Clark Distinctly Unheroic

[malchloefan]

I must admit, I am shocked at Clark Kent's portrayal in Smallville. The show has been running for eight seasons now and it seems that BDA hasn't learnt a thing. I think that Kara needs to return immediately to demonstrate what true super-heroics are all about.

Let's see, what lesson did Clark learn from all this? Don't get close to people. This is the same drivel we have been hearing from season 1. For heaven's sake Clark, use some of that grey matter (or whatever colour it happens to be in the Kryptonian brain). The moral of the story is that you should not go it alone! If he had any common sense he would have transported Doomsday to the future, there is no reason why he couldn't have joined the team there and fought Doomsday alongside them.

[Theshadow129x]

wtf?!?!? are you kidding me? *sigh* he has to be above humanity to save it. Humans are completely flawed and we all know this. We use simple things to gain what we want and to cross moral boundaries that we shouldnt. Clark knows this but couldnt see it before. He has to separate his human side from his kryptonian side thats why he walked away the way he did.

[thehenry89]

It was a bit elitist if you ask me for all these years he wanted to be a regular evil morally inept human and now he's above it all. The writers just love flip flopping clark's charachter don't they?

[Theshadow129x]

What flip flop? Clark turning his cheek on every issue is a driving issue this show has had. He has made bad decisions or made no decisions at all when it came to saving humanity. Look at the issue at hand today with Jimmy. Jimmy died and this whole time Jimmy was right about Davis. Davis was a true cold blooded murderer it wasnt the beast at all. Clark tried to over look this and say it was his kryptonian side when it wasnt! It was just Davis being human. He saw the error of his ways by thinking like that.

[liana]

But Superman is the most human person at all. The moment Clark gives up his humanity, he will just never be Superman. And that is probably what Rokk meant when he said that he was gone in the future. When his human side dies, he truly stops being the hero, and becomes the conqueror, in another words, he just becomes everything Superman isn't.

[malchloefan]

TheHenry89 and liana I totally agree. What Clark seems to forget is that Kryptonians have emotions too. Kryptonian or human it does not matter, he will still be faced with the same interior struggle. If you ask me he is indulging in self-pity. He is not truly taking responsibility for his actions. There is nothing in the episode which suggests a new direction for Clark, except a downward spiral into greater stupidity.

He is repeating the same mistakes all over again. Its his lack of teamwork which is at the heart of his problems and he simply will not take heed of any advice. I think he is proving himself to be incredibly arrogant. Need I remind anyone, the frequency with which he ignored the instructions of Jor-El. He consistenly goes it alone, and this is his greatest weakest. Of course, sometimes he needs to lead, taking independent decisions but quite frankly in his current frame of mind, I don't think he is ready for that responsibility.

After eight seasons, some genuine character progression is necessary.

[Tatiana]

that's why I thought maybe Zod is controling him....

----- Added 39 Seconds later -----

maybe thats how the orb was supposed to work in the end, once he killed Doomsday he lost his humanity for now....

[bluewolv1970]

What flip flop? Clark turning his cheek on every issue is a driving issue this show has had. He has made bad decisions or made no decisions at all when it came to saving humanity. Look at the issue at hand today with Jimmy. Jimmy died and this whole time Jimmy was right about Davis. Davis was a true cold blooded murderer it wasnt the beast at all. Clark tried to over look this and say it was his kryptonian side when it wasnt! It was just Davis being human. He saw the error of his ways by thinking like that.

and you know they bookended that point by only having the kryptonian beast injure jimmy in bride but the human davis killed him in the finale.

[Theshadow129x]

Thats simply not true. Clark makes up two identities for the reasons that I have said. Believe it or not thats also what we got from the 1978 film.

Clark makes bad decisions. He does. Yes, its a learning experience but he has been told by people wiser than him that the decisions he makes have repercussions beyond that anyone knows.

He isnt a conqueror. Its not like he is saying we haev to do something or he will kill us all. its not like that. but he is making a decision to separate the things he wants and things that he needs to do. How does that make him less heroic? He's giving up something he has always wanted to something greater. Its called sacrifice!

[SnowBird]

IClark just saved the world from Doomsday. He can't get more heroic than that.

[malchloefan]

TheShadow129x, I don't believe it is sacrifice. True sacrifice is overcoming your guilt to comfort a friend when she was grieving. True sacrifice is not distancing yourself from people to spare oneself the pain of losing anyone. Clark is right, he is not human, human beings have a spine, they have to face up to hardship and still be there for one another. Clark clearly can't do that, yet.

[AgentChaos]

But Superman is the most human person at all. The moment Clark gives up his humanity, he will just never be Superman. And that is probably what Rokk meant when he said that he was gone in the future. When his human side dies, he truly stops being the hero, and becomes the conqueror, in another words, he just becomes everything Superman isn't.

Right now Clark is disillusioned with humanity because of Davis and Oliver. This actually could make for a great arc for him next season- have him rediscover his faith in humanity and take the final step to become Superman.

[susangail]

Right now Clark is disillusioned with humanity because of Davis and Oliver. This actually could make for a great arc for him next season- have him rediscover his faith in humanity and take the final step to become Superman.

I totally agree. At the moment, he's overwhelmed and still processing what happened. He needs to reach the right point of emotional distance to be able to do his job effectively.

[malchloefan]

AgentChaos, you are right of course. What I loved about the Superman Movies is Clark's unwavering faith in humanity, but I haven't seen that to date in Clark on Smallville. Sure in the early seasons he didn't want to face up to Lex's dark side choosing to see the best in people. As of late, however, he has grown more and more cynical, not suprising given the betrayals and set-backs he has had. Nonetheless, Clark needs to recognise that he must be a beacon of hope in a weary world.

“Even though you’ve been raised as a human being you’re not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show them they way"

Clark has recognised the first part! Although how he hasn't come to terms with this sooner is simply beyond me. It's the second part that he needs to grasp. He cannot be that light if he rejects human emotions. If he is afraid of getting hurt. Love entails the willingness to be vulnerable, with love and empathy Clark cannot become the iconic hero we all so ardently desire him to be.

[thehenry89]

For god sakes even spock has emotions.

[malchloefan]

What I object to is that all of the character change that needs to happen must occur quickly, but characters are developed over time, and the writers have had ample time and oppurtunity to push Clark in the right direction. I think the longevity of the show is doing it no favours. The Clark that I see bears no resemblance to superman, it is a very hard pill to swallow, but even more infuriating he shows absolutely no signs of reaching his destination because I think the writers have never really understand the character in the first place.

[smallvillerocks45]

I think, however, that next season will have Clark learn that human emotions are what make him a hero.

For years, people have told him that his greatest strength is his greatest weakness -- hope. Clark says that he no longer wants to be attached, what he'll learn however is that by trying to distance himself from the world, he will inevitably love humanity even more. Clark can't save people if he doesn't care about them or their well-being. Clark's just in depressed-mode, and I don't blame him, but it won't be permanent either.

This story is about Clark's path to becoming Superman, and maybe this is just the level of pain that is necessary to make him understand what needs to be done to become the ultimate hero.

The thing is, he was going to send Doomsday to the phantom zone - that would have solved everything, but Chloe didn't let him. Then Tess destroyed the crystal. By trying to save humanity, a good person was sacrificed, and this is a terrible thing. Now Clark is forced to rethink everything he has believed in -- are there really some people who aren't worth saving? This was a defining moment for Clark, and I simply can't wait to see how Clark learns to forgive himself -- it really wasn't his fault, he didn't even use the black kryptonite had he been there when Chloe used it, he might have been able to change things - but Clark needs to realize that... and maybe finding Lois might also help him feel better. He promised her that he'd save Chloe, but in return, he feels like he let her die. He doesn't know she accidentally used the ring. Next season can't come soon enough. I don't know how I'm going to survive the summer months.

I whole heartedly believe that this Clark Kent will one day be Superman.

[malchloefan]

Nicely put SmallvilleRocks, I look forward to it as well.

[derekmull]

Doesn't Clark have to spend some significant time in the fortress, detached from the world to complete his transformation into Superman. Maybe they are setting this up...

[SnowBird]

I think, however, that next season will have Clark learn that human emotions are what make him a hero.

For years, people have told him that his greatest strength is his greatest weakness -- hope. Clark says that he no longer wants to be attached, what he'll learn however is that by trying to distance himself from the world, he will inevitably love humanity even more. Clark can't save people if he doesn't care about them or their well-being. Clark's just in depressed-mode, and I don't blame him, but it won't be permanent either.

This story is about Clark's path to becoming Superman, and maybe this is just the level of pain that is necessary to make him understand what needs to be done to become the ultimate hero.

The thing is, he was going to send Doomsday to the phantom zone - that would have solved everything, but Chloe didn't let him. Then Tess destroyed the crystal. By trying to save humanity, a good person was sacrificed, and this is a terrible thing. Now Clark is forced to rethink everything he has believed in -- are there really some people who aren't worth saving? This was a defining moment for Clark, and I simply can't wait to see how Clark learns to forgive himself -- it really wasn't his fault, he didn't even use the black kryptonite had he been there when Chloe used it, he might have been able to change things - but Clark needs to realize that... and maybe finding Lois might also help him feel better. He promised her that he'd save Chloe, but in return, he feels like he let her die. He doesn't know she accidentally used the ring. Next season can't come soon enough. I don't know how I'm going to survive the summer months.

I whole heartedly believe that this Clark Kent will one day be Superman.

Very good post and I agree.

[jpfort1957]

IClark just saved the world from Doomsday. He can't get more heroic than that.

And yet.........He has given up on himself!!!!!!!

[malchloefan]

And yet.........He has given up on himself!!!!!!!

He has also given up on humanity by the sound of things.

[Theshadow129x]

NO! ugh if u guys believe all of this then you all lost the point of the episode. He's not being elitist nor is he giving up on humanity. He's drawing a line between what he knows and what he doesnt. Creating a clark kent that identifies with humanity and a beacon to point humanity into another direction.

he isnt giving up on anyone nor is he looking to be a judge of who lives and dies. He's simply trying to put things in perspective. Its the end of the Clark Kent who thought with just emotions, its the Birth of a Clark Kent that thinks with more logic. He still will believe all lives are sacred. But by him not putting things in true perspective like the Davis situation and letting people know his secrwet or denying who he is people have gotten hurt. Its something he will not let happen again! thats what the point of the ending was. He has to seperate Clark Kent from Kal-el. He needs to be two completely different people! Jor-el has warned him of this and he hasn't gotten the picture yet until now!

[nbrown30]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that Clark has been really blind to reality this season?

Lex deserved to die...Doomsday is threatening to destroy all of humanity...yet Clark is to much of an idealistic wimp to do anything-to kill one (very evil being) and save many people. And Clark whiningly telling Oliver that "he is the enemy" is an incredibly dumb notion - Oliver wants what is best for humanity - Clark himself is the enemy.

And the whole Clois drama has also proved unfulfilling because Clark is too "scared".

Though I haven't really enjoyed the Clark of this season, I hope he doesn't stupidly swing to far to the other side of how "he can't be human and save the world" crap.
And leaving a crying distraught Chloe like that at the end of the season's finale, right after she lost six of the people closest to her (Jimmy and Davis, plus Lois, Oliver, Black Canary, and The Flash)...WHAT A DICK MOVE! Clark is being incredibly selfish.

I have been a big Smallville fan since the begining but this is just too frustrating. What do you guys think.

[Krypto~Luan]

Lex didnt deserve to die. He deserved to live in turmoil and sufer for his crimes.


people fail to realise


DEATH IS THE ULTIMATE LIBERATION!

[nbrown30]

This season Clark has become more and more problematic.

Lex and Doomsday/Davis were huge threats to humanity...yet Clark is to much of an idealist to do anything-to kill one (very evil being) and save many people. And Clark telling Oliver that "he is the enemy" is an incredibly nonsensical notion - Oliver wants what is best for humanity - Clark himself is the enemy.

And leaving a crying distraught Chloe like that at the end of the season's finale (supposedly for good), right after she lost six of the people closest to her (Jimmy and Davis, plus Lois, Oliver, Black Canary, and The Flash)...that's a very unfriendly, heartless, and selfish!

I have been a big Smallville fan since the beginning but this is just too frustrating. I feel like Clark has learned absolutely nothing. What do you guys think?

[ginnyfan]

Great post smallvillerocks45. It'll be refreshing to see Clark going to the polar opposite of what he's believed for so long and learning balance.

[Kschreck]

Great post smallvillerocks45. It'll be refreshing to see Clark going to the polar opposite of what he's believed for so long and learning balance.


If you mean Clark becoming emo and depressed next season then it will only mean no real CLOIS moments and the possibility that Clark quits his job at the Daily Planet. Total Regression of character!

[lia]

I think, however, that next season will have Clark learn that human emotions are what make him a hero.

For years, people have told him that his greatest strength is his greatest weakness -- hope. Clark says that he no longer wants to be attached, what he'll learn however is that by trying to distance himself from the world, he will inevitably love humanity even more. Clark can't save people if he doesn't care about them or their well-being. Clark's just in depressed-mode, and I don't blame him, but it won't be permanent either.

This story is about Clark's path to becoming Superman, and maybe this is just the level of pain that is necessary to make him understand what needs to be done to become the ultimate hero.

The thing is, he was going to send Doomsday to the phantom zone - that would have solved everything, but Chloe didn't let him. Then Tess destroyed the crystal. By trying to save humanity, a good person was sacrificed, and this is a terrible thing. Now Clark is forced to rethink everything he has believed in -- are there really some people who aren't worth saving? This was a defining moment for Clark, and I simply can't wait to see how Clark learns to forgive himself -- it really wasn't his fault, he didn't even use the black kryptonite had he been there when Chloe used it, he might have been able to change things - but Clark needs to realize that... and maybe finding Lois might also help him feel better. He promised her that he'd save Chloe, but in return, he feels like he let her die. He doesn't know she accidentally used the ring. Next season can't come soon enough. I don't know how I'm going to survive the summer months.

I whole heartedly believe that this Clark Kent will one day be Superman.



Well said. I completely agree

[ginnyfan]

If you mean Clark becoming emo and depressed next season then it will only mean no real CLOIS moments and the possibility that Clark quits his job at the Daily Planet. Total Regression of character!

No I mean Clark learning about his Kryptonian Heritage. Maybe learning about Kryptonian fighting techniques. Learning to speak Kryptonian. Learning to control his emotions. That's what I mean. Kal-el was all alien and he was anything but emo.

[Joanna]

But Superman is the most human person at all. The moment Clark gives up his humanity, he will just never be Superman. And that is probably what Rokk meant when he said that he was gone in the future. When his human side dies, he truly stops being the hero, and becomes the conqueror, in another words, he just becomes everything Superman isn't.

This reminds me of the Superman Animated Series epi Apokolips with an EU where Lois Lane had died and after that Superman lost his human side.

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


I think, however, that next season will have Clark learn that human emotions are what make him a hero.

For years, people have told him that his greatest strength is his greatest weakness -- hope. Clark says that he no longer wants to be attached, what he'll learn however is that by trying to distance himself from the world, he will inevitably love humanity even more. Clark can't save people if he doesn't care about them or their well-being. Clark's just in depressed-mode, and I don't blame him, but it won't be permanent either.

This story is about Clark's path to becoming Superman, and maybe this is just the level of pain that is necessary to make him understand what needs to be done to become the ultimate hero.

The thing is, he was going to send Doomsday to the phantom zone - that would have solved everything, but Chloe didn't let him. Then Tess destroyed the crystal. By trying to save humanity, a good person was sacrificed, and this is a terrible thing. Now Clark is forced to rethink everything he has believed in -- are there really some people who aren't worth saving? This was a defining moment for Clark, and I simply can't wait to see how Clark learns to forgive himself -- it really wasn't his fault, he didn't even use the black kryptonite had he been there when Chloe used it, he might have been able to change things - but Clark needs to realize that... and maybe finding Lois might also help him feel better. He promised her that he'd save Chloe, but in return, he feels like he let her die. He doesn't know she accidentally used the ring. Next season can't come soon enough. I don't know how I'm going to survive the summer months.

I whole heartedly believe that this Clark Kent will one day be Superman.

Beautiful post! I'm totally with you

[Ellsbury]

Right now Clark is disillusioned with humanity because of Davis and Oliver. This actually could make for a great arc for him next season- have him rediscover his faith in humanity and take the final step to become Superman.

First Lex, then Oliver, and now Davis... who would'nt be disillusioned after that !

[j-kent]

Clark has been finally pushed over the edge..this is a big issue in depictions of Superman in comics..many writers decide who is the real identity- Superman or Clark Kent? Early and many of the comics depict Superman as the real identity and Clark Kent solely utilized only for masking his identity when he isn't saving people.


I disagree that this was unheroic...but was completely heroic and a purely selfless judgment. It isn't a surprise as we've continually seen Clark's principles hard pressed and question whether they work. This event was life-altering for him and I think well-written.

Elitist is the perfect way to describe this character he chooses to be...to save humanity he has to be above humanity. He has now realized that he has to forgo the luxury of his feelings, emotions, and bonds, etc. so that others can have that.