Best episode of the season!

[drwood]

Wow! What a GREAT episode! Not a wasted moment (unlike much of "Mortal" and "Hidden"), and the foreshadowing themes were fantastic! So many great moments, including:

1. Aquaman's attitude of using his gifts to be a TRUE hero, which serves as a lesson to Clark
2. Clark discovering how evil Lex has become -- "I defended you...I guess I really am naive"
3. Lex = truly evil (capturing and torturing of Aquaman; disregard for marine life)
4. Lois falling for Aquaman for the same reasons she'll ultimately fall in love with Supes
5. VERY LITTLE LANA!!!! (HOORAY!)
6. Justice League foreshadowing ("Junior Lifeguards Association" -- very nice!)
7. Underwater fight b/t Clark and Aquaman
8. Continuity! (reference to the Flash)
9. Professor Milton Fine

Aquaman turned out to be a better guest star than the Flash, which I really didn't think was going to happen.

[MBCorp]

Wow, I completely disagree with your statement that AC was better than Bart. The kid that played Bart was an awesome actor and he was a really likable, cool character. The guy that played Aquaman couldn't act his way out of a paper bag and I wasn't too impressed with his character or the episode.

[Thil_EL]

THE LEX CLARK SCENE
WAS THE BEST IN THE EPSIODE!
prof milton fine came close!!

[F-Stop Blues]

I thought the episode had more redeeming qualities than the actor who played A.C. My favorite stuff now is anything with Clark and Lex. Lex is just hilarious now, I love it.

[AnimeJoe]

Aquaman turned out to be a better guest star than the Flash, which I really didn't think was going to happen.

There's NO WAY Aquaman was better than the Flash :p.. At the end of RUN, Bart and Clark had their little special Goodbye running scene accompanied by cool music..

At the end of Aqua there was no comparable underwater racing scene between Clark and Aquaman as they said their goodbyes :p

[BlueNRed2]

It was a good episode but not the best of the season in my book. It captured a few neat moments and was a nice touch to make reference to Bart from Run. I'd give it an 8.5 rating.

[jmart]

I thought this episode was not only one of the best of the season but of the series as well. I'm a huge fan of Lois and Clark stuff just cause as a huge comic buff it's great to see them before they are in love and their stuff was just genius and was really great to watch especially the last scene.

Lex I thought was amazing in this episode. He isn't toally the Lex we know from the comics but he's getting there and I'm really really enjoying Michael's performance.

And Milton Fine, man. James Marsters was just terrifc . I'm a big Braniac fan, and I felt that James Marsters played him just right in the few scenes he had. I really craved for more.

As for Aquaman like I posted in other thread the acting wasn't great but I dug the character a lot (just as much as Flash though the actor who played Bart was terrific). I feel this episode is one of the best of the series, not saying it was perfec but I really dug it.

I have a good chunk of favorites over the course of Smallville (Rosetta, Arrival, Perry, Memoria, Commencement, Hourglass, Hug, Stray, Ryan, Relic, Run) and now I can add Aqua to that list.

I believe season 5 is shaping up to be the best yet. With four episodes all of which have been pretty damn good.

[F-Stop Blues]

I think all 4 episodes have been very solid, with Arrival and Hidden being stand out, so that already ranks season 5 above season 4 up to this episode #.

[RedPhoenix23]

I voted....

Clark alone with Lex -- "I guess I really am naive"

Good scene, Lex was trying to be the all out badest baddie but he looked hurt to me when Clark told him that he defended him to his professor.

[BeepBeep]

Originally posted by MBCorp
Wow, I completely disagree with your statement that AC was better than Bart. The kid that played Bart was an awesome actor and he was a really likable, cool character. The guy that played Aquaman couldn't act his way out of a paper bag and I wasn't too impressed with his character or the episode.

Completely agree.

[Emerald Dragen]

I really liked all those parts but the underwater fight had really cool effects and it kinda shocked me a little that Aquaman's underwater burst would blow clark out of the water when he just took like a pound or two of C4.

[smallvillerocks45]

I wasn't expecting too much since I had no knowledge about Aquaman, but to my surprise, this was a decent episode. I liked it a lot actually, and I can't believe that I enjoyed the Clark and Lois foreshadowing, though I voted for Lex torturing AC.

I also like Mr. Fine...Marsters really impressed me.

The only thing that kind of bothered me about this episode was AC's rhyming and surfer lingo...surf's up bro, see ya later bro (huh?).

[drwood]

Originally posted by MBCorp
Wow, I completely disagree with your statement that AC was better than Bart. The kid that played Bart was an awesome actor and he was a really likable, cool character. The guy that played Aquaman couldn't act his way out of a paper bag and I wasn't too impressed with his character or the episode.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this point. Aquaman's character brought much more maturity than the Flash. Bart was thinking only of himself...Aquaman was actually willing to risk his livelihood (and secret) to protect marine life. We know that the Flash will eventually mature to become this kind of hero, but Aquaman has that maturity now. You could see how it impacted Clark to do the right thing: "I was born with a great gift and I plan on using it to save this world" -- unlike Clark who (until then) seemed to care more about having fun with Lana than being a hero.

And on the acting, I thought Aquaman was acted well. True, the Flash was acted better, but I don't think it was a huge difference.

Again, we'll just have to agree to disagree :).

[constancelight]

While I'll admit, I thought there were too many "bro" comments, I didn't mind the acting of Aquaman. I was digging the little romance between him and Lois. So I went with that one.

[batfinx]

It was all OK but I don't see how they expect to get ratings with it. Aquaman was more powerfully built than Superman. Welling needs to hit the gym. And Clark is still whining. It rubs me the wrong way when a guest hero is more into being a hero than future Superman. I thought Marsters did a good job, but that's not enough. Clark has to snap out of his crybaby rut. Who wants to tune in for a hero like that?

[ma200]

I think some of you guys are just turned off by the jock attitude Alan Ritchson seems to be portraying. I know I was but after watching it the second time I realize that's how he's suppose to be portrayed and it wasn't really because of Alan Ritchson's acting.

Anyways, he played the part of an arrogrant jock quite well IMO.

[constancelight]

While I'll admit, I thought there were too many "bro" comments, I didn't mind the acting of Aquaman. I was digging the little romance between him and Lois. So I went with that one.

[scoobycookies]

I loved this episode! So many great references to the future! Finally someone kicks Clark in the butt to get him out of his self-absorption and realize there's a bigger world out there! His protectiveness towards Lois was cute too. The only thing I thought was a little off was Lex - he's so evil but I don't know if I buy the transition. I suppose that has more to do with his development in previous episodes.

[NotTodayPete]

I think the acting was good for AC, he's just that cocky surfer type. His look was great for aquaman, his facial features have that square comic book hero look too. He actually looks like a cartoon, haha.

[slave2moonlight]

I wasn't bowled over by Aquaman's acting (not the way he played the part, but just the naturalness of it;seemed like maybe an acting coach would have been a good idea), and I didn't sense much chemistry between Lois and A.C., but that's okay in the long run, because it seemed more like a lust thing anyway.

Overall, I LOVED this episode and would call it one of the best of the series. This is the way a show about young Superman SHOULD be, to me; it was sexy without characters having sex, it was full of superhero and villain stuff, and there was development of the series storyline too! I chose the JLA foreshadowing, not specifically due to that one line they used, but the overall superheroes working together against Lex stuff. That was so cool! I agree that the actor playing A.C. had a great "look" for the character, and loved the way they had him in green and orange like that too! It's a shame they weren't ever able to have Batman on this show!

I love how evil Lex is now, but I agree that I'm not sure I buy the transition. It seemed too sudden a conversion to "totally bad." I know that the show has been on for 4 seasons already, but through most of them he was always trying to be a goodguy, and one recently did it feel like he was changing a bit. This season, he's really mean, and it seemed to severe a change. That bit aside, he's great at it. This episode was almost like watching an adult Superman show. It reminded me a lot of the animated "Batman Superman Movie," which was great!

As for their physiques, Clark still looked bigger to me, just didn't look all intensely defined like A.C., which was appropriate for the "swimmer" thing, I thought. Clark's strength/powers don't come from working out. It doesn't really make sense for him to be the most pumped hero, though I agree that it looks better when Supes is the biggest one around.

[thmallville]

*yawn* it was so boring I almost fell asleep. I sped kout of the room the second it was over, and I FORGOT to watch scenes for next week!! I am so mad at myself!!

[drwood]

I think that Lex's transition to evil is believable...it really started with "Commencement" -- remember how obsessed he was with the stones last year. To have 2 of them taken from him, with Lana keeping the third one from him, combined with the deterioration of his relationships with Chloe, Lana and Clark would seem to be enough to tilt the scales towards darkness. He definitely is now evil (that was first established in "Mortal"), but he still has ways to go to fulfill his ruthless destiny.

[Ultron]

I have to give it up for the fight scene underwater. Really it reminded me of those old west shootouts at 10 paces.

I thought the actor who played A.C. did a good job, considering he's playing an arrogant jock, which really, is what Aquaman would be like. Even he doesn't know his real destiny yet. I'm not sure what you guys are looking for out of a young Aquaman.

[scoobycookies]

I have to give it up for the fight scene underwater. Really it reminded me of those old west shootouts at 10 paces.
I thought this part was well done. I liked that Clark got his *ss handed to him.

[slave2moonlight]

Originally posted by Ultron
I have to give it up for the fight scene underwater. Really it reminded me of those old west shootouts at 10 paces.

I thought the actor who played A.C. did a good job, considering he's playing an arrogant jock, which really, is what Aquaman would be like. Even he doesn't know his real destiny yet. I'm not sure what you guys are looking for out of a young Aquaman.

In regards to the fight scene, are you sure you're not being reminded of the underwater wild west brawl from "Top Secret?" Ha, everytime I see an underwater fight, that's what I think of. But, I'm probably the only one here who remembers that Leslie Nielson-style comedy starring Val Kilmer. :rolleyes:

Anyway, as for the acting, and I don't mean to be too hard on him, because I've been to a few auditions and acting for real can be tough (no matter how good you are in private), but it wasn't the cockiness that bothered me. I knew that was the way he was playing the role. It was the wooden-ness of his performance. It did seem like he was just reading lines. Sometimes, it almost seemed like he might be using cue cards, ha. But, I've seen much worse.


Originally posted by drwood
I think that Lex's transition to evil is believable...it really started with "Commencement" -- remember how obsessed he was with the stones last year. To have 2 of them taken from him, with Lana keeping the third one from him, combined with the deterioration of his relationships with Chloe, Lana and Clark would seem to be enough to tilt the scales towards darkness. He definitely is now evil (that was first established in "Mortal"), but he still has ways to go to fulfill his ruthless destiny.

I see what you're saying, I just felt that Lex's starting to change to bad, to being bad, to being REALLY bad over the course of the show seemed to be taken in sudden jumps. Heading in the direction of bad was fine, but then to bad and then really bad, that's where I kept thinking, "Wait a minute, when'd he get THIS evil?!"

[Magus]

Agreeing with drwood. For the development of Superman, aquaman was just brilliant in making him realize that he should be doing more meaningful things with his life. The flash was just a punk kid. And unless ur an incredible actor(Denzel Washington in John Q, Leo DiCaprio in the aviator), or a really bad one, you can pretty much pull off any role with the same amount of skill.

[PETER WEST]

(1) Foreshadowing of Lois and Clark romance

(2)Clark discovering how evil Lex has become

(3) Lex becoming truly evil (capturing and torturing Aquaman)

(4) Professor Milton Fine asking Clark to join him to bring down Lex Luthor.

(5)Underwater fight between Clark and Aquaman

(6) Aquaman teaching Clark, That their's more to people who need his help outside of smallville.

(7) no much lana. :D

(8)Justice League foreshadowing

[aqua]

Originally posted by F-Stop Blues
I thought the episode had more redeeming qualities than the actor who played A.C. My favorite stuff now is anything with Clark and Lex. Lex is just hilarious now, I love it.

Really? I just go corny, eye-rolling lines from MR's less than average acting.

[Ultron]

Originally posted by drwood
Aquaman's character brought much more maturity than the Flash. Bart was thinking only of himself...Aquaman was actually willing to risk his livelihood (and secret) to protect marine life. We know that the Flash will eventually mature to become this kind of hero, but Aquaman has that maturity now. You could see how it impacted Clark to do the right thing: "I was born with a great gift and I plan on using it to save this world" -- unlike Clark who (until then) seemed to care more about having fun with Lana than being a hero.

Actually I think that's a great point. He's embracing his abilities and wants to use them for a greater purpose. I think that certainty can be a great influence on Clark, just as Clark was a great influence on Bart in Run.


Originally posted by slave2moonlight
In regards to the fight scene, are you sure you're not being reminded of the underwater wild west brawl from "Top Secret?" Ha, everytime I see an underwater fight, that's what I think of. But, I'm probably the only one here who remembers that Leslie Nielson-style comedy starring Val Kilmer. :rolleyes:

LOL yeah that was a hilarious movie!

Best name evar: Chocolate Mousse

[All about Clark]

Actually I thought Lex gave up being good at the end of Onyx.

Favorite scene: Clark and Lex alone, the naive part.

I actually think people are too hard on Clark, I think the weight of his destiny and father has been too great, and needed the break that Mortal brought. That without that weight he would be more aggressive towards saving the world, like Aquaman.

I saw Agua as being forth place out of four episodes, however, I still really liked it. I guess the acting didn't bother me too much, but Flash was better.

[Black & White]

All those scenes were good ones, but the best was when Clark and Lex have the talk, they are completing their destiny, I really think Lex feels sorry for losing his friendship with Clark.

[Ketchup]

Best eppie of the season? Psh, w.e. It WAS really good, but you cant compare this to the premier.

[davis.kidd]

Originally posted by drwood
Wow! What a GREAT episode! Not a wasted moment (unlike much of "Mortal" and "Hidden"), and the foreshadowing themes were fantastic! So many great moments, including:

...

Aquaman turned out to be a better guest star than the Flash, which I really didn't think was going to happen.

Smallville can easily afford better actors than the Aquaman 'bro.' Horrible acting! The first three epis. were way better than aqua. this episode ruined the good-epi streak.

The flash was way better than aquakid btw.

[cxianet]

Originally posted by davis.kidd
Smallville can easily afford better actors than the Aquaman 'bro.' Horrible acting! The first three epis. were way better than aqua. this episode ruined the good-epi streak.

The flash was way better than aquakid btw.

I'm going to bring up a short point before we start:

How come it seems that Clana fans were overly disatisfyed by this episode?

Hm, well, I think it's because of the lack of Lana and the excess of Lois.

IMHO, "Mortal" and "Hidden" were damaging to the character of Clark and the image of Superman. The episodes further expanded the who idea of Clark/Lana being run off of lies and dishonesty. I don't like that road for Clark or for Lana.

Still, I found this episode not only entertaining but fun to watch and a great advancement to the overal plot. Sure, Ritchson wasn't the best actor in the world but people shouldn't forget that this was his first acting gig and he did a really good job at it. And the "bro" stuff? I don't think you can blame that on the actor; he has absolutely no control over the script that they write him.

Both "Run" and "Aqua" were good episodes for Smallville. I'd have "Aqua" outweigh "Run" just because I'm a Lois and a Clois fan so I like it when she's in an episode. Still, I'm not going to say "Run" was absolutely dreadful because it wasn't. It was a very good episode.

So overall, this was actually a pretty good episode in my mind. The Lois and Lois-episode hating needs to stop from everyone. Then again, this is just all my opinion so it's all debatable I suppose.

[boogalou86]

I don't think Aqua was the best of the season. Actually I disliked it the most

[DeeperWell]

I liked this episode, more than I thought I would. Aquadude was fairly amusing...

[Redemption708]

Aqua wasn't one of my favorites, but it was decent.

[AlwaysRight]

How can Lois in a swimsuit not be on the list(yummy)

[Clark/Lois-fan]

Aqua was an awesome episode, but not the best of the season :)

[9-SOSIHTWB]

I really liked the underwater fight between Clark and AC, but that was about it!!!