Solitude: Post your reviews

[F-Stop Blues]

For some reason there is no review thread.

I loved the ep. I kinda wish that JE saved Clark instead of chloe but i guess that doesnt make that much senes. Anyway great episode and it defenitly lived up to my own hype. Season 5 has had some of the best eps of the whole series. Im very excited.

[SmvilleTeacher]

It was a good episode – I did enjoy Splinter more, but still this was a well-written, well-acted episode. I especially enjoyed the scene b/w TW and AO as she lay on the couch and they talked about her possible death. Well done!

*It was great to see Lois and Lex have a scene together with her acting so harsh.
*I’m glad that Clark finally told his parents about Prof. Fine and Jor-El’s warning that someone he loves will die.
*Also great to see another Lionel & Chloe scene. Great interaction. I’ve missed it.
*Again we have Chloe to the rescue in the FOS. Super!
*And the ship is gone? I know we won’t probably see Fine in the next episode, but he will be back. I wonder what Clark and his interactions will be like. I hope Clark sees that Fine is his enemy more so than Lex.
*Shelby is back! Guess he didn’t die in the meteor shower.
*And another prod to Lois, by Chloe this time, to go into journalism and a foreshadowing of her future at the Daily Planet. What will she do with it? Martha is proud of Lois with a job, an apartment, and a new car; but I still want to see some direction in her life toward the future that we all know Lois Lane is destined for.

Rate it 8.8/10

[Best Episode - 321]

I have to say that it was probably the most exciting episode since hidden. Maybe the most exciting all year. I throughly enjoyed it.

Thought that the foreshadowing of Lois was excellent. The way she was worried about Lex coming to a political power was executing brilliantly. It really gave us a glimpse of the future Lois Lane.

The Chloe and Lionel scene made me remember how good those scenes were in season 3. It also left me with questions. Is Lionel still Jor-el? Will Chloe turn to Lionel for information on Lex? Will Lex continue to think Lionel has the ship? If so, will that cause a rift that is dealt with in episode 12?

I also loved the Fine developments. When he returns, assuming he will be stronger, how will Clark react to him and what will transpire?

Can't wait till the next episode, even if it is Dec 8. Hopefully it will answer some questions and I won't have to wait till Jan.

Overall, I give the episode 9 out of 10.

[Kryptomaniac]

Go Chloe Go Chloe Yeah Chloe!!!!!!! I was cheering her on through the whole episode! The scene where she saw Fine do his liquid to solid thing made me gasp. GO CHLOE GO!

Well- directed and beautifully filmed. GREAT STORY, great acting. I REALLY loved and enjoyed this eppy.

Go SHELBY GO! Good dog!

Wonderful 5 out of 5 rating.

[ImzadiJedi]

Chloe - good.
Lois - wasted.
Ford Fusion plug - bad.
Jor-El - wasted. He didn't really help Clark at all this episode.
Clark - idiot.
Dr. Fine/Brainiac - plot poorly written.
Lex - ???
Lana - ???
Lionel - or should I say Jor-El undercover. :rolleyes:
Martha - :rolleyes:
Jonathan - :rolleyes:
Shelby - :)
This was a dumb and poorly written episode. Smallville has gone to the dogs. :(
Overall rating out of 5 kryptonite rocks is 1 on Martha's forehead.

[vyperman7]

I really enjoyed this episode.

However, I do feel that it did not live up to its full potential either.

There were a few things that I was expecting more out of, and that I was let down on.

1) The fight between Clark and Fine. Why is it, that the people behind the show never want to give the viewers a satisfying fight? Even back in season three in Phoenix, the fight between Clark and Johnathan was over way too quickly. Then it happened again in Arrival, and now again in Solitude. The whole scene up until the fight was fantastic. Especially with Fine trying to free Zod. I was just majorly dissapointed by the fight itself.

2) No talk between Clark and Jor-El afterwards. I was really hoping for, and almost expecting for Clark to talk to Jor-El after Fine had been taken care of.

3) Jor-El in general. You would think that they would have given him more of a role. They really need to start developing the character better, considering that Clark still doesn't trust him. They always make the character so vague.

4) Chloe being so cool around Lionel. Season five has been really great in the continuity department for a change, but this is the one area, that has been lacking somewhat. You think that they would at least have Chloe be uneasy around him, considering the fact that he tried to have her killed. Not willingly accepting flowers from the guy.

By the way, I really have a bad feeling that Chloe will be the one to die to fufill Jor-El's warning. First, they had Chloe say that she would die, before she would betray Clark. Just the fact that they had Chloe mentioned the word "die" gave me a bad feeling. Then in tonight's episode, it seemed like they were really trying to drop hints about getting Lois into journalism, in a pass the torch kind of sense. I am really worried that they will take the route of Chloe's death being a motivator for Lois to get into Journalism. It shouldn't be something that she needed motivation for, it is something that she is supposed to want to do on her own. The scene between Chloe and Lois in the planet, where Lois talks about caring more about bringing Lex down, and Chloe saying "not being able to let go is how it usually starts" with Lois looking back at the DP emblem and smiling is a prime example. It seems like they are laying the groundwork for the torch to be passed. Not to mention the fact that Allison herself is taking on a 3 episode deal to appear on ER, which shoots at the same time as Smallville. When you consider all these things, Chloe's time looks to be numbered.

But with all that being said, I really did love this episode. The forshadowing for the future was outstanding. Just the fact that Zod got a mention gave me chills, let alone Fine trying to free him. I love episodes that deal with Supes mythology, and this brought Clark one step closer to learning about his heritage. As much as I care about Chloe, it is kind of cool to see Lois and Chloe team up as well. Plus, I have gotta admit, seeing Lois admiring the DP emblem kinda gave me chills as well. The interaction between Lex and Lois was outstanding. Especially when he refered to Lois as a muffin peddler.

Hopefully they will tie up the loose ends with whether or not it was Lion-El or Lionel.

I cannot give this episode a 5/5, as much as I would like to, because I was dissapointed by a few things. But I was still very satisfied for the most part.

A 4.5/5

[MsSullivan]

Awesome Episode again!

*Chloe is such a hero, she is Clark's equal only that she doesn't have powers. Love to see how smart and fearless she is when she went down to the caves and transported herself to the FOS. She is amazing. Loved all her outfits, especially the trench coat when doing her undrecover detective work of Prof. Fine. AM is an amazing actress.

*AOT..wow..made me cry :(

*Clark/TW was great in this episode. love his scene with AOT

*Chlark: so hot! wow that last scene...just beautiful.

*Lois: wtf? whats with her lex hate? how can she afford that new car? Just annoying through out the whole episode and She is def. the new Pete. She is not my Lois Lane.

*Chlion-El..awesome! I love JG and AM together, such great actors. I love how Chloe was not afraid of Lionel. And she accepted the flowers but left them there...hahaha that was awesome.

GREAT EPISODE!

[Yuui]

How Soon Hath Time

Chloe is going to be the loved one who meets fate's scythe as week by week Clark and Chloe are slowly becoming closer. Chloe's endearing nature and actions will have her fade to black by this season's conclusion. Afterwhich, Clark and his parents will be the sole guardians of Clark's true powers and identity. That is -- until Lois finds out, thusly segueing into Season Six.


To the Lord General... Zod

Pardon the Miltonian titles, as I've recently been refreshing my John Milton reference bank.

In any event, I am not satisfied with Clark defeating Milton Fine (Brainiac) so easily. It was hardly the epic battle I was expecting their encounter to be, with Clark simply tossing Fine across the screen and onto a suddenly extendable bay of crystals. Using the comic books as a guide, Brainiac should have easily rendered Clark harmless and should not have been unaware to Chloe's presence. However, Smallville is a separate entity, and I accept their adaptation.

As of now, I do believe General Zod will make an appearance this season. During the season premiere, Arrival, I thought it was a mere reference. However, it's recurrence has me jumping off the fence. Although, like Brainiac, Zod should easily kill this developmental stage of Clark. Though, once more with feeling, this is an individual entity from the comics and movies, and may lead to specific amendments.


"Solitude" Screencaps

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[SWJaggy]

Definately one heck of an episode again! This season is turning out to be the best by far.

Loved that disease thing Mrs. Kent had going on and how the meteor rock eased her pain. Wonder why the Kents keep a spare?

The whole Chloe/Lois break in thing was funny as always. And then Lois' look and smile as she saw the D.P. sign in Chloe's office. Talk about a great foreshadow.

Loved how Chloe was able to get into the F.o.S. But she's right if she could get in then who knows who else if Clark keeps leaving his key like that. I really think that Chloe is turning out to be a great side kick. Little by little now I'm starting to trust her more.

Loved how Fine twisted the Kryptonian history making Jor-el out to be the bad guy. Clark was beginning to be brainwashed by him.

Also loved that little R2 reference Chloe made at the end. Chalk another Star Wars reference onto the board!

[Space_Ninja_3000]

Originally posted by SWJaggy
Definately one heck of an episode again! This season is turning out to be the best by far.

Loved that disease thing Mrs. Kent had going on and how the meteor rock eased her pain. Wonder why the Kents keep a spare?


They keep it around for when Clark goes out of control.

This was another great episode. Again they managed to weave a lot of interactions into one episode.

The dialogue, acting,...everything was stellar. They were a number of memorable lines and continuity references (Lex's time in the asylum & Martha complimenting Lois about her new apartment/car).

Whoever directed the show did a great job. They way they chose to shoot several scenes and how they cut them was great. Particularly:

1. They way they cut from Lex ending his scene with Lois asking if she had banana blueberry.
2. They way they shot Chloe watching Fine in the hanger through the fan--brilliant.
3. Fine's betrayal of Clark at the Fortress. They show Clark bend over in pain then Fine raises his hand into the camera to show the green kryptonite--great moment.
4. Ending Lionel's scene with Lex playing the piano--erie and memorable.

Finally, I don't know if it was written this way, but the ending between Clark and Martha during a rain storm was great. There aren't many scenes shot during rainstorms for obvious reasons, but weather can really add a lot to a scene and it worked well here.

Great show. Second best this season after Splinter.

[Slade]

8.5/10

[jimmyolsenblues]

I loved the episode. It is one of my all time favorites.

1) Mention of Zod
2) Clark and Brainiac fighting
3) Chloe saving Clark
4) Martha saying goodbye.
5) Jonathan Kent more interested in saving Martha then the danger of sending clark out to fight.
6) Lex and Lionel - always the best
7) No Freak of the week, brainiac is not FOTW
8) Seeing Zod in the neutral Zone
9) Chloe/Lois at the daily planet.
10) Chloe seeing Brainiac form from the ship. Watched that scene 5 times, wanted to pull that fan out so I could get a better look
11) Thank You to the writers for a great plot.

[unPTC]

Lex and Lionel scene in the end was superb...these two actors have amazing chemistry and the writers give them great dialogue to work with ...if only they did the same with some of the other character pairings...I think Tom Welling's acting was a bit wooden at parts, though that could be in comparison to Splinter...the Lois Chloe scene that followed the Lex Lionel scene was such a comedown...it occurs to me that MR raises everyone's performance he's on scene with (except for KK b/c that storyline is so unbearable, not the actors' faults)...I loved the Lois Lex scene in the Talon--what fun!

[spideyfan]

GREAT great episode

Chloe was great as usual this season.
Fine was badass, but Clark count have known/plus he was desperate
Foreshadowed a bunch of deaths with all nulify each other...In essenece, threw more reg herrings
Phantom Zone being bought up was great also.
Lois getting into with Lex and him being the cause of her future profession was cool.
Lionel was great as always.

9/10

[Deana]

Solitude knocked over Splinter as my favorite. I'm going to miss Professor Fine. Here's hoping he shows up again.
I'm glad they are finally moving Lois toward being a journalist. It also was a nice touch for Clark to get a wake up call to. I'm disappointed with him this season.

[Sledge]

Originally posted by ImzadiJedi
Chloe - good.
Lois - wasted.
Ford Fusion plug - bad.
Jor-El - wasted. He didn't really help Clark at all this episode.


Jor-El didn't help Clark? Who do you think got chloe to track Milton Fine? Which of course then led to her saving Clark. It appears that Jor-El knew Clark would need Chloe's help.

I have to agree about the Ford Fusion plug though, that was definitely annoying. Product placement is one thing, but that was over the top.

[SuperClarkMode]

I was disappointed somewhat, not because it wasn't a good one, but that it seemed anti climatic. I expected something more epic I guess. It seems that Fine can only shapeshift when near the ship, but I wanted Superman vs T2, Royal Rumble, Battlemainia, and without a quick ending from the T2 lookalike in Gone. A Supervillian fight in the FOS, that deserved more screentime.

So although I was left with the feeling of "You mean that's it?", it was a very good episode overall, with lots to like. But the first fight with Fine seems just too much of a "Me Too" FOTW fight for my tastes, this is the 1st major Superman baddy not counting Lex, and I wanted something more explosive. Like Rockey struggling for several endless rounds against the Russian! And Fine just keeps saying "I will brEAK yoo"

[ryb]

This is a somewhat modified, crude draft of an article I'm preparing to write -- but I thought I'd share it here in the Solitude "review" post since it seems relevant to place here after passing the first set of sweeps this season.

When did Thursday nights become the WB's?

Remember back in the days of Sam Malone, Cosmo Kramer, and the Huxtables? You know, when quality sitcoms were a staple of Thursday nights, when hearing the notes G-E-C before six friends in NYC had a fun half hour of living, talking, and dreaming, when we actually cared about the lives of interns and residents in a local Chicago hospital?

The transformation of Thursday night TV is nearly complete. Now it seems most Americans want to watch who gets voted off a tropical paradise we've never heard of and a bunch of crime scene investigators finding minute clues in a darkened corner in the back of the secret room in somebody's abode. Comedy on Thursday night is as dead as Howie Mandel's sense of humor. And it seems that most TV audience members are satisfied by same-ol', same-ol' procedurals, completely ridiculous and/or melodramatic reality television, or those slow-motion, epic sequences at the end of certain TV shows--you know, the episodes that evoke those manipulated tears out of our eyes.

CBS may have the numbers (read: taken the numbers from NBC), but there's one network that has the heart on Thursday nights. And it's not the network anyone expects me to say. That's right, it's those pesky Warner Brothers with their big yellow letters and their now-frogless enterprise.

The WB was the least talked about network on Thursday nights before this season started. With the highly anticipated Everybody Loves Chris on UPN (and, as it seems, for good reason), with the highly publicized Alias (but poorly viewed) entry into the Thursday night bonanza, with the strangeness that seems to be NBC's sense of humor on their once dominant weeknight, and with Fox's submittal of The OC as a Thursday beast...the WB was left in the background. In fact, some critics and experts were certain Smallville and Everwood would meet certain death this season.

But now, everyone's talking about the WB after November sweeps on Thursday nights have completed. With a big article in the newest Entertainment Weekly the metaphorical judge's gavel, the magazine claims the big winner on Thursday night is a juvenile--future superhero. Meanwhile, other magazines claim that the wonderfully intelligent charm that flows from the screen week after week makes Everwood one of the best shows (if not the best show) on TV.

And after watching both series religiously so far this fall, I find these conclusions hard to disagree with.

Smallville has become my favorite underdog. Veronica Mars may be my favorite TV show, and it may have the stiffest competition in Lost, but no show excites me as much as Smallville. I challenge anyone to prove to me that there is a more fun show on TV right now. Just take the wonderful episode Splinter, which aired November 10. As a quick one sentence summary: Clark Kent runs into silver kryptonite, which gives him paranoid delusions. Clark's growing paranoia throughout the episode was palpable; the sense of urgency and dread actor Tom Welling portrayed in the young superhero-to-be was amazingly subtle. It made for a brilliant hour of suspense, which even the suspense dynasties of 24 and Alias would find hard to compete with.

And yet, the episode was a complete blast. Maybe it was with the amazingly quiet zeal that recurring guest star James Marsters shows effortlessly. Maybe it's with Allison Mack's total domination of her character Chloe. Or maybe it's just a general "Everyone's having a great time this season" feeling that the cast seems to display.

One thing is for sure. The writers of the series are focused this season. With a re-energized look at the mythology behind Superman, Smallville's original premise has become front and center. And it's hard to deny that this has had an impact on viewership, up well over 1 million from last year. Hardly numbers that predict imminent death.

This past Thursday featured the fantastic follow-up to Splinter, appropriately titled Solitude. That's right, the old Fortress everyone knows and loves was front and center during this episode's climax. And everything in this episode was in top form, from a formidable villain to a wonderfully touching scene between Martha (the underrated Annette O'Toole) and Clark to a fantastically ominous war of words between Lois (Erica Durance) and Lex (Michael Rosenbaum). This episode had it all.

But perhaps my favorite part of the episode was why I'm liking this season of Smallville so much. Smallville has added mystery to this season's storyline, not only in the Professor Fine/Braniac character (Let's hear it again for Marsters), but also in once-bad-ol' Lionel Luthor. What's going on with him? What's the secret behind this man's motives and actions this season? How will these characters collide with each other and with Clark in the upcoming 100th episode? Ooh, I can hardly wait. And leave it to Mark Snow to put the musical punctuation mark on everyone's biggest question regarding the show. What a fantastic ending to the episode.

...Everwood part of essay excluded...

With the 1-2 punch of Smallville and Everwood on Thursday nights, I no longer mourn the death of NBC's sitcom dynasty. I can laugh on other nights. On this night, I can dream, I can hope, and most importantly, I can be entertained. Welcome, WB, to the party that never ends.

[No-El]

This was the Landmark Episode which inspired from me a "Clark and Chloe" Fan Fiction involving James Marsters return to the role of Milton Fine/Brainiac which I titled:

"Chloe and Clark....Brainiac Returns 2006!"

[greggbray]

Great posts in this thread! :)

This is probably my favorite episode of the season. Actually, the Splinter/Solitude episodes feel like a self-contained movie. Superman vs. Brainiac in the Fortress while Brainiac is attempting to free Zod from the Phantom Zone!!?? YES, this was a COOL episode, the Ford Fusion ad not withstanding.

Aside from the plug (which I didn't mind tooo much, as it would have been worse if she were using her 'wiles'), the episode was everything I had hoped this program would turn into. I can't wait for Fine's Return!!!