Ep 3.20 - Tailsman

[yellowqueen22]

An artifact found in the cave gives its holder a lot of power - though if it falls into the hands of the rival of Naman, it could be destroyed. In this episode, Clark comes close to learning who his true arch-rival really is... but is it Lex, or is it Lionel?

Guest Stars: Nathaniel Arcand (Jeremiah)

[AverageJoe]

This episode was worth watching simply for having Lionel with his shirt off. Not to mention blindfolded tied down. :D

[vyperman7]

This is probably my favorite mythos episode of the whole show. It is on my top ten list for sure. I also feel that this belongs on a list for most underrated Smallville episodes ever. Rogue is the most underrated, but Talisman is definately up there. Jeremiah made for a great villain when he got superpowers, and the forshadowing was off the hook in this episode. Lex's interpretation of the Naman/Zigeeth legend was AWESOME, and one of the best quotes ever came from this episode. "You could be the world's greatest hero, or its most mild-mannered citizen. But the only one who can write your story is you."

[jdot]

This episode has it's moments. Unfortunately, the overall effect is one of finely grated cheese. Not direct cheese, mind you, but the kind of cheese that grates if you're paying attention.

When did that guy become a professor? Why was this never mentioned before? He was never called "Professor" in Skinwalker.

Why the heck would Kryptonians have left a freakin' KNIFE on Earth? And how the heck would it be able to tell "Naman" who his greatest enemy was and get him to kill his enemy?

Why would Clark use Kryptonite on the guy? Whey not have someone else hold the kryptonite and see if it does something? You know, like someone who is capable of closing the box when it obviously isn't working?

That being said, there are parts I like. Some of the anvil-lines (Mild Mannered Citizen/Greatest Hero) came off really nicely. Lex was awesome throughout, as was Lionel.

[vyperman7]

Originally posted by jdot
Why would Clark use Kryptonite on the guy? Whey not have someone else hold the kryptonite and see if it does something? You know, like someone who is capable of closing the box when it obviously isn't working?

I have to disagree with you on this point. I think it would be pretty irresponsible to take someone along and put them in danger. I assume that Clark figured it would be better just to put himself at risk, than one of his parents or Pete.

[jdot]

Originally posted by vyperman7
I have to disagree with you on this point. I think it would be pretty irresponsible to take someone along and put them in danger. I assume that Clark figured it would be better just to put himself at risk, than one of his parents or Pete.

I thought of that while I was posting, but I sorta disagree. Jeremy was very single minded in who he was going after, and the person wouldn't even need to be in any sort of threatening position to open the box and close it. I think it was very irresponsible of him to even attempt it in the first place alone since he couldn't exactly do anything about him with the Kryptonite out anyway. They'd just both fall down, until Jeremy dropped the knife and lost his powers and the weakness, which would still leave Clark screwed.

[OutlawAngel]

I want to know how did Jor El use Jonathan as a vessel here? I never understood why he did that but never used Jonathan like he did Lionel. Just something that has always had me wondering.

[F-Stop Blues]

I watched this ep again recently and I really love it. It gets better each time.

[Shadow116]

My favorite season 3 episode and one of my favorite episodes of the show. lex and Lionel touching the knife and seeing it disentigrate along with Clark's expression priceless.

[OutlawAngel]

I loved the directing of Lionel and Lex going for the knife and it desentigrating. That was a great directing moment by Schneider. And i loved the facial expressions by Lex and Lionel there. Props to Glover and Michael there too.

[UpandAtom]

Originally posted by jdot
I thought of that while I was posting, but I sorta disagree. Jeremy was very single minded in who he was going after, and the person wouldn't even need to be in any sort of threatening position to open the box and close it. I think it was very irresponsible of him to even attempt it in the first place alone since he couldn't exactly do anything about him with the Kryptonite out anyway. They'd just both fall down, until Jeremy dropped the knife and lost his powers and the weakness, which would still leave Clark screwed.

Jeremiah was very hell bent on killing Clark. If anyone stood in his way he would've stopped them as well. So if Pete tried to help Clark, Jeremiah would've just tossed him aside.

[shy175223]

Whenever I watch the episode, I 'd always liked the little history tidbits that are in this one. When Clark had to face Jerimah in the loft scene, I get really mad:mad: at him for stabbing Clark and leaving him there to bleed to death. Whenever I watched that scene, I wished I was a supergirl type so I could be there to kick his butt. That's how engrossed I was in scene:) . But as usual Clark mentioned to be the hero in the end.

[watcher4]

The scene that really sticks out in my mind is that when Clark woke up,after being healed by Jor-El using JK as a vessel, he ran off the scene leaving a red blanket behind. To me that was a really good peice of foreshadowing and symbolism. Also, MK was the one who did not want Clark to leave. Yet, JK was the one who told her that Clark had to leave.

[UpandAtom]

I really loved the Clark and Lex dialogue at the end:

LEX: You know, I've been thinking a lot about this prophecy, and I've got a new interpretation. Want to hear it?

CLARK: Sure.

LEX: May I?

Lex picks up a book with its pages open to the glyph of Naman and Sageeth

LEX: This Naman guy is supposed to come from the stars, have the power of ten men, and shoot fire from his eyes, right?

CLARK: It's just an allegory, Lex.

LEX: I know. But if one person could do all that, he would be a formidable enemy. He could conquer the world. He could become a tyrant if nobody kept him in check. So I've been thinking, anybody who'd be willing to fight him would have to be pretty brave. Clark... Did it ever occur to you that maybe the hero of the story is Sageeth?

[watcher4]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
I really loved the Clark and Lex dialogue at the end:

LEX: You know, I've been thinking a lot about this prophecy, and I've got a new interpretation. Want to hear it?

CLARK: Sure.

LEX: May I?

Lex picks up a book with its pages open to the glyph of Naman and Sageeth

LEX: This Naman guy is supposed to come from the stars, have the power of ten men, and shoot fire from his eyes, right?

CLARK: It's just an allegory, Lex.

LEX: I know. But if one person could do all that, he would be a formidable enemy. He could conquer the world. He could become a tyrant if nobody kept him in check. So I've been thinking, anybody who'd be willing to fight him would have to be pretty brave. Clark... Did it ever occur to you that maybe the hero of the story is Sageeth?

I really liked that scene. Very thought-provoking!

[LexLuv180]

Originally posted by AverageJoe
This episode was worth watching simply for having Lionel with his shirt off. Not to mention blindfolded tied down. :D

LMFAO
I agree, the man is sexy.
It was some great stuff and if you watch the deleted scene you see Lex admit he cares a lot about Lana, which isn't something they usually showed. They maybe should have left it in to have the audience scratch their head in bafflement.
The ending fight scene with Clark ripping the tree up by the roots was sensational, and I loved when Lex and Lionel tried to touch the knife. I also loved the ending talk with Lex and Clark. It was an interesting twist.
The funniest scene was when Clark thrust the green K into Jeremiah's face, and he just picks it up and asks, What is this? Clarks Oh crap expression was priceless

[last man of krypton]

For me, the funniest scene is when Clark finds Lex in Jeremiah's office:

Lex: Here for the Prospective Students tour, Clark? Obviously knows that Clark knows something
Clark: Did you do this?
Lex: Now what possible reason would I have to ransack the office of an obscure teaching assistant? Still hinting at he knows Clark knows something
Clark: Then tell me why you're here.
Lex: You first. He just knows Clark's about to lie
Clark: Jeremiah was going to help me with a term paper. For crying out loud, Clark! Learn to lie better!
Lex: Term paper. <rubs his face in disbelief at the ridiculous lie, done again in Scare when Clark obviously lies about showing up at the plant>
So your visit wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that he recently absconded with a sacred Kawatche artifact and went ballistic in the caves? Lex talking about the proverbial elephant in the room
Clark: I didn't know.
Lex: <priceless look on his face of sarcasm, then fakes a surprised look in his eyes>. Well, I'm shocked. Usually you keep such a close eye on everything that happens in those caves. For those "term papers" you're always writing. Lex effectively saying what we're all thinking: Come up with something other than term papers!

[TKFlash]

Jermiah was a stupid actor but his powers were pretty cool.

[DECKASTYLE]

I thought that this episode was the best of season 3... the plot was incredible, Clark getting stabbed (ouch)... awesome episode, top 10 easily (through season 5)

[Welling_is_pretty]

Collectively I didn't care for this episode but there were some great moments in it.
Clark getting stabbed, then Jonathan healing him. His parents staying by his side all night and then him leaving (trailing the red blanket like a cape! That was fantastic!). The knife disintigrating the moment BOTH Lionel and Lex touched it. Jon's line about "world's greatest hero/mild-mannered citizen".
And Lex's bit at the end about who's the real hero (much like the comic book 'Lex Luthor Man of Steel', I believe).
But on the whole I didn't care for it. Just a lot of little moments to love.

[gutterkizmet]

Also one of my favorite episodes. Does anyone know if they will ever revisit this legend? It is obviously very important in smallvilles version of the mythos...

[i love u tom]

the scene with jonathan healing clark was absolutely great. i really thought he was gonna like die (well i knew he wasnt gonna, but u know what i mean.) awesome episode.

[tallville]

this episode has it's moments but it is one of the worst this season.

[Naman is 1#]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
I really loved the Clark and Lex dialogue at the end:

LEX: You know, I've been thinking a lot about this prophecy, and I've got a new interpretation. Want to hear it?

CLARK: Sure.

LEX: May I?

Lex picks up a book with its pages open to the glyph of Naman and Sageeth

LEX: This Naman guy is supposed to come from the stars, have the power of ten men, and shoot fire from his eyes, right?

CLARK: It's just an allegory, Lex.

LEX: I know. But if one person could do all that, he would be a formidable enemy. He could conquer the world. He could become a tyrant if nobody kept him in check. So I've been thinking, anybody who'd be willing to fight him would have to be pretty brave. Clark... Did it ever occur to you that maybe the hero of the story is Sageeth?

Loved that ending, brillant dialogue. The story arc of the season really shines in this episode.

[gutterkizmet]

LEX: I know. But if one person could do all that, he would be a formidable enemy. He could conquer the world. He could become a tyrant if nobody kept him in check. So I've been thinking, anybody who'd be willing to fight him would have to be pretty brave. Clark... Did it ever occur to you that maybe the hero of the story is Sageeth?

And some people say that the writing on Smallville is bad, and they never use enough foreshadowing. This was one of the better tidbits from any episode. It really shows the true sickness of Lex, and all his evilness.

[tomlover1_inu]

for some reason i loved the part when clark got stabed his dad helped him but now that he's dead how will clark be able to live his dad was there for each and eeverytime that clark got hurt until now

[Ilovebeinglost]

Originally posted by Naman is 1#
Loved that ending, brillant dialogue. The story arc of the season really shines in this episode.

I watched it over and over and still can't catch Lex's last word he says to Clark. Is it key or Keith?

If it's Keith, who is Keith?

[Ilovebeinglost]

No one knows?

he says........... the real hero is..................

[maryjanewatson]

Originally posted by Ilovebeinglost
I watched it over and over and still can't catch Lex's last word he says to Clark. Is it key or Keith?

If it's Keith, who is Keith? He says 'Sageeth.' the name of the villan in the story of 'numan'. :)

[Ilovebeinglost]

Thank you maryjane ;)

[maryjanewatson]

no problem. I'm just glad my undying obsession has actually done some good and helped! :D ;)

[Spirit Detective]

Why didn't the talisman dagger react to the kryptonite?

[Jill]

Originally posted by Spirit Detective
Why didn't the talisman dagger react to the kryptonite?

Good question :confused:

[Lex Don't Got Hair]

I hate this episode xD

[LanaandPete]

Shame the whole subplot of Clark's bday was deleted

[tibbit78]

What did I think of Talisman?


I loved this episode very much! Great cast! Great acting! great script! I liked Clark's friend, Professor Willowbrook (who also knows Clark Kent's secret, including the alien part). Also, Professor Willowbrook was a great confidant to Clark, when he was around. Clark can really trust him. Like he says to Clark, "Clark, your secret is safe with me."

There are a few reasons why I love this episode. I'll number them as we're going along:


1) The Clark & Professor Willowbrook scenes. (It's what Professor Willowbrook says to Clark, that makes this story very interesting).


Clark: I'm sorry, I haven't seen you lately. Between the farm and school, I...

Joseph: No need to make an excuse, Naman. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me.

Clark: I'm not Naman. It's just a story on a cave wall.

Joseph: Until last night, I believed that, too.

Clark: What happened last night?

Joseph: Your destiny was revealed.

Later:

Clark: I need your help.

Joseph: I'm at your service, Naman.

Clark: I know you want to believe it, but I'm not your savior. I mean, did you ever think that Jeremiah really is Naman? He has all the abilities foretold in the prophecy, and he's going to try and kill segeeth.

(This is the part that I love, the answer that Professor Joseph Willowbrook gives to Clark Kent. Prof. Joseph Willowbrook makes this story very interesting. I love his lines).

Joseph: True. But he did not fall from the sky in a rain of fire. Jeremiah's desperate to be something he's not, and you are desperate not to be someone you are.



2) Lionel Luthor and Professor Joseph Willowbrook


I love this scene with Lionel and Prof. Willowbrook talking to one another. Prof. Willowbrook explains more about the segeeth, and what he is.

Lionel tells Jeremiah that he "suspected for some time that there are special human beings who are capable of feats like what Jeremiah did in the caves." (Lionel was talking about super-speed, super-strength and the bullet-proof abilities. When Lionel says he suspected some special human being, he was talking about Clark Kent, of course).

Lionel: "Professor, you and I both saw what Jeremiah did in the cave. I've suspected for some time that there are special human beings who are capable of feats like that. Now I know I am right."

Joseph replies to Lionel, "If you've read my work, you also know that the blade will crumble if the wrong person touches it."

Lionel asks Prof. Willowbrook, "Segeeth. Who is the Segeeth?"

Joseph answers Lionel, "According to legend, he's the bearer of darkness."



3) Clark's relationship with his parents. We all know what a great relationship Clark and the Kents have. Clark can talk to his Mom & Dad about anything. Clark is always honest to his parents. He can talk to them about his secret, what he feels like being an alien, and his abilities. (Other than Pete, Clark doesn't talk about his secret to any of his friends). Ma & Pa Kent always give Clark Kent excellent advice.


Jonathan (to Clark): Jeremiah thinks Lionel is Segeeth.

Martha: (to Clark): I remember when you first learned about all this from Kyla. She said Segeeth was supposed to start out as one of the good guys.

Clark: The prophecy isn't written down. It's part of an oral tradition, so it's open to a million different interpretations.

Martha: What's your interpretation?

Clark: I don't know. Professor Willowbrook thinks that I'm Naman. Jor-El wants me to be some sort of Kryptonian warrior. I just want to be Clark Kent.

Later, after the knife crumbled after Lionel & Lex touched the blade.

Clark (to his parents): The prophecy came true. The blade glowed, then disintegrated when Lionel & Lex touched it, which means either Lionel or Lex is my greatest enemy.

Martha: Did you see which one grabbed it first?

Clark: No, but I don't need a blade to tell me that Lionel Luthor's a bad person.

Martha: If you're going to believe this legend, you have to face the possibility that it could be Lex.

Clark: I'm not ready to do that.

Jonathan: Clark, the Kawatche think that you're a savior. Jor-El wants you to be a conquerer. Now, knife or not, you can't let other people tell you what to be.

Clark (to his Dad): Who do you think I'll become?

Jonathan: I don't know. You can be the world's greatest hero or its most mild-mannered citizen, but the only person who can write your story... is you.



4) I love the Clark & Lex scenes. Lex is supposed to be Clark's best friend. I always enjoy their conversations. Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum always have great scripts on Smallville. Especially the Clex parts (Clark & Lex scripts, and their friendly relationships). This was a great ending. So was the music.


Lex: Surprise. You know, I've been thinking a lot about this prophecy. I've got a new interpretation. Want to hear it?

Clark: Sure.

Lex: "May I?" ( Lex is taking the prophetic book about Naman & Segeeth into his hands as he's talking to Clark). "This Naman guy is supposed to come from the stars, has the strength of 10 men, and shoot fire from his eyes, right?"

Clark: It's just an allegory, Lex.

Lex: I know. But if one person could do all that, he would be a formidable enemy. He could conquer the world. He could become a tyrant if nobody kept him in check. So I've been thinking. Anybody who'd be willing to fight him would have to be pretty brave. Clark, did it ever occur to you that maybe the hero of the story is Segeeth?

Clark just looked at him and said nothing. He was speechless.

[kp1984]

I just look up Nathaniel(jeremaih) age. It said he was bron in november 13th 1971. Did'nt know he was that old. I was thinking he was about Tom age or younger.

[JulieLindsell]

I really liked this episode! Been a while since I've seen it cos I watched my housemates copy and I haven't got season 3 on dvd yet but I do remember loving the bit at the end when the dagger/knife disappears and Clark being healed by his Dad with help from Jor - El, aww I felt sorry for Clark when he got stabbed, I wanted to kick that Jerimiahs ass, I think I remember shouting at the tv " no u cant do that to Clark! " lol. I know, it's only a tv show, shouldnt get so involved lol. Great performances as usual, oh also loved how Clarks parents stayed with him all that time and when we woke up, beautiful acting, those guys have great chemistry on screen. Oh must add, Tom is really good at acting pain, 10/10 guys!
xx
ps. cool forum btw this is my first post, Hi to everyone!

[Flowergirl123]

This was dumb I didn't really like it but I watched it for Tom Welling though.

[xrayvision]

This was one of my favorite episodes of the series. The way Clark was written in this episode (and pretty much all others before it) should have remained the way he was written. The mythos was incredible & I liked this episode more than Skinwalker when the caves were first introduced. It also had the best deleted scenes of the series (too bad they couldn't fit them in the alotted time). I heard the Australian DVD set has another deleted scene where Lionel & Lex talk about Lex being Sageeth at the mansion after Lionel saw the blade crumbling after touching Lex. The actor who played Jeremiah did a phenomenal job, and I loved the scene with the Kents. This episode reminded me of all the reasons I love the show. The interpretation Lex gives at the end was priceless.

Thank you John Schneider for such an excellent job directing the episode.

[skully]

Hey xray, I have PMed you about the deleted scene on the Australian version of the S3 DVD, but I'll repeat it here as others may be interested.

I have looked at the deleted scene from Talisman and it is quite a powerful scene - a shame it didn't make the final cut.

It is set in the mansion study with Lionel up on the balcony as Lex walks in. Lex speaks looking up at Lionel for the whole scene. The dialogue is a follows:

Lex: Dad. Glad to see you're feeling better.
Lionel: Why? Why did you have to interfere Lex?
Lex: That's not exactly the thanks I was expecting.
Lionel: I had the Star Blade in my hand. Then you grabbed it and I watched it disintegrate.
Lex: What are you saying? Don't tell me you really believe I'm this "Sageeth"? You touched it too, Dad, and when it comes to bearers of darkness you practically own the franchise.
Lionel: The prophecy is not about who Sageeth is now. It's about what he's to become in the future.
Lex: Well, I guess I have you to thank for that.
Lionel: Why, because I'm your father? Every despot and conqueror and tyrant has got parents. You can't lay the blame on me for all your woes.
Lex: My future won't be foretold by a talisman.
Lionel: No, of course not. But we'd be foolish just to ignore it, wouldn't we? Lex?
Lex: You actually believe I'm capable of that level of evil?
Lionel: Oh Lex, please? Good and evil aren't absolutes. It's all a matter of interpretation. Don't forget, history is written by the winners.
[Lex walks out]
Lionel: Lex??!!

[GrimmReeper]

know that was very interesting. i wonder if lex was looking back on that after he killed lionel in decent? thoses lines were fantastic, thanks for posting skully, and like you i wish they would have made it into the final cut of the episode.

[skully]

The episode ended with Clark not knowing whether Lex or Lionel was supposed to be his greatest enemy. Maybe TPTB thought the above scene made it too clear that Lex was Sageeth. Not that any of us would've had a problem with that.

[LuthorKent90]

Shame they would leave out a scene like that.:(

[Clark/Lois-fan]

A fab episode :D Great directing job John

[Lex Dance]

The episode ended with Clark not knowing whether Lex or Lionel was supposed to be his greatest enemy. Maybe TPTB thought the above scene made it too clear that Lex was Sageeth. Not that any of us would've had a problem with that.
I'm pretty sure that deleted scene is on the UK release too, skully. Is it Region 2 in Oz? I think it's a great scene but I'm glad they left it out. This is mainly because the final scene of Talisman is one of my all-time favourites of the series. In it, Lex is basically putting forward his whole raison-d'etre: someone has to stand up to Superman. It fits in so beautifully with his twisted view of humanity's best interests. The deleted scene suggests that Lex is struggling with the prophecy - that he is on a path to corruption that he can't handle. Whereas in the final scene, Lex (in his brilliance) turns the prophecy into a justification of his destiny.
As people have already said - full marks to JS! That final scene is so loaded. At that point in S3 I was clinging on to all sorts of hopes that Lex had retained some of his lost memory, and they way he talks to Clark suggests he knows more than he is letting on.

If it's Keith, who is Keith?
:rotfl:
That's absolutely brilliant Ilovebinglost! There's a word for when people misunderstand song lyrics. I wish I could remember it now.

[kp1984]

Only it was'nt Lex, it was Davis

[Lex Dance]

^^^^^ Do you mean Sageeth is Davis? If that's something that has been revealed since Power, I can't really comment on that because I haven't seen those episodes yet. If it's not, what's your reasoning?

[MannaBanana]

Aweful Aweful episode! The only thing I liked about it was seeing Jonathan heal Clark, and revealing Lex as Clarks true mortal enemy. Besides that, not one of my favs.

And I think Smallville has milked this Legend as far as it can go through the years. They keep twisting and turning everything about it!! They need to stick with the original legend (from this episode) and leave it be

[Nimkong]

This episode is kinda bad but good at some parts.Liked how they handled they blade evaporating.But i hate the plot and and the indian was annoying.

[Lonnietoons]

I guess I kinda need to rewatch the episode, but of what I remember, I thought the "kid" who played Jeremiah (?) sucked ^_- I thought he was painful to watch.
So not my favourite episode, but it has its moment like the healing scene and Lionel/Lex trying to take the dagger

[lexluthor408]

just rewatched this and wow i never knew how suspicious lex was of clark back then, more so than in seasons 5-7. anyways great episode! one of smallvilles best.

[MozartRequiem]

Just recently saw the transcript Skully posted on that deleted scene (thanks for posting that, Skully!) But for some reason that deleted scene is not featured on the season three DVD here in the US. Could someone please send me a PM or post a link of it here? Thanks so much in advance!