Ep 1.6 - Hourglass

[ProudPenny]

An old man gets a second chance at life thanks to meteor rocks; and Cassandra (Jackie Burroughs), a mysterious old woman, predicts the futures of Clark and Lex.

[Welling_is_pretty]

this has been a favorite episode of mine for a while now. I love the whole Cassandra storyline and how we get a big foreshadowing of both Lex and Clark's future.
Although I never thought that the images that Cassandra sees of Lex's future warranted her being frightened to death.

[OutlawAngel]

This one is one of my favorite epsiodes too but I never understood the whole scene where Clark is in a giant graveyard closest to the graves of the people he loves. Is this something explained in the comics???

[Welling_is_pretty]

Originally posted by OutlawAngel
This one is one of my favorite epsiodes too but I never understood the whole scene where Clark is in a giant graveyard closest to the graves of the people he loves. Is this something explained in the comics???
It's supposed to be a vision showing him that he will outlive everyone, that everyone he knows and loves will die. That he's not "mortal". Though, I've noted previously, you don't see Lex's name in that graveyard do you? ;)

[OutlawAngel]

Yeah thats what confused me. I was thinking maybe ghe and LEx are the only one who lives after Lex nuked the country.

I dont understand the whole 'live forever' thing either because wouldnt Clark age slower or differently if he was immortal??

[Welling_is_pretty]

Originally posted by OutlawAngel
Yeah thats what confused me. I was thinking maybe ghe and LEx are the only one who lives after Lex nuked the country.

I dont understand the whole 'live forever' thing either because wouldnt Clark age slower or differently if he was immortal??
He's not immortal (well, actually that's up for debate) but what I said was he's going to outlive his family, friends and those he loves. Pretty much any way you look at it, Superman is going to live longer than most of the rest of humanity (barring, you know, being killed by freakin' Doomsday! LOL). The vision was meant to show that he will--again outlive his loved ones.

[Metropolis Hero]

Hourglass was the first Smallville episode I ever saw and one of my favorites of the entire series. The vision of Lex's future at the end was awesome and creepy at the same time.

[greggbray]

My favorite episode of season one! Loved the glimpse into the future.

I think Clark is being interpreted as immortal in this show, due to the episode that showcases a FOTW that can see people's dying moment.

He said Clark didn't die, but just kept going. (WE SAW CAPE!!!!!)

[OutlawAngel]

oh ok now I get it. Thanks. I had been trying to figure that scene out for years. :lol:

[MBCorp]

Hourglass is my absolute favorite S1 episode. In fact, it's on my top ten favorites of SV episodes. Cassandra's vision of Lex's future is one of the most powerful SV scenes ever, absolutely love it. Great episode all around.

[vyperman7]

Cassandra is my favorite FOTW, and the ending with the future Lex in the rain of blood is one of the best scenes of the entire show. I would have to say the only thing that dissapointed me about this episode was the forshadowing for Clark. While I do love the graveyard scene, it would have been cool if we could have gotten something to do with his future as Supes, especially since we saw Lex at his worst. It would have been cool to see something heroic coming from Clark's side.

[greggbray]

^ Well, I would argue we did get to see some heroism. Quick flashes, and Cassandra mentioning his actions--helping people in trouble. She would see peoples' futures, and Clark would be in them, saving the day.

I haven't seen the episode in a while, so please excuse me if my translation of that scene is a bit rusty.

But I agree-it would have been nice if we saw a little cape action (as in 'Hereafter').

[LexLuthorMetropolis]

Without a doubt my long time favorite though I could have done without the other FotW. This one was truly a stand out episode of the first year.

[LuthorRequiem2]

That Lex scene was SO powerfully creepy and tragic. All the flowers representing everyone he touches dies. SYMBOLISM RULES!!!!! WOO!!!!

"Although I never thought that the images that Cassandra sees of Lex's future warranted her being frightened to death."

I thought that before too, but I think us seeing it and Casandra seeing such a horrible future are two different things. We see it as a creepy scene on TV. But Casandra seeing it actually happen...it's like if a woman saw a psychic prediction of Hitler and the Holocost (Spelling?) That may give someone a fright enough to die, because its such terror being brought upon the earth. Or, the woman could've died of old age, or she could've had heart conditions, and the vision of Lex just gave her a heart attack...the possibilities are many, which is why it's such a cool scene. It's up for interpetation in a way.

[brainiacowen]

I refuse to believe that Clark is immortal...he'll age a lot slower sure, but immortality?!

Lex's scene stole the episode, White house, death, world domination....He's the coolest supervillain, wow.

[greggbray]

Clark/Supes being immortal is something that has floated around in the DC universe for a while. It's a debate, but most people fall on the 'Immortal' side.

But Immortality just means not dying according to age. Kryptonite may kill him.

Plus, with episodes such as Hereafter and Hourglass, it's possible he is immortal in Smallville

[ckfan]

The scene of Clark staring down the FOTW guy in his bed at the nursing home was really cool. You rarely see Clark so intense and almost scary with that steely look in his eyes.

The corn silo death was a rip-off from the movie Witness.

Cassandra rocked, and this was one of the best written episodes of the series in my opinion.

[UpandAtom]

Is it true that the Lex's future scene was filmed on the set of The West Wing?

[smallvillerox05]

Yes.

[UpandAtom]

Where is The West Wing set anyway?

[ramjeetp]

posted by ckfan:

Cassandra rocked, and this was one of the best written episodes of the series in my opinion.

I have to agree with you about it being one of the best written episodes. I recently watched it again and to the last line by Clark, WOW!!!

Did you all notice the black glove worn on his right hand by Lex when Cassandra saw his future? It is some form of symbolism and the same black glove was worn by him in the Season 5's episode of Void, when he is talking to his mother Lillian.

I found out in the comics that Lex Luthor loses his hand, will this happen to Smallville's Lex? We all know he can obtain a bionic arm/hand the episode of Cyborg from Season 5

[LionelLuthor]

Yeah he has the technology, so if he were to lose his hand, he'd bust out a bionic one!
In the comics, he got it by wearing a Kryptonite ring for long periods of time and he developed cancer due to the radiation.
We have already seen the ring in 'Onyx', and now we know from 'Oracle' that Lex knows Kryptonians are allergic to Kryptonite.

On topic, this episode was greeeat. Watched it last night, as I'm going through season 1 again.
I loved the old days!

[TKFlash]

This episode was cool, had no problem with it.

[tallville]

I really liked the scene at the end when Cassandra touches Lex but overall the episode wasn't all that special.

[LuthorRequiem2]

I actually thought overall it was very special. The FOTW was effectively spiteful and chilling. He was a great villain. The story was fascinating. I loved the interactions between Lex and Clark in this episode. They were still great friends in these days, and I love seeing how they cared for each other, but you could see Lex's suspicion of Clark creeping in as well.

This episode is so great because the emotion is so true. My worst fear is that I'll lose my loved ones, and so when Cassandra tells Clark that, it hits you hard. You know how Clark must be feeling. And then to know he's going to outlive everyone. It's terrifying.

I loved how Cassandra told Clark his destiny is to help people, and, as everyone has mentioned, everything about the ending scene was beautifully creepy. It was one of my all time favorite scenes in "Smallville" history, ranking close to the Mozart Requiem head-shaving montage at the end of season three (filming-wise and chilling-wise).

[emsfan]

actually i loved this is episode but im sad coz cassandra died soon...

[elphabakicksass]

Did anyone notice a vibe between Chloe and the killer FOTW?

[ginnyfan]

This is my second favorite episode of Season 1 so far. I'm rewatching season 1 right now. To me it sets up the arc of the whole series. Clark running away from his destiny while Lex ignores the signs of doom and tries to carve out a destiny of his own.

The seer, Cassandra reminds me a little of Lionel-as-oracle but less creepy. Very cool episode. :) One of the best of the Series.

[DeeperWell]

Originally posted by ginnyfan
Very cool episode. :) One of the best of the Series.

I agree, I thought it was a way above average episode, especially since a lot of season 1 wasn't too good.

[cloisinmyheart]

i love how lex is EVIL in the future..

[thorshammer]

Originally posted by cloisinmyheart
i love how lex is EVIL in the future..

And smiling about it.

[thorshammer]

And covered in blood.

[Micheal Moon]

So I guess we can say Cassandra is the first person Lex has killed? LOL. Poor Cassandra couldn't take what Lex had become and she gave out.

[kp1984]

If Clark is immortal then why don't he have alot of great grandparents living. Just a thought. I remember Jordon said he did'nt have an end like everybody eles. I did'nt understand at frist but it hit me. Jor-el died but he can still tlak to Clark. He can even hurt people. Maybe this is what Jordon mean't when he said Clark had no end. Wonder if Clark mom will ever tlak to him

[SuperSerena]

I know this is really random but I've been watching SV starting from season 1 and also Lois and Clark. And I noticed that "Harry" who is played by George Murdock is also "Burton Newcomb" in the 2nd episode of L&C, Strange vistor (from another planet)

[ClareKent]

I just watched this ep again and once again I can reafirm that Lex's scene in the White House with the leather glove and the blood rain completely stoles the whole thing :D

I love irony between the future Lex and the current one (at that time) who got really freaked out just to see someone dying infront of him.

Love the detail of Clark in the graveyard surrounded by the graves of everyone he knows, excepts Lex. Clark's not immortal, he can be killed, he only ages really slowly, that's why he'll outlive everyone but Lex, which leaves us wondering if they're meant to kill each other or what.

[queenelizabeth]

This episode FREAKED me out, especially when the guy is stalking Mrs. Kent in the barn, but I loved Cassandra and her visions of Lex

[Misstaken]

Great episode. Without Hourglass, season 1 would've been average. It's one of those episodes that just extend their greatness to the whole season.

I loved Cassandra and the actress that played her, I think she did a beautiful job as a blind old woman. Plus, her character was really bright, I especially loved her first scene with Lex. ''Luthor of everything incorporated?''.

The scene with president Lex was just perfect. It was beautiful and at the same time filled with so much despair and cruelty. The contrast between the white suit, the black glove and the blood was probably SV's greatest visual moment.

I also liked the FOTW. It's also one of the first time we hear classical music on SV, which is always great!

[Chloe_is_my_Hero]

The Cassandra lady was way too obviously NOT blind. She kept looking into people's eyes. Good episode though.

[cody]

That Lex scene was SO powerfully creepy and tragic. All the flowers representing everyone he touches dies. SYMBOLISM RULES!!!!! WOO!!!!

"Although I never thought that the images that Cassandra sees of Lex's future warranted her being frightened to death."

I thought that before too, but I think us seeing it and Casandra seeing such a horrible future are two different things. We see it as a creepy scene on TV. But Casandra seeing it actually happen...it's like if a woman saw a psychic prediction of Hitler and the Holocost (Spelling?) That may give someone a fright enough to die, because its such terror being brought upon the earth. Or, the woman could've died of old age, or she could've had heart conditions, and the vision of Lex just gave her a heart attack...the possibilities are many, which is why it's such a cool scene. It's up for interpetation in a way.

You know I'm pretty sure that Cassandra saw her own death without realizing it. She told Clark that someone he was close to would die soon, and just before her vision of Lex, we see Clark save Martha and she tells him that Cassandra was wrong, that no one was going to die. Then when Clark comes in and sees that Cassandra has in fact passed on, this happens:
Clark: "She saw it."
Nurse: "She saw what son?"
Clark: "She saw her future."
I think he realizes here that she unwittingly saw her own death and whether it was death by fright or because she saw what she was destined to see is up for the individual's interpretation. Anyway, that's what my Mom and I garnered from it:) Excellent episode.

[Clark/Lois-fan]

I give this episode a thumb up. After Pilot this one is my favorite from S1. Love Cassandra & Clark's scenes.

[Clark/Lois-fan]

And X-Ray to of course :D

But a stellar episode, Hourglass, that's for sure

[marcella]

I like the episode, specially because of Cassandra and her visions. The Lex one was creepy. Her death was a shame:(

[blackcelebration]

One of the best episodes of the season and one of Smallville's best!

I loved the old lady fortune teller character and Lex's image of darkness, still gives me chills!

9/10

[lois346]

This was kind of good the whole Clark and Lex seeing their furtures thing...

[Dr. Curt Connors]

I loved seeing Lex in the future with the suit and black glove with the raining blood, sure it was freaky! But it was just awesome seeing his evil side soooo early in the show, only the comic fans would be geeking out, while others would be :eek:. And Lex just doesn't know! :p

[ShiningPath]

I think I need to watch this one again because my first impression was that this episode was rather boring.

[Nimkong]

Really great episode.Not on my top just because of the henry situation.But the ending is trully epic to this day

[Tenck]

I've been re-watching episodes, and I have to say this is a great episode. Just something that bugged me, he was so careless with his powers saving that girl =/

Still a great episode...

[SGuthrie27]

This was quite the iconic early Smallville episode. Cassandra Carver was a wonderful character. The visions she saw of Clark and Lex helped spell out both their destinies in an amazing way that helped set up the rest of the series. Harry Volk was so creepy... he really was menacing when he was hunting down Martha, but I'm glad that Clark was able to save his parents, even though it was sad that Cassandra died. :(

[lola dee]

I'll always love this episode. It was the first one I saw in its entirety which led me to becoming a smallville fan :) ... and to think, that was 9 years ago!! <3

[BoyScout-ManOfTomorrow]

Best episode of the first season, really well executed and really set up who Clark...and especially who Lex is underneath it all...

[jsm]

Another classic episode. The first time Clark’s and Lex’s futures are shown. A must-see episode! 9/10

[Dyanara]

This was a very well written episode, seems like more detail was put into it as were numerous amounts of layers. This was the first weekly evil that I hated just because he was so bad and had been for awhile. Stupid little punk murdering an innocent child just because his daddy didnt give him a recommendation. Spiteful little SOB!
The one thing I did like about Cassandra's powers were Clark seeing himself surrounded by graves; I do not think he is immortal and will forever be ageless, but I do think he will age slower and could live for a long long long time before he finally dies. I believe even batteries reach their limits. Clark's life span has always been a problem and Clark on this show especially will have a hard time having to watch those around him die in any way.

[jpfort1957]

Another classic episode. The first time Clark’s and Lex’s futures are shown. A must-see episode! 9/10


This epp sure gives you a good indication as to where Clark and Lex were headed. At the same time this epp aired, Lex had become the President in the comics!!! ;)

[Nimkong]

Im sorry but the Harry Volk storyline brought down the rating on this episode very much. I like how it showed Clarks and Lexs future so early in the show-Its like Romeo and Juliet you know whats going to happen but you want to keep on watching to see the journey. Lana finding out about the Wall of wierd was pretty cool because it shows that Lana is starting to hang out with Clark and his friends more and more. Like I said the Harry storyline brought down this episode greatly but the ending was pretty cool-for a little bit I actually thought Martha was going to die. Cassandra is one of my favorite freak of the weeks ever because she was so insparational to Clark in this episode.

So Ill give this episode a:8/10