Rate Tom's Directing

[superhippie2000]

How did you think Tom did on this episode? How did it compare to Fragile?

[warriorrenegade]

How can you tell if Tom does a goodjob or not? Just curious.

[superhippie2000]

If the episode is good.

[warriorrenegade]

Duh right? Thats not what I meant. What is it that seperates Tom from the other directors?

[Rhoda123]

Originally posted by warriorrenegade
Duh right? Thats not what I meant. What is it that seperates Tom from the other directors?

IMO, his smile.. haha.. Just kidding.. I think what seperates him is that he has been on Smallville from the beginning. He has gotten into each of their heads which allows him to really navigate the stories in the right direction..

[superhippie2000]

Originally posted by warriorrenegade
Duh right? Thats not what I meant. What is it that seperates Tom from the other directors?

O OK got ya.

Well Tom only directed once and is mainly an actor so he doesnt really have as much experiance being a director as the other people who are directors as a main job. So only being his second time directing an episode of smallville how much has he grown as being a director from his first time directing Fragile.

[STFanatic]

Fragile was a well directed episode, of course the girl that played the part had a lot to do with it, but there was great emotion in that one.
(IMO)

[Kalel x2x2]

^All in the title^ :D

We all know he did a very good job in 'Fragile' I bet he did great in this one as well :)

[Routh]

What's up with the poll options? We only have two choices, but the numbers 1-5 and 6-10 are contained within each?

That makes absolutely no sense. :O

[Ireallylikethisshow]

Originally posted by warriorrenegade
How can you tell if Tom does a goodjob or not? Just curious.

Camera angles, lighting, acting, blocking, and possibly a little bit with music...


Originally posted by Kalel x2x2
^All in the title^ :D

We all know he did a very good job in 'Fragile' I bet he did great in this one as well :)

"Fragile" was pretty good, it had some nice shots. :)

[Ilovebeinglost]

I love the guy so he can do no wrong :rotfl: in my eyes so I say he'll do great but I will wait till after the episode to vote ;)

2 hours and 12 mins to go

[98chase]

LOL at people already voting.

[superhippie2000]

So far i think he is doing good.

[98chase]

He's doing really, really good so far. IMO

[Luthor5339]

Yeah, he's definitely improved as a director.

[MidgardDragon]

He's done great as both a director and an actor in this episode. That kiss that left him a little breathless was interesting. Also a bit awkward, just as a kiss like that should be.

[Rosey]

This is a really great episode. Fast paced and not a second wasted.

It will be one of my favorites.

Wonderful job by TW.

[Honey45]

I thought it was great!

Much better than the other episode he directed.
Much better than a lot of episodes this season!

[LuckyStar]

I am impressed! Let's hope MR does just as well when he directs "Freak."

[STFanatic]

A lot better than I had actually hoped.

[thehenry89]

i thought the episode was excellent well done tom :D

[canon]

I thought he did excellent.

[spideyfan]

he did a great job...much better than fragile...

[Ilovebeinglost]

Best one yet. Very good job Tom

Did they really need that bug eyed woman ? ( the guest star)? I never liked her and more so in this show. What good was she again?

I have a feeling she'll be back though right?


Fantastic Job there Tom!!!!!!!!!!!! You're my hero as Clark and Tom

[Cool_Breeze]

I really liked how at one of the last scenes, with the interaction between Lana and Clark, there was no music in the background.

[98chase]

He did a really, really good job. I think this might be my favorite episode this season. Actually, it is definitely my favorite episode. I liked how it moved really fast, there wasn't much time wasted.

[whiteflag]

Awesome job, Tom!!! You are a wonderful director (and the best looking one! )

[bigfoot_hunter8]

I thank he did a great job directing. great episode!

[Chlarkfan_forever]

That was a great episode, I'm definitely putting it on my iPod. I hope Tom directs atleast one more episode before the series ends.

[Ilovebeinglost]

Is there an email address we can write to so we can tell the show how great we think he did?

We still want him to act of course

[thehenry89]

i found this episode much better then fragile vunderful vunderful job tom.

[King of all Media]

Best episode of the season. Kudos to Tom. It was a great story, but he found a way to actually capture the essence of the show!

[loistickyfingerz]

I was very impressed with Mr. Welling this time around. I forgot this was his show, but now that I think of it, the Lana-Chloe scenes were so well done. I LOVED that scene shot outside, with just head shots of the two of them. It's too bad KK isn't a great actress because otherwise that was some good stuff.

I also really liked the Clana loft scene, surprisingly. No sound, just talking. It was very effective and not vomit enducing.

OK, I also must say I loved the reaction shot of Clark after the kiss. How cute that he directed himself in it.

[Ilovebeinglost]

and let them know how great Tom was in directing this episode.

I found the fan mail section. here it is http://www2.warnerbros.com/web/main/help/fan_mail.jsp

I loved it ;)

[Ilovebeinglost]

write and let WB know how great he did


http://www2.warnerbros.com/web/main/help/fan_mail.jsp

[trying2b]

Wow he directed this ep? Cool! He did a great job.

[Welling21]

i loved his directing in this episode. the directing on Fragile was good, but it wasn't as good of an episode, this episode rocked!

[boywithbluehanger]

This was a really fun episode. I'm glad he was at the helm for such a episode that featured many twists!!

[CallMeClark]

Much better than "Fragile." He directed the most pivatol episode of the season. He rocked. I loved it all. And I must say, cat fights are always a plus. I loved the episode. Awesome job, Tom.

[D.M.A.]

I agree he outdid his directing for Fragile tonight,tonight epi was alil dark and I liked it.For this 2 be his 2nd one he did a great job and should direct another imo

[Chiriru]

Agreed, he totally outdid Fragile - both are very, very beautiful work though.

[Nospam]

Originally posted by Chiriru
Agreed, he totally outdid Fragile - both are very, very beautiful work though.

I thought he did a fantastic job overall, but I have no film experience. The episode flowed nicely and there was only one scene where I thought the shot looked awkward, and that was when Linda was confronted by the steroid juiced baseball player outside the glass building. I thought the wide angle took too much focus away from what was happening, the confrontation, with too much visual emphasis on the buildings and courtyard beyond.

That's really the only criticism I have in terms of direction.

[Ireallylikethisshow]

Like the beginning intro, with the dark luminous lighting at the DP, and the rainy feel. (as it was raining) and how he introduces her feet walking along, and switched to her hands holding the folders, very journalistic.

A few awkward close ups, every now and then...

The blocking was okay too. I liked the Clana blocking, and the Clark/Lex fighting blocking. And, the Lois/Ollie blocking was good. Ah, and the Lois/Clark scenes were also really well blocked. Especially when she decided she loved Ollie, and they were at the bottom. And the couch sitting, trust speech.

The Tori/Steroid guy chase scene could have been faster...

Loved the umbrella shot, it was hilarious to see Tori Spellling with that umbrella held so high and snooty.

Overall, his directing was good. Smooth, and Smallville-esque. :)

[jimmyolsenblues]

Tom wellington directed that? really?
it was fantastic, did you see how close the camera got to actor's emotions and it was so real to me.
these actors and writers and tom's directing provoked emotion from me.
there is no greater compliment.
it moved me.

[Theshadow129x]

this is one of the best episodes in my opinion so far this season. the story flowed nicely and kept me hook...if only tom could make a scene of lana dying then it would have been perfect. :)

[DWBSR620]

Excellent Tom, bravo, bravo, bravo. The man did a wonderful job keep up the good work, that is in front of the camera as well. Take care.


Peace To All.

[Nospam]

Originally posted by Ireallylikethisshow
Like the beginning intro, with the dark luminous lighting at the DP, and the rainy feel. (as it was raining) and how he introduces her feet walking along, and switched to her hands holding the folders, very journalistic.

A few awkward close ups, every now and then...

The blocking was okay too. I liked the Clana blocking, and the Clark/Lex fighting blocking. And, the Lois/Ollie blocking was good. Ah, and the Lois/Clark scenes were also really well blocked. Especially when she decided she loved Ollie, and they were at the bottom. And the couch sitting, trust speech.

The Tori/Steroid guy chase scene could have been faster...

Loved the umbrella shot, it was hilarious to see Tori Spellling with that umbrella held so high and snooty.

Overall, his directing was good. Smooth, and Smallville-esque. :)

You seem to be the film expert, what did you think of the scene I mentioned?

[freddielm]

I didn't know he directed this episode ( I don't keep up with information like that ) ... I thought it was well shot.

[smallvillerocks45]

Best episode ever!!!! Well, I don't know, I still have to see the rest of the season, but this episode was so good, I didn't even have time to stop and think about the fact that it was directed by Tom Welling. Hydro was touching, emotional, funny, and just really fun to watch. I LOVED it!

[lexs&os]

I think he did a great job. I didn't notice awkward cuts/shots/lighting/transitions. The episode moved nicely and the areas that needed to be more intimate were. I liked how the Chloe/LL fight looked - he did great!

[superspider02]

Yea i agree with everyone this time is much better then his first time. Alot of great scenes and cuts/transitions and angles and all that stuff. Also as others said it was paced well and was not slow at all. Good work Tom I hope he directs again soon. Also i hope Michael's episode goes well too. I am also a communications/video/film major so i know about angles/blocking/lighting and all that stuff and i think he did a great job with it all.

[meteor]

i know squat about directing but i'll give him 2 thumbs up

[beautyfades]

I thought it was pretty well directed..though I thought there were a few awkward closeups.

[Luthor5339]

One aspect of the beginning definitely stands out....

The way he shot the CLOSE UP of the baseball player on steroids...

Don't know the exact term for the shot. But, the wide 'extreme' Close-Up definitely gave the guy an "insane" and "crazy" appearance.

Another scene that stood out was Lana's "yes" to Lex's proposal. I don't know how he established this effect. But, Lana's answer to Lex was extremely creepy and spine shivering! The whole time, during that scene, I was horrified and kept on saying "no...no...no!" I hope Clark can save her in time!!!

[God-Man]

Man, I totally forgot Welling directed this episode. He did a great job!

[Batman_Beyonder]

He did an excellent job on this episode... That's why I give this episode a 9/10.

[alienkinfolk]

I didn't know Tom did this one until now. This episode is much better than Fragile. Go Tom!

[InLove_with_Chloe]

I think it was OK, not excellent.
There were a few strange-looking scenes in the beginning, like when Linda Lake ran away from the Steroid-fella.
This looked kinda clumsy, IMO...

[ginnyfan]

He did a fantastic job. He kept the pace up, the blocking was fresh and different and he didn't repeat blocking from scene to scene even when it was set in the same place. I LOVED all the outdoor scenes and the beautiful city shots of Metropolis (Gotham? LOL). It gave the episode scale and air and even when they were on set it didn't feel like they were on set.

Too much music not enough silence.

A few of the scenes were a bit awkward.

Overall though, fantastic!

[RedK Rush]

I think he did an excellent job directing. I loved Fragile as well, and believe that his skill level here has increased. To me, this is definitely the best episode so far this season. Great job, Tom!

[j-kent]

Actually this episode was one of the best ive seen so far in this season IMO

[montidatta]

Tom really outdid himself with this episode. Everything was first rate about his directing. I especially enjoyed the occassional extra pause Tom's directing provided when, as two characters would be departing after an emotional exchange (e.g., Clark and Lana in the loft, or Clark and Lex at the mansion), there would be an extra beat for the character to wait and then say his or her last pivotal line. Most Smallville scripts are the structurally the same, with the same rhythm and pace of dialogue, but Tom teased it out a bit more in a couple of really good scenes. It just shows how familiar Tom is being in front of the camera that he's willing to add this additional moment, just to shake things up just a bit when he's behind the camera. It also suggests how comfortable the cast of Smallville is having Tom directing them. The acting in this episode seemed more natural, and perhaps Tom's directorial presence made that difference.

Tom's acting has also really improved, season-by-season. I was especially struck with the tremors rippling across his face after Chloe suggested Lana still had feelings for him. You could notice the mixture of pain and joy it caused him.

I think Smallville has reached its stride, and could go at least another season.

[alienkinfolk]

i rate this episode #1 for me so far this season too.
All that was missing was Lionel. He just makes it complete for me. But we only have an hour


Originally posted by montidatta
and perhaps Tom's directorial presence made that difference.

Tom's acting has also really improved, season-by-season. I was especially struck with the tremors rippling across his face after Chloe suggested Lana still had feelings for him. You could notice the mixture of pain and joy it caused him.

I think Smallville has reached its stride, and could go at least another season.

yeah Tom has developed so much as an actor and w/the Clark character that he is trusted to get the ship arcs right. He gave us a little bit of everything. they ought to use him more I think he's on to something umm err like making better episodes this season!

[phoephoe]

I just wanted to say that I haven't fully enjoyed many of the episodes of Smallville for a while and as a fan, I'm still watching and this episode was great. I enjoyed almost all of it. I have never been a fan of Tori Spelling so I wasn't pleased with her character and although it appeared that she may appear again I hope she doesn't. Tom did a great job with this episode. Towards the end, the Chloe, Clark, Lois scene was to die for.

[freefall]

All those awesome reviews of Hydro from everyone, just makes me even more impatient for the wait to be over for me to actually watch the whole episode.


Originally posted by Rhoda123
IMO, his smile.. haha.. Just kidding.. I think what seperates him is that he has been on Smallville from the beginning. He has gotten into each of their heads which allows him to really navigate the stories in the right direction..

I think you hit the nail right on the head there, regarding TW getting into everyone's heads :) I also believe that when he directs himself, he can actually portray to us on how does he really see himself as Clark Kent. He sounds like a great guy to work with too, I remember reading that TV Guide Justice article, where it said he was just content to sit back and let his co-stars enjoy the limelight.

[Lightning Flash]

TW did a great job in camera scenes, and directing overall.

[margroks]

He was very good, even better than before at directing and this shows again how committed he is to learning everything about his craft from both acting and directing sides of the camera. Bravo!

[Rhoda123]

Tom is so amazing as an actor but it seems that as a director, he is just as amazing.. love him.

[fiorscal]

Kuddos to Tom, he did a greta job.

[Oblivion wielder]

Yeah i believe he was very good as a director in this episode!

[superpal1]

The episode was fun when needed, dramatic when needed, and had some action thrown in when needed. The great thing is that it all gelled together. That happens when the director knows his stuff. Good job Tom.

[JLA]

I think the best compliment I could give is that you would never know the episode was directed by an actor with limited directing experience. It was a very good episode, with elements of drama, humor and action.

[k18]

I honestly couldn't tell his directing apart from the other directors. So in my book, that means he did a great job.

[Ania]

He did brilliantly, I loved the characters and even didn't hate Lana as much as usually!

[CallMeClark]

Originally posted by Ireallylikethisshow
A few awkward close ups, every now and then...
I take it you haven't heard about the "Smallville Close-up?" :lol: Take a look at some of the commentaries on the DVDs. The producers lover those close-ups.

[Ireallylikethisshow]

Originally posted by Nospam
You seem to be the film expert, what did you think of the scene I mentioned?

Oh yeah, the confrontation between Linda and the athlete was way too stiff and awkward. And the wide angle would have been okay if Tom hadn't lingered on it too long maybe if they sort of zoomed in slowly, but when you go from wide to a close up in a few seconds it feels odd. And it sort of went: "wide, medium, close, medium, wide". And the steroid athelete actor seemed too stiff with his anger... (sorry actor wherever you are) I just laughed when he said: "you ruined my life!". Although, the set they choosed was beautiful.

He also waited a long time to chase her... it was just like he was standing there.


Originally posted by Nospam
I thought he did a fantastic job overall, but I have no film experience. The episode flowed nicely and there was only one scene where I thought the shot looked awkward, and that was when Linda was confronted by the steroid juiced baseball player outside the glass building. I thought the wide angle took too much focus away from what was happening, the confrontation, with too much visual emphasis on the buildings and courtyard beyond.

That's really the only criticism I have in terms of direction.


Originally posted by CallMeClark
I take it you haven't heard about the "Smallville Close-up?" :lol: Take a look at some of the commentaries on the DVDs. The producers lover those close-ups.

I remember when they did a close up on Lana and Clark kissing... too close... :lol: they do love them

[coco#1]

Originally posted by Rosey
This is a really great episode. Fast paced and not a second wasted.

It will be one of my favorites.

Wonderful job by TW.

i have to agree with you there...this was an awesome episode

[margroks]

It does seem that Smallville uses close-ups to excess. I think perhaps he was going for the mood of the place being wide open yet deserted late at night. I'd have to say the steroid guy was just plain stiff and it seemed weird that he would confront her, threaten her then hang back. Was he trying to terrorize her before he hurt her? Some things, like actors and plot/dialogue are not things the director of a TV show can control, unfortunately. But overall I think TW did a really great job.

[Welling_is_pretty]

I love Tom. I adore Tom. I think Tom is literally the most beautiful looking man on this planet. He's underrated as an actor, he seems like he's a sweetheart of a person and I just love him to death.
But I hated how he directed Hydro. I'm sorry but all his Superdirecting skills seem to have left him inbetween Fragile and this.
The closeups (and I'm a fan of the Smallville Close-Up, patent pending) were awkwardly placed, too many and jarring. He panned to stuff that I didn't care about when I wanted him to focus on other things, he widened out into shots when I wanted him to tighten up and half the time it was either too light or too dark!
A lot of his actors seemed off and the music had a jarring quality as well.
In Fragile he did such a nice job (that end scene still takes my breath away when I think about it) but he really lost the ball on this one.
Sorry, I love him, but I really didn't like how he directed Hydro. At all.


Of course that's just my opinion.

[coco#1]

Originally posted by loistickyfingerz
I was very impressed with Mr. Welling this time around. I forgot this was his show, but now that I think of it, the Lana-Chloe scenes were so well done. I LOVED that scene shot outside, with just head shots of the two of them. It's too bad KK isn't a great actress because otherwise that was some good stuff.

I also really liked the Clana loft scene, surprisingly. No sound, just talking. It was very effective and not vomit enducing.

OK, I also must say I loved the reaction shot of Clark after the kiss. How cute that he directed himself in it.

Kristin Kruek is the best actress on a show with great actresses.how can you not see that..Kristins eyes never lie in any scene i have ever seen her in since the second or third season. she cries on cue and her face show every emotion without over selling it.

[darkraya]

hes doing a good job.


Originally posted by Welling_is_pretty
I love Tom. I adore Tom. I think Tom is literally the most beautiful looking man on this planet. He's underrated as an actor, he seems like he's a sweetheart of a person and I just love him to death.
But I hated how he directed Hydro. I'm sorry but all his Superdirecting skills seem to have left him inbetween Fragile and this.
The closeups (and I'm a fan of the Smallville Close-Up, patent pending) were awkwardly placed, too many and jarring. He panned to stuff that I didn't care about when I wanted him to focus on other things, he widened out into shots when I wanted him to tighten up and half the time it was either too light or too dark!
A lot of his actors seemed off and the music had a jarring quality as well.
In Fragile he did such a nice job (that end scene still takes my breath away when I think about it) but he really lost the ball on this one.
Sorry, I love him, but I really didn't like how he directed Hydro. At all.


Of course that's just my opinion. i totally agree . his directing could have been a lot better. and he is the hottest man on this earth. he dirves me crazy:rotfl:

[coco#1]

Originally posted by Welling_is_pretty
I love Tom. I adore Tom. I think Tom is literally the most beautiful looking man on this planet. He's underrated as an actor, he seems like he's a sweetheart of a person and I just love him to death.
But I hated how he directed Hydro. I'm sorry but all his Superdirecting skills seem to have left him inbetween Fragile and this.
The closeups (and I'm a fan of the Smallville Close-Up, patent pending) were awkwardly placed, too many and jarring. He panned to stuff that I didn't care about when I wanted him to focus on other things, he widened out into shots when I wanted him to tighten up and half the time it was either too light or too dark!
A lot of his actors seemed off and the music had a jarring quality as well.
In Fragile he did such a nice job (that end scene still takes my breath away when I think about it) but he really lost the ball on this one.
Sorry, I love him, but I really didn't like how he directed Hydro. At all.


Of course that's just my opinion.


your opinion is definately in the minority....this is fact
i liked how the closeups had no music or very low music playing behind them, almost like a feature length film..he also made the girls look really good especially chloe. she acted her butt off this episode and TW`s acting is really good now, he has come real far. it seems like TW got some tips from directing from the guy who directed him in the fog. o`m talking about the closeups with no to low music in the backround.he did a really good job on a great episode

[CallMeClark]

*nods* The season was finally jump-started. "Hydro" makes me happy. And it's my favorite thus far this season.

[Krypton935]

Excellent! He did great and really brought the entire cast to the top notch. I loved it!

[fresh prince]

I loved this episode so I ranked a 6-10

[MayaQT]

I thought he did a wonderful job. It was a very suspenseful episode and the music was fantastic (well placed I should say). I really liked the fact that this episode had so many layers and different smaller stories going on. As an audience member, I never got disinterested or liked one story over another or got confused with all of the things going on.

Very well shot, excellent acting.

Bravo Tom!

[Kal-ed]

he is not bad, specially since he is new at it, but I dont like the close ups, most of his takes focus on the midle torso and up, or covering practically the whole screen with a characters face every few takes.


Originally posted by coco#1
your opinion is definately in the minority....this is fact


Just cause its in the minority doesnt mean its wrong. Its bad directing when the angle of a shot affects the story, let me explain:

In the Clois kiss, Clark actually put his arms around Lois (we see this in the pictures JO took) but the kiss seemed a lot less pasionate cause the camera angle didnt show the whole thing, thusly leaving people wondering what the hell was Lois talking about when she said " GA can teach Ollie a thing or two".

The kiss and its significance is point aside, the shiper discussion is not necesary here, and its more a plot subject, but what is relevant to the directing is the fact that he omited a significant detail of the kiss, by not having a wider shot.

How ever it was not a bad job, I liked his directing, its pretty much the close ups that bother me.

[Chlarkfan_forever]

i think his directing was excellent. just like in fragile.

[coco#1]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kal-ed
[B]he is not bad, specially since he is new at it, but I dont like the close ups, most of his takes focus on the midle torso and up, or covering practically the whole screen with a characters face every few takes.



Just cause its in the minority doesnt mean its wrong.


yes it is...in this particular case. alot of people think this is one of the best episodes of the new season....again they are right and you are wrong.

[Kat_Halliwell]

Originally posted by coco#1
Just cause its in the minority doesnt mean its wrong.

yes it is...in this particular case. alot of people think this is one of the best episodes of the new season....again they are right and you are wrong.
Hey, wait a minute buddy. Who are you to say whose opinion is right and whose is wrong?
I didn't like the episode either. Does that mean I'm wrong? Because last time I checked, I was entitle to my own opinion.

Back on topic :rolleyes:
I feel terribly sorry for Tom, but I did not like Hydro. At all.
If I had to choose one word to describe it, it'd be "awkward". Dialogues, scenes, interactions between characters. I felt confused half the time, there was something that wasn't quite right about the plot. I liked Fragile a lot better, it was more nicely done.

[Kal-ed]

Originally posted by coco#1
yes it is...in this particular case. alot of people think this is one of the best episodes of the new season....again they are right and you are wrong.


:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: OOOOOOOKKKKKAAAAYYYYY;)

Anyway, i liked the episode, but some Shots just didnt make it for me and some scenes where over dark, like the opening scene and the Clark in GA suit scene.

I sure how ever Tom can improve with time, its only his second time directing and he had a more convulted plot, I remember some posters wondering (sarcatically ofcourse) if Hydro was going to be a 2 parter, since with all the info we got of the episode it seemed like it had one too many plots, I think, AND THIS IS NOT TOM´S FAULT, the GA/Clark/Lois/Jimmy plot could have been a whole episode on its own, instead it had to be shown at a fast pace to leave time for the FOTW plot. Just as a quick example, we never get to see Clark giving Ollie a heads up, or them hatching up a plan. Also it would have been nice to see Lois and Jimmy ploting together with Clark, we didnt see any Clark/Jimmy scenes:\ , and the scene where Lois tells Clark the Ollie could learn from GA, was quite rushed, Start of sceneClark arrived, Chloe introduced the topic, Lois exposed what happened, quick take on Clark´s reaction, end of scene. I would have like if the three of them had sat in the Talon and talked about it for a while, also i would have liked an awkward scene between Ollie and Clark when Clark returns the suit and we got to see Ollies take on the kiss.

Like I said, the script forced Tom into having to make some rushed scenes. Again: "The Clark in GA suit" could have made a wonderfull episode all on its own, maybe even explore more on Clark wearing a suit, maybe after saving Lois, running around Metropolis saving people and seeing how he likes it.

[ShelbyKent]

Originally posted by Kal-ed
:
Anyway, i liked the episode, but some Shots just didnt make it for me and some scenes where over dark, like the opening scene and the Clark in GA suit scene.


I think it was OK that the "Clark in the GA suit" scene was dark because it gives the impression that it was so dark that Lois wouldn't be able to recognize Clark. Coz c'mon, when you're close enough to kiss someone, you're close enough to recognize if they are familiar, espacially if it's just the eyes that are the features that are covered. So IMHO the "darkness" of the scene gives Lois an "out" of not being able to recognize Clark at all. JMHO

[Kal-ed]

Not really, its Iconic that Lois can be fooled by Clark with a couple of glasses, he fooled her and the whole DCU for 70 years, so the darkness was not necesary, I think the lighting from the pics we got back in december from the TW site was the apropiate one.

To quote Batman or Catwoman(Hush arc): "Does it ever get Dark in this city??" " Even at Night it´s lit up, like its important or something."

[smallvillerocks45]

I don't know...sometimes it seems as though the directing part gets mixed up with the story itself. I mean, okay, maybe some scenes were dark (I don't suggest Blade Runner for that reason; interesting story, no light whatsoever), but most of the "crime" took place at night plus most shots in Metropolis are usually always darker as opposed to when in Smallville, so that didn't bother me much.

Next, I hardly even noticed the close ups until they were mentioned here. In hindsight, I guess there were quite a few close ups, but I think (as someone may have already mentioned), that is pretty characteristic of the show, isn't it? Sometimes it helps us see the emotion in each character's face (this was more than a fotw episode, after all, it was character defining in a sense).

As for the awkwardness of the Clark and Lois kiss; I thought the kiss was supposed to be that way. The fact is Clark does not (or did not) like Lois in a romantic way at this point in time, so it seemed appropriate for the kiss to look strange. Not to mention, some of the angles might have been strange too, because part of the scene was beeing seen through he eyes of Jimmy who was supposed to be hidden behind something. All in all, that scene did not bother me either.

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but for me the episode was great. I enjoyed it very much - and that could be my bias since I usually see few faults with the show (or with Tom Welling), but that's just my two cents.

[Kal-ed]

The kiss wastn awkward, in fact it left both Lois and Clark grining Im not saying it was a pasionate one, it was a simple cute short kiss. The camera shot made it look weird, cause the angles of them kissing didnt explore the intensity of the kiss (whether it was a low or high intensity we dont know). We never really get to see their mouths untill the Lois stops the kiss and steps back, but the kiss had stoped by then, we only see them move their faces against eachother and a dark spot right where their thongues(sp) might or might not have been used.

And like I said, being realistic the Kawatchi caves should be a lot darker but it would interfere with the scenes. So yes a dark alley should be exactly that but since you have a story TO SHOW TO POEPLE WITHOUT ENHACED NIGHTVISION you dont want to make the scene too dark.

[smallvillerocks45]

I see your point, but I just never noticed any of those problems before. I thought (and still think) that the episode was great, and had few faults, if any at all.

Also, I think it would be nice to see an Oliver and Clark recap of what happened too...but maybe they'll talk about it in another episode.

P.S. Seriously, have you ever seen Blade Runner? The darkness in this episode was not really not so bad compared to that movie...IMO.

[ShelbyKent]

Originally posted by Kal-ed
[B]The kiss wastn awkward, in fact it left both Lois and Clark grining Im not saying it was a pasionate one, it was a simple cute short kiss.

If you compare the Hydro kiss with the open mouth eating fests that were the clana kisses of yore, then of course the Hydro kiss is shorter and had less heat. Which was OK because #1 It would be inappropriate if Clark would heavily make-out at length with his friend's current girlfriend #2 It would be weird if Lois doesn't realize it's not her boyfriend she's kissing. An overly prolonged kiss would not cast both characters in a good light IMHO.

TW had the right reaction of being caught by surprise, then getting into it, then getting caught by surprise again because Lois ended the kiss abruptly. It was executed nicely.

As for the lighting issue it didn't really bother me. I'm more of a casual viewer that way. The coherent script and good editing made the episode enjoyable for me.

[Kal-ed]

I liked the Episode, in fact one of my favorite this season, and well all the iconic moments, where awsome, I was just pointing the bits and pieces I didnt like about TW directing, I wasnt complainging about the whole epi, just a couple of unnecesary close ups and the lighting in the opening scene and during the thugs scene,

Now, the kiss, if you read my post on the kiss thread youll see that I liked how it was made, I was talking about filming tecnicalities, like lighting and angles, not about the kiss per se.

Now for example, one thing I loved, the take he did on Clark´s fumbling with the arrows was brilliant. And the whole Lois breaks her cel phone was awsome.

[ShelbyKent]

Originally posted by Kal-ed
one thing I loved, the take he did on Clark´s fumbling with the arrows was brilliant. And the whole Lois breaks her cel phone was awsome.

Yes, those were brilliant details. By the way.... who wrote the screenplay for Hydro?

[freefall]

^ Kelly Souders and Brian something. I believe they're also the same ones who wrote for Arrow, and also for Labyrinth and Crimson.

[ShelbyKent]

Thanks! Labyrinth and Crimson should be good then.

[HowardFilms]

This ep was awesome!

Lois and Jimmy start working together. Lois and Clark kiss...Clark definitely wants Lois after the kiss, and finally we are starting to see Lana pine over clark while he turns away, like in the comics!

Thank God, Clark is finally becoming Superman...

[jack1487]

I also thought that it was outstanding. Tom did a great job both as director and actor. I just saw it for the 4th time today and it was much better them at first. I guess we see more after a few times watching. Anyway great job Tom, keep it up...

Jack

[milton fine]

just like fragile i think he did a good job

[LoveHurts38]

Excellent

[zorasuperman]

toms acting is phenomenal

i cant wait to see how allison mack's directing will be