we really at a point where we consider the development of the villain as more important than the development of the hero?

Well i think that clark's development, as you kind of said in later points, is basically the fundemental point of smallville - it's to show how he becomes superman; its like the over-arching theme of the entire series - therefore, technically every episode and season on smallville is part of his journey. If an episode showing Clark's progression towards becoming superman couldn't be considered a filler, then perhaps you could argue there never are fillers...
However, season by season however there are different main plot arcs and episodes that stand out as separate from them; these could be considered fillers but only within the confines of a season.

I can think of quite a few arguments against what i just said lol but il stand by it, because i have homework to do and cant be bothered to have a debate with myself lol...

erm yeah lol
to be honest i dont think Stiletto was a filler, i don't think there have been any true fillers this season - i think a true filler has to be completely seperate from the plot, maybe Lexmas... and even that was Lex's development...

[Cogito17]

Clark gave his first interview to a reporter. This is one of the key plot points in every Superman origin story. It is a complete shift in Clark's approach to being a superhero because he recognizes the importance of being a public hero rather than a mysterious savior in the shadows. It has been something Clark has struggled with all season long, but in this episode he took his final leap. The fact that it was with Lois Lane is just icing on the cake.

I would agree with you if their conversation had been an actual interview. I wouldn't call the conversation an interview though. It was more just a "hey, I'm here", there was no new information given to Lois from Clark. In fact, their conversation was more about Lois than it was about Clark.

[Dresden]

I would agree with you if their conversation had been an actual interview. I wouldn't call the conversation an interview though. It was more just a "hey, I'm here", there was no new information given to Lois from Clark. In fact, their conversation was more about Lois than it was about Clark.

The main theme/story arc of the season is dual identities. Of all the characters struggling with their dual identities, Clark Kent is the most important. In this episode with the "hey, I'm here," conversation you casually mentioned Clark Kent officially solidified one of his two identities in the series. And don you see how meaningful and important that was? No longer is his dual identity just this red-blue blur. Now he's taken a step forward and actually made a connection with someone, not as Clark Kent, but as a Superhero. Stiletto held the first interaction between the RBB (aka Superman) with another person! That's powerful! And that my friend is not what filler episodes are made of, that's what great episodes of the season are made up of.

But I know how easy it is to get caught up by the silliness of the episode. The Stiletto suit. I get it. It's tight. It's sexy. It made some people very happy. It made some other people very uncomfortable. But beyond the suit (which wasn't even exploited as many had suggested it would be--I mean how short was that montage of her getting dressed? Seconds!) the story was about Lois Lane meeting Superman for the first time. And that is not filler. It simply isn't. Never by any stretch of any definition for the word filler will I ever apply it to the episode.

And it saddens me that people were so quick to judge the episode based on the superficial cover of the Stiletto outfit and then have been so stubborn on letting go of that first impression. That's why I actually enjoyed the review from the Supermanhomepage because the interviewer there Neil actually admitted that he had a preconceived idea about the episode and then admitted that he was wrong about it.

And really, in the end, it's all in the way you look at it, and if all you see is a tight leather outfit then of course you will see a filler episode. But if you see what happened as a result of that outfit, Lois Lane finally making first contact with Superman then the episode hit one out of the ballpark. An episode that delved into Clark Kent's dual identity is not filler. It's meeting the quota for this year's main theme.

[Cogito17]

First, being filler does not make an episode bad. Second, I don't think it's fair to assume that people who may consider it "filler" are "quick to judge" or only looking at it's "superficial cover" or are "so stubborn on letting go". I see where you are coming from, but I think you are confusing allusion to iconic development for the actual iconic development.

The last words Clark says to Lois are, "When I'm ready to tell the world my secret, you'll be the first to know". What he is referring to there; THAT is the iconic, major development that we are waiting for. The iconic moment/development is Clark coming forward as Superman to reveal more about who he is. This episode was the RBB (not Superman yet) on the phone, with his voice altered, having a conversation that was as much (if not more) about Lois, than it was about him.

Clark aludes to the moment that people seem to be talking about, but I don't think they would make Superman's coming out party take place on the phone, with his voice altered, when the person he is talking to can't even see him. The ending scene was good, and it was a nice nod to the mythos, but it wasn't the iconic moment people are waiting for.

Is it their first contact? Sure, and from the "Superman mythology" staindpoint, that probably constitutes it as non-filler. But, from the story arc being told this season, it changes little-nothing. What is it that you foresee in the next 3 episodes that will happen based on what has happened in Stilleto?