Loved it? Hated it? What did YOU think of this episode? [Archive]

Hero Complex

09-29-2005, 11:57 PM

Well first of all I'd like to say hello as this is my first post on these forums, my name is Roberto!

I'm not sure if there is a intro post anywhere to say more about myself or anything so sorry!

As for the show, well I enjoyed it alot thats for sure. I think this starts the ball rolling in a wonderful direction (although as it was said previously, season 4 had an awesome premier and most of the season never lived up to that first episode) that could take the show to an even higher level.

I have always enjoyed three parts of this show since the beginning, Clark/Lex, Clark/Lana, and the superman mythos. This show packed alot of power with all three of these aspects of Smallville so I was a happy camper.

The interactions with Lex and Clark in this episode, while brief for the most part, were gold. I have waited to see this side of Lex come out for awhile because Clark NEEDS Lex's bad side to fully turn him into the superman that he is destined to be. Every Superhero needs his super villain, and Clark knows who that is now.

Since the beginning I have loved the Clark/Lana angle, so season 1 and especially season 4 were hard for me to swallow. I hope that this premier fully capitalizes on its potential. Everytime I see Clark look at Lana, makes me wish that they would get together. Sure alot of people think Chloe should be the one with his heart, or even Lois but I think its Lana that most should root for, if only because after all hes been through Clark deserves to be happy and now maybe he can be. I don't think Clark will be able to resist lying to her when his powers come back, but maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. When they kissed at the end I got up and yelled "Yeah you TAKE IT BOY!"

I don't really need to go into depth about the Superman mythos as they were the heaviest aspect of this episode ... AWESOME!

What I will comment on is the length, or lack thereof, of the fight between Clark and the disciples. Most people thought it was way too short but actually I was happy that they didn't get too much screen time. I think its the relationships between Clark and his friends (and soon to be mortal enemies) that make the show, these battles, even with people of his planet are just filler. I think it was much more important to the story to have Chloe and Clark's interactions, as well as Clark and Lana confess their feelings again, this time under not-so-stressful situations.

Now perhaps the most exciting thing about the episode? The teaser trailer at the end with Clark and Lana looking like they were going to have sex and Clark punching Lex ...

WOOOO tell me you didnt want to scream and somehow magically make the second episode air right then!

well thats my rant!

hopefully it was a good opening post amigos

-SPC Roberto Abitua
Ft. Richardson, AK

F-Stop Blues

09-30-2005, 12:03 AM

Oh I forgot to do my season ranking so far.

1. Arrival

:)

Brainiac_13

09-30-2005, 12:04 AM

Excellent detail on the Fortress of Solitude. The animation and edits were less TV-show and more comic-book, which I found to be technically superb. *applause*

I miss the original logo, but otherwise, the new opening sequence is great. Allison Mack looks hot as hellfire in it. Welling must have been having a bad hair day.

Why are all Kryptonians auto-violent? Also: How do they automatically have full knowledge of and control over their abilities?

Nice how the Kryptonian symbol of the disciples of Zod was a stylized ROMAN "Z". What the hey, art department on strike?

Why did the Kryptonians refer to 'the key' as 'the key'?

Clark is a punk. I wonder: If his close pals weren't hot chicks, would he still ass up his whole life and lose his powers on their behalf?

I enjoy as well the fact that Clark's 'word' isn't worth squat. Ever.

I'm glad that Chloe fessed up. It was also bold of Clark to take it as an opportunity to relate to someone, rather than as a cause to retreat.

How can Jor El who is dead take ANYthing, much less powers that he has no control over? Clark's powers relate to his genes and the effect of a yellow sun upon them.

Zod seriously needs to break out a cig and speak in a cheesy faux cockney accent. (David Boreanaz also needs to appear in a one-shot so that Zod can kick his ass.)

All in all, a good start for the season. Lex is getting nasty, and that can only be good. Lionel's a frootcake, and that can only be good. Zod's about to make Clark regret the day he was ever inclined to save some girl instead of becoming a badass. (YAY! Maybe he'll stop being such a pansy and go beg daddy for his goods back.)

I'll keep my random predictions to myself for now. I need a couple more eps to get a feel for things.

Aside: I now have it on DVD with all the commercials magically deleted. *gloat*

bigville

09-30-2005, 12:08 AM

i loved it. love the beginning credits too.

smallville808

09-30-2005, 12:11 AM

10 out of 10 :D

vyperman7

09-30-2005, 12:17 AM

Now that ladies and gentlemen is what Smallville is supposed to be like. After a mediocre fourth season, we get back to what the show is really about. Clark and his journey towards becoming Superman.

The opening with the FOS has to be the best moment in the history of the show. Prepare for a new beginning.. Welcome home my son. Gave me chills right there. The CGI effects with the FOS were kind of bad, but the inside of it was perfect.

The bit with Clark losing his powers due to the fact that he did not go back before the sunset, was a little too Cinderella for me, but him becoming normal does make for an interesting story arc. Especially with Brainiac being introduced.

LOVED the talk between Chloe and Clark. Great stuff there, and it was awesome when Clark sped off with her in his arms.

Even the music was good in this episode. Loved the song that the episode closed with. It had an 80's feel to it, but felt perfect for the scene when it did the overview of Clark in the crater and Brainiac showing up.

It was awesome when Lionel made reference to Zod too.

From this episode and the way the previews look, this season may actually be the best one yet. It is too early to tell, but the premiere has gotten me more psyched than an episode has in a long time.

In regards to the opening credits, it is about time they did a revamp. Looks good too. But why are they always screwing over Allison? She has been on the show since day one, yet she gets shown after Erica, who is not even a fulltime cast member.

My only gripe was the Jason situation. He was in the house with the Kents when it hit, and then he is mysteriously gone? They should have at least shown him lying there dead. The bit in the paper at the end with Jason and Genevive being dead just seemed like too quick a resolution. Also, they should have gotten better actors for the two Kryptonians. I was not really feeling the two actors that played the characters.

Deviant

09-30-2005, 12:32 AM

Well, Personally I think this was a fantastic premiere. Even while not being a big fan of Clana it was pretty good.

The Clark/Chloe scenes were top notch as well as the Clark/Lex interactions. Hell even Lionel and Lana had a fairly decent scene together.

As Ryan said that is what Smallville is all about and we can only hope the rest of season 5 is as good.

bembol

09-30-2005, 12:47 AM

Love It!

I've watched it several times and I REALLY SHOULD TO BED...!!!

*will be posting something like this in an hour...two* :nervous:

NotTodayPete

09-30-2005, 12:52 AM

Originally posted by Forever Zero
no he gets his powers back the week after next

I hope you're guessing. Keep your spoilers to yourself.

Sydafex7

09-30-2005, 02:29 AM

Man, it'd be great if Lana remembered the ONLY other time she has heard the name "Kal" was in tonights episode and also when she went with Clark to the nightclub in Metropolis.I mean "Kal" is such a different name, If I were here, I'd remember. I mean its no like that night at the club wasnt a big deal, thats one of those memories she'll always have.. But I know she wont put 2 and 2 together

nexttolastsonofKrypton

09-30-2005, 03:42 AM

Great opening episode! I agree with some that the disciples of Zod did make a hasty exit, but the old school phantom zone was awesome (which is what I said out loud when I saw it). Chloe and Clark's chat in the hospital was good stuff too. I can't wait until they talk next week since Clark is now "mortal". And as always, I love how the writers show where Clark gets his true strength from, his parents. I can't wait for next week!

NewAgeJesus

09-30-2005, 06:02 AM

Im guessing his lack of powers is how they'll get around him gettin' it on with Lana?

I thought the episode was alright, not quite as big as I was expecting it to be, I liked the Chloe & Clark talk. I liked the ending with Lex & Chloe as well.

Not sure about the titles yet.

b-baller

09-30-2005, 06:14 AM

I loved the episode... I have been looking forward to this season for months, and I was not disappointed at all!! I thought everything was awesome--

1. Clark and Lana talk about feelings and stuff, but what happens when he does get his powers back, does his "no more secrets and lies" line go out the door? I like to see the two of them letting each other know how they feel though.

2. The talk between Clark and Chloe was nice also. Chloe did a nice job of showing the surprise she had with knowing about Clark not being from earth. She had thought the meteor rocks made him that way just like all the others in Smallville had changed.

3. Hats off to Clark and Lex, for their beginning to show the friendship going down the drain. Lex definitely knows something is going on for sure with Clark...

4. Clark in the FOS, and the things Jor-El said about welcoming him home was just awesome...

I am pumped up for next week's episode!

KentClark

09-30-2005, 06:32 AM

I give it a 10/10..

the only gripe (and it is a very small one) is the fight with the other two kryptonians wasn't as cool as it could have been..but other than that, I thought the premier was excellent...

diabla9

09-30-2005, 06:35 AM

i really enjoyed this episode, imo it was better than the entire 4th season (minus commencement). my favorite parts were definatley the ones w/ chloe, clark, and the fos. finally clark tells her everything, and the scene could not have been better!
what bothers me is the fact that clark stayed with lana instead of returning to the fos or going back for chloe. lana would have survived either way. i am dissapointed because he went and did this after chloe gives him that awesome speech about how he is more than a hero and how she doesn't view him differently now that she knows everything. i know they did it because tptb want to have another round with a 2 episode clark/lana relationship so they can do it, but we all know that he didn't really mean no more secrets and it's not going to be differnet this time becuase we all know he's not gonna tell her he's a big dumb alien. and how the heck did lex find chloe?

BELLAT

09-30-2005, 07:18 AM

Originally posted by NeXtToLaStKrYpToNiAn
I loved this episode. Just one question....How did he get back from the North Pole? First off, there isn't a land mass joining the States and the North Pole. Since he can't fly, how did he get back to the other side?

There is a land mass connecting the north pole to the US, through Canada? or is it Alaska, I can't remember, anyway its possible to run back from the Antartic

ckfan

09-30-2005, 07:28 AM

Overall, pretty good, but not great. I think I liked all of the other premiers better. Even if they weren't as epic, they were better written and tighter as stories.

The Clark-Chloe scenes in the FOS and hospital were definitely the best - best written and best acted.

They are opening up a lot of potentially interesting story lines for the season, but I still think they were too sloppy in Arrival in not explaining obvious plot gaps and letting the plot drive the characters. It seems like a bunch of disconnected scenes that nobody bothered to connect together logically.

Well, I hope it's a set-up to some good shows that can equal the quality of earlier seasons.

SoulCystic

09-30-2005, 07:46 AM

8/10

IT was a real good ep. But I think among all the seasons, it wasn't the best ever. They could have drawn it out alittle. Maybe an hour and a half. seemed rushed to me.

superman79

09-30-2005, 08:17 AM

Pure greatness! A new journey begins!!!!

asim

09-30-2005, 08:41 AM

Loved the episode. I was kind of hating the fact that Chloe was in the FOS but the way they played it out was perfect, she didnt ruin Clark's moment and I'm sure she wont actually be there again. It shouldnt be a place where everyone ends up going, that would suck.

Overall great start to the season, I can see this one turning out to be the best one yet.

Crazy4Smallville

09-30-2005, 09:49 AM

Crazy4Smallville’s Weekly Review

Season 5
Episode 1
"Arrival”

“Wow – and What?” were my expressions in this episode. All the Superman references made me sit on the edge of my seat in jubilation. The fast paced actions that moved the scenes along, and the awesome construction of the fortress of solitude – these were my “Wow” moments. It felt like I was watching Superman, and it was good. But, then there were the “What” moments that mostly involved Lex, Lana and Lois and the Zod drones. Not about their actions, but the reasoning behind them. I’ll get to those in a little bit.

The Fortress of Solitude – It was excellent, and I’m so glad they made it like the one from the Superman movie. That was the first FOS that I remember, and it made me feel like I was back at home – back to that place of familiarity and security. Clark’s trek across the snow drifts reminded me a lot of the scene also from the movies when a young Clark made a similar trek. However, it wasn’t the same circumstances or the same story. This Clark had to return before his training was complete, unlike the Clark from the movies where the training took fourteen years. I had half hoped that he would have flown Chloe out of the FOS, with flight being one of the few things he did learn, but I saw no evidence by the end of the show that Clark had learned anything. I loved it that it looked for a moment, when he submitted himself to Jor-El that he had finally accepted his destiny, yet we see at the end of the episode that he has once again chosen a selfish path, a human path, (let me be a little more specific – a Lana path) and forsaken what his father had offered him. So, in essence he did not embrace his destiny and is running once again to fulfill his own desires. There was that one moment when Lana was unconscious, before the sun set, that Clark had an opportunity to return to Jor-El, but he chose not to. Jor-El warned him that his decisions endanger the whole world, yet he still made it.

Chloe/Clark – It’s about time! I LOVED her references, “Super Clark”, “faster than a speeding bullet” & “take me with you”. Those were priceless. This is where the contrasting sacrifices are made evident. When Clark decided to stop his training to save Chloe, it was to save her life. But, when Clark didn’t return to Jor-El that evening because of Lana, it wasn’t to save her life, because the danger had already passed, it was for his own selfish desire, therefore causing his decision to jeopardize the whole world. It was after Clark had lost his powers, by making the decision that he did, that caused “Braniac” to surface. But, I suppose we did need a bad guy this season, other than Lex, to help Clark see his true calling in life is beyond Lana.

I thought Clark & Chloe’s conversation fell a little short of spectacular. I loved her reaction to him, when she found out that he wasn’t a mutant – but an alien, but I was disappointed that she didn’t tell him how she had helped him out when he had lost his memory just a few months earlier. Clark’s reaction was a little confusing. He seemed reserved of emotion. It just seemed odd – considering how much he over reacted to Alicia when she knew about his powers. That was the whole basis of his attraction to Alicia – the fact that she knew about him and accepted him for what he was. With Chloe, he doesn’t have to ‘wait and see’ if she’s going to be faithful with the knowledge, she’s already proven that she has been. I was surprised that when Chloe mentioned him catching a car with his bare hands, that he didn’t even mention Alicia’s name. Overall, I’m glad they had “The Talk”. Now, we can see them working together – the way it should be.

The graphics with the FOS in Chloe's eyes was awesome!

Clark/Lex – Well, it seems that Lex has plummeted over to the other side. Let me rephrase that – it seems that Alexander is still on the loose. I’m still convinced that the ‘good Lex’ is gone forever, and that it was “bad Alexander” that survived the personality meld from Onyx. I like this Lex much better. He’s devious, more daring and more in-your-face. But, there’s still something lacking. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t been given enough screen time and the true story of his intentions hasn’t been made clear, but I don’t mind being in the dark – for now. There’s always been an air of mystery surrounding Lex, and I think that is what makes him so appealing. This episode showed the real Clark/Lex relationship – with all their mistrust of each other, the way it should be.

The manipulative Lex shows his colors with Lana too. I loved it! So, he covered up Lana’s butcher job of Genevieve to make it look like she was murdered by a meteor instead. NOW, it will be Lana who carries around the secrets and hides things from Clark and be the reason for the lies and distrust in their relationship – and all thanks to Lex. He’s a genius.

Lana – Ok – I loved that Lana finally showed some selflessness by deceiving the aliens into following her back to the Luthor Mansion and exposing them to Kryptonite. But, what I don’t understand is where her blatant animosity came from? Yes, she saw a spaceship and then two aliens with superpowers – but she seemed to have had an instant hatred of them, and zeal to destroy them. This seemed very misplaced and judgmental. She didn’t know what their intentions were. When Clark first approached them, he at least asked them who they were, what they wanted and then made a determination as to what side they were on, based on their actions. Lana judged them before they even opened their mouths. Could she have judged them when they blew up the police cars with their eyes? Well, weren’t they being shot at? They could have been acting in self defense. But, Lana had already judged and condemned them. What will that do to her perception of all aliens? How will Clark ever be able to reveal to her the full truth about him? He won’t be able to. He already knows how she judges “meteor freaks”, and now her opinion on aliens will be the same. What chance does the boy have? I think Lex is a better companion for Lana, because he’s the complete opposite and could balance her out. However, I wonder about his devotion – look how long it took for him to help her on the road. I was about ready to slap the man upside his head going “Can’t you see she’s about to collapse – are you just going to stand there?” Also, how many times is the poor girl going to hurt her leg?

Lois – I love her, I really do, but I didn’t see a need for her in this episode. Yes, she helped out the Kent’s, but other than that she left no impression. She still chided with Clark with her bantering and insults (which I love between those two) but I thought that had she not been there, it wouldn’t have changed anything in the story.

The Kent’s – I think I’m going to name them “Super Mom and Super Dad”. Who gets beat up and thrown around more than Jonathan Kent? The man is a superhero unto himself. Their love and strength for one another is amazing. If I were a scientist, I’d be checking out their well water. There must be some meteor rocks in the well that gives them resilience.

Lex/Chloe – How in the heck did Lex find Chloe? If I were Chloe, I wouldn’t leave with a Luthor. I think it’s a nice twist, and I can’t wait to find out what happens, but this was one of the surprises in last night’s episode - that, along with ‘Braniac” surfacing from the dark ship. So, Lex now finally has his spaceship, but it seems he’s lost the ‘key’ again. Will he think that ship was the same one his father and Dr. Hamilton had found, and that houses that key – or will he know that it’s a different ship?

The Aliens - What? No fight, no great battle, no - nothing? I loved the spinning rings, the Phantom Zone and the prism prison - those were priceless. But, I was dissappointed by the lack of action and battle. They were weighed and measured and found wanting.

Overall, I was glad to see my Smallville back. I’ve missed them. I found many things exciting about Arrival, and it reminded me so much of the Superman that I fell in love with as a young girl. I look forward to the rest of the season.

This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!

warriorrenegade

09-30-2005, 09:53 AM

I really enjoyed this episode. Just seeing the FOS was jaw dropping, I don't think I stopped grinning the entire episode:D Loved the interaction between Clark and Jor-EL,seemed to evolve into a teacher/fatherly relationship ...well almost.

Clark and Chloe....that scene was well acted, bravo to Allison. It was well worth the wait. The "superhero" line that was a good one.

Lana.... KK really outdid herself in this episode, I was impressed. How creepy was Lionel scratching the floor... whoa. :)

Lex was really pulling no punches was he? Sinister as always especially when finding Chloe in the Yukon.

I'd give it a 8/10:cool:

loistickyfingerz

09-30-2005, 09:54 AM

I enjoyed this episode. Just like Commencement, I felt there was so much to tell and hour wasn't nearly enough. I wish there was a director's cut.

One part of the story that bothered me though was that Clark just abandoned Chloe up there in the hospital in the arctic. I know he was busy, but didn't Chloe cross his mind as he was happily buying flowers to visit Lana? I mean, hello? I would like to assume that somehow Lex informed Clark he was going to get Chloe, but it didn't seem like Clark and Lex were on gleeful speaking terms. I thought they kind of just let that part of the story drop.

Oh, and Jason as well. When was his body found? Did the Kents ever mention to anyone that there was someone else in the house with them when they were blasted?

Overall, I loved it though. I thought Erica played a great Lois Lane, always tough as nails even at inappropriate times. Really shows the venerability of the character, makes her seem real.

And I liked the Chloe Clark scene. I don't see how a conversation like that could have been written better. It's an awkward yet necessary moment for the characters and the writers. I thought they did a great job.

Shadowknight

09-30-2005, 10:25 AM

This episode was quite awesome. I LOVED it! Everything was in this episode was spectacular. Really showed alot of things.

Although, the fight between Nam-ek, Aethyr and Clark could have been better. Other than that I loved this episode.

Clana is back on, which is a major plus for me. Seeing a powerless Clark for more than 1 episode will be something too

clark25

09-30-2005, 10:56 AM

WOW what a season premire this was
it reminded me a lot of Superman II in
a way with clark lossing his powers and
all I hope this is only temporay.And to
the opening intro was great.And to the
Fortress of Solitude look like the one
straight out of the Superman movies
and also.I noticed the General Zod
reference to I gasp when Lionel
metiond something about that.Boy
I am still spechless can't wait untill
next week.This one is already a favorite
in my book for this season............

cayayofm

09-30-2005, 11:44 AM

Arrival was great......but not perfect.

One thing I love about Smallville premires is how well they keep up the momentum from the previous season finale and this episode this just that. It was a solid episode from start to finish setting up a lot of interesting things to come that I hope they go back too. Expecially the Lana arc. She was left with a newspaper saying " you owe me one L". I guess it was Lex saying Lana that he did a favor to her pretending Jason and his mother died on the meteor shower and that she will have to pay him back. Again this could be a nice side to the arc of turning Lex evil and a possible interesting way to keep Lana on the show besides being Clark's girlfriend. Loved the Clark and Chloe talk, I had been waiting for that for years. Lois still stealing the scenes she is in, someone said that she did not had a place on this episode but I actually think that this was one of the few that her presence was well integrated to the story.

Now there were some things that I did not liked. First the two krytonians they were looking for Clark and when he decided to not joyned them, they fought and bye.. that's it? I was clear that they were on the episode to cause action and destruction and to give something to fight to Clark on an otherwise slow episode wich it will not had been bad, there is a lot of interesting thing going on with the characters to worry about freaks, that were their porpuses, they were the freaks of the weak.
I have watched this episode 3 times, and I found sad that for me the least interesting part were the Lex/Clark interaction, the second and third viewing I fast fowared their scenes together, I just don't care where they stand anymore is the same old over and over again.
There was some plot jumps that did not maked sence Lana jumped quickly to the conclusion that the way to kill them it was with kryptonite, for us viewers it was clear the messeage that Lionel was sending but Lana does not have any idea who they are and what kryptonite do to them.

Over all a strong premire but I thought that Crusade and Exile, both, were stronger premires.

SoulCystic

09-30-2005, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by asim
Loved the episode. I was kind of hating the fact that Chloe was in the FOS but the way they played it out was perfect, she didnt ruin Clark's moment and I'm sure she wont actually be there again. It shouldnt be a place where everyone ends up going, that would suck.

Overall great start to the season, I can see this one turning out to be the best one yet.

But she sure did freeze her cute blond buns off!!:rotfl:

MayaQT

09-30-2005, 12:07 PM

Okay, so here's my breakdown of the episode:

-FoS was AWESOME
-Chloe and Clark having "the talk" was cool
-Lex is a bad, bad boy; He manipulates Lana into telling him about the ship and I got this feeling that he just wanted to get to the ship and leave Lana for dead. That doesn't even include the sinister and cryptic meeting he has with Chloe at the hospital in the Yukon.
-Who knew, Lionel could be useful? LOL. I wonder what will happen to him now though... And what was he writing into the ground?
-There was some serious Clana action!
-Loved the Phantom Zone reference!

Overall, good episode.

I have to say this though, whomever said this,
Clark is a punk. I wonder: If his close pals weren't hot chicks, would he still ass up his whole life and lose his powers on their behalf?
OMG, that is so true.

Somebody Stop Me

09-30-2005, 12:21 PM

I loved it even though it had a few flaws it was really good.

Things that got me was where was Jason's body? Answer....blown to smithereens by a meteor.

Why didn't Clark at least call to check on Chloe? Answer......we will find out next week (I hope).

I (unlike others) had no problem with the fight scene.

How come the to Kryptonians didn't fly?

Lex going to see Chloe........very creepy.

I think that this is the best season premier of Smallville.....period.

I always liked the beginning of season 2 but this one blew it away.

Great acting on everyone's part and John Glover was magnificent.

One more thing ED perfomance was way better than last years. (And she's still hot as hell!)

Lana and Chloe also look really hot too!

prometheus04

09-30-2005, 12:34 PM

Loved the premiere, as for all the comic fan. Braniac was co-created by Jor-El on Krypton. It is a complete A.I. system
When the destruction of the planet was discovered they started to store the planets history on it. It was also used to
help in locating a suitable place to relocate to. Questions???

1) How did Lex find chloe?
2) Did the sun set at the same time at the polar north where the FOS is, as it did in Kansas?
3) Jor-El can't stop the effects of the Yellow Sun, i.e. Clarks powers?
4) Why did the kryptonian have a portable famton zone?
4) How did they know about Kal-El. In Superman II he is refered to as the son of our jailer?
5) For those who like the Angel-Buffy cast return, That was not "Charles Gunn" ala "ANGEL"
He's the solider guy from Buffy, Riley's bud... (not a question)
6) Why can everyone but Clark get away from Kryptonite???

SHSAlumni

09-30-2005, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by NeXtToLaStKrYpToNiAn
I loved this episode. Just one question....How did he get back from the North Pole? First off, there isn't a land mass joining the States and the North Pole. Since he can't fly, how did he get back to the other side?

Also, I wish that the Zod disciples would have had atleast a couple episode arc. I would have liked to have seen them go at it a bit more.

Also, I want to see what he's learned so far from the FOS, when Chloe interrupted his download.

Did anyone notice the change in demeanor with Jor-El. He was showing more of a fatherly tone instead of that usual Commander tone.

Maybe he ran so fast that it really didn't matter that he was on water. Flash did it.

I agree about the Zod disciples. TPTB really needs to start adding in more arcs and less FOTWs.

As for Jor-El, I think that Clark had begun last season to see that Jor-El had a nice side, though the writer's should have focused on it more.

RJLCyberPunk

09-30-2005, 01:02 PM

This episode was fantastic!
It had it all...
New evil kriptonians with superpowers...
The making of the fortress of solitude...
Need I go on...

a perfect 10 out of 10...

Sikorab

09-30-2005, 01:08 PM

I think it's great that the series is back, I have been waiting for it for quite some time now. Awesome intro, great episode, everything simply rocked :)

Can't wait till next episode.

Oh and by the way, I'm back to the forums too! :P

KryptonStones

09-30-2005, 01:24 PM

This episode was AWESOME...BUT I can't get pass a few gripes in it. No one shoot me down for the questions i'm about to put on..please..it's just M.H.O....so with that being said here are my gripes...

1. What HAPPENED TO JASON?? I know the actor who plays him is supposed to be doing Super Natural now but still..it was as if he never existed aside from that notice on the news paper Lana lang was reading. We didn't even see his body.

2.Like someone said how DID lex find Chloe???
3. The two kryptonian thing was cool..someone correct me if i'm wrong because my knowledge of the Superman trilogy isn't exactly accurate but....how did these two kryptonians suddenly get their powers? I mean..were they in a planet that had a sun similar to Earth...how'd they know about Kal-El...was this some sort of test put on by Jor-El??? Time will tell hopefully...but the writers seem to swerve away things like the Onyx episode. After that I was HOPING they'd adress some things that bad Lex did....but they didn't. So...i'm hoping they'll adress this story-plot with the whole Krytonian nonsense. But it was awesome to see them nonetheless.
4. This I think was also said...Clark losing his powers?????

But I like how manipulative Lex is becoming possibly being he's my favorite character. And I like how they had Luthor confront these beings(The kryptonians) with almost god-like powers. That would kind of show why he doesn't trust Superman...over-all it was a great season premiere.

Mrs.Bizzaro

09-30-2005, 01:42 PM

Loved the episode. Show's lots of promise for this season.
Loved the new opening sequence, really liked lana's performance and her sneakyness getting the disciples of Zod to go to the kryptonite.
Lionel was great as usual - the weird contacts work for him - makes him look strangly sexy.
Clark was great too - Tom has made leaps and bounds in his acting skills - fabulous, LEX was deliciously EVIL!!! muahahahahaha!! I was loving all the tension between him and clark and his frustration with Clark's lies.
I loved the Clana scene at the end in the hospital. Best Clana action as of yet.
Ma and Pa kent = excellent. And is it me or does pa kent look 10 years younger suddenly?
Lois was great too although the whole raspy voice thing wasn't pulled off all that wonderful - still alright.
Chloe - gosh what do I say? Her expression after Clark told her he was an alien was incredible - I would have loved it if the camera slowly zoomed in while she was reacting, but I'm no director so what do I know?

I do have all the same questions as everyone else, though.
How did lex find chloe?
How did the disciples of Zod know kalel's name and why did they go looking for him? Weren't they imprisoned in the phantom zone before the planet blew up? How would they even know of kalel's exsistance?

and to answer KryptonStones' question:
Kryptonians all have the superpowers clark has because of the yellow sun. That's the source. Weird thing is that according to prior superman myths (help me out if I'm off) the sun on krypton was red so on their planet they didnt have these powers so they wouldnt know about having powers on earth because of the yellow sun. The disciples of Zod shouldnt have know they had superpowers - it should have been a surprise to them.

Magus

09-30-2005, 01:57 PM

Lex knows everything. But how come everyone but Clark can get away from kryptonite. It was like"O, we're dying, so let's close the door" whereas clark would be like "o, i'm dying, this sucks".
The episode was better than the average episode but the whole kryptonian plot seemed so rushed and only necessary for Brainiac's entrance. 4/5 stars

Clark_Kal*El_Kent

09-30-2005, 02:02 PM

i liked what I could see and hear of the episode but in my area the sound was out during about half the episode and the picture was either out or very bad, anyone know where I can either download it, or when a replay will be on?

Lexgirl33

09-30-2005, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by vyperman7
Now that ladies and gentlemen is what Smallville is supposed to be like. After a mediocre fourth season, we get back to what the show is really about. Clark and his journey towards becoming Superman.

The opening with the FOS has to be the best moment in the history of the show. Prepare for a new beginning.. Welcome home my son. Gave me chills right there. The CGI effects with the FOS were kind of bad, but the inside of it was perfect.

The bit with Clark losing his powers due to the fact that he did not go back before the sunset, was a little too Cinderella for me, but him becoming normal does make for an interesting story arc. Especially with Brainiac being introduced.

LOVED the talk between Chloe and Clark. Great stuff there, and it was awesome when Clark sped off with her in his arms.

Even the music was good in this episode. Loved the song that the episode closed with. It had an 80's feel to it, but felt perfect for the scene when it did the overview of Clark in the crater and Brainiac showing up.

It was awesome when Lionel made reference to Zod too.

From this episode and the way the previews look, this season may actually be the best one yet. It is too early to tell, but the premiere has gotten me more psyched than an episode has in a long time.

In regards to the opening credits, it is about time they did a revamp. Looks good too. But why are they always screwing over Allison? She has been on the show since day one, yet she gets shown after Erica, who is not even a fulltime cast member.

My only gripe was the Jason situation. He was in the house with the Kents when it hit, and then he is mysteriously gone? They should have at least shown him lying there dead. The bit in the paper at the end with Jason and Genevive being dead just seemed like too quick a resolution. Also, they should have gotten better actors for the two Kryptonians. I was not really feeling the two actors that played the characters.

I agree with everything! The FOS was just incredible! But going back to the topic, i loved this episode!

Divolg

09-30-2005, 02:17 PM

The two new alien Kryptonians speaking English. Jor-el speaking English is weird. Even Clark's memory of his mother being worried about how well he'd adjust on Earth was spoken in English.

Why?

supergurl88

09-30-2005, 02:21 PM

Man, I was trying forever to get on last night and i couldn't....
*Shakes her hand* rotten ppl... lol

i thought was it a great way to start the beginning of the season.... I love the new opening because its different...i did see that they spelt Kristin name wrong and a lot of ppl saw that too...

I’m surprise that Clark was so open to Chloe...hell is he going to be like that to Lana? I don’t think Lana will know because in the comics and the movies she doesn’t know.

And how did Lex fine Chloe? Doesn’t it take like 10 hours to get to the pole from Smallville? It just doesn’t make sense but meh...

The fighting scenes were kinda cheesy but that budget....

I cant wait for next week to see spike more....*drool*

Overall.... amazing start!

Originally posted by Lexgirl33
I agree with everything! The FOS was just incredible! But going back to the topic, i loved this episode!

maybe jesen did sign on for the eps. so they had to use a bad kill off....meh... i'm just glad he's gone.

Arista 07

09-30-2005, 03:11 PM

Warning: Long-winded review ahead!

Arrival was pretty damn good. When compared to other season premieres I think it was the best. Overall, it definitely lived up to the hype, IMO.

First of all, I must mention that I thought Lana was. . . kinda awesome. She didn't grate, as she normally does. She was active, took initiative, shoved Lex (woobie is getting disrespected by everyone, lately), and was what I would describe as "strong" without all the trite kung-fu. Her scene with Lex, while hobbling away from Nam-Ek and Aethyr really stood out. Although in a frenzy she sobbered up rather quickly and asserted her position on the invaders. I begrudgingly admit I look forward to further Lex/Lana interaction (that is interaction. No romance, please.) The writers forged a very intriguing dynamic between the two, branching from Commencement (in regard to Lana's murder of Genevieve) to Lex covering for her and expecting something of her in return. Although, I'm not at all thrilled with the method they chose to introduce the aforementioned dynamic. ('You owe me one. - L' What the hell is that?) Still, it should be interesting. Additionally, I enjoyed Kristin's acting in that scene.

Now, I'm going to get the Clana out of the way. I supported the reuniting of Clana in early season three. I thought it was reasonable and progressive given what had transpired in the season 2 finale. For some strange reason, the writers didn't see it that way and made Clana into a repitious black hole sucking life out of everything and everyone. That said, I support Clana in season 4. I think it's about time it occurs then vanishes. Looking at Arrival from a Clana point of view, I consider it a rather good set-up for the beginning of the end. The dialogue between the two wasn't all that heavy. (Although, this is where Kristin's acting failed me.) And as I said before, "No more secrets. No more lives," puts in place the end of Clark and Lana's relationship. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel already.

On to the Chlark. I thought the acting in their scenes were top-notch; they have wonderful chemistry. The hospital scene with the big reveal was touching and long overdue. However, the dialogue agitated me a bit. Actually, a lot of Chloe's dialogue in reference to Clark bugged me. The word "super" was over-used. Her monolgue about Clark being more than normal and a "superhero" was laying it on very thick. I nearly sufficated. Fortunately, somehow Allison pulled it off fairly well. I only needed a couple of breaths of oxygen.

Tom's acting has surged so much betweem last season and now. I attribute it to Clark maturing and Tom being able to deepen his voice and display emotions beyond happy, broody, worry, and solemnness. I liked practically everything about Clark and his portrayl, in this episode, except his reaction to losing his powers or being made human, whatever they are selling it as. He just saved Earth from becoming some Kryptonian Palm Springs, something he could only do, and later he's indifferent and nonchalant about losing his abilities. He wants to embrace his future, human future, without a thought about how this will affect Smallville (knowing it's the epicenter of all things meteorite infected.) That was a let down. Oddly enough, though, I thought The Kents reaction should have been the exact opposite of what was depicted. I figured that Jonathan and Martha would be happy that, what I think they consider a burden, has finally been lifted, especially after Clark's words about Jor-El being done with him. As someone commented elsewhere, it just seems as if The Kents were disappointed their "one-man work crew" is no more.

I'm having a difficult time trying to describe my feelings on Lex, or Lex in general. He was frenzied. He was cold (though Clark was as well, to him.) I like to see him no longer hindering his endeavors due to his "friendship" with Clark. It's an overdue change of pace. However, when this change was implented I cannot pinpoint. I still think the writers used black k as a device to lightswitch Lex and everyone's opinion of Lex, including his own. Within the confines of this episode, he was good, though.

Lois. Usually, I'm either ranting about how prominently placed she is in episodes (unecessarily) or I do not comment on her at all because she is completely forgettable. I noticed her in "Arrival" but she wasn't the focal point (thank GOD) and she wasn't her usual belligerent, sputtering, abrasive self. (I think the losing of her voice was a nice touch.) "Arrival" was the first time in a long time I actually thought one of her characteristically tactless jokes was funny, Barbarian Barbie. Furthermore, I think her screen time was used wisely.

As for the actual "diciples of Zod plot, it was a bit bland. It served it's purpose, but the two characters portraying Clark's fellow Kryptonians are forgettable. I wouldn't even know their names had I not religiously read the spoilers. Then again, I don't think of them as significant character, merely devices to move the plot and characters along. Afterall, it's the instances that resulted from their landing, along with the acting, that made this episode great, IMO.

Final score: 9.0/10

Highlights: FOS, Chlark talk

Pitfalls: that bloody address to Lana doodled on a newspaper, Lex's identity, Clark's care-free attitude

spideyfan

09-30-2005, 03:18 PM

Great season opening that set a lot into motion for hopefully a strong season w/o any fillers (or few of them). Chloe is great and the Fortress of Solitude was done very well! The mentioning of Zod was great, and for Lex being a total badass, all I can say is its about time. Great to see the Phantom Zone too and very well done.

I think the FOS EXCEEDED EVERYONES expectations as to what it would look like, very well done!

I hope CK gets his powers back soon, but before he does, we all know from the commercials that he has a fight w/ Lex.

BTW, who could forget BRAINIAC! That was awesome the way he formed.

My favorite part had to be Clark saying "I know there is a lot I can learn from you" like he was FINALLY embracing his destiny. I also like the subtle music from the movies injected into the Fortress scene. In all one of the best episodes ever. My only gripe being no body of Jason. A pair of legs sticking out from under a piece of furniture would be enough :( .

DGreen

09-30-2005, 03:42 PM

i loved this episode, and i think i may have a few answers for some peoples questions.
1. lex is a billionaire, he could find anyone at anytime.
2. the kryptonians knew about their powers because other kryptonians had been to earth and told of their amazing abilities
3.maybe the kryptonians bodies are stronger because they are older or krytponites effects get stronger the more times u are exposed to it.
4. as for the portable device that allowed them to trap someone in the phantom zone, shows updating some things, krypton was supposed to have really advanced technology, thats one of them.
5. as for how they knew about clark, perhaps they were in cahoots with braniac and he told them
6. as for how clark can have his abilities taken away. another superman 2 reference, you just have to accept that it's possible. did anyone question how kryptonite+electriciy=power transfer.
7. as for the sun setting thing. jor-el had to know that clark would go back to smallville, so he was talking about smallville time.

lilo

09-30-2005, 04:41 PM

Good:

the new opening credits. it was about time they changed them! very spiffy.

the opening scene of clark in the fortress of solitude.

clark and chloe's talk

lex. MR was just extra good in this eppy. he made lex's confusion, desperation and mysteriousness come out really well.

lana and clark's scene at the hospital.

Brainiac coming out of the ship at the end.

Bad:

-alot of the dialogue was pretty weak and just plain laughable.
ex. Chloe's "you're not just a hero, you're a super hero" and " smallville needs you more than i do clark" lines were especially bad. also i thought the Kents conversation at the very end when clark told them he lost his powers was pretty mundane and lacking in feeling. i mean, by their reactions you would've thought that he just told them he spilled a glass of milk or something trivial. it should've been more of a big deal to them, i would think.
- again, like with past season openers this one felt a little too rushed and jam-packed. they should've made it longer like they did with "Crusade".
- Lois.

MBCorp

09-30-2005, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by Arista 07
First of all, I must mention that I thought Lana was. . . kinda awesome. She didn't grate, as she normally does. She was active, took initiative, shoved Lex (woobie is getting disrespected by everyone, lately), and was what I would describe as "strong" without all the trite kung-fu. Her scene with Lex, while hobbling away from Nam-Ek and Aethyr really stood out. Although in a frenzy she sobbered up rather quickly and asserted her position on the invaders. I begrudgingly admit I look forward to further Lex/Lana interaction (that is interaction. No romance, please.) The writers forged a very intriguing dynamic between the two, branching from Commencement (in regard to Lana's murder of Genevieve) to Lex covering for her and expecting something of her in return. Although, I'm not at all thrilled with the method they chose to introduce the aforementioned dynamic. ('You owe me one. - L' What the hell is that?) Still, it should be interesting. Additionally, I enjoyed Kristin's acting in that scene.

That's what surprised me the most. The Lexana scene didn't make me want to stab myself in the eye with a rusty kitchen knife. It was actually pretty interesting to watch.

seraphim

09-30-2005, 05:05 PM

I enjoyed this first epi of the new season and I, too enjoyed the new opening credits; it was very fresh! Although, everything seemed to be happening too fast. An hour just isn't enough for me.

Summers

09-30-2005, 05:18 PM

Overall for me the episode was the weakest season opener IMO. It was too rushed. The FoS scene could have been better. Heck, all of it could have been better. The dialogue wasn't that great since some of the dialogue IMO have been used before in many other episodes. I just really didn't like it as compared to "The Pilot", "Exile", and "Crusade". There was more substance in those episodes then the overwhelming action/CGI effects. There was balance of the both in the previous openers.

What I did like was Lois interaction with the Kents, Shelby lives, the cute Clois hug :D, the homage to Superman 1 in FoS, some of the Chlark scenes, MR was great as always, and Lana was portrayed very well in the premiere. Other than that I wasn't that impressed.

VersesBatman

09-30-2005, 05:21 PM

So without the cool special effects, would this have beena solid episode?

Xcalibur

09-30-2005, 05:57 PM

It was a good episode.
No where close to being one of the bes though IMO.

katt12

09-30-2005, 06:33 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by loistickyfingerz

One part of the story that bothered me though was that Clark just abandoned Chloe up there in the hospital in the arctic. I know he was busy, but didn't Chloe cross his mind as he was happily buying flowers to visit Lana? I mean, hello? I would like to assume that somehow Lex informed Clark he was going to get Chloe, but it didn't seem like Clark and Lex were on gleeful speaking terms. I thought they kind of just let that part of the story drop.

Oh, and Jason as well. When was his body found? Did the Kents ever mention to anyone that there was someone else in the house with them when they were blasted?

finally! i was gonna say the same thing. even tho it does say that jason and genevieve killed @ the end of the show, it never showed them finding jason.
And chloe always gets the raw end of the deal, no matter how much she does 4 clark, he always 4gets her if lana's attention is on him. he just left her in the yukon. how is she supposed 2 get home? its rather selfish. : :confused:

vyperman7

09-30-2005, 06:53 PM

Nikki(Arista),

I agree with you on the aspect of Clark being too care free about losing his powers. Back in season one with Leech, he was actually concerned about it. You would think that not having powers would at least freak him out a little bit.

By the way, did you ever get the PM I sent you awhile back? I wrote a few, but never got any response.

Shazam

09-30-2005, 06:55 PM

Did anyone notice when Chloe walked in the Fortress of Solitude and walked up to Clark and there was a blast that came out of the column Clark was in and all of a sudden a snow storm came up? Could Jor-el have been teaching Clark Super Cold-Breath?

Jellie

09-30-2005, 06:57 PM

I think that snow storm was defending Clark

supergurl88

09-30-2005, 06:59 PM

Originally posted by Arista 07
Warning: Long-winded review ahead!

holy crap arista!

Shazam

09-30-2005, 06:59 PM

Its a possibility, but correct me if I'm wrong, wasnt it said Clark would get a new ability the first episode and wasnt the supposed backflip not even in the episode?

wickedgirl23

09-30-2005, 07:44 PM

A great episode!!!!! :D

my only comment is that they did not explain a lot of things and it was very choppy

Liriel

09-30-2005, 08:30 PM

Another question:

Why did they need a spaceship to get to Earth from the Phantom Zone? Where were they in-between?

leinator

09-30-2005, 11:12 PM

I liked it a lot! I do think they could have had the followers stay around for at least one more episode, but I can't wait to see how the brainiac storyline plays out!

Maxum

09-30-2005, 11:15 PM

I really enjoyed the premiere episode! The story picked up exactly where it left off last season and didn't waste any time getting the story going.

My review:

FOS: The special effects were okay when the FOS was emerging. However, I would have invested much more time and effort into doing them since they were a HUGE lure in the 5th season opener. With that said, they were not bad at all, I simply would have put most of my money into that shot. I thought the interior was fantastic and well lit.

Clark: Loving this new, more confident and mature Clark Kent. No hesitation, no stammering. Clear. Concise. Direct. If this is an indication of the character for the rest of the season, I'm thrilled. I especially enjoyed his scenes with Chloe, but he did great with Lex also. No more beating around the bush between the two of them. Great stuff. As for Clark losing his powers at the end. Truthfully, I had completely forgotten about Jorel's warning to Clark to make it back before sundown. It wasn't until I saw the blood on Clark's finger, perfectly framed against a setting sun and Lana, that I realized he had missed the deadline. That's great writing for me. I had gotten completely lost in the storytelling. Clark wasn't dawdling or wasting time. He had just disposed of the two Kryptonians and rushed to help an unconscious Lana - just as the sun was setting. Poor Clark. As for him becoming Human. When he told Lana, "no more lies," he meant that he wouldn't have to lie to her anymore now that he was human, and in his mind, it was permanent. He could just be himself with everyone - no more lies. I thought all the writing regarding Clark was great. Welling's performances were fabulous.

Chloe: She was wonderful, as always. I especially loved her in the FOS with Clark, and that one scene when she reveals his secret to him (half-frozen). That was great. Of course, I also enjoyed her conversations with Clark at the hospital and I thought both actors did their jobs well. However, I do think the writers need to ease up on some of the "Superman" references when it comes to Chloe's dialogue. I think her reaction to Clark's admission of him being an alien was great. She presented just the right amount of shock, awe, and confusion - stammering and then more stammering. Great job.

Lana: I liked Lana's assertiveness in the episode. She wasn't a helpless female. She took initiative and risked her life to get rid of these aliens after she witnessed them murdering half the police force. Someone threatens your country, you kick butt. Way to go Lana. Her scenes with Clark at the end were sweet and poignant, especially how she didn't back down when Clark asked her about those "three words."

Lex: This is the Lex I've been dreading and looking forward to at the same time. I loved the friendship between Clark and Lex, and therefore, was not looking forward to that friendship ending. At the same time, this darker Lex is very intriguing. If everything stays on track with the writing, this journey should be very exciting.

The Kents: I've always loved the Kents. As for their reaction to Clark losing his powers. Jonathan definitely knows that there's more to this than meets the eye. He's been around the block with Jorel enough times to know nothing is that simple, and his expression when Clark and Martha returned to the house showed this fact. It's not over.

Jason: I could care less that they didn't explain what happened to him more fully. The newspaper headline was plenty. Don't waste screen time that can be better used by the main cast.

The Kryptonians: I reacted pretty much the same way everyone else reacted: Way too quick a wrap-up. However, after viewing it, I'm thinking maybe the writers had two very specific ideas in mind when bringing these aliens to earth. 1) Introduce the concept of aliens to Lana and Lex and the rest of the show. It's been alluded to in the early seasons, but it was basically a joke that aliens would ever come to earth. Now Lex (and Lana) realize that aliens do, indeed, exist. It also sets up the dynamic for the rest of the season between Clark and Lex. He knows that there is another alien on Earth named Kalel, and you can bet dollars to donuts, he knows it's Clark; and 2) What if the whole point of bringing these two aliens to earth was due to the manipulation by Braniac? He needed transportation to Earth, right? Whose to say that Brainiac didn't outsmart these two rather dim-witted aliens into going to Earth, knowing full well they would probably get killed, and at the same time taking him along for the ride. At the very end of the episode, his essence basically slides off the underbelly of the ship and takes human form so he can begin HIS mission and agenda on Earth.

I think the whole point of the Kryptonians coming to earth was to deliver those two basic plot points, and the writers didn't want to waste valuable air time trying to expand the Kryptonians storyline - good job!

Overall - Very good episode - 9/10

dhacker615

10-01-2005, 10:51 AM

I thought it was weaker than most of the other folks on this board. Not bad, but closer to a B-Minus than "Crusade" or "Pilot".

The Good:
- It was great to see the Fortress of Solitude. The production design was great and the actors were great at selling the effects.
- The Clark-Lex scene was fantastic as always. The small, subtle ways that relationship has changed over four seasons is the best part of the show.
- Clark and Lana finally getting together. It is two seasons late in my opinion, but at least we will see them as a couple for a while.
- Nice intro to Brainiac at the end. Let's hope he lives up to it.

The Bad:
- The Zod disciples were a pretty big idea to get dismissed so summarily. Between the finale of Season 4 and the premiere of Season 5, we watched over 90 minutes of TV for that battle. Having Clark win due to a deus ex machina was a disappointment.
- Jason Teague died in their home, but the Kents have no reaction?
- Chloe being totally out of character in her big talk with Clark. Her curiousity is her main character trait and Clark drops a huge bomb on her (i.e. he's an alien) and she has NO FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS? Also, the girl loves to make fun of Clark, has kept her knowledge of his powers secret and has no zingers? How did TPTB let her pass on the X-Ray vision joke? Isn't that exactly the kind of thing a teenage girl who has a crush on a teenage boy would bring up constantly? I mean, Lois is busty, lived at the Kent house and Clark can see through walls. Do you think that hasn't been on her mind?

The Ugly:
- Since when does Jor-El have an "Off" switch for Clark's powers? At least in "Superman 2" they set it up a bit. It is part of my major complaint about "Smallville" over all: the take it away factor. In "Crusade", Clark flies and then loses the ability. In Season 3, Lex sees Clark use his powers and then loses his memory. Don't even get me started with Clark-Lana dynamic. It gives the sense that the writers have no idea where they are going. We know the end point. Clark and Lex are mortal enemies. Clark and Lana barely speak. Chloe is just gone, but Lois and Clark fall in love after years of being in a two person love triangle. Take us there.

Originally posted by Sydafex7
Man, it'd be great if Lana remembered the ONLY other time she has heard the name "Kal" was in tonights episode and also when she went with Clark to the nightclub in Metropolis.I mean "Kal" is such a different name, If I were here, I'd remember. I mean its no like that night at the club wasnt a big deal, thats one of those memories she'll always have.. But I know she wont put 2 and 2 together

Nobody puts two and two together on "Smallville". EVER. Or if by some miracle they do take some step forward, they get amnesia and it all goes away. I am really starting to worry that the Season 3 finale was the Jump-the-Shark moment for the show. Introducing Kara, taking it back and then sending Clark into the stupid cave wall was brutal. Sure, "Crusade" was a highlight in Season 4, but how many other were there? Even "Commencement" hinged on Clark not doing obvious things.

Crisis Superman

10-01-2005, 11:10 AM

Alright I finally saw the episode, and heres my pretty objective review (because I really wanted to like this episode);

The Pros:

- The special effects and CGI were very well done.

- The Fortress set is pretty cool, you can tell alot of time went into it.

- The opening credits are well done this season, good choice of footage to use.

- The story elements based of the Superman movies were a nice touch

- Jason Teague is dead.

- The song at the end was cool, though this is more of a compliment for the artist of the song.

The Cons:

- I felt Namek and Athyr were totally pointless. Their appearances seemed unecessary and their connection to blood staining the stone and a meteor shower magically appearing out of nowhere was not explained either.

- The budget could have been handled a little better; less explosions during the Kryptonians VS Cops scenes and save all that for the Clark VS Kryptonians scene (which wasnt very good). I've seen freaks of the week that were more of a threat to Clark in battle than these guys. Another thing that annoyed me was the fact that they turned their backs while Clark while he was being sucked in, saying "it is done" when it wasnt. They werent the most menacing villians at all, or written as the brightest. It was disapointing.

- Im not exactly sure what mental state Lana was in when she decided to listen to a mentally unfit Lionel and try to confront the Kryptonians (but then again, she seemed pretty unstable herself). Did the powers of Isobelle officially leave Lana in the finale? If so, I thought she was meant to kill Jason as well, and wipe out that family's bloodline. I have a feeling the writers are trying to sweep this Isobelle mess under a rug along with the Kryptonite in China.

- They really need to tone down the use of the word "Super" after this episode, its getting pretty lame.

- Jor-el is continued to be written as quite an a$$hole, making Clark believe humans are below him and their lives are small in comparison to his destiny. I think they really need to address (and I mean SOON) who this being claiming to be "Jor-el" is. Jor-el is long dead but hes portrayed here as some kind of omnipotent yet flawed God. I think it'd be awesome if they connected "Jor-el" and the fortress to Brainiac or Eradicator one day. I dont like the characterization for him at all, it all went downhill when he killed that Kara/Linsday girl without remorse.

Random Thoughts:

- It looks like Brainiac could have a Kryptonian origin in this version, as his lifeforce eminated off that Kryptonian ship.

- If Namek and Athyr had the ability to open and close the Phantom Zone, why couldnt they just free Zodd and his disciples?

Overall:

I'd give this episode about 7/10, it's clear that theyve made alot of efforts to improve the series after last season (so thats worth some praise) and even though the special effects were really cool, some of the writing is still a bit transparent and sloppy. Hopefully they can maintain this momentum throughout the season, then the season could be decent (but I'm not getting my hopes up this soon).

4EverSmallville

10-01-2005, 12:22 PM

I just watched Arrival last night, and I was pleased. The Fortress, especially the opening shots where it was being constructed, was fabulous. For some reason, I didn't particularly like the camera angles when they zoomed back to Clark, but they were decent shots.

The opening credits were terrific, I loved the background clips coupled with the new images. Especially in Clark's sequence where he stops the car, from Shattered, and Lex where we see him looking through the hole in the plane, from Crusade. The mistake with Kristin's name is quite trivial, IMO someone should have caught that before it went to screen.

I don't know much about bodily injuries and broken bones, but it seemed like a bit of a stretch that Lana spent a good part of the episode on a sore leg. The mere fact that she survived the helicopter crash was mystifying enough for me. The fact that she literally walked away from it was intriguing.

Were Nam-ek and Aethyr ever introduced by their given names? The closest anyone came to actually naming them was Lionel mentioning Disciples of Zod. Another nice touch, I thought, with him carving the symbol that seemed to be like a 'Z'. If I'm not mistaken, the same symbol was surrounding him in the preview clip where he is in a secured room.

The Chloe-Clark interaction was fabulous, IMO. Long awaited, yes, but beautifully done.

I also liked the song at the end of the episode, it fit well with everything that was going on. Clark and Lana's scene was nicely done as well, the last few exchanges between them were terrific.

And Braniac! I can't wait. I also thought it was a nice touch that he seemed to be constructed similarly to the Fortress, with jutting masses and such things.

My favorite part of the episode, outside the Fortress of Solitude, was probably the newspaper where Lex writes 'You owe me one - L'. That just seems like the beginning of something great. All in all, Arrival was well worth the wait for me.

LifeFirst

10-01-2005, 01:37 PM

I finally saw this episode and here's what I think

-Opening credits sucked, I liked the old one better. The music didn't even fit. It felt like I was watching Spiderman 2 or something. It just didn't fit. At least change the music. It just didn't feel right.

-Man are the Smallville characters in oblivion or what? How stupid can these guys be??? Look at Lex for example, after finding Chloe in his mansion he should have checked her in the face, strapped her to a chair, and pulled a gun to her head demanding answers. But no, he leaves her alone and lets her walk free. But I liked how he came back for her. And liked how he is starting to become ruthless....I just hope it would happen sooner. And how could he NOT know by now about Clark's powers??? He should have known in Onyx or about 100 episodes before that. It's ridiculous.

-The special FX were horrible, the fortress looked like it was made of plastic. I've seen better from regular season episodes.

-This episode was however, very entertaining, the pacing was perfect, and the writing was above average. I enjoyed it, but it's not perfect.

-Lana was superb in this episode, she seemed like she was possessed by something...again. Maybe the witch effect is still there??

This was a great premier, but man these guys should sharpen up a bit and realize what the heck is going on around them. It seems like everyone is clueless as to what is happening. I guess that's one of the reasons why this show is so great.

dhacker615

10-01-2005, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by Crisis Superman
- Jor-el is continued to be written as quite an a$$hole, making Clark believe humans are below him and their lives are small in comparison to his destiny. I think they really need to address (and I mean SOON) who this being claiming to be "Jor-el" is. Jor-el is long dead but hes portrayed here as some kind of omnipotent yet flawed God. I think it'd be awesome if they connected "Jor-el" and the fortress to Brainiac or Eradicator one day. I dont like the characterization for him at all, it all went downhill when he killed that Kara/Linsday girl without remorse.

Excellent point. If you edited together it all the Jor-El related scenes from the various seasons, then you would have a pretty straight forward villain. Worse, he is a pretty incoherent one. He shows up demands Clark embrace his destiny, displays nearly infinite power, is utterly ruthless but is thwarted by the slightest set-back. Then, he returns sometime later and does exactly the same thing.

It is not a totally illogical progression from the film version of Jor-El, but they need to resolve it. It has become really dull. Best case scenario is that the "Jor-El" we have come to know is someone else entirely trying to manipulate Clark. Let's see ... disembodied voice, evil intent, Kryptonian heritage, played by Terrance Stamp ...

- If Namek and Athyr had the ability to open and close the Phantom Zone, why couldnt they just free Zodd and his disciples?

That is a great point. It is just lazy on the writers part. If they knew they were going to use Zod disciples in the Season 5 premiere, then why not set-up a Phantom Zone projector in Season 4? The logical place is the damn caves. It would also explain why Clark went into the wall in at the end of Season 3 to emmerged naked as Kal-El in a field to start Season 4. It would have been a good single episode, just send someone else through. Naked, no memory ... sounds like a sweeps episode for Lois ...

SmallvilleObsessed

10-01-2005, 02:52 PM

Don't get me wrong - I really liked Arrival. But to be honest, I was a little disappointed with it. And the climax was way too short, Clark defeated those guys WAY too easily. It was better in the spoilers....anyone agree?

supergurl88

10-01-2005, 02:53 PM

i agree...the climax was short...but it was still good!

chrismen

10-01-2005, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by SmallvilleObsessed
Don't get me wrong - I really liked Arrival. But to be honest, I was a little disappointed with it. And the climax was way too short, Clark defeated those guys WAY too easily. It was better in the spoilers....anyone agree?

I agree. It took up like one minute of the show. They could have spent more time on that. And I also agree with the person who said to waste less money on the guys blowing up the police and more on their fight with Clark.

I did not like the computer effects of the FOS. It looked way too fake. The inside was good, however.

Also what about Jason. They could have just but some burnt body or maybe at least just have one sentence of somebody mentioning him instead of just the newspaper. Maybe when Lois and Pa Kent are looking for Martha.

Overal I loved all the interaction sceens. Clack and Chloe was the best. The one with Lana and the one with Lex wee not bad either. I didn't like it when Martha is being all sad about Clark losing his powers. She seems the same as when she was possesed by that one girl who said "laters" a lot. I loved that Pa Kent knows there is more.

Also they really do need to do something about Jor-el. It is really starting to bother me. I thought he was there to help Clark but he is always being a little b****. And does he have so much power if he is dead anyways.

Also I didn't like how Clark was just 'downloading' the information. I liked it better in the movie when he is actually learning the stuff from his dad.

I was really waiting for this during the whole summer, but it came out a bit short from what I was expecting. Especially after reading the trainers. It was overal good but could have been better. 8/10

O yeah one more thing: I think that they did not use the two Kryptonians to their potential but maybe that was just a cover story for Brainiac like somebody said. If that is the truth then it will be okay. Still, I think that last season's finally was just out of the blue with the meteor shower stuff. Come on Smallville writers get your act together.

EDIT: Forgot one thing: the opener was great. I am so glad they finally changed it. Someone should have seen how they spelled KK's name before it aired. Don't they watch it?

LaraofKrypton

10-01-2005, 06:29 PM

The Chlark talk...all the way! It set up so much potential for future filling in of the blanks too... And Chloe's "Whoa" at the end of the scene, getting to actually see Clark in action with his knowledge - that was so cute!
I Loved how they used Depeche Mode's song in this episode too, especially the crater scene...
Brainiac's entrance was awesome!
*sigh* I loved this episode! :D

supergurl88

10-01-2005, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by LaraofKrypton
The Chlark talk...all the way! It set up so much potential for future filling in of the blanks too... And Chloe's "Whoa" at the end of the scene, getting to actually see Clark in action with his knowledge - that was so cute!
I Loved how they used Depeche Mode's song in this episode too, especially the crater scene...
Brainiac's entrance was awesome!
*sigh* I loved this episode! :D

is that the band's name? cuz i wanted to download that song

DARKRAGE

10-01-2005, 08:06 PM

i loved this ep had so much going for it good action, character movement and a cool song by depeche mode at the end. the fos wow. i love this show its the best

Poweranimals

10-01-2005, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by Crisis Superman
[B]- I felt Namek and Athyr were totally pointless. Their appearances seemed unecessary and their connection to blood staining the stone and a meteor shower magically appearing out of nowhere was not explained either. I'll admit that they weren't the most imposing villains, but it was something different from the FOTW villains.

- The budget could have been handled a little better; less explosions during the Kryptonians VS Cops scenes and save all that for the Clark VS Kryptonians scene (which wasnt very good). I've seen freaks of the week that were more of a threat to Clark in battle than these guys. Another thing that annoyed me was the fact that they turned their backs while Clark while he was being sucked in, saying "it is done" when it wasnt. They werent the most menacing villians at all, or written as the brightest. It was disapointing. I didn't mind that it was a short battle, since as I said, the two weren't that imposing anyway. They seemed cocky and underestimated Clark, so it was good that he got the drop on them.

- Im not exactly sure what mental state Lana was in when she decided to listen to a mentally unfit Lionel and try to confront the Kryptonians (but then again, she seemed pretty unstable herself). Did the powers of Isobelle officially leave Lana in the finale? If so, I thought she was meant to kill Jason as well, and wipe out that family's bloodline. I have a feeling the writers are trying to sweep this Isobelle mess under a rug along with the Kryptonite in China. Well she obviously knew that what he was saying matched up to the disciples of Zod's appearence on Earth. It wasn't that hard to conclude that he knew something.

- They really need to tone down the use of the word "Super" after this episode, its getting pretty lame. Unfortunately, that was starting to annoy me a little bit as well. Especially from Chloe.

- Jor-el is continued to be written as quite an a$$hole, making Clark believe humans are below him and their lives are small in comparison to his destiny. I think they really need to address (and I mean SOON) who this being claiming to be "Jor-el" is. Jor-el is long dead but hes portrayed here as some kind of omnipotent yet flawed God. I think it'd be awesome if they connected "Jor-el" and the fortress to Brainiac or Eradicator one day. I dont like the characterization for him at all, it all went downhill when he killed that Kara/Linsday girl without remorse. I disagree. Jor-El has shown to have good intentions. He knows that Clark's destiny is bigger than the fate of one or a few people. He is misguided in his reasoning, but he still has good intentions.

- It looks like Brainiac could have a Kryptonian origin in this version, as his lifeforce eminated off that Kryptonian ship. Isn't he supposed to originate from Krypton?

- If Namek and Athyr had the ability to open and close the Phantom Zone, why couldnt they just free Zodd and his disciples? Except that it seemed to pull things into it, not out of it.

Crisis Superman

10-01-2005, 11:07 PM

Originally posted by Poweranimals

I disagree. Jor-El has shown to have good intentions. He knows that Clark's destiny is bigger than the fate of one or a few people. He is misguided in his reasoning, but he still has good intentions.

Isn't he supposed to originate from Krypton?

Except that it seemed to pull things into it, not out of it.

"Jor-el" has made some bad decisions and his characterization is often inconsistant too, they make it seem like hes alive and aware almost, and learns from his mistakes....which doesnt sit right with me considering hes dead. Miles Millar stated in his vision of Superman, Kalel is the equivalent of Jesus on Earth and Jorel is God...maybe thats why he tries to make him seem so omnipotent, omnipresent and almost immortal, but well see what happens.

Brainiac only originated from Krypton in the cartoon version, they made him and Eradicator a composite character (combined them together like they did for Hal Jordan and Kyle Rayner).

Athyr pretty much had the key to the Phantom Zone portal, its kind of silly to assume that the portal could only suck people in and not allow them out, that would be a big problem for the Kryptonian judicial branch when criminals have served their time or have been dismissed of charges.

Grand_Sophy

10-02-2005, 01:20 AM

Aw. Our little television show has all growed up. Bye bye, sweet natured and naive Lana and Clark. Bye bye, Lex's belief in himself as a good guy. Bye bye Chloe's smug certainty that she has Clark pegged. And bye bye, world of twisted but recognizable reality, hello world of outrageous comic book reality.

There was a breathless urgency to this episode, and an impressive scale, from the destruction of the military/police vehicles to the crystallization of the Fortress, from the meteor ravaged countryside to the sleek hallways of the Luthorcorp facility. The show's commitment to creating a believable and comprehensive environment does a lot towards selling the deliciously incredible story lines. Phantom zones and sentient oil! Yeehaw!

After a summer away, it was nice to see our friends again, although they were pretty uniformly in rough shape. Lana was appropriately both hysterical and determined. It will be interesting to see how much her guilt over the death of Genevieve Teague will affect her behaviour. Will she tell Clark? Will Clark tell her everything? Will their declaration of no more secrets and lies just be the first of a new set of lies? I hope so; much more angsty fun to see them twisting and turning in their unhappy mutual deceptions.

Clark looked so much older in this episode, like he really is feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, not to mention the specific anguish of causing the deaths of 23 people whom he in all likelihood knew (small town after all). However his new gravitas suits him, hinting at the mental and physical toughness that he'll need for this new level of supervillain.

It was rather satisfying to see Chloe's smug knowingness (even when she was convulsing with cold) finally falter at Clark's revelation of his alien heritage. Unless she quickly learns a little more humility I can easily see her giving away Clark's secret out of accidental arrogance. Self confidence is ok, smirking is not.

A little development for friend-of-Kal-el Lionel, and friend-of-the-Kents Lois (yes, her loyalty and bravery are established, but would she really be that abrasive to Clark after such a series of disasters?). However, some very nice development of the contradictary emotions and impulses that guide Lex, from his almost simultaneous concern for and exploitation of Lana, his reaching out to and challenge of Clark, his fear for and bullying of Chloe. It's easy to see Lex's distaste and distrust of being left out of the loop, his need to always have the upper hand in knowledge and power, as leading directly to his future as a ruthless manipulator of human lives and destiny.

I may mourn the more intimate smaller scale heroics and melodrama of the past four seasons, but it's certainly easier to see this Clark as the future Superman, and this Lex as his future archnemesis. Bring on the supervillains and future Justice Leaguers! Comic books come to life!

Kryptomaniac

10-02-2005, 03:16 AM

WHAT A RIDE! Loved it. No complaints at all. Bet this was a tough one to write because of all the loose ends from last season but they got their act together. Director J.M. knows these characters so well; he made heroes out of all of the regulars, especially Lana. Is it my wishfull thinking, or is Clark affecting Jor-El in a possitive way, making him value human life, too? Easy rating 5 out of 5. GOOD JOB! What a ride!!!!!!!!!!!

The tribute/dedication at the end was a good thing.

dhacker615

10-02-2005, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by Grand_Sophy
I may mourn the more intimate smaller scale heroics and melodrama of the past four seasons, but it's certainly easier to see this Clark as the future Superman, and this Lex as his future archnemesis. Bring on the supervillains and future Justice Leaguers! Comic books come to life!

Well the rumour is that we are going to get an Aquaman appearence. Honestly, I would rather see the Legion of Super-Heroes. With Superman, you are usually on pretty safe ground with the concepts Jerry Siegel developed with Mort Weisenger. The Legion is a really creepy idea, if you stop and think about it. Someone who knows your whole future travels into the past for an autograph. There are three of them to start with, so casting is not to burdensome.

ChaaBreh

10-02-2005, 11:23 AM

I have read the the Zoomway board, and the L&C fanfic message board, and now this feedback thread. Mostly, everyone loved the premiere (the ratings were good enough for the WB to post a press release about it!)

I, too, felt that the two K=ers were too easy to defeat. However, it did lull Clark into that false sense of security, and maybe there is a master plan that we're not aware of yet.

I don't like Lex and Clark lying to each other. In the Superman movies, Clark as Superman tells Lois is in her big interview that he never lies. Now I guess he's not S-man yet, but I don't like Clark out and out lying to Lex. It's OK for Lex to lie, because hs IS Lex Luthor, and that's what he does, but Clark should have found a way to avoid the questions.

Perhaps this is why Lex and Clark part ways, and maybe in part, we can understand Lex's future hatred of Clark AKA Superman. He thought they were friends, he did a lot for the Kents (bought their farm back from bankruptcy a few times in fact), and they didn't trust him with Clark's secret.

Obviously Lex always knows that Clark is Superman. Perhaps he never revealed it to the world because of that small part of him that remembers and loves the Kents.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to Lois' transition to the world of reporting and her "stripper" eppy, only because it looks like her and Clark have some very close-up conversations and I'm also looking forward to seeing him get jealous with the Aquaman eppy.

I really really hope that TPTB can keep the excitement going this year. Last year they very nearly jumped the shark!

Bumperjeep

10-02-2005, 02:06 PM

The Episode was amazing, but it had it's flawws. My favorite scene in the epsiode was with Clark and Chole at the FOS and at the hospital. Having the two kryptonians was an awesome idea, but it was executted terribly. I was amazed how they took a problem and screwed it up. There was so much potential. They could have had like 2 episodes devoted to Clark's challenge to defeat them, with his help from Jor-El in the FOS. The Fight Scene between Clark and the two other kryptonians was embarassing. It was the worst Fight Scene in Smallville History!!!!
Besides the fight scene, I thought Arrival was the second best SV ep ever, only behind Commencement.

I loved how much chemistry Clark Lana and Chole have together. Lex and Clark's conversations only made me more excited about the remainder of the season. IT IS GOING TO BE AN AMAZING SEASON!

Lynn of Smallville

10-02-2005, 02:49 PM

i agree that the episode was awesome. i think i'm going to love Chloe knowing Clark's secret, i was getting a little tired of all her hints to him that she knew last season. the fight scene didn't live up to expectations, but overall i thought it was AWESOME!!!!

dhacker615

10-02-2005, 03:39 PM

Originally posted by ChaaBreh
Perhaps this is why Lex and Clark part ways, and maybe in part, we can understand Lex's future hatred of Clark AKA Superman. He thought they were friends, he did a lot for the Kents (bought their farm back from bankruptcy a few times in fact), and they didn't trust him with Clark's secret.

Obviously Lex always knows that Clark is Superman. Perhaps he never revealed it to the world because of that small part of him that remembers and loves the Kents.

That is actually my favorite part of the "Smallville" version of the Superman legend. If Lex knows Clark is Superman, then that explains a lot. That knowledge is a lot better protection from Superman than a Kryptonite ring. It also makes Lex more complicated just some mad scientist type from 1930s serial. He could destroy Clark if he wanted, but some combination of affection and leverage prevents him from doing so.

I would love to see a "Five Years Later" episode where Johnathan Kent is dead, Lex is bad, and Lois and Clark are at the Daily Planet. You could use it as a framing device around a story set in the present day, sort of like a reverse "Reunion". It would be fun to see Tom Welling, Erica Durance and Michael Rosenbaum take a crack at the classic version of these characters. Plus, TW and ED have a ton of chemistry. It would be nice for the actors to have a chance at leveraging it without totally deviating from the timeline you have seen in every other version of the story.

last man of krypton

10-02-2005, 04:54 PM

I really, really loved this episode. It's been the first one since "Jinx" that I've watched over and over again.
Bearing in mind how AlMiles seem to be focusing a lot on the Superman mythos this season, is it possible that Brainiac's interactions with Lex will cause Lex to think negatively of aliens, setting up his hatred of Superman later? Even if TPTB don't go down that road, I'm looking forward to seeing what Brainiac will be like with everyone.

Originally posted by chrismen
Also I didn't like how Clark was just 'downloading' the information. I liked it better in the movie when he is actually learning the stuff from his dad.

It makes sense that Clark would be 'downloading' the info, considering how Kryptonian knowledge has been gained throughout Smallville (Dr Walden, Clark's ability to read the symbols, Jor-El's "diary" of his visit). And since he's more likely to spend his pre-Metropolis days travelling the world instead of being cooped up in the FOS, it's better that he gets the info as quickly as possible.

ChaaBreh

10-02-2005, 05:35 PM

In the Superman comics currently, Lex knows that Clark is Superman (when he was President, he told his VP Pete Ross that his "best friend" withheld a secret from him all these years). Lex has this not-so-subtle hatred of Superman, but somehow he can't quite announce to the world that he knows his secret identity. He does threaten all of his friends, however. I too, would like to see a "Five Years Later" final episode a la Dawson's Creek where we get to see Clark and Lois bantering and flirting and Lex Luthor the truly evil businessman AKA philanthropist that he will become!

dhacker615

10-02-2005, 06:35 PM

Originally posted by ChaaBreh
In the Superman comics currently, Lex knows that Clark is Superman (when he was President, he told his VP Pete Ross that his "best friend" withheld a secret from him all these years). Lex has this not-so-subtle hatred of Superman, but somehow he can't quite announce to the world that he knows his secret identity. He does threaten all of his friends, however.
It has been a long, long time since the comic was any good. You get an odd "Superman: For All Seasons" from time-to-time, but 3-4 titles with all those different writers and artists makes a tepid hash of things. They have even blown easy Home Runs like Lois discovering Clark is Superman. I mean, how is that not the most memorable issue of a comic in the last twenty years? That is why "Smallville" and "Superman Returns" are such a blessing. It has never been as great as, say, "Whatever Happened to the Man of Steel", but in the first three seasons every episode of "Smallville" was better than any issue of the monthly comic since Byrne left.

Ultron

10-03-2005, 04:21 AM

Loved the episode. One of my all time favorites. My absolute favorite is Run, but this is really close to that in my book. The series has built up really well to get to this point. :)

c_love

10-03-2005, 04:11 PM

The episode was a great episode, but not an excellent episode, like "Run" or "Transference". First of, the opening credits were just awesome, I tip my hat to the fellows that did it. I think that Tom Welling has definitely stepped up his acting, the same goes for Kristin Kruek. Allison Mack did a great job, but some of her lines just didn't sound right. One of my biggest problems with this episode and "Commencement" before it was Lex. Like someone said in this thread, it seems like a light switch was just turned on to make him swerve toward the path of evil. Lois really didn't do to much for me this episode either, funny lines, but not much else. And I absolutely hated the awful fight between the 2 kryptonians, the portal was a pretty bad plot device, but the 2 disciples weren't all that bad, pretty entertaining to watch them target practicing on those cop cars. The FOS was pretty cool to see, I had flashbacks of the FOS from Superman 2. One of my other problems was no Jason Teague body, I mean come on, maybe a one-second body show of him in the Kent's house or something like that. But other than those complaints, the show was a great show. I give it a 9/10!

Superkrpton

10-03-2005, 05:41 PM

That episode was as good as the 4 season priemere

dhacker615

10-03-2005, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by c_love
. Lois really didn't do to much for me this episode either, funny lines, but not much else.

Let me ask a question, why is Lois even on the show?

That is not a slight on Erica Durance, who has really grown as an actress over the course of last season. She does a nice version of the young Lois Lane and her chemistry with Tom Welling is great. However, what does her character bring to the party?

To me, the show is about two groups of three characters: the Kent family and the Clark-Lana-Lex triangle. I got the Pete-Chloe-Clark triangle as a comedy echo of the tragic main triangle. Pete is a real friend and Lex is a false friend. Chloe can never get Clark's attention is an echo of the way Clark struggles with Lana being unavailable. Lois is outside of all of that.

In retrospect, the loss of Pete was huge for the show. He never had much action, but it gave Clark a chance to be unguarded. The writers are trying to move Chloe into that role, but I don't buy it. Chloe wants to be Clark's girlfriend, so the dynamic is vastly different.

Somebody Stop Me

10-03-2005, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by dhacker615
Let me ask a question, why is Lois even on the show?

That is not a slight on Erica Durance, who has really grown as an actress over the course of last season. She does a nice version of the young Lois Lane and her chemistry with Tom Welling is great. However, what does her character bring to the party?

To me, the show is about two groups of three characters: the Kent family and the Clark-Lana-Lex triangle. I got the Pete-Chloe-Clark triangle as a comedy echo of the tragic main triangle. Pete is a real friend and Lex is a false friend. Chloe can never get Clark's attention is an echo of the way Clark struggles with Lana being unavailable. Lois is outside of all of that.

In retrospect, the loss of Pete was huge for the show. He never had much action, but it gave Clark a chance to be unguarded. The writers are trying to move Chloe into that role, but I don't buy it. Chloe wants to be Clark's girlfriend, so the dynamic is vastly different.

Excellent points and I agree with you. The only explanation is she's on there because of eye candy?

On another subject after furthur review of the credits I didn't like them at all. In fact I think that they should do away with that whole senerio all together and add more show to the show and do the credits like Alias or Lost.

dhacker615

10-03-2005, 09:09 PM

I think that she is there because they did a great job casting both Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

You watch their scenes together and it is obvious that something interesting is happening between these two characters. The problem is that the interesting part is years down the line. Lois and Clark are memorable because of the unique love triangle that they are in as adults. Clark loves Lois, but he cannot be honest with her. Lois loves Superman, so she ignores Clark. Meanwhile, Superman is Clark.

Watching TW and and ED together, you can see easily how that would play out. The problem is that Clark hasn't created his Metropolis persona yet. Therefore, there is no good reason for Lois and Clark to not be together. In Season 4, both were very single and you could feel the sparks in every one-on-one scene they had. From what I remember of being 18, there is no way those two would have been able to keep their hands off each other.

It is less probable than the whole witch storyline.

Ultron

10-04-2005, 01:26 AM

Lois is there because Erica Durance has good chemistry, and shows Lois's character really well. Sure, she's attractive, but they can get any bimbo to throw out a few lines. But like Allison Mack she is really good at whipping out dialogue in her own way. This show is built on good characters and chemistry and they are keeping people who show it.

Sure, Lois doesn't need to be in Smallville now, but the show is really good and they are making good use of her character, anyways. :)

c_love

10-04-2005, 06:53 PM

Good point Ultron, I really enjoy Erica's snap-like take on her lines as Lois. Also her chemistry with Clark, they kinda have the sibling ribbing thing down-packed.

supergurl88

10-04-2005, 06:55 PM

i agree with both of u...its cute seeing them together cause trouble together. i dont agree with lois being on all the time, just once in a while...but i thought clark meets lois for the first time at the daily planet

Shadow09

10-04-2005, 06:57 PM

what really tickles my fancy is during last seasons finale Clark and Lois joking about how Lois should be a reporter and Lois saying she couldn't be a reporter as it would be her luck to be across from a bumbling reporter.... i.e Clark.... hahahaha CLASSIC!!!

supergurl88

10-04-2005, 06:58 PM

that is a classic moment

ryb

10-04-2005, 07:44 PM

I'm arriving a little late to this party and even more so to the show itself (I just started watching the show this summer), but I'll throw in my two cents on "Arrival".

In general, I thought the episode was exceptional. I thought the visual effects regarding the FOS scenes were very well done (A big nod to Mat Beck, who many X-Files fans recognize as the visual effects supervisor for the first 3 seasons). The photography, the score, and the set were appropriately grandiose, almost operatic. Certainly something you don't see on television every day.

Often "Arrival" felt like a motion picture. I particularly enjoyed the silent introduction of the Kryptonians where the awe of their presence slowly turned to the dread of their intentions (If any of you have seen Once Upon a Time in the West, the scene reminds me a bit of the introduction to Henry Fonda's character). I agree with many that they were tragically underused and that their demise was much too brief, but I blame that more on time constraints rather than on the writers. In fact, I think an extra half hour for this episode would have been nice.

Yet, even though the Kryptonians were plot devices rather than classic villains, I think the point of the episode is all in its title. Maybe a lot of you were hoping for a big fight scene between Nam-Ek, Aethyr, and Clark, but I was anticipating the writers planting the seeds of the season. And I was not disappointed. What was most memorable about this episode were the conversations, not the fight scenes. And I think that's an admirable quality of this episode, not a disappointing one.

Take the conversation between Clark and Chloe. That was classic TV. I was genuinely impressed by the scene's subtlety; never once did it seem melodramatic or sappy. Allison Mack's facial reactions seemed realistic, not reactionary. Tom Welling's subdued expression throughout the scene was most certainly appropriate for the multitude of feelings that Clark would certainly have had.

I do agree that the use of the word "super" in this scene was a bit over-the-top, but I didn't care because there was obvious care in making this scene touchingly simple and genuine. Chloe's "whoa" at the end of the sequence was the perfect touch; I almost said it myself.

Speaking of Welling, hasn't his acting just improved light years since the pilot episode? Wow. He was fantastic in this episode. Just watch the pilot again, and tell me you don't see the same improvement.

Another tremendous scene was the Clark/Lex conversation, which was deliciously tense. Kreuk's performance was also superb. And the final five minutes, featuring a most appropriate soundtrack from Depeche Mode, was well presented.

"Arrival" was a real treat to watch. It certainly lived up to my expectations, and it only makes me impatient to see what happens this coming Thursday.

***

My comments on the use of Lois Lane since that's where this thread seems to be going. I think the use of Lois is perfect right now, and here's why. First off, Lois should not have a primary role in the life of Clark right now. Obviously, this is not her time. But her presence on the show serves two important purposes.

One: She provides a great source of the show's comedy, and I think that's a big credit to Erica Durance's relish of her role. She can spout a smart remark with the best of them.

Two: Much more importantly, she's a symbol of where Clark is headed. Remember Lana's line in Season 4's "Gone" after Clark abruptly utters his complaints about Lois? "The best [relationships] start that way." My guess (and maybe even my hope) is that Lois will serve as a parallel storyline to Lana. As Clark's relationship with Lana begins to deteriorate, whose will improve?

And for right now, she serves as an excellent opposite to Clark. The good-natured ribbing the two of them give each other is not unlike many of the friendships I have had. It's good TV chemistry. Lois may not seem important, but to me her presence on the show only makes it better.

Torgo

10-05-2005, 02:49 AM

Commencement and Arrival are probably my favourite combo of season finale and opener. Arrival in particular was miles better than the rather dissapointing Crusade. All of the cast gave frankly superb performances, and were actually given great material to work with (which season 4 often did not).

Shazam

10-05-2005, 04:12 AM

now that I've had time to digest "Arrival" a little more, i've grown to like it better, even the brief fight scene.
1) you've got to remember that almost right after the fight with the Kryptonians the sun went down, so if there would have been a longer fight, Clark probably would have lost or even been killed because he would have lost his powers in the middle of the fight.
2) there have been a lot of references to both Superman and Superman 2 movies and I believe we haven't seen the last of Nam-ek and Aethyr because you had in Superman 2 Zod and the other two break out of the Phantom Zone and even in Supergirl movie, Supergirl was able to break out of the Phantom Zone.

efilflah

10-05-2005, 05:32 AM

I really enjoyed the episode, I thought it was very well paced and pieced together.

If I had to name one thing that I maybe didn't like, it would be the Kryptonians turning their back and saying "It's done". That was frustratingly idiotic, and kind of took something away from Clark's triumph over them.

But the fight wasn't really the important part of that scene, the breaking of his word was, so I can forgive the hurried fashion of the fight scene, especially given the time constraints of a TV episode and the amount of stuff that had to be covered.

Lots to look forward to I think.

dhacker615

10-05-2005, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by Shazam
now that I've had time to digest "Arrival" a little more, i've grown to like it better, even the brief fight scene.
1) you've got to remember that almost right after the fight with the Kryptonians the sun went down, so if there would have been a longer fight, Clark probably would have lost or even been killed because he would have lost his powers in the middle of the fight.
I can see what you mean, but the "be here by sunset" device is a bit over-used in the Jor-El plotline. The Season2 finale had what seemed like a half-dozen deadlines for Clark to do this or that.

More importantly, 'Commencement' was a huge build-up to the conflict between Clark and occupants of that ship. Jor-El claimed that Clark's rejection of his Kryptonian heritage was the reason for them coming and it was going to be a disaster for Clark personally. I know Brainiac was on the ship too, but I would have liked to have seen the first wave of problems to have been more consequential.

Perfect would have been a major enough conflict to draw the attention of the world down on Smallville and forcing Clark to think about being more proactive in hidng his identity.

2) there have been a lot of references to both Superman and Superman 2 movies and I believe we haven't seen the last of Nam-ek and Aethyr because you had in Superman 2 Zod and the other two break out of the Phantom Zone and even in Supergirl movie, Supergirl was able to break out of the Phantom Zone.

The references to Donner Superman films have always caused me to assume that 'Smallville' was designed as a sort of prequel to those films, but set in the present day. That and the updating of Silver Age stuff from the comics (i.e. Red Kryptonite) has always been the strongest part of the series.

However, that forces certain sign-posts on the life of young Clark. The ability to allude to the movies and have the viewers fill in the blanks was a huge asset.The writers have deviated from that timeline a lot in Season 4 to their detriment. The arrival of Lois Lane in Smallville makes the reactions of movie version of Lois totally illogical, etc.

I can live with imperfect continuity between two different versions of a story created by different sets of people, twenty years apart. However, by suggesting that this Superman does not necessarily become that Superman, it creates a bigger job for the writers. For example, how is Jor-El constantly talking to Clark. In the movie, he embedded answers to every question he thought Clark would ask in the space-ship and ... later ... the Fortress of Solitude. 'Smallville' is silent on the issue.

I wish they would take some time and clean some of this stuff up. It doesn't have to be much, just a nod here and there. With the Fortress of Solitude, the caves are probably done. So, why the on-going mystery as to their exact nature. They seem to be some form of Kryptonian technology left behind by Jor-El. The obivious answer would have been to have the Kiwatchee Caves be a Phantom Zone projector, which would have been a nice clean way to wrap up Nam-ek, Aethyr and the caves all at once.

Instead, the time for the episdoe gets short and Aethyr randomly pulls a Phantom Zone bracelet out. Instead of doing the obvious and releasing General Zod, she leaves Clark alone. Lame and easily avoided. That is hard to stomach.

Shadow09

10-05-2005, 12:13 PM

ok... so if you have all these people breaking out of the Phantom zone.. why have it in the first place???

Somebody Stop Me

10-05-2005, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by Shadow09
ok... so if you have all these people breaking out of the Phantom zone.. why have it in the first place??? :rotfl: :rotfl:

Lexgirl33

10-05-2005, 01:56 PM

loved the superman like score after the FOS was built

dhacker615

10-05-2005, 02:17 PM

I don't want to be overly critical. 'Smallville' is a very good show and 'Arrival' was a pretty strong episode. Unlike 'Lois & Clark' (good on character, bad on plot) or 'The Adventures of Superman' (good on plot, bad on character), 'Smallville' is often very well written. It is just that they are really lazy about the mythology of the show.

A lot of these problems should have been solved by Gough and Miles after the pilot. The key, the ship, the caves and the stones (or whatever) should have all been fit together into some sort of semi-logical backstory. That way, they could have laid down clues that built on one another until we got to the next big sign-post like the Fortress of Solitude.

Like I said, this does not need to be rocket science. Just three sentences like:
a. Years before Krypton was destroyed, Jor-El travelled to "Smallville" via the Phantom Zone to create build a projector in Smallville in the Kiwatchee Caves. During this time, he became the basis of a local legend.
b. Jor-El then broke the power source for the device into three pieces and spread them through out the Earth (i.e. China, Egypt).
c. Jor-El then put a key to the secret chamber that contained the PZ projector aboard Kal-El's spacecraft.

You could add a few wrinkles, but the mythology stuff needs to be a little clearer and less random.

Shadow09

10-05-2005, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by dhacker615
I don't want to be overly critical. 'Smallville' is a very good show and 'Arrival' was a pretty strong episode. Unlike 'Lois & Clark' (good on character, bad on plot) or 'The Adventures of Superman' (good on plot, bad on character), 'Smallville' is often very well written. It is just that they are really lazy about the mythology of the show.

A lot of these problems should have been solved by Gough and Miles after the pilot. The key, the ship, the caves and the stones (or whatever) should have all been fit together into some sort of semi-logical backstory. That way, they could have laid down clues that built on one another until we got to the next big sign-post like the Fortress of Solitude.

Like I said, this does not need to be rocket science. Just three sentences like:
a. Years before Krypton was destroyed, Jor-El travelled to "Smallville" via the Phantom Zone to create build a projector in Smallville in the Kiwatchee Caves. During this time, he became the basis of a local legend.
b. Jor-El then broke the power source for the device into three pieces and spread them through out the Earth (i.e. China, Egypt).
c. Jor-El then put a key to the secret chamber that contained the PZ projector aboard Kal-El's spacecraft.

You could add a few wrinkles, but the mythology stuff needs to be a little clearer and less random.

Actually your points touch on some good theories.. although i am sure Kryptonias have been visiting Earth for numerous years prior to Jor-el visiting but for the most part you got a pretty good hypothosis going on

Robinmtb

10-06-2005, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by BELLAT
There is a land mass connecting the north pole to the US, through Canada? or is it Alaska, I can't remember, anyway its possible to run back from the Antartic

Isn't it possible he just ran straight over the water? It should be possible, since the boy(Bart Allen/The Flash) in "Run"(S 4 E 5) did it, and Clark's powers has grown since then....

Shadow09

10-06-2005, 02:51 PM

yea it's possible and i think Clark should be able to run on water... he just hasn't tried it.. nor have we seen him run over water

Prodigal

10-10-2005, 11:16 PM

After the huge epi of Commencement, honestly i was waiting for a better episode.

I really like the fortress, the scenes with Chloe, Lana, and the events with Jor-El

But bringing enemies needs great battles.
Two experienced kryptonians can't be beat "one hit ko" by a teen kryptonian.

The fight sucked, but all the actors did well.

Overall, it was a good beginning, but not as big as Exile or Crusade.

Prodigal ®

dragon_04

10-14-2005, 07:39 AM

i thought it was awesome! the fortress of solitude was just amazing.... And i liked how it was like'Superman 2' in a way the way clark got them in that circle and it made them square! that was amazingly cool!

Prospero

10-18-2005, 02:21 AM

I was really waiting for more. A super-weak battle scene (in fact, there wasn't one), some goofs, Kents alive ang (OMG!) Clana.

Crusade was a way better. It was 100% non-Clana-safe and had a better potential. But we'll see the rest of S5. ;)

It was a real fun to see the reaction of Kents when Clark told them he is back to normal. They were just talking about the superspeed home mending. :D

I wonder what would Chris Carter say about the episode finale...

Countrygirl

10-21-2005, 01:43 AM

I thought the writers finally did a great job! They tied up all the loose ends from Season 4 (I didn't like the finale) and they moved forward with a wonderful momentum.

My favorite shot, besides everything blowing up and Brainiac morphing out of the oil, was the special effect of Chloe's eye when she saw the fortress.

Seeing the fortress come up out of the snow was amazing. Ooohhh... pretty. I want a fortress! It just made me tingle with excitement. I'm looking forward to seeing this develop on Smallville.

I loved the Chloe and Clark interaction. They really have a great story line going between these two. I'm glad the secret is out and they can now move forward.

The show just moved quickly, smoothly and segued nicely from one character to the next. Lois always makes me laugh. I loved the Kents and Lex! OOOOOHHH.. I am so excited to see evil Lex! Michael Rosenbaum does an excellent job portraying this character. He does drama very well!

I really liked the lighting they used in this episode. Smallville always has great lighting.

Clark and Lana. Hmm... well, I was seriously sick of them pinning away at each other. In past seasons I felt like throwing a rotten tomato at the TV because they just kept dancing around each other. Speak your mind! Holy! That just drove me crazy! It killed me to see them not being open with each other. I couldn't stand how the writers just dragged out the on again off again relationship between the two of them. I hated how they got together so quickly in Season 4. One minute they didn't like each other, next they were dancing at the prom. The prom episode was sooooo bad. I hope that writer got fired! Or spanked with a soggy rotting fish.

Anyway, I finally liked the Clark - Lana interaction. They were finally honest and open with each other. It's about time! I loved the part where Clark steps back after he asks Lana if she really meant what she said in the barn. So sweet. It made him look so vulnerable. He just did not want to get hurt by what Lana may say. Almost preparing himself for a let down. Tom plays this beautifully.

I really liked the ending. Whoo hoo, bring on more trouble! I like morphing images. The oil pooling and running together just made it look creepy. James Marsters being Brainiac is fantastic! I'm really looking forward to this plot.

Overall 5 out of 5. FINALLY after having to endure non-stop horrible episodes of Season 4, the writers finally churn out a great episode.

NotTodayPete

10-21-2005, 01:50 AM

^^nice post I agree

Peter Gray

01-10-2006, 05:26 AM

Well just seen it in the UK on E4 yesterday.....very good...Lex is becoming Lionel and Lionel is becoming the goodish Lex...great balance!....I also wanted more of a fight........bit too used to Superman 2!!.....When Clark said he wasn't in the cave to Lex......Lex saw him flinch!!!!!.....anyone else see that......he gave himself away!!!

ARealClarkKent

01-30-2006, 02:43 PM

I think Arrival and Solitude have been the best two episodes ever done on Smallville. Way better than Crusade and Exile...

greggbray

02-18-2006, 09:03 AM

Arrival was a great episode. This season started off with a bang. I hope it ends with one as well. :)

Krypton935

04-17-2006, 11:54 AM

Awesome premire I loved it!!!!!

I just wish I recorded it I just watched the season 4 finale and now I can't even see the 5th season premire untill it is on DVD

Ok I am off topic i absolutely loved it favorite moments were:

~Chloe seeing Clark in the Fortress

~Chloe telling Clark she knew his secret

~Clark telling Chloe he's an alien

~Aliens coming out of the ship and killing people

~Clark promising to return but stays with Lana instead

~The battle between Clark and the aliens

~Actually the whole episode were all of my favorite scenes

Carras

04-24-2006, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by Prodigal
After the huge epi of Commencement, honestly i was waiting for a better episode.

I really like the fortress, the scenes with Chloe, Lana, and the events with Jor-El

But bringing enemies needs great battles.
Two experienced kryptonians can't be beat "one hit ko" by a teen kryptonian.

The fight sucked, but all the actors did well.

Overall, it was a good beginning, but not as big as Exile or Crusade.

Prodigal ®

agreed

GottaLoveHotSuperHeros

04-26-2006, 01:36 PM

i was a little dissapointed! i couldn't wait for the season premeire and then after Commencement, it wasn't Arrival wasn't as good. Commencement was sooo great and then i got dissapointed by Arrival.

love_sv

05-03-2006, 11:11 AM

I really enjoyed "Arrival". It was so action-packed and had some really stunning visual effects like the Fortress of Solitude! I loved, loved, loved Clark/Chloe hospital scene. Great stuff.

I must admit that I was laughing at Lana most of the time with her face all muddied! It's not a great look. But funniest lines for me were when Lana told Lex about the spaceship and Lex is like, "Lana, after what you've been through, your mind may not be quite...", then Lana retorts, "I know what I saw!"

I can't believe I didn't post in here earlier but nearing the end of S5, this episode is still one of the best in the whole season!

Mrs Kent

05-21-2006, 11:25 AM

I loved this episode and also the fact that Clark had some one on one with Jor-el. I wish that would happen a little more often.

Mr. Wrong

06-01-2006, 10:18 AM

This was a very good episode. The Clark/Chloe segment was killer but I felt less enthusiastic with the remainder of the ep. Clark isn't some teenager to be punished as he was by Jorel. I still don't fathom how Pops is capable of changing Clark into a human in the first place. His powers come directly from our yellow sun and weren't some Kryptonian gift that could be summarily removed, especially by the spirit of a 1000 year old dead person. However, I guess it was the only way our superhero was ever going to be allowed to have sex. Something Superman never could accomplish safely with any human while burdened with super powers. I don't really like the Clark/Lex slant that the writers are taking, as they tend to give justification to Lex's becoming the villain down the road. Superman is reknowned for his honesty but that definitely is not the case in Smallville!

Shadowlord367

09-14-2006, 01:54 PM

After watching this on DVD, I felt like the whole time I was watching a movie, it was great. Also i listened specifically for the music in this episode, and man it was incredible.

Kelvins

09-15-2006, 08:05 AM

I loved it

Shadowlord367

09-15-2006, 10:00 PM

ive watched it 3x and enjoyed it just as much every time.

maryjanewatson

09-21-2006, 08:24 PM

do you know what my favorite thing about this season is? Jason Teague is never mentioned again, and they never discovered his body, so somewhere scattered about the kent farm, and probably under new floor boards on the kent home, are the remains of jason teague. creepy, huh.

logan00xmn

12-10-2006, 02:21 AM

I am continually amazed at respectful this show is to the Superman mythos the nods to Superman 2 had me totally geeked out

cloisinmyheart

01-14-2007, 01:34 PM

awesome!

tibbit78

02-08-2007, 06:50 PM

I thought that arrival was excellent. It was one of my favorite episodes. Great special effects, great lines of actors and great writing.

My favorite part of Arrival was when Clark picks up Chloe. Chloe says to Clark (after Clark was speaking to Jor-El), "I think it's time you switch into Super-Clark mode right now." Clark looks surprised and says, "Super-Clark?" and Chloe answers, "I know you run faster than a speeding bullet, Clark. Take me along for the ride." Clark then super-speeds Chloe to a hospital in Yukon. (That's my favorite part). Chloe tells Clark (at the hospital) that she knows his secret. Clark asks, "How long have you known?" Chloe replies, "I had my suspicions---the quick exits, the miraculous recoveries, the lame excuses. But I think when I saw you catch a car like it was a beach ball, that confirmed everything." Clark tells Chloe, "The Meteor Rocks did not make me who I am. I wasn't born anywhere near Smallville. In fact, I wasn't born anywhere near this galaxy." Clark tells Chloe that he's an alien. Chloe is awed about it and says, "Clark I...I think you are so amazing. You save people's lives and you take zero credit for it. To me, you're more than just a hero. You're a super-hero." Clark: "Chloe..." Chloe: "I mean it, Clark. If more humans were like you, the world would be a better place." The thing I liked about Chloe the most was when she said to Clark, "Clark, I want to tell you that I will never be the iceberg to your Titanic, and your secret will never, ever leave my lips, no matter what." Clark answers Chloe, "I appreciate that."

Lex visits Clark at the Kent barn. Clark asks Lex where his parents are. Lex says, "Your mother has a concussion and a broken leg. She's going to be okay." Lex asks Clark if he were in the caves during the meteor shower. Lex says, "Clark, before I passed out, there was a light brighter than anything I have ever seen. Clark, I could have sworn you were standing right in its epicenter." Clark denies being in the caves, because he does not trust Lex. Clark: "I was nowhere near those caves." Lex: "Why do I get this nagging feeling you are being less than honest with me? I think that lying is becoming an unshakable habit of yours, Clark." Clark: "I don't have to listen to this!" Lex: "Then be straight with me, for once. Clark, if you are my friend, just tell me the truth. Were you in the cave when the Meteors hit?" Clark: "No!"

Clark comes to Lana's rescue, after she was attacked by evil Kryptonian aliens. Clark picks her up and carries her to the hospital (even though he lost his powers, because Clark didn't go back to Jor-El before the yellow sun has set. Jor-El took Clark's powers away from him). Clark goes and visits Lana and gives her flowers (Irises). She asks Clark if he believes in life on other planets. Clark: "Actually, I do." Lana: "Clark, I saw something in that crater. It was a spaceship. It was unbelievable!" There was something dripping out of a spaceship, almost like liquid dripping from the ship. It formed into a man, and it was Milton Fine (Brainiac). That was the end of the episode Arrival.

One more reason that I loved about Arrival was the Clark and Jor-El relationship (in the caves called "The Fortress of Solitude"). After the 3 crystals that were in Clark Kent's hands and thrown by Clark, were turned into The Fortress of Solitude, Jor-El welcomed his son, Kal-El/Clark home. Chloe Sullivan comes to the Fortress looking for Clark, and she almost freezes to death. Jor-El tells Kal-El/Clark, "Kal-El, you must continue your education. You cannot stop!" Kal-El/Clark argues back, "She's my friend! She needs my help!" Jor-El answers back, "Your destiny is greater than one human life." Kal-El/Clark cries out to his father Jor-El, "No! I won't let her die!" Jor-El argues back to Kal-El/Clark, "Each time you let human-learned emotions guide you, you put the fate of the entire planet at risk. That is your weakness, Kal-El." Kal-El/Clark doesn't give up on his father yet, and begs him, "Please, I'm begging you!" Then Jor-El gives into his son, Kal-El/Clark, "Very well, under 1 condition. You must return to me before the yellow sun has set." Clark smiles at his father Jor-El and says, "I'll be back! I promise!" Jor-El answers, "Do not fail me, Kal-El. Or the consequences will be grave." Kal-El/Clark still smiling, says, "You have my word!" Then Chloe Sullivan, who is shivering, speaks up, "Hey! I think it's time you switch into Super-Clark mode right now." Clark looks surprised and asks, "Super-Clark?" Chloe answers him while shivering, "I know you run faster than a speeding bullet, Clark. Take me along for the ride." WHOOOOSH! Clark super-speeds Chloe to a hospital.

jesslang

07-06-2007, 07:13 PM

I thought it was good ...i liked the part where lois and clark are talking and then he talks to lana .and the music that is palying in the back ground i liked that ep ....it was good .

ginnyfan

09-18-2007, 09:15 PM

Just watched this episode again. I always knew that it was good but... there were some pleasant surprises watching it again after a while.

The best thing about this episode are the visuals. The fortress growing out of the ice... The arrival of the Black Ship... oh everything looked wonderful and really gave me a thrill.

My favorite scene was between Clark and Chloe in the Antarctic Hospital. It's such a momentous scene for the development of those two characters, and a huge turning point for the series as a whole. I was excited the first time and I still get really excited.

Jonathan Kent was superb in this episode. It's really easy to miss in all the flashiness but John Schneider does a wonderful job with the vulnerable side of Jonathan - facing the possible loss of Martha.

Lana kicked butt in this episode. From beginning to end she was really strong and really fun. She did a few dumb things... but overall I was pleasantly surprised at how tough she was.

One thing I hadn't noticed was how royally Clark shafted Chloe... and not in a good way. He abandons her in the Yukon and completely forgets about her. I mean he's blissfully saying corny one liners to his parents about being human and buying Lana flowers... I guess eventually Chloe would have called him on his cell phone but...

I'm a Chlexer. During season 3 I flirted with being one but... Lex is so evil and lets face it... they hate each other's guts. But watching the scene where Lex finds Chloe... LOL!!! I just love the chemistry of the hatred between them. Yum!

Finally I used to think the mysterious L was Lionel, but there's no way it can be. Lionel is possessed by Jor-el... so... it's gotta be Lex. It's possible that Lex sent the paper pretending that it's from Lionel... However, that doesn't make much sense b/c as far as Lana knows, she only told Lex. Ah well... it was pretty much abandoned. Unless that was a motivating factor in Lana's decision to cozy up to Lex. I doubt it.

Arrival was good. Not the best episode there is. But good. I could actually see beyond Clark ignoring the destruction of the world to save Lana... and I discovered lots of new things as a result. :)

ETA: The things I originally loved about Arrival were the Fortress and Jor-el stuff, the Zod/Brainiac stuff and Lois.

Of those things only Lois is still enjoyable. LOL! Jonathan calls Lois a hero. :D Lois injects much needed humor. And the last scene before Lois heads off to Geneva is a SV Clois Classic. *contented sigh*

The Jor-el stuff... knowing how Clark ignores him and how things come out in the end... it makes me want to grind my teeth in frustration. Clark is like molasses. It's like the only fruit of the last year is the fortress growing and Clark finally voluntarily saying the words "I am Kal-el." Apart from that he might as well be in Season One. He's certainly trying to hang onto the possibilities he had at the end of Season 2 - particularly with Lana.

The potential awesome-ness of Brainiac makes me really sad. Really, really sad.

Redemption708

09-28-2007, 11:19 PM

I also loved this episode.

Mr.White

03-25-2008, 06:21 PM

"Arrival" was great save for one thing. The saving of Chloe. Once again saving the show's creation, the show's plot device, stops Clark from accepting his destiny. His journey was delayed because of her destiny.

Chloe_is_my_Hero

05-06-2008, 10:59 AM

My favorite SV episode ever!

jesslang

05-12-2008, 07:45 AM

i loved the song at the end of this ep it was soo ...good. and then fine ...come out of the ship it was good.

Clark/Lois-fan

09-02-2008, 04:31 AM

What I loved about this awesome S5 premiere; Arrival

- The recap for Commencement

- Fortress of Solitude

- Lois helping Jonathan find Martha in the Kent house

- Chlark scene in the anarctic hospital

- Lionel making the Zod symbol on the floor in the Luthor Mansion

- Clana scene in the hospital

- Depeche Mode montage at the end of the episode

- Seeing James Marsters :D

Bilza

11-09-2008, 08:06 AM

WOW! From the best season finale to probably the best season opener you're ever likely to see!

The fortress of solitude has finally risen only for Clark to lose his powers again for turning his back on Jor-El again for his training. Failing to return before sunset relinquished his powers and there will be consequences for his actions. Understandably he was out there saving lives. But it didn't stop him to feel kinda relieved at end when his dream was always to be "normal" and top stop all the lies especially to his friends and his love Lana. His parents look worried especially Jonathan with Clark giving up his powers...he knows that they're might be more trouble ahead. He'll keep a lid on it for the sake of his son who wants to have a normal life and to certain extent they want that too but there is too much to sacrifice as Clark becomes more vulnerable without his powers.

Again....

Let us focus on the fascinating character that is Lex Luthor. As you may already know I've been focusing by previous discussions on this intriguing personality. The integral part of the show being Clark's relationship with Lex has been gripping especially with all the deceit and lies to go with it. Their friendship nearing an end. A classic confrontation in the destroyed Kent house:

Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): [Lex enters] Clark. Thank God you're okay.
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): Where's my mom and dad?
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): At the hospital. Your mom has a concussion and a broken leg but she's gonna be fine.
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): What about Lana?
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): Lana's safe. It's Chloe I'm worried about. She was with me in the cave when the meteors hit and I was knocked unconscious and when I came to she was gone.
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): She must have escaped while you were unconscious.
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): Or someone helped her out.
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): Lex how could I've...
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): When I was down in the cave there was a light brighter than anything I've ever seen... and I could of sworn I saw you standing right in its epicenter.
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): I was nowhere near those caves.
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): If you weren't down in the caves, where have you been?
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): My parents insisted I get a head start. I got a ride on one of the military vans.
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): Why do I get this nagging feeling your being less than honest with me?
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): I have no idea.
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): Well I get the feeling that lying has become an unshakable habit of yours Clark.
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): I don't have to listen to this.
[Turns his back on Lex]
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): If your my friend...
[Lex grabs Clark's arms]
Lex Luthor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/): ... just tell me the truth. Were you in the cave when the meteors hit?
Clark Kent (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/): [coldly] No.

What was so chilling about this encounter is the expression on Lex's face. He all but confirmed that he no longer trusts his "best friend" and neither does clark. But what reasons did clark have to give him the cold shoulder from the moment he walked in on Lex? Did Chloe tell him how Lex forced her into the caves with him to learn about his secret?

The suspicion is about to grow further after the zoners indicated while strangling lex. One zoner says: .."it's not him...Kal El would not bleed" (this is key as we learn in the end of the next episode) ...After being thrown against the wall and watching with horror as the zoners speed away...Lex had the expression where his beliefs about Clark are becoming true. Watching clark standing (in the cave with a flashing bright light) right in its epicenter, with LEx gripped by his darkside is now leaning towards the theory that his so called friend is not who he seems. When Lex says that "lying is an unshakable habit of yours"...I think throughout this series he's been meaning to say that since he met clark. Lex is clearly frustrated with all the lies...is he going to turn against his best friend to find out the truth once and for all??

Ofcourse the scene with Chloe in the end was also chilling how Lex managed to reach her and caught Chloe again lying about Clark. He'll be keeping a close eye on her ...almost try and intimidate her into telling the truth. Lex is not going as his father did with Chloe just yet but you could see the signs he's trying to get close to her to find out about clark. With all the resources at his disposal he can quit easily find her. His suspicions of NOW Chloe's lies and the mystery of how she ended up in the arctic. Clearly Lex feels Clark was involved of how she ended up being there in the hospital in the Yukon....million miles away from smallville.

Lex with his more dark ways, using Lana's vulnerability to obtain information about the zoners. Dazed by the helicopter crash and fears for her life, she reveals to Lex that a spaceship is in a field. Lex tries cynically to deflect such a theory. He knew full well and his brilliantly delivered expression when Lana fainted was chilling. He gave that sort of look when his dad collapsed in the previous episode. His obssession with all mysteries of smallville is about to grow let alone Clark. Truelly fascinating...and the way MR portrays Lex is soo compelling. This season is going to become even more interesting for this character and no better actor to portray that than my fav actor currently in MR.

What did Lex mean when he noted to Lana in a newspaper article about the death of the Teagues..that "you owe me one"??? Why would he intimidate and turn his back on a person he cares deeply cares about. True as one person has said during discussions..even Lex's ulterior motives have ulterior motives...just adds to the unpredictable and intriguing nature of this brilliant character!

I must add this is to be my favourite season. Season 5 has absolutely everything! A season that got me addicted to this show. Watch with fascination of the character development especially MR's Lex Luthor. I must mention the rise of Braniac i.e. Milton Fine. Again one of the best casting decisions to bring in James Marsters. Another superb actor to play a compelling role that would provide more twists, and exciting storylines for the show.