Rate this episode: Loved it? Hated it? Vote Here!

[chlarkfan333]

Post your thoughts and rate the episode. Darn it! I forgot to select the poll option. Hopefull someone else will post a thread with it and the 2 can be merged or this one deleted. I don't want to be a thread-hog or I'd post it myself. :)

[MidgardDragon]

Vote and post your thoughts on the episode here.

ETA - Credit to chlarkfan333 for originally posting this, she just forgot to post the poll part. :lol:

[MidgardDragon]

I posted the one with a poll for you. Hopefully the mods will see them and merge them when they get a chance.

[chlarkfan333]

Thanks MD!

[superhippie2000]

I think this episode will be very good. Episodes with Clark stuck in an alternate state of mind tend to be.

[Raging Clue]

Originally posted by superhippie2000
I think this episode will be very good. Episodes with Clark stuck in an alternate state of mind tend to be.
I second that.

How did people vote already if it doesn't air for 3 hours?

[chlarkfan333]

Originally posted by Raging Clue
I second that.

How did people vote already if it doesn't air for 3 hours?

Ahem, I think some people here might have an 'ability' if ya know what I mean.;)

[lillie_poo_pod]

lol. There's no 1. Its two 4s

[chlarkfan333]

Originally posted by lillie_poo_pod
lol. There's no 1. Its two 4s

*Points finger at MidgardDragon* :p

At least he didn't forget to select the poll option like I did. :lol:

[MidgardDragon]

Originally posted by lillie_poo_pod
lol. There's no 1. Its two 4s

Woops! :D Considering that no one ever justifies/gives their reasoning for voting 1, though, we might as well not have a 1 option. :P

[Shadowlord367]

Hope its as good as Spinter =]

[superhippie2000]

well the opening teaser was intresting. should be a good episode.

[artemis_x]

wow this is really *ahem* crazy so far. I have no idea what's going on so far, and I'm not sure if I appreciate that. I mean I get the audience is supposed to be confused like clark, but the chloe stuff was totally confusing. Maybe it will come clear.

[superhippie2000]

this is a really good episode. there is so much going on where it seems like the episode is really long but it isnt.

[artemis_x]

eh, it wasn't as good as I'd hoped it be. I guess I got spoiled by "Justice" last week. lol. I dunno- it lacked umph, punch. However I really really liked the end scene with Clark, Lex and Lana. Good emotions, moved the story arc along, was interesting and brought some closure. Often the last few mins can be iffy, but that was my favourite part of this show.

[MidgardDragon]

I gave it a 9 because it needed one more scene to wrap things up. MM just flying off wasn't enough to make me interested in his character.

[Lexgirl33]

I realy liked all the memories brought back from Season 1. The Clana was definatly beginning of the series Clana. It really reminded of how the show used to be. I liked the episode a lot..esp. Martian Manhunter. I thought he was a good asset to the episode and how he saved Clark. Overall decent episode.

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

the episode sucked! the only reason it got a 4 was because of the Martian Man-hunter. thats IT! the show sucks now.

[Krypto/DQ/]

Very very good!

[k18]

I thought the episode was great! The acting was wonderfully done by everyone.

[Supermansthebest]

I thought it was really good, nice episode. Everything was like whoa...the Clex scene, Clana scene, Clark and Martha...and also it showed that Clark wasnt useless without his powers. I wish there was more of Lex, it really freaked me out, eventhough I saw the pix on the spoiler page...I cant imagine wht it wouldve been like for ppl who didnt know.

[Jaded Wolf]

Umm... Is it me or did this episode look and feel a lot like Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 6 episode "Normal Again"? I gave this episode a 6 just because I have seen this episode before. Different cast, different show, but same setting.

It started with Star Trek: The Next Generation in one of the best episodes "Frame of Mind" when Riker was trapped in a facility which was trying to convince him he was having delusions. In Buffy, the same concept but a little more originality to it. Even to this day the episode "Normal Again" leaves me wondering if the Buffy-verse was all in her head.

While this episode was good, and once more the tease of the Martian Manhunter was cool, it was just like wearing an old shoe. I think it is kind of funny that the once WB now CW had to go back and reference a Joss Whedon eipsode, a man whom the WB screwed over twice.

[oberyn]

Very good episode. Martian Manhunter, non-annoying Clexana, and Shelby saves the day. What more can one ask for?

[Raging Clue]

I gave it a 9. Justice was a 10, this episode was not the same as Justice. Any episode following Justice just wouldn't compare. The same goes for Crimson next week.

About MM, I wish they showed him more. He should know that Chloe knows Clark's secret and that someone else saved Clark from the phantom in Seatle.

[Lexgirl33]

When are we actually going to see more than 30 sec of MM? Its driving me nuts!

[Bizzaro1975]

Originally posted by *#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*
the episode sucked! the only reason it got a 4 was because of the Martian Man-hunter. thats IT! the show sucks now.

I thought the show was great. And Shelby was back Yay

[oberyn]

Originally posted by Jaded Wolf
Umm... Is it me or did this episode look and feel a lot like Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 6 episode "Normal Again"? I gave this episode a 6 just because I have seen this episode before. Different cast, different show, but same setting.

It's funny, that was the first episoe of BtVS that I ever watched (bad memories from the Kristy Swanson movie kept me away). The similarities didn't bother me so much because, well, it's not like Whedon was the first person to come up with the idea, and, as I said, when I saw the BtVS episode I knew very little about the show and nothing at all about the main characters so it didn't have as powerful an impact on me as it would have otherwise.

[k8isgreat]

i didn't think i was going to enjoy this eps. but i did alot, i gave it a 9, not as good at justice tho'

[Rachel B]

I thought it was good, of course coming from a "Justice" high I think that I can be a little bias. But I enjoyed it none the less.

[lillie_poo_pod]

I gave it a solid 8. It kept me very interested.
I really did like the plot. It was a good one. The acting was great also. I even thought Clark was crazy for a second.

Phil Morris as MM was great. I knew he was gonna do great when they said who would be playin MM. So that was no surprise.

Allison also did good in this episode. She wasn't in it a lot but the parts she was in she did great.

TW is an AWESOME crazy person. I thought he did great in this episode too. The death scene with Chloe was sooooo much better than the Director's Cut. I was pleased.

1 thing that I loved in this episode was MR. He did AWESOME as a depressed Lex. That scene with him and Clark*NOT the one @ the end* made me cry. Seriously, I was bought to tears. MR did fantastic in that scene.

KK was bearable in this episode. And that's all I have to say on that.

I was really hoping to see some Mionel action but O well. AoT did great in the 1 scene she was in so I'm not complaining.

The end and the trailer for Crimson f!@#ed this episode up for me.

Other than that I really enjoyed it.

[redraven]

I actually really liked this episode, it was a great mix of Splinter and Lexmas. But I have to say, TW and AM's acting wasn't so great during Chloe's death scene. :\ I actually laughed during that scene.

(Last scene of this episode was my favorite of the season so far so...that's part of the reason why I liked this eppi so much.) :D

Oh and I forgot to mention that I liked the 'fight scenes' between Clark and the guards. Not just a toss and a run...he actually used his fists for once! :)

[darkraya]

i just watche it and i think its exellent. whe need more mm-clark interaction in the future episodes. does any1 know if phil morris/martianmanhunter is gonna come back to smallville. it looks likely.

[jimmyolsenblues]

loved it great episode.
even though the clana scenes were hard for me to watch , it is still good writing.
Lex's scene was fantastic writing.
"I still love her"
and
"We were just saying Goodbye"

[coasterprincess]

Not too shabby...but nothing earth shattering so I'm going with a 7.

The Good
~favorite scene of the show...when Dr. Hudson showed Clark all the stuff in his room. Oliver Queen- Employee of the Month. Jorel soap!!! (make your hands cleaner than a kryptonian :P)
~the quick backstory for the alternate universe....Lana and Nell with the farm....Martha marrying Lionel....Lex in the wheelchair...it was all set up really well
~Shelby!! That dog finally shows up after a who-knows-how-long vacation...made me smile

The Bad
~Clana....yes Clark finally seems to accept reality...but even that small throwback made me gag a little bit
~Martian Manhunter....he was great and I wanted to see more of him. Yes only Clark could break out of his mind...but we should def be seeing more than 30 seconds of this guy.

Still all and all it wasn't bad.

[Ginx]

Well, I liked tonight's episode - Shelby was back!

I liked that it was mostly all about Clark and his mental anguish - it showed where he was weak and where he was strong.

I didn't like the foreshadowing of Chloe's future though.....and Clark's 'I don't know what I'd do without you'

And the 'jorel' soap made me laugh. The Phantom Zone magazine, the nurse's name tag, the Fortress of Solitude book - I almost felt like I was watching an episode of Lost there for a minute or two - looking for clues. And the Martian Manhunter getting more face time than just a dark shadow was cool too - looking forward to more of him in the future (good thing he was there....Clark was ready to throw the towl in....if Lana hadn't vanished!)

And the whole episode had this strange low music that sounded kinda like a humming sounds (no it wasn't my tv) it was only when Clark was trapped inside his mind. Kinda got on my nerves a bit -

But overall - decent episode with a lot of little hints towards the future.

[Coyote]

It was cleverly written, and Tom Welling did one of his best acting jobs ever. But this type of "it was all a dream" plot works better and creates more suspense in a one shot movie, where you don't already know the hero can't really be crazy because he will have to be back to normal by next week's show.

[Shadowlord367]

Woo hoo! Two episodes in a row with Nel references

& on the subject of references

RAYA. FOS. PHANTOM ZONE. WHITNEY. CHLOE'S MOM. SHELBY

This episode was BURSTING with references that keep everything fresh in our head.

Great acting, great writing.

Three INCREDIBLE episodes in a row. Ohh yeahhh

[Saber]

It was excellent. I loved it.

It reminded me of an episode from St. Elsewhere, where an autistic boy created his own realty. In his reality he was normal. In the end, it was nothing more than an alternate reality that he locked and created in his mind.
This was a nice piece of writing.

[MidgardDragon]

Originally posted by Coyote
It was cleverly written, and Tom Welling did one of his best acting jobs ever. But this type of "it was all a dream" plot works better and creates more suspense in a one shot movie, where you don't already know the hero can't really be crazy because he will have to be back to normal by next week's show.

Those were my exact thoughts before the episode aired. "This is exactly the type of movie I would love to watch without knowing that it was really all a dream." Still, they managed to pull it off even though we all knew what would happen.

[s_q]

for me this was the best episode of smallville after the LONGEST time. Yes, for me it inlcudes the justice epi as well. Awesome epi, awesome awesome awesome.

[CompuDoc]

while I have liked most episodes, the audio thing made me rank this very very low.... like about 2 stars

[wolverine316]

I thought the episode was very good. Tom Welling was awesome as always. I never seen Chloe look hotter when Clark admitted to her how important she was to him. The writing was very good. I knew Chloe wasn't over Clark as some people suggested and you know what? She never will. I give this episode a 7.5 out of 10. Anything following "Justice" would fall a little short. No angst in a Clexana scene? Very welcomed indeed.

[dakotablacky]

I gave it a solid 7, mostly for all the references and for the acting of Rosenbaum. His scene in the wheelchair was excellent, you could actually see him spit a little while he was yelling at Clark. As for MMH, I liked him better as Jackie Chiles on Seinfeld, at least he had some screen time as KRamer's lawyer, which he was great as.

[spideyfan]

It was good that we had mention of stuff from season 1...Whitney, the bridge incident...
but at the same time it was a slow moving episode. I seemed to enjoy the "older" season 1/2 lana and greatly enjoyed the Martian Manhunter scenes. There should have been more CK/MM interaction.

I liked the end at the barn but thought that Martian Manhunter should stick around to explain his life to CK (from Mars, all of his planet killed,...) but he didnt. I hope he comes back.

I give this a 6.5/10

[CallMeClark]

A solid 10. Beat "Justice" by far. I loved the concept. We spent almost the entire episode in "dream world." It was such a great episode. Tom, Kristin and Allison were amazing in this episode as far as acting goes. I loved it.

The only thing I hated, "I think I still love Lana."

[Zungas]

Probably my favorite episode of the season thus far.

[luthorsmentor]

i gave it an 8. if it had followed the lead of justice and left lana out entirely i'd probably give it a 10.

[Spoon AZ]

One of the best paced and written episodes in recent memory.

You don't need the glitz and flash of an episode like JUSTICE to have a great episode.

Interesting idea. Interesting execution. Great acting by the performers. Especially TW and MR.

Phil Morris is also intriguing but had far too little to do. Great exit though.

Smallville's on a roll this second half of the season.

[TorchJournalist1989]

Why do people like this episode? It was completely boring and didn't develop a single thing aside from Martian the Manhunter.

In fact, the reason why I hate this episode so much is that Clark and Lana are in the exact same place they were in what? season 3?

I hate it how people are actually thinking the "We were just saying goodbye" and the whole "I woke up" lines means that Clark/Lana are getting over each other. They aren't. How many other times were we made to beleive that they were? "Hypnotic"? anyone.

Ugh, I haaaate the whole "clark still loves Lana" business..we've gone through this soo many times, especially with the whole throwing it in Chloe's face too. I hated this episode.

[Tomsgurl88]

This episode really left me speechless, i loved it like i loved Splinter, it was dark and different, and i was so sucked in that i was actually was thinking maybe Clark is crazy...lol but i thought the performances were brilliant. Tom impressed me the way he did in Splinter i thought this was one of his best performances. Kristin i was actually pleased with just because she wasn't the same ol same ol Lana we all know, she was actually kind of creepy to me in this episode lol and Michael i mean what can you say the guy is brilliant he never fails to impress me, he actually was my favorite performance, overall one of the best if not the best of the season in my opinion.

[seraphim]

This episode was just okay. I really enjoyed MR's acting though, he is incredible! Also, I agree that MM's exit was nice. Not too bad of an epi but not all that great, either. All in all I gave it a 7.

[Spoon AZ]

In fact, the reason why I hate this episode so much is that Clark and Lana are in the exact same place they were in what? season 3?

So which shows have you watched where the main couple separates and then never have feelings or address the situation again?

Lana is the love of Clark's life prior to moving to Metropolis in every telling of Superman lore so are you suggesting that after three seasons in a young superman show that will likely go 6 or 7 seasons that they just call it quits and never speak of it again after those first 3?

Look, I don't like the Smallville incarnation of Lana either but I've accepted that fact that things have to be this way.

This ain't The OC. While the creators of the show have taken certain liberties there are some things that just can't change.

[themanofsteel07]

I loved this episode, whoever wrote the script for this episode is brilliant. I loved how they made it seem as though Clark was in his own fantasy over the last 5 years, it makes you think about everything that happened over the seasons, you know? brilliant.

[BadToad]

I gave it a 7 for an excellent performance by TW, and good solid turns by AM and KK. Also, Phil Morris was excellent as MM, though he was very badly underused. The episode also gets points for the return of Shelby, good direction by Whitney Ransick, and an interesting concept.

But ultimately, this episode was not nearly as good as I had hoped, and the Clana stuff was really a massive drag. Why go out of your way to show just how unhealthy loving Lana is to Clark, and yet still drag it around?

[ginnyfan]

I gave it a 10! I loved it.

[kh1]

I gave it a 10, it had great Clana, and showed he would do anything for her, on Smallville she is the love of his life, and that is the way I like it, this is the 1st ep I have watched since about a year ago.

[sUnKiSsT]

Originally posted by lillie_poo_pod
I gave it a solid 8. It kept me very interested.
I really did like the plot. It was a good one. The acting was great also. I even thought Clark was crazy for a second.

Phil Morris as MM was great. I knew he was gonna do great when they said who would be playin MM. So that was no surprise.

Allison also did good in this episode. She wasn't in it a lot but the parts she was in she did great.

TW is an AWESOME crazy person. I thought he did great in this episode too. The death scene with Chloe was sooooo much better than the Director's Cut. I was pleased.

1 thing that I loved in this episode was MR. He did AWESOME as a depressed Lex. That scene with him and Clark*NOT the one @ the end* made me cry. Seriously, I was bought to tears. MR did fantastic in that scene.

KK was bearable in this episode. And that's all I have to say on that.

I was really hoping to see some Mionel action but O well. AoT did great in the 1 scene she was in so I'm not complaining.

The end and the trailer for Crimson f!@#ed this episode up for me.

Other than that I really enjoyed it.




ahem* well, i gave it an 8 as well, for exactly the same reasons....get out of my head!! :eek:

[kidkarmina]

not my favorite episode but it was still pretty good. glad to see shelby - still alive - yay!!!!

i know lionel really didn't need to be in this episode but i kind of missed him. i also agree that MM was underused and same goes for liking how MM left the barn almost at the end of the episode.

all in all, it wasn't so bad. i didn't even cringe at clana scenes; wasn't so bad at all.

but of course, my favorite part was (still) the fireplace scene with chlark ;) .

[Plbrock1s]

I thought it was great. Very well done. The only problems I had with it were the Clana scenes at the end bored me, but that's not to say they were bad, I just don't care. Also, I wish Clark would at least mention the fact that Martian Manhunter helped him twice.

[InLove_with_Chloe]

IMO, she show was very well done. The actor who played the phantom was excellent. The MM and Chloe were a disappointment. Clana was a disaster, IMO. That's why I had to give it a '1', sorry. I can't take any more Clana...

[emsfan]

I gave 10 i just loved it. This is one of my favorite episode so far!

[Joekur]

I could have used more MM! The guy playing him was great at the part. Otherwise, it was a great idea, and a great execution.

[PKII]

9 till the Clana scene at the end then it went full "10"

[Son of Kal-El20]

This was a very dark episode. To me, it featured the best performance by Tom Welling ever in this series. Everything was done very well in this episode. Mainly you really get drawn in to the character Clark and his emotions. Great episode and great acting. I was happy when MM came in and helped.

All in all, I'd say Justice is better because it has a higher rewatchability factor. But I still give this episode a 9/10.

[All about Clark]

I didn't care so much for the story and gave it a 6, possibly a little harsh. It would make sense for a phantom to want to take over him though. It's redemption was TW's terrific acting, he always surprises me like he did in Splinter.

I also didn't like seeing Clark regress in relation to Lana.

I liked the touch of softness Clark had towards Chloe and Lana and Lex because he came close to loosing his world. And the look of appreciation seeing the Talon operating. Nice touches. Again, great acting by TW.

I guess what I didn't like most, is that it didn't move the story along, other than MM helping Clark.

[jack1487]

I gave it a 10 and even with Justice. I think that Tom did an outstanding job, it sure had me convinced that he was out of his mind. Also sure like the dark circles around his eye's that add a another facture to the whole show. This guy keeps getting better and better.

Jack

[milton fine]

i liked it it was interesting to see if it was all fake, i thought the guy who played jon jonzz was very good, i think clarks preformance was also good too, made me sad when chloe died, i acully felt sorry for lex being in the wheel chair. anyway i give it an 8

[metsrock99]

I just saw Labyrinth on a site called MissingReel.com since I was away but I have to say this episode was a let down compared to last weeks "Justice"

[paolinki25]

I would have given this episode a 9 if they had skipped that damn scene with Clark saying he loves Lana. Jesus, when will Clark move on?

[RPMSDB]

Sorry, I gave it a 6. It did not live up to my expectations.

TW did okay, but he seemed kind of flat. Shelby – good boy. Nice to see you again. MM could have been utilized more. Martha on ‘allergy’ pills, and turns Clark in so that Lionel’s money can cure him! Chloe did okay too. May we PLEASE have her season 5/early season 6 hair style back? Lana, all I can say is creepy. But MR totally rocked, especially in his wheelchair scene!

Wow, where should I start?

Martha was not a very good mother in this. Yes, I know it was an alternate world, but a mother like Martha would NEVER EVER turn on her child like that (adapted or not).

MM was pretty good. Again, he could have been utilized more. Missed the Oreo cookies he’s supposed to leave everywhere.

Lex, that was actually a very moving scene. You could literally see the pain in his face/eyes. Wow!

Dr. Hudson, an interesting enough dude.

I did like most of the Chlark scene where he tells her about most things. And, I actually enjoyed the Lana/Lex scene at the end. It was a nice touch to actually have all o them civil towards each other.

Now, for the things that bothered me the most.

Clark telling Chloe how much she means to him and he doesn’t know what he’d ever do without her. No matter how much she believes in him, supports him, trusts him, helps him, encourages him, works with him, listens to him, and pushes him toward his destiny . . . To quote Chris Farley, “La de freaking da!” It will NEVER EVER be enough to win his heart.

Pulls hair out.

And Lana. I’m not even sure what to say. I do not want to come across as bashing or offending anyone. But wow. I could not believe they had her so manipulative. Again, I know this is supposed to be an alternate universe. But still. When she told Clark his destiny was not to save the world, but be with her forever (however she said it) – that was one of the most selfish things I think I have ever heard out of her mouth.

Not only that, but to have her claim she and Clark shared a kiss at ten years old and she knew she wanted to be with him forever . . . Lana KNOWS Clark’s first kiss came from Chloe. Not her.

Besides, kids at ten years old aren’t interested in kissing. They think it’s gross. They’re more interested in eating boogers or wiping it on their clothes than they are in kissing.

As for the telescope! Oh my gosh. They can bring up the freaking telescope, but other things . . .


Pulls more hair out.

I honestly wonder if TPTB have ever experienced true love? True, unconditional love is completely accepting someone for who they are, along with all of their flaws (even if they’re crazy). Unconditional love is trying to make someone something they’re not.

They had better prove Lana is worthy of Clark’s love soon cause all they’re doing now is pissing a lot of people off.

Pulls out more hair.

To top all of this off, once AGAIN Clark doesn’t accept his destiny. How many times have people/beings told him that the world needs him and to embrace his destiny? Jorel, Jonathan, Martha, Chloe, Raya, Bart, AC, Ollie (not sure about Victor), and possibly Lionel (sorry, can’t remember if he has or not).

And now MM tells him. But what does he do? He completely ignores it and is ready to give it up.

I ask you. How is that moving him toward his destiny?

Pulls out more hair.

And now, the previews for next week looks like we get a horny Clark who dumps Lois to kidnap Lana after laying into everyone at the engagement party, not to mention completely humiliating Chloe. Yeah, Chloe means that much to him.

Pulls out what strands of hair I have left.

Again I ask you – HOW IS THAT MOVING CLARK FORWARD?

Tries to pull out more hair.

Crap! Now I’m just as bald as Lex Luthor.

[Imzadia]

Originally posted by superhippie2000
this is a really good episode. there is so much going on where it seems like the episode is really long but it isnt.


:confused: You think that this episode lasted too long? Well, I videotaped it as my DVR was recording it. I edited out all of the commercials and when it ended, including next week's preview, its total running time was 40:11, that's 40 minutes and 11 seconds. So, this episode was actually shorter than usual. :rolleyes:

[Spindrift]

Didn't like it. It was KA-RA-ZY!

[vyperman7]

I used to be one of the biggest fans of the show out there. Been watching on TV since day one. For the first three seasons, Smallville was my favorite show on television. Then starting with S4 it just started going down, and it has gotten steadily worse ever since. It went from a show focusing on Clark and Lex going towards their destinies to a soap opera. I really haven't cared for S6 at all. Our of 12 episodes so far, I have probably only enjoyed 5 of them - Zod, Arrow, Hydro, Justice, and Labrynth.

With that being said, Labrynth was awesome. I really enjoyed this episode. It kind of reminded me of the BTVS episode Normal Again, where the character's sanity is called into question. While it is true that this wasn't the most action packed episode of the show, I thought that the pacing and character development were outstanding. I really enjoyed Martian Manhunter in this episode and I really liked all of the connections to the past with mentions of Whitney, etc.. Great writing in this episode.

We all knew that everything would turn out to be fine by the end of the episode, but they did a good job at keeping me on the edge of my seat and actually make me start to question things. I absolutely loved the scene in Clark's room in the mental hospital, when all of the things around him were used to point towards people and events in his life. Had a real Usual Suspects type feel to it. It was especially great how level 33,1 was based off the maximum capacity number of the room.

Very good acting from TW in this episode, and I also really liked MR in this episode. The reference to the bridge accident, and him having no legs in the alternate reality made for a powerful and dramatic scene.

It is funny because in the scene where Clark has to kill the doctor to awaken his mind, the Phantom's eyes going black reminded me of Supernatural :D

I hope that Smallville keeps it up because the last three episodes of the show have been outstanding.

Overall I did enjoy Justice, but in my opinion, Labrynth was better.

[kuku-pipi]

I liked it, it was interesting but sad ... in this life or another Clark's always lonely ....

[superman2001]

i thought The Episode was great, i really did Enjoy watching it, i really liked seeing Martian Manhunter, helping Clark out, telling him it was not real, and i also like seeing Martian Manhunter Flying, one of my Favorite Scenes in The Episode, is when Clark Escaped from The Hospital, buy punching that guy in the room out, i can,t wait to see Next Weeks Episode, it is going to be great, this is the best Season yet, i hope Martain Manhunter comes back on The Show again.

[Kryptonian-Ronin]

yes, it would seem that the only person that suffers from "flying budget constraints" is our buddy Clark, the money seems to be there for everyone else to get frequent flyer mileage.

[DeesRyche]

Originally posted by paolinki25
I would have given this episode a 9 if they had skipped that damn scene with Clark saying he loves Lana. Jesus, when will Clark move on?

Yup. Him and the whole Clana bit at the end really brought the worthiness of the show down for me! Move on already! I can't believe he cont. to hang on to her!!! AGH!

That being said that was a pretty good perfomance from TW as crazy...he was very convincing.

[MidgardDragon]

Originally posted by Kryptonian-Ronin
yes, it would seem that the only person that suffers from "flying budget constraints" is our buddy Clark, the money seems to be there for everyone else to get frequent flyer mileage.

To be fair the MM flying effect was just basically the speed-blur only in the air. It wasn't that cool looking. If that was what they did for Clark flying, I'd be pretty upset.

[superpal1]

I gave the episode an 8. The end was a little to cheesy for my taste and I'm not prone to disliking the Clana bits. This one however should have been on the Hallmark Channel.
Other then that, I thought the acting was great esp the scene between Clark and Lex. The MM was used correctly and left me to see more.

[margroks]

Tom was fantastic as Clark trapped in a mind altering state. That he saw Chloe as the one person he knows he can count on was great. And no Lois is always a plus and makes the ep flow better every time.

But now, after Clark sees Lana is no good, even in his altered state, it made no sense to go back to Lanaville. Why do they want to show the hero as an idiot? Why would he want her after she is sleeping with his enemy, pregnant with Lex's child, is so nasty she comes slingking back asking him to get together again while she is entertaining a marriage proposal from Lex? This is the girl who says things like, "I can't believe I ever loved you!" and never passes up a chance to hurt the guy.

What kind of idiot is Clark? It makes the ehro a pathetic simpering loser who takes a beating froma nasty girl like an abused spouse and crawls back. It's Clark still yammering on that the wants to be normal after all the time they've taken to make him finally accept who and what he is. The time for this crap is past and overall with the return of Nasy Lanavile, the ep sucked at the end.

[InLove_with_Chloe]

Originally posted by margroks
Why do they want to show the hero as an idiot?
Someone, please answer this question for me!!!
<sigh.>
:(

[BULLITT]

Just when you thought it was safe to turn on a Smallville episode, *BOOM* they turn him into a whinny buffone all over again.

Hey C.W wake the hell up, there's a reason why the O.C is getting canned!

[Farview]

I thought this was probably the best episode of the season. I was a little disappointed by "Justice" (too cheesy). While I would have to agree that it is time for Clark to move on from Lana, I think the alternate view of Clark's reality was pretty compelling. It was great to have the Martian Manhunter play a bigger role and casting Philp Morris in that role was a master stroke.

[Mischael12]

I think Tom did a pretty good job acting the role of a sort of crazy and not so crazy person.

And his complete and utter defeat after Chloe died, was amazing.

[Kryptonian-Ronin]

Originally posted by MidgardDragon
To be fair the MM flying effect was just basically the speed-blur only in the air. It wasn't that cool looking. If that was what they did for Clark flying, I'd be pretty upset.

For his "mayden" flight, yes, for his everyday flights, no.


Originally posted by InLove_with_Chloe
Someone, please answer this question for me!!!
<sigh.>
:(

Its part of the master plan, how could anyone suspect Clark of being Superman in the future when he is the way he is now ?

[LowellCounty]

In general, people who like the extreme end of the spectrum shows have different thinking patterns. Justice and Labyrinth are two very different episodes and back to back no less. The viewers who liked Justice tend to be those based in comic book history and tend to be logical and left brained, while the labyrinth viewers tend to be more right brained, creative. Neither one is right, just a preference.

[shadow4486]

I enjoyed this episode enough to give it an 8/10. I thought the story was good and Tom's acting was excellent. It was as good to me as his acting in "Splinter" last season. I just wish they would give him more that show his acting ability (i.e. Transference from season 4 and the aforementioned splinter). It is hard to do that in the scope of his character without switching bodies or hooking him on Red K (ooo, foreshadowing).

I really like Phil Morris as the MM. Great casting. Wish I could have more, but I expect more will come later.

Good to see Shelby. I read somewhere that the grumbling sound you heard through out the episode was Shelby Barking. I was wondering what that was. I'm glad to know Shelby was there all along. Good Boy!!!

Clark's scene with Chloe at the end was great! I don't like the "I'm still in love with Lana" aspect but the dialogue between Clark and Chloe was touching. I hope they don't kill her off.

Who was not expecting the "lookback" from Lana at the end? What a bunch of crap? I understand love and how you never forget your first but, we need less love and angst and more kicking of the butt by Clark. Why couldn't Lana have been killed or lost her legs or something?

Michael was awesome in the "legless" scene as well. Loved the anger and rage. I just love to see him act.

Was it just me or did Martha seem a bit whiney in this one?

All in all good episode. I don't know what the next one will accomplish but I hope it advances the story line.

[TheOriginalKal-el]

I was thoroughly enjoying this episode...until the last 5 minutes...AGAIN. Normally it would be because of the obligatory Lexana crap being shoved down my throat say what you will about Clana, nothing has been more force fed since the middle of last season then that garbage.

Anyway, no, the reason why is because it showed just how tragic this show has become. How many memories from earlier years of the three of them in the Talon are there? What irritates me is that all that seems forgotten about. I mean the irony of it all was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Lex's line "I appreciate the chivilary" is symbolic of just how backward this show has become.

I think the entire cast did one heck of a job and it was really refreshing to see an episode about Clark and not the overhyped piece of crap like last week. The homage to the earlier seasons was long overdue save the depression of the last few minutes.

[whiteflag]

I gave it a 10. I really liked the episode and Tom did an AWESOME job! I loved that Clark was in every scene, finally! I liked it much more than "Justice". Great episode!

[LovelyLoisLane]

I hated this episode. It added nothing to the actual Smallville timeline except to show that A) Clark still loves Lana B) Martian Manhunter can enter Clark's mind B) Chloe and Clark are best friends even in a nighmare realms and C) Shelby isn't dead.

Viewers that don't regularly watch Smallville didn't even know what the hell was going on since ninety five percent of the episode was a hallucination brought on by some kind of fiend from the Phantom Zone.

The plot wasn't clear. The phantom (Don't you think Chloe should have called them phantoms instead of 'zoners'? Blech!) There was virtually no explanation of the phantom except the fractured words of Martian Manhunter who didn't explain his presence to Clark at all after Clark made it back to reality. It's clear to me that phantoms are going to replace freak of the weeks for plot contrivances this year.

If the phantom was intelligent enough to weave such a nightmarish reality and obviously wanted Clark to accept that reality than why was Lana the only 'good' thing it offered up to Clark as bait? It places him in an insane asylum to which Chloe is also a member, he's powerless and his fellow inmates think he's a loser and his mother is detached from him and married to Lionel Luthor. On top of that the 'painless'l treatment it offered Clark was a very NON painless drill . . .yeah, because that is going to make Clark rest easy. *rolls eyes* That made no sense to me at all. Then again they introduced the "We are one another's true love because we had crushes on eachother when we were weaing Osh Bi'Kosh jumpers and eating PBJ sandwiches with the crusts cut off." No matter how cute and sweet the writers think that is (and it is cute and sweet) it is not justification for having deep feelings, such as being in love, when you are an adult.

Even though he had a very vague and brief appearance in "Static" this was basically Martian Manhunter's introduction episode and that fell flatter than Pamlea Anderson missing her implants. "I'm from Mars, I know about you, I can enter this delusion and save you, and I might be afraid of fire." Then he just takes off when Chloe comes in without even a "We'll talk later." What the hell?

There were only two scenes in this episode I liked. The scene with Shelby at the beginning (welcome back puppy!) and the scene near the end with Chloe and Clark. That was very sweet. Other than that it was a big waste of forty minutes with commercials. Delusion!Lana felt like a Stepford Wife, Delusion!Martha came off as a weakling who was afraid of her own son. Delusion!Lex I actually kinda liked. (Still laughing at Craig's "Lt. Dan!") Delusion!Chloe was pretty similar to the Reality!Chloe so no change there, minus the whole Cindy "I"M NOT CRAZY!!! Aggggghhhh!" bit. :p

This felt like a very blah episode and it added nothing to the show as a whole. Can we say 'filler"? I don't see how the media said "Forget Justice and Crimson, Labyrinth is going to be a big episode." Big how? as in big disappointement? Thursday was my birthday too and I'm so glad I watched my special edition of Aliens with my birthday dinner (whipped loaded mashed potatoes, home made turkey gravy and wonderufl sirloin steak marinated with worchester sauce . . yummy!) instead of watching this drivel. I watched it this morning instead and won't ever watch it again. Supernatural wasn't half bad at all though. No surprise there ;) "Labryinth" Was a weak episode, poorly written, poorly put together, with poor characterizations and an unclear plot explanation that looks like nothing more than an attempt to explain just how much Clark loves Lana. "Oh looky, I bought you a twenty-five cent bubble gum machine ring! Isn't that sweet?" As a ten year old yes, as an adult that is suppose to have matured this season? Not so much.

This episode also felt way too long to me but I'm guessing that's because I hated it. On a show that had nothing to do with Clark Kent, future Superman, and on a show where the plot was explained better this kind of an episode just maybe would have worked, but I'm not even sure about that. Episodes are kind of like songs. The ones you love are over too soon, the ones you hate go on for hours. :( I rated it a two and I wish there was an option on this poll to rate it a minus zero.

I think I'll just pretend that next week's Smallville is my birthday present from CW.

[JLA]

Loved it! I especially enjoyed all of the references in the doctor's office such as "Phantom Zone" magazine and the employee of the month named Oliver Queen.

[loistickyfingerz]

I had pretty low expectations, so in the end it wasn't that bad. I did wonder why the MM was in there, and then at the end he was standing over Clark as if he had control on getting in and out of Clark's delusional world.

I hope this whole love-revelation thing with Clark is truly the beginning of the end. I hope he'll reconcile with Lana, tell her the truth so they can both figure out they just aren't meant to be together. They won't work in the long run as a couple, and I always felt that was an underlying theme of this show. Please, PTB, let's let this relationship truly run its course so Clark can finally move on.

[Crazy4Smallville]

I don't think this episode is going to go down as one of the best episodes, but Tom Welling's performance should be noted as some of the best I've seen. He was great. He did an excellent job going through the yo-yo of emotions. I think he may have had to exude every one of them. Remind me that if I ever meet, to be suspicious. I won't know if he's sincere or just acting. LOL!

It was great to meet the Martian Manhuter, however I don't think I quite understood the purpose of this 'phantom' and his objective. I understand that the phantom had to get Clark to believe that he was crazy, accept that fact - in order for him to be able to take control of his super body. But, the method in which he chose left more questions than answers.

Though I loved Tom's acting ability in this episode, the storyline had far too many loop and potholes, or should I say, 'plotholes'.

First being - why was Clark so keen to accept that he was crazy so easily? If his reality supposedly became splintered when he went into high school after having grown up in a normal life (his parents, like Lana's, being killed in the meteor shower, meeting and falling in love with Lana since they were small kids, etc. ), how does that explain the super abilities he's had all his life. Clark may not have learned of his Kryptonian heritage until he was a freshman in high school, but he was always strong and always fast, and he always knew he was different. He just thought he was a meteor freak. So, for Clark to accept the Doc's assessment that he went crazy at 15 instead of 5, should have told Clark the truth. But, intelligence has never been one of Clark's super powers.

What were the source of the phantom's parallel reality? Was it Clark's hopes and fears? Does Clark truly wish that Lana has always loved him and will stand by him no matter what? Does he really believe his mom would marry Lionel Luthor? Does he really desire that he would have hurt Lex instead of help him on that bridge? Does he really fear that Chloe is crazy? Does he really believe that his destiny is to save the world?

This may not have been my favorite episode, but it's one that really has me thinking. It sort of reminds me of the whole Ezra Small prophecies. It's a bone thrown out there for a us to chew on for a while.

I'm still confused about the meeting with Lana and Lex at the Talon. What happened? Did Clark resolve in his heart that he loves Lana, but that he's moved on or that he's not giving up? I understand that he was glad to see that he wasn't responsible for another of Lex's handicaps, but what's with the smiles? I bet that Lex and Lana will scratch their heads on that one for a long time to come. It's easier to stand up to your enemies when they're barking at you. But, it's hard to strike when they're wagging their tails.

I loved the Chlark moment. It was one of the truest and greatest super feat that I've seen Clark achieve so far. He truly loves Chloe as she is. He trusts her and cares about her.

Well, this has been my weekly assessment of Smallville. Perhaps it's not as confusing as I found the episode. But, if it is - it's clearly a portrayal of the confusion I discovered.

Till next time,
~Crazy4Smallville

[Moonshayde]

Awesome episode. That is all I can say. The actors in this episode were right on. It was amazing. The direction was great. The music was great. And Shelby's back!

So, the theme/storyline is not a new one. This has been done on every single scifi show I have ever seen. So while it's cliche, it doesn't ever get old because we get to explore so many ranges of emotions with the characters.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the episode. Martian Manhunter was amazing. I loved him and I want more. What a perfect way to have him approach Clark. He says he's from Mars. He's in an asylum with Clark. Clark can't be sure of anything. But the payoff with his acting and the way his character was written was brilliant.

Chloe was great. Crazy Chloe. It's interesting how the Phantom used Chloe against Clark. From a storytelling pov, she was there to confuse the audience more. Chloe believes in Clark? Great! Clark was right! Something was done to him and Chloe knows! But then it slowed revealed that she's nuts as well and that along with her death is the catalysts that brings Clark closer to the fantasy world. I thought that was a great way to push him closer to giving in.

Kudos to the continuity department for bringing up stuff that happened throughout the series, especially the pilot. That was a nice touch and helped to twist Clark's reality.

Lois wasn't in the episode. I love Lois, but she wouldn't have fit here anyway. So no problem with that for me. I missed Lionel, but he was mentioned. Glad for that as well.

I loved the scenes between Clark and Lex. Wow, MR just really let go. I loved their scenes, especially the one where Lex has tears in his eyes and he's yelling at Clark full of hate. Awesome.

Clark and his mom. This scene really hit me. Clark has always at least been able to rely on his parents. Jonathan and Martha were always there for him and he'd protect them no matter what. To suddenly have his mother not believe in him at all crippled him and you could see it in TW's acting. It was great.

All of these things helped build towards Clark falling apart. I do love how long he stayed defiant and strong. That really speaks to his character. A Clark from S1 and S2 wouldn't have lasted. He would have caved. This is a Clark that is getting closer to who he's meant to be.

However, I'm not pleased with the resurgence of Clana because that ship has been dragged out way way too long. I feel that it is holding the characters back, especially Clark. However, it didn't bother me in the context of this episode. It was an AU and Clark did love her. He still has feelings for her. Often, it takes a long time for someone to get over their love, especially their first loves. The dream presented Clark with an alternative where he could have what he's wanted--Lana. But even in that scene where he gives up and decides to go through, there is suspicion and doubt in his eyes. If you watch those scenes carefully, I see a Clark who is grasping at straws, just hoping that there is this chance even if it's not real. I see Clark in those scenes knowing the truth, but unwilling to accept it. And when he finds he just can't fight past that imaginary world that he thinks he wants, then he helps shatter this alternate world and take action.

The end scenes with Clark and Lana just reinforce how deeply the dreamworld affected him. Clark is still living with this hope that maybe he can have what he wants. But Lana stated it perfectly in his dreamworld. He has two destinies: one where he can stay with her and one where he saves humanity. He cannot have both. And in the end, we all know what his choice will be.

[gabegabegabe]

Great episode. Ones dealing with the mind and insanity are always nail-biters.

Clark's acting was awesome.. and the way everything was washed out was a great effect.

Oh, and was I the only person who thought it was funny to see Clark actually running? lol.

[angelofmusic930]

Didn't like the episode at all. My friend and I were completely lost as soon as oh..when the credits were over. We ended up laughing so much during it because we found it just so confusing that we were making comments up the whole time about it lol. The only part that made it seem worth while wasting that hour was seeing Tom lol.

[Blue screen of death]

This episode was good. I liked it a lot. I thought you got to see a lot of clarks thought processes, while journeying through the alt reality. I liked how he went from total and complete denial to almost sure acceptance of the alt universe. It seemed that each person he went to go see was/ or represented something that feared/wanted. I.e. he fears Martha will marry lionel, lex is truley out to get him. etc ( i think he may believe somewhere deep in his mind that he salvage their friendship too)

He wanted to see chloe and have her/someone believe him and she did. He even wanted a relationship with lana again and well it ultimately failed.

The problem clark still has, although he is getting better to a degree, is he lets fear and uncertainy rule his life. He also sticks to the same habbits and has a difficult time initiating change until it is literally thrown in is face and he is forced to re-act instead of acting. Another problem clark has is lana.He has let his love for her blind him into not seeing what the rest of the world sees about her. Manipulative, B*tchy, greedy, and power hungry. This blindness has also cost him a potentially "healthy" relationship with chloe. She is and embodies everything that clark wants in a girl. He can talk to her, doesn't really have to keep much in the way of secrets from her. She is just as willing to drop everything to help him as he does to help her. She is loyal,kind, and honest.

Though i believe the "clana ship" has sailed and is starting to go the way of the titanic. I think Lana is like cigarettes to clark. He's had few, thought he was cool, had exactly what he needed. Then realized that they are no good for him. Though now he's addicted and screwed. So he goes cold turkey, withdrawls kick in goes back to her again and again for a "fix" even months later after "kicking the habbit" the withdrawls come creeping in out of nowhere again. The battle of willpower to try and not get another fix can be rough. Clark needs "lana-derm CQ" or something.

[HnK]

I thought this was going to be a filler, but god damn, it was actually one of the better episodes I've ever seen... The clana crap in the end was kinda dorky, but the acting performaces especially TW's was awesome. Keep it up writers!

[ClLaLeChFAN01]

I thought this episode was AWESOME!
Some people might say that it didnt progess that story along but it did. Clark knows who he is and that was the main point of the story. He had to find out who he was and realize it before he gave it all up for Lana.

Lana was great in this episode, I thought she should be in belle reeve. She was a little creepy waiting for Clark and buying the Clark farm like that!

I loved how they made Chole go crazy too and be Clarks only friend that believes in his powers.

And Lex, his performance of being pissed off at Clark...priceless!

It was slow moving and creepy and I think that this episode needed to be slow moving and creepy. I felt uncomfortable the entired epsiode....and again I think that is how they waited us to feel, cause this is a "different world" we are in Clark's mind.

I loved the Chole and CLark interaction.....im so tired of Clana...I hope this time he tells her or something different I cant take any more CLANA DRAMA!!!!

[WathorigHH]

I gave it a 10. The plot was great and especially Tom's performance was outstanding. I also loved the sound. It kept the tension.

The episode had only a little flaw; the "I still love Lana"

[Balauru]

n1 episode

nice story a bit of mm

and clark beatin the crap out of the guards the whole episode was just great!

[STFanatic]

I gave it a "7".

It seems the writers are backstepping.
Just when you think some "issues are closed, the screen door gets ripped.
MM earned two of the seven points.

[Ania]

Much better than I though! Looks like the writers have some good grasp on the story. I gave it 10.

[whitegold]

Wow! I thought this was one of the best episodes ever.

1) Superb acting from everyone. Clark did a great job of looking conflicted; Lex was awesome. Lana was very believable as the childhood sweetheart and carried it well. The Doctor was very very good - sounded convincing and compasssionate.

2) The story line kept me very interested.

3) The 'objects in the room' (Jorel soap, phantasy zone magazine etc) was a very nice touch

4) Chloe's 'death' and real life scene was very touching.

5) The memories being slightly distorted but in an interesting way was very good. The defining incident between Lex and Clark has always been the car crash - it was fitting this was the case in the distorted 'dream'. Chloe the faithful sidekick. Lana, as Clark always imagined her (he had viewed her from afar as a young kid). Lionel and Martha etc.

All in all a very well written episode with good dialogue. I've not seen this for a couple of seasons.

[Lightning Flash]

I had high expectations, but they ended up deteriorating. I gave it a 4.

Clana will not just go away, it just keeps on coming back. Clark is back in love with Lana again? Come on, he should have been moved on. It's really pathetic.

This epi was supposedly a Clark-centric episode, but more like Lana centric. The ending scene was very depressing... it seems like Clex is friendly whenever Lana is around. I did not like the Clana conversation... prob one of the worst endings this season.

Overall, my message: Clana must be sent into oblivion. And don't bring it back.

[Moose360]

I gave it a six. I had low expectations, and the episode exceeded them, but only a little. The story was not very original. However, the acting was excellent, and I loved seeing MM. I'd like to see a lot more of him (as well as the Justice Leaguers). Bitter Lex was cool, too. Next week's ep looks quite good.

[teddybairs]

I hate to say it, but I'd have to say this episode was just "okay". The best part of the episode was the acting from Michael Rosenbaum, Tom Welling, and Allie Mack as they had to tackle expressing difficult emotions and states of mind. It raised my estimation of their acting abilities immensely.

I liked the Martian Manhunter, I just wish they would have had him actually explain a little more about himself to Clark. Hopefully they'll do that in a later episode.

I really didn't like the fall-back to Clana. I had hoped they buried that poor dead horse which they already beat six feet into the ground. But, nope.

the trailer to Crimson kind of surprised me whe Lois says that she's in love with Clark. In many ways that is kind of a divergence from the mythos, because Lois was always head over heels for Superman, while being various degrees of just a friend to Clark. But, at least it's moving in the proper direction.

All total I'd give it a 7 out of ten, or a "C" grade. Not great, but not horrible either.

[vyperman7]

I am actually really suprised at how many people disliked this episode. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so it's cool. I am just really shocked at how many people are ranging this from bad to OK. It had great continuity and insight into Clark's character, which is refreshing for a change. At times it feels like Clark is a supporting character, in a show that is mainly supposed to be focusing on him and his journey.

[C Redfield]

I gave it an 8. It was like getting Drunk you're greatly entertained at the beginning and middle but left with a rotten hangover at the end. When will they let Clana go I swear thier writing sessions are like that skit from Family Guy.

Gough: For the 2nd half of this season Clark is going to want... Lana

Bunch of Writers: Cool

Other Writer: What is worng with you people its been the same thing for 6 years. Why Don't we try
(Other writer is beaten to death by Al Gough with a picture of Clark and Lana from Hidden)

I mean let Lana marry Lex I don't ever root for weddings on TV but at least it will kill Clana. It was nice but its DONE.

Also please tell mke there is going to be another MM episode. I mean is he an escapee from the phantom zone or did he come when the world started falling apart in Zod. Love the character Love the actor but two episodes in and we don't know a thing about him besides the fact that he likes Oreo's.

[logan00xmn]

The episode slightly reminded me of the film 12 Monkeys. If it werent Smallville it would have been great to see if they would have left it open to interpetation. Kinda like Total Rcall where we are left to wonder which is reality. But considering it is Smallville that goes out the window. As far as the episode goes it was one of the better written and acted episodes but loses points from me because of the ending. One MM better have another shot on the show. I don't think his characterwas util8ized to it's fullest potential. Secondly I have defended Clark on here saying he is working towards becoming Superman and moving forward. In Justice at the end it seemed Clark was ready rto move forward and put Lana behind him and this week He realizes he loves her. Of course he does but that doesn't, mean they are going to be together or even should. Having Clark act as he did at the end of this episode made him look imature and foolish. It was this setback that disapointed me the most when it seemed Clark was making progress to becoming closer to Superman.

[Cyn]

Meh, I give this one a 4. My other fav TV shows have done it better. I enjoyed MM and TW did a wonderful acting job, but the script was blah. No steps forward and thirty steps back...Yawn. Chloe did an excellent Yaris commercial though...snickers. Can we say product placement? I'm not sure she would have been in this episode if it hadn't been for the Yaris commercial.<G>

[logan00xmn]

Ya know meh does pretty much sum it up.

[love_sv]

This was such a weird episode. I think TW acted really well though. And MR - the anger of Lex - brilliante! To be honest, they all acted well because they managed to evoke such strong emotions i.e. Lana: she seemed so creepy and so weird with that weird sing-song voice. The line where she says "Your destiny isn't to save the world, it's to be with me" was so wrong. I just thought that sounded so selfish.

I think Chloe's death was pointless so I'm not happy that happened in the dream-world. But at least it wasn't in the real world.

The penultimate scene with Chloe and Clark looked so much like that fireside scene in "Solitude"! I thought, at last maybe Clark will come to his senses but then he goes and says he still loves Lana! What is even more confusing is when he says straight after, "You mean more to me than you know" to Chloe. I really don't understand him. It's so confusing.

In the final scene I couldn't believe that Clana was coming back. It's nearly too much to bear. That made the episode ten million times worse than it already was. So, sorry, not my favourite episode.

[DayOfTheDead]

I thought it was very unimpressive. Maybe it's because I expected more from it, but I've seen it done much better on other shows and even on this one. So job NOT well done, from me.

The acting was pretty good all around. I think that predictably MR did a very good job, but not so predictably KK did a good job with a Stepford yet creepy Lana.

But the show just didn't create enough tension about what was reality and what wasn't. I thought it a major problem and it started off the bat with showing Clark with Shelby in the barn then directly going from that to car-razy Clark. We knew too much and too soon that it was fake. What would have been more intersting to me, and upped the tension, would have been just for Clark to slowly awaken to his room in the mental hospital and go from there. And there wasn't enough set up where Clark did question himself. It was too sudden for him at the end, to suddenly go "maybe I am crazy, maybe this is reality."

Not to mention I thought there wasn't enough exploring of whether Clark might be actually tempted by not having all those powers and responsiblities. Lana saying it aside. Clark has been wanting to be "normal" and with Lana for years now, why not show a last temptation of Clark, but with a stronger resolve shown by Clark in embracing not just that it wasn't reality and he wasn't crazy, but that he choose his life, his responsibilities and real life, depite the sacrifices.

Basically I thought this episode obvious and dull.

[kryptonianPOKEMON]

the ep. was nice but i was a bit confused..However i liked it..clana thing was total lame...on the other hand the martian manhunter char was damn good...cann w8 to see more action with this guy!!
I gave it a 9.

[Lightning Flash]

Originally posted by C Redfield
I gave it an 8. It was like getting Drunk you're greatly entertained at the beginning and middle but left with a rotten hangover at the end. When will they let Clana go I swear thier writing sessions are like that skit from Family Guy.

Gough: For the 2nd half of this season Clark is going to want... Lana

Bunch of Writers: Cool

Other Writer: What is worng with you people its been the same thing for 6 years. Why Don't we try
(Other writer is beaten to death by Al Gough with a picture of Clark and Lana from Hidden)

I mean let Lana marry Lex I don't ever root for weddings on TV but at least it will kill Clana. It was nice but its DONE.

Woah! Did this really happen on Family Guy?

[otter]

Originally posted by love_sv
This was such a weird episode. I think TW acted really well though. And MR - the anger of Lex - brilliante! To be honest, they all acted well because they managed to evoke such strong emotions i.e. Lana: she seemed so creepy and so weird with that weird sing-song voice. The line where she says "Your destiny isn't to save the world, it's to be with me" was so wrong. I just thought that sounded so selfish.

I think Chloe's death was pointless so I'm not happy that happened in the dream-world. But at least it wasn't in the real world.

The penultimate scene with Chloe and Clark looked so much like that fireside scene in "Solitude"! I thought, at last maybe Clark will come to his senses but then he goes and says he still loves Lana! What is even more confusing is when he says straight after, "You mean more to me than you know" to Chloe. I really don't understand him. It's so confusing.

In the final scene I couldn't believe that Clana was coming back. It's nearly too much to bear. That made the episode ten million times worse than it already was. So, sorry, not my favourite episode.
I agree with you on a lot points you made, esp TW's acting. I thought he was electric and on-target throughout the whole epi. I loved the expressions he made, partic. in the Talon apartment, when he looks at Chloe like he can't make up his mind. In fact, his expression there reminded me of one Chloe makes all the time, "huh?" AND that TW/Clark was in EVERY SCENE, well, what a blessing they gave us!!

Yah, Lana was creepy, but maybe the phantom was reading Clark's subconscious here. Maybe Clark really thinks she is that weak?

MR was fabulous, I didn't know he had it in him to be that angry, enough for spit to fly from his mouth. I'm glad Lionel was absent, I needed a break from him.

The fact that Chloe was the only one to believe in Kal-el was perfect, although I was surprised that his mom didn't. I understand that Chloe needed to be eliminated, the phantom would never have "turned" Clark to give up if she had been allowed to stay.

Yah, I agree, the whole CLana thing needs to end. I almost choked when he said he still loves her. OMG, I hate being on the end of this yo-yo TPTB are dangling. Set him free, already!

I am confused, too, about the talk with Chloe. He loves her, but he loves Lana. Dude, didn't the whole clingy pitiful Lana in your "dream" turn you off completely? Look at the way he hugs Chloe after she finds him in the barn, total abandon and relief he's with the right girl!!

I disagree though, I LOVED this episode (except for the CLana turnaround at the end). The only complaint I have is that hum/ buzz in the background, made it really hard to watch with a sinus headache! But it was totally tense throughout, I literally held my breath the entire time! I was glad commercials were in there, so I didn't pass out!

[chlarkfan333]

This episode turned out to be everything I wanted EXCEPT for two things. One of course, was that declaration of love for Lana at the end and the other was the complete lack of acknowledgement of the advantages of his powers by Clark. I can overlook the Lana-love statement if he had also said something to the effect that he thinks his powers are an asset etc. Another wonderful opportunity for progress wasted.:rolleyes:

[andyolinyk]

i've missed about 2 and a half seasons and a bunch of episodes of this series.
i started watching it when it first started
then i moved didnt have the channels.
then i watched 2 dozen or so episodes on winamp then i found out about Kryptonsite back in the start of season 4 then the last 3 episodes of season five i started getting from the internet then season 6 ive been hooked back on the show ever since.
(You're Point Being Andy? ) ...... to let u know if i sound off base now u might know why.....

i liked this episode because i think it was sort of like the start of his training (mental readiness & maturity) it was sort of like a Feng Shui (over-coming the "labyrinth" ) realignment. i think this episode should've been called :Mental Warfare: thats 2 episodes now where MM saved the day and im wondering if everytime that MM was hauled off was that the BDA blocking him out or was that The PZ'er ? and does MM have a crystal too ? overall i give this episode a 10 i got highly absorbed in it

[Ladyhawk]

Umm... Is it me or did this episode look and feel a lot like Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 6 episode "Normal Again"?
Heh, that is the exact thing I said not 10 minutes into the episode :) Would have been funny if Clark tried to kill Martha, Lana, Lois, Shelby...and Chloe scremed "get out get out get out"! LOL sorry.

On topic, I thought it was good and Clark's acting in this ep was great. The death scene was a bit overdone and left me...meh. The reverse back to clana kinda ruined it for me - but I can see how they might use that to at least build their friendship back up. I liked the moment at the end at the Talon, and Clark was civil to Lex, and Lex was (kinda? almost?) civil to Clark.

[CallMeClark]

"Normal Again" was much different, IMO. And I think Smallville actually did it better than Buffy. (It was way out of character for her)

In the episode of Buffy she never leaves the nuthouse. None of her friends are in the AU... so it is pretty different. Also, she acts out in the present as she is imagining the AU. A little different.

[Ladyhawk]

"Normal Again" was much different, IMO. And I think Smallville actually did it better than Buffy. (It was way out of character for her)
I am not saying they were exactly the same, but the similarities were there from the beginning (to me) which made me immediately compare it to "normal again". Mostly being that Clark was in an alternate reality as a mental patient where he was being told his other reality where he had superpowers and his destiny to save the world, was a delusion. I think both TW and SMG did well in these parts.

[C Redfield]

Originally posted by Lightning Flash
Woah! Did this really happen on Family Guy?

No the spoof on family guy was on either NBC or CBS but it was the same thing when someone objected they were beaten to death with a piucture I think it was Suddenly Susan or something like that.

[CallMeClark]

Originally posted by Ladyhawk
I am not saying they were exactly the same, but the similarities were there from the beginning (to me) which made me immediately compare it to "normal again". Mostly being that Clark was in an alternate reality as a mental patient where he was being told his other reality where he had superpowers and his destiny to save the world, was a delusion. I think both TW and SMG did well in these parts.
I see, but as a HUGE Buffy fan the differences just stick out for me.

[jor-eldeux]

Ok guys - I think it was a .... 5. They owe Star Trek greatly for three story lines meshed into one. Two of the episodes with Riker - one where he's going crazy - another where he has a kid and has lost 8 years - and when Picard lives the life of the civilization that died from global warming. I thought we were going to have a Dallas finale - where Lana or Lois or Chloe wake up and Clark is in the shower.

The Clana thing - "I thought it was over" - I love you Chloe (that should be Chleavage) and I still wanna mary Lana." Hormones are definitely more powerful than Kryptonite. This story line is all about Clark and Lana. Face it - if you didn't have the Superman story line in the background (or foreground in this case) would you really watch this? Don't get me wrong - I love the actors - I think with what they have to work with they do a great job. But truly truly - the story lines without Supes in the future - it's a lost cause.

Too old school here I guess - I wish TW would step up and say - "give the guy some brains/character or I'm done." I don't give a rip about all the other development. The writers/producers don't care about moving him on to his destiny. Their lack of integrity to the idea/spirit that made the other Supes great show through. This is all about the bucks. Art has nothing to do with it.

Going out to buy "The Adventures of Superman" tomorrow.

[dakotablacky]

Originally posted by LovelyLoisLane
I hated this episode. It added nothing to the actual Smallville timeline except to show that A) Clark still loves Lana B) Martian Manhunter can enter Clark's mind B) Chloe and Clark are best friends even in a nighmare realms and C) Shelby isn't dead.

Viewers that don't regularly watch Smallville didn't even know what the hell was going on since ninety five percent of the episode was a hallucination brought on by some kind of fiend from the Phantom Zone.

The plot wasn't clear. The phantom (Don't you think Chloe should have called them phantoms instead of 'zoners'? Blech!) There was virtually no explanation of the phantom except the fractured words of Martian Manhunter who didn't explain his presence to Clark at all after Clark made it back to reality. It's clear to me that phantoms are going to replace freak of the weeks for plot contrivances this year.

If the phantom was intelligent enough to weave such a nightmarish reality and obviously wanted Clark to accept that reality than why was Lana the only 'good' thing it offered up to Clark as bait? It places him in an insane asylum to which Chloe is also a member, he's powerless and his fellow inmates think he's a loser and his mother is detached from him and married to Lionel Luthor. On top of that the 'painless'l treatment it offered Clark was a very NON painless drill . . .yeah, because that is going to make Clark rest easy. *rolls eyes* That made no sense to me at all. Then again they introduced the "We are one another's true love because we had crushes on eachother when we were weaing Osh Bi'Kosh jumpers and eating PBJ sandwiches with the crusts cut off." No matter how cute and sweet the writers think that is (and it is cute and sweet) it is not justification for having deep feelings, such as being in love, when you are an adult.

Even though he had a very vague and brief appearance in "Static" this was basically Martian Manhunter's introduction episode and that fell flatter than Pamlea Anderson missing her implants. "I'm from Mars, I know about you, I can enter this delusion and save you, and I might be afraid of fire." Then he just takes off when Chloe comes in without even a "We'll talk later." What the hell?

There were only two scenes in this episode I liked. The scene with Shelby at the beginning (welcome back puppy!) and the scene near the end with Chloe and Clark. That was very sweet. Other than that it was a big waste of forty minutes with commercials. Delusion!Lana felt like a Stepford Wife, Delusion!Martha came off as a weakling who was afraid of her own son. Delusion!Lex I actually kinda liked. (Still laughing at Craig's "Lt. Dan!") Delusion!Chloe was pretty similar to the Reality!Chloe so no change there, minus the whole Cindy "I"M NOT CRAZY!!! Aggggghhhh!" bit. :p

This felt like a very blah episode and it added nothing to the show as a whole. Can we say 'filler"? I don't see how the media said "Forget Justice and Crimson, Labyrinth is going to be a big episode." Big how? as in big disappointement? Thursday was my birthday too and I'm so glad I watched my special edition of Aliens with my birthday dinner (whipped loaded mashed potatoes, home made turkey gravy and wonderufl sirloin steak marinated with worchester sauce . . yummy!) instead of watching this drivel. I watched it this morning instead and won't ever watch it again. Supernatural wasn't half bad at all though. No surprise there ;) "Labryinth" Was a weak episode, poorly written, poorly put together, with poor characterizations and an unclear plot explanation that looks like nothing more than an attempt to explain just how much Clark loves Lana. "Oh looky, I bought you a twenty-five cent bubble gum machine ring! Isn't that sweet?" As a ten year old yes, as an adult that is suppose to have matured this season? Not so much.

This episode also felt way too long to me but I'm guessing that's because I hated it. On a show that had nothing to do with Clark Kent, future Superman, and on a show where the plot was explained better this kind of an episode just maybe would have worked, but I'm not even sure about that. Episodes are kind of like songs. The ones you love are over too soon, the ones you hate go on for hours. :( I rated it a two and I wish there was an option on this poll to rate it a minus zero.

I think I'll just pretend that next week's Smallville is my birthday present from CW.


Why rate it a 2 if you wanted a minus zero, I thought you would at least give it a 1?

[Jaded Wolf]

Originally posted by CallMeClark
"Normal Again" was much different, IMO. And I think Smallville actually did it better than Buffy. (It was way out of character for her)

In the episode of Buffy she never leaves the nuthouse. None of her friends are in the AU... so it is pretty different. Also, she acts out in the present as she is imagining the AU. A little different.

I think the plot in Buffy's "Normal Again" was way better. At the end of the episode it left you wondering if they whole Buffy-verse was real or all a part of her dream. Joss Whedon was actually going to do something with that but was shot down. The Smallville attempt was good and it showcased a different acting ability from each character but it didn't pull on the strings as much as the Buffy episode. It was still a solid episode but no one does mind-trips like Joss Whedon.

[AngelaV]

Hate to saw it but I LOVED this episode. :)
And I don't think it's fair to compare it to other shows which have touched on this same thing. I've read enough Science Fiction to know that writers love this sort of stuff.
No Farscape fans? Season 2, episode 15 "Won't Get Fooled Again" was awesome. Though the regular characters were showing up as other people. You have to know the show though to understand the genuis behind this this episode. Though I have found that Farscape will take a well known storyline in Sci-Fi, turn it on it's head and give lots of cool twists.:)

[President_Luthor]

I would agree with others that the reality vs. delusions theme has been done before in sci-fi, especially with Star Trek. When Lana asked Clark if he really wanted to return to a reality where the love of his life is marrying his greatest enemy, I could remember that ST:TNG ep. 'Tapestry' where Picard had a choice to live a long (ie safe) life of mediocrity or take risks and die as the man he was. (ST fans know how much that ep. rocked!)

I loved this ep. and it definitely goes into my own SV hall of fame eps. We're presented with an alternate universe here: one where Clark 'caused' Lex's accident at Loeb Bridge, where Lana never stopped loving him, Chloe's disturbed family history has come to fruition and Clark is a paranoid schizophrenic who has created his entire kryptonian past and superpowers in his mind. It forced us to look beyond the comfortable confines of what we know about Superman and Clark's own cosy reality in Smallville.

It may have been an insidious plot by a phantom to permanently sideline Kal-El, but it forced Clark to reassess what truly matters in his life -- and love it or hate it, he still has feelings for Lana. While Clark's choice may not have been on the grand life-or-death scale that Capt. Picard's was (in Picard's other reality, he never rose beyond the rank of a lowly data-shuffling lieutenant), the impact of his choice was no less profound from his POV. He -almost- gave up everything: his heritage, his destiny, his friends and family ... to recapture the sort of carefree unconditional happiness that he believes he could have with Lana. Lana represented that mortal, unassuming he has always wanted.

And, it forces him to reassess how his life has impacted others. In the altered reality, he was to blame for Lex's fall: this time, a real physical one. As powerful as Lex might have been in that reality, he was also left paralyzed. Could it also be an allegory about what Lex's own life might have been if Clark had placed more faith in Lex as a friend? Lex is ultimately the only one who can choose his own path, but that scene showed how a twist of fate could change the perception of who is "to blame" for The Rift.

Chloe, as a former inmate of Fairview, also presented their friendship in a different light. Clark was not prepared to tell Chloe that, yes, in my dream you were a mental patient. A white lie, perhaps -- since only Chloe believed that he wasn't crazy in that reality. I think Chlark as a romantic possibility is less likely, since it looks like that their friendship is becoming that of a platonic one, and thus a more secure one not based on a heart's whims. Chloe has become the rock Clark thought he has lost when JK died. Perhaps Clark's friendship is the rock that will keep Chloe from slipping into her mother's fate down the road? Maybe that's Clark's secret fear -- that he won't be strong enough to stand by Chloe when/if the voices come knocking.

Again, Lana was idolized as the reality that Clark wants: the one where he could live a normal, human life as the local boy, the gridiron legend who made good and married the girl of his dreams. If not for Martian Manhunter's reality checks, he just might have chosen that safer path. That path would be a world without Superman ie a world where Clark doesn't have a hero's responsibility ... and as we know, Clark's major until recently was responsibility-shirking.

I didn't really have an issue with Clark 'killing' Dr. Hudson, since by then he had concluded that it was figment of imagination and that Hudson was the phantom's presence in that reality. I loved that scene where Clark realized that -maybe- the past 5 years were a creation of his mind (Oliver Queen-Employee of the Month, etc.) Anyone seen The Usual Suspects with Kevin Spacey? ;). Very cool scene.

What if it wasn't a phantom's recreation? What if Clark Kent did lose his true human parents and developed schizophrenia and created this Superman universe to cope with it? You could make a case that Bruce Wayne created Batman to cope with the tragedy of Crime Alley, so why not Clark Kent?

This box wasn't a typical SV ep. (despite yet another nod to the leviathan that is Clana), and it's these eps. that keep me watching because it forces the viewer to look at now-familiar characters with fresh eyes. It may not be in the league of TNG's 'Tapestry', but a few years from now, I think this will be one of those SV episodes that will look better with age.

[Joekur]

As a ST Fan, I recognized the story, of course. BUT, I don't hold it against SV staff. I think they did a lot of original work with the idea and the show overall delivered. I really enjoyed it. I loved the fresh perspective. I love being able to look at familiar characters in a different light. Very cool.

[Sweetie]

I gave it a 6.It was average episode for me.

[Edge]

I got kinda confused.

But all in all, an allright episode. Toguh i vomited inside my mouth at the end(Lexana is disgusting times ten).

[Naman is 1#]

I gave it a 8 rating. I thought it was good but not great. Not as good as the last two epi's Hydro and Justice but better than Sneeze and Wither.

[Sunnycc73]

That was one of the coolest episodes that I have seen. That might be because I'm a psychology major and think that they did a great job of portaying what it is like for someone who suffers from that disorder. It kinda had that whole Beautiful Mind type of thing going for it but definitaly shorter.

[j03superbat]

Let me start by saying that I stopped watching Smallville. Last season left me cleaning my ears to get out the horrible dialogue the likes of which I hadn't heard since the Star Wars prequels and a play I wrote in fourth grade. The mythology of Superman has been so warped that I beg for AlMiles to announce, "We started out doing this show to tell the story of Superman before he became Superman... um, we screwed that story up, but if you want to see an attractive cast, watch the CW Thursdays at 8!" Couple that with better programming at the exact same night and time over on NBC and a laughable season opener ("Zod") I thought I was through with Smallville.

But I passed by the front page of KryptonSite, saw that the Justice League was getting together, had a good chuckle, and then saw that Mike Ausiello recommended this episode very highly. The concept was intriguing, reruns of My Name Is Earl and The Office were playing, so I sat down to view "Labyrinth".

It's the best episode the show has had in years. After "Run", the episodes with future heroes failed to impress, so "Justice" (which I did watch after this one) wasn't much too look at and mythology episodes have gotten progressively mediocre.

The first thing I noticed was that the usual staff I'm familiar with was not involved. No Greg Beeman or Steven S. DeKnight or any of the other writers/directors I was familiar with. I'd never heard of the director and I hadn't seen the other episodes that the writers had written. So the episode just felt different for me.

I think the reason the episode worked was the concept. I would have much preferred to have seen it as the season finale for season one - wouldn't that be something? The season where Clark found out he was an alien only to be told that it was all a lie.

But it still worked. Much has happened in the last two years that was referenced here. I can't explain what I liked about this episode other than the quality was in general knocked up some points from other recent episodes.

Unfortunately, there were still some bad points, and those I can identify specifically. Lois' absence was not one of them, for the record. However, Clark was. While Tom Welling managed to act well (helped by the fact that he actually had material to work with), Clark was very gullible in this episode while at the same time being stubborn.

He instantly finds out his powers are gone. Yet he refuses to believe what the doctors tell him. Yes, the audience knows Clark is right, but why does Clark instantly think everyone's lying to him? When he visits Lana and his mom - why does he accuse them of being "in on it"? There is no silver kryptonite to excuse him this time - he is being paranoid.

This show has left Superman paranoid.

Not that I wouldn't freak out if I were in Clark's position or be suspicious. I would. But Clark does not stop to think how he may have lost his powers. He doesn't sit down and try to figure out what could have caused this. If this had been Season One, I would have gulped it all down happily, but Clark has known he's an alien for six years, and has had his powers, to some extent, all his life. He has experience with losing powers. Why doesn't he test himself? Why, if he believes Lex is behind everything, doesn't he at least try to figure out how he manipulated everyone, took away his powers, AND stuck him in a mental institution? His only tactic seems to be to stomp into buildings and demand it from people.

That's Jack Bauer - not Clark Kent.

The other gripes were the "Yaris" line and Clark and Lana's undying love for each other. Everything else was acceptable or pretty good.

Overall, I give the episode a 7/10. Which I think is pretty fair, again considering that I deem the last two or three years of SV crap.

[cazman_uk]

Season 6 is by far superior to season 5 in everyway but given that this episode was really a filler they done it well and I enjoed it 8/10. I'd have given more but after seeing Justice I know they can do better.

[magoo]

Why even bother making an episode where Clark appears to be delusional? I mean we know he's not, we know he will be ok in the end. It's not like I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The only positive thing I can say is that it gave us another example of what MM can do. 4/10

[Mr. Wrong]

I'm afraid Justice spoiled me. Labyrinth was a terrible disappointment for me. What's with the episode finishing with 10 minutes left in the hour anyway? I rate Labyrinth in the top ten worst episodes todate.

[MidgardDragon]

Originally posted by magoo
Why even bother making an episode where Clark appears to be delusional? I mean we know he's not, we know he will be ok in the end. It's not like I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The only positive thing I can say is that it gave us another example of what MM can do. 4/10

Why even bother making episodes where Clark's life is threatened by villains more powerful than him? Or why bother making episodes where Smallville/Kansas/the U.S./the world is depending on him to save it from destruction? We know he's going to survive and save the day in one way or another. It's about the journey getting there, not the destination.

[Kryptonian-Ronin]

Originally posted by magoo
Why even bother making an episode where Clark appears to be delusional? I mean we know he's not, we know he will be ok in the end. It's not like I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The only positive thing I can say is that it gave us another example of what MM can do. 4/10

The thing is how Clark reacted to the illusions being put into his brain.
He response to Chloe dying, his decision to undergo the treatment to be with Lana, his reaction to Lex and Marta, these are all thing that matter in trying to understand what lies beneath the Clark Kent facade.

[BKKING]

9 I loved this episode it was pretty cool and we finally get to see shelby man I miss that dog.

[Shadowlord367]

Something cool I noticed

The colors of the asylum are undertons of red blue and yellow.

[Imzadia]

Originally posted by j03superbat
Let me start by saying that I stopped watching Smallville. Last season left me cleaning my ears to get out the horrible dialogue the likes of which I hadn't heard since the Star Wars prequels and a play I wrote in fourth grade. The mythology of Superman has been so warped that I beg for AlMiles to announce, "We started out doing this show to tell the story of Superman before he became Superman... um, we screwed that story up, but if you want to see an attractive cast, watch the CW Thursdays at 8!" Couple that with better programming at the exact same night and time over on NBC and a laughable season opener ("Zod") I thought I was through with Smallville.

But I passed by the front page of KryptonSite, saw that the Justice League was getting together, had a good chuckle, and then saw that Mike Ausiello recommended this episode very highly. The concept was intriguing, reruns of My Name Is Earl and The Office were playing, so I sat down to view "Labyrinth".

It's the best episode the show has had in years. After "Run", the episodes with future heroes failed to impress, so "Justice" (which I did watch after this one) wasn't much too look at and mythology episodes have gotten progressively mediocre.

The first thing I noticed was that the usual staff I'm familiar with was not involved. No Greg Beeman or Steven S. DeKnight or any of the other writers/directors I was familiar with. I'd never heard of the director and I hadn't seen the other episodes that the writers had written. So the episode just felt different for me.

I think the reason the episode worked was the concept. I would have much preferred to have seen it as the season finale for season one - wouldn't that be something? The season where Clark found out he was an alien only to be told that it was all a lie.

But it still worked. Much has happened in the last two years that was referenced here. I can't explain what I liked about this episode other than the quality was in general knocked up some points from other recent episodes.

Unfortunately, there were still some bad points, and those I can identify specifically. Lois' absence was not one of them, for the record. However, Clark was. While Tom Welling managed to act well (helped by the fact that he actually had material to work with), Clark was very gullible in this episode while at the same time being stubborn.

He instantly finds out his powers are gone. Yet he refuses to believe what the doctors tell him. Yes, the audience knows Clark is right, but why does Clark instantly think everyone's lying to him? When he visits Lana and his mom - why does he accuse them of being "in on it"? There is no silver kryptonite to excuse him this time - he is being paranoid.

This show has left Superman paranoid.

Not that I wouldn't freak out if I were in Clark's position or be suspicious. I would. But Clark does not stop to think how he may have lost his powers. He doesn't sit down and try to figure out what could have caused this. If this had been Season One, I would have gulped it all down happily, but Clark has known he's an alien for six years, and has had his powers, to some extent, all his life. He has experience with losing powers. Why doesn't he test himself? Why, if he believes Lex is behind everything, doesn't he at least try to figure out how he manipulated everyone, took away his powers, AND stuck him in a mental institution? His only tactic seems to be to stomp into buildings and demand it from people.

That's Jack Bauer - not Clark Kent.

The other gripes were the "Yaris" line and Clark and Lana's undying love for each other. Everything else was acceptable or pretty good.

Overall, I give the episode a 7/10. Which I think is pretty fair, again considering that I deem the last two or three years of SV crap.

:confused: YET, you watch and are 'impressed' by My Name Is Earl? :\ :lol: I do agree with you about the "Yaris" line, though.


Originally posted by cazman_uk
Season 6 is by far superior to season 5 in everyway but given that this episode was really a filler they done it well and I enjoed it 8/10. I'd have given more but after seeing Justice I know they can do better.

:confused: A 'Filler'? You really think so?


Originally posted by President_Luthor
I would agree with others that the reality vs. delusions theme has been done before in sci-fi, especially with Star Trek. When Lana asked Clark if he really wanted to return to a reality where the love of his life is marrying his greatest enemy, I could remember that ST:TNG ep. 'Tapestry' where Picard had a choice to live a long (ie safe) life of mediocrity or take risks and die as the man he was. (ST fans know how much that ep. rocked!)

I loved this ep. and it definitely goes into my own SV hall of fame eps. We're presented with an alternate universe here: one where Clark 'caused' Lex's accident at Loeb Bridge, where Lana never stopped loving him, Chloe's disturbed family history has come to fruition and Clark is a paranoid schizophrenic who has created his entire kryptonian past and superpowers in his mind. It forced us to look beyond the comfortable confines of what we know about Superman and Clark's own cosy reality in Smallville.

It may have been an insidious plot by a phantom to permanently sideline Kal-El, but it forced Clark to reassess what truly matters in his life -- and love it or hate it, he still has feelings for Lana. While Clark's choice may not have been on the grand life-or-death scale that Capt. Picard's was (in Picard's other reality, he never rose beyond the rank of a lowly data-shuffling lieutenant), the impact of his choice was no less profound from his POV. He -almost- gave up everything: his heritage, his destiny, his friends and family ... to recapture the sort of carefree unconditional happiness that he believes he could have with Lana. Lana represented that mortal, unassuming he has always wanted.

And, it forces him to reassess how his life has impacted others. In the altered reality, he was to blame for Lex's fall: this time, a real physical one. As powerful as Lex might have been in that reality, he was also left paralyzed. Could it also be an allegory about what Lex's own life might have been if Clark had placed more faith in Lex as a friend? Lex is ultimately the only one who can choose his own path, but that scene showed how a twist of fate could change the perception of who is "to blame" for The Rift.

Chloe, as a former inmate of Fairview, also presented their friendship in a different light. Clark was not prepared to tell Chloe that, yes, in my dream you were a mental patient. A white lie, perhaps -- since only Chloe believed that he wasn't crazy in that reality. I think Chlark as a romantic possibility is less likely, since it looks like that their friendship is becoming that of a platonic one, and thus a more secure one not based on a heart's whims. Chloe has become the rock Clark thought he has lost when JK died. Perhaps Clark's friendship is the rock that will keep Chloe from slipping into her mother's fate down the road? Maybe that's Clark's secret fear -- that he won't be strong enough to stand by Chloe when/if the voices come knocking.

Again, Lana was idolized as the reality that Clark wants: the one where he could live a normal, human life as the local boy, the gridiron legend who made good and married the girl of his dreams. If not for Martian Manhunter's reality checks, he just might have chosen that safer path. That path would be a world without Superman ie a world where Clark doesn't have a hero's responsibility ... and as we know, Clark's major until recently was responsibility-shirking.

I didn't really have an issue with Clark 'killing' Dr. Hudson, since by then he had concluded that it was figment of imagination and that Hudson was the phantom's presence in that reality. I loved that scene where Clark realized that -maybe- the past 5 years were a creation of his mind (Oliver Queen-Employee of the Month, etc.) Anyone seen The Usual Suspects with Kevin Spacey? ;). Very cool scene.

What if it wasn't a phantom's recreation? What if Clark Kent did lose his true human parents and developed schizophrenia and created this Superman universe to cope with it? You could make a case that Bruce Wayne created Batman to cope with the tragedy of Crime Alley, so why not Clark Kent?

This box wasn't a typical SV ep. (despite yet another nod to the leviathan that is Clana), and it's these eps. that keep me watching because it forces the viewer to look at now-familiar characters with fresh eyes. It may not be in the league of TNG's 'Tapestry', but a few years from now, I think this will be one of those SV episodes that will look better with age.

EXACTLY! By Jove, you've nailed it! What you said, IMO, is what this episode was all about. I do love it when the familiar and 'usual' is turned inside out then watch to see how our 'familiar' characters will react to that particular predicament. It helps to delve deeper into what 'they' are REALLY like and what goes on inside. :cool:

[Jlvsclrk]

10. I thought this show was beyond brilliant, much better than the fanboy Justice, which I actually found quite boring.

I loved how clark's memories were recycled to either trick him into accepting the alternate reality (the phantom's doing) or to remind him that something was amiss (Clark's doing). For example, the lineups for medication come from seeing Lex at Belle Reve in S3 so the experience feels real to Clark. But near the end when he's finally strapped to the table, Clark hear's the Phantom's "this won't hurt" line and draws on the similar scene from Cyborg where Victor was about to be implanted with that mind altering chip. That's Clark's mind warning him that what he's hearing is a lie.

And I loved the whole chess game between the phantom and clark, starting with the phantom throwing clark into an asylum but clark escaping to the barn which isn't his barn but it is now Lana's and she's literally the girl of his dreams and in this AU there's nothing to come between them but his "delusions". But he rejects her fairly easily in round 1 because of his concern for Martha but then has this most important relationship in his life pulled out from under him by the news that Martha is now married to Lionel (something Clark must be a little afraid will happen) so he's running again and of course Chloe comes to the rescue. But the battles just begun. What a mindtrip.

Kudos to the writers. How nice to be able to say that!!

[DaBaby]

9 Loved this episode and it was great to see shelby

[j03superbat]

Originally posted by Imzadia
:confused: YET, you watch and are 'impressed' by My Name Is Earl? :\
I don't know where I said I was 'impressed' by My Name Is Earl (Bah! Who am I kidding? I am) but yes. I don't see why you're confused, however. My reaction to "Labyrinth" was overall on the positive side. I even swallowed down Phil Morris' "I'm from Mars" line without griping (it helps that the rest of his performance was good).

[Imzadia]

Originally posted by j03superbat
I don't know where I said I was 'impressed' by My Name Is Earl (Bah! Who am I kidding? I am) but yes. I don't see why you're confused, however. My reaction to "Labyrinth" was overall on the positive side. I even swallowed down Phil Morris' "I'm from Mars" line without griping (it helps that the rest of his performance was good).

:o OK, You got me there. I, too, couldn't believe he mentioned the 'M' word... The only gripe I have about MM. Still, I can't see how "My Name Is Earl" could even be compared with Smallville, but 'Different Strokes'--Yeah. :p

[j03superbat]

Originally posted by Imzadia
Still, I can't see how "My Name Is Earl" could even be compared with Smallville, but 'Different Strokes'--Yeah. :p
They really CAN'T be compared - Smallville is a teen drama about a man-boy with superpowers and My Name Is Earl is a comedy about a white guy with a mustache. And I can't really go in depth about why I watch MNiE without trashing SV, so you'd just get the brief version: My Name Is Earl is funny. There's a level of intelligence behind every "stupid" or "racial" joke. I know some people think that's all the show is - stupid race jokes.

And The Office is the most innovative sitcom since Seinfeld, whether anyone thinks it's funny or not.

But I digress - you're right: "different strokes". :\

[Moment4Ever]

WTF was this music???Sleepy!!!
WTF was it so dark???Im a color human!!!
WTF they made out smallville?I think the writers tested on this epi for their next project.Some psycho movie.

I dont want offend any of the people who gave a 10 for it:)But i just didnt liked that one!*bah*:P 2.....for the colorful end with Lana's face else 1

[MidgardDragon]

Music, sleepy? Yeah, sometimes people tell stories without big explosions and hardcore rock music. It's part of life, these stories are usually far more interesting than that anyways.

Dark? You know way back when people had to watch TV in black and white. It was dark because it was a dark episode and to represent the world that was in Clark's mind and distinguish it from the real world (where the colors were normal.)

Your last question: they made a brilliant episode that you happened not to like. They didn't "test out" any psycho movie ideas, they made a psychological episode just like they have just about every year.

[red-K glory]

I love this Episode!

It had great stuff in it like the references to Clark's Freshman year in high school, Whitney, etc. Now this is how every episode of Smallville should be. Refencing past characters and episodes other than the Finales/Premieres is just so cool. Heck even Lana and Lex were not so annoying at the end of the episode.

[Mr.]

Wow! i really remember this episode. it freaked me out and confused me so bad.

Gotta love this episode. got me good :) the happiest moment of my life, when i saw everything was back to normal.

Awesome idea and episode. Do it again later in the show, please.

[TheOriginalKal-el]

I just watched the repeat of this...it still hurt to watch what this show once was. And the tragedy it has become. One of the better episodes of the season although heartbreaking.

[claraky!]

all smallville episodes are a 10!:D

[Imzadia]

Labyrinth is my Favorite episode out of Season 6. Great acting from Tom and all involved. Lana was reverted to a simple school girl-like persona and only a characature of the 'perfect girl' which is probably only in Clark's mind. Every regular character had to stretch to make their usual character someone else. It was amazing to watch them 'work it'. When it First aired, and J'onn J'onnz, aka Martian Manhunter, came up behind Clark and told him that he believed he was Kal-El from Krypton...because he was from Mars, I laughed out loud. I don't know why DC Comics chose to have a character come from Mars. It's been old knowledge that there's no evidence of life there, at least within a time frame where anyone could STILL be around to interact with other living beings. Other than that, Labyrinth was quite serious. Just the knowledge that if Clark had given in and had been convinced that he was mentally ill and submitted to the 'Treatment' "Dr. Hudson/fanthom" wanted to give him, ALL would have been thrown into chaos. The realization that he almost bought the farm for the whole planet all because of his fixation on Lana should've shocked him into a New perspective. It was emotionally riveting...for me. Mental illness and incarceration because of it is an intimidating situation. The idea of the Helplessness and years of lost time was sad as well as terrifying. IMO, storytelling-wise, it was the BEST.

[miller31]

Anybody know if/when this ep will be rerun again? I tape the show to watch with my dad when we can find time to have a mini-marathon, which could be months later. While watching my copy of this ep recently, I noticed that the audio was horrible. Looks like it's been skipped in the summer Thursday schedule.

Not sure if it's my tape/VCR or a problem with the local CW, but this mind-bending ep is an especially bad one to have spotty sound for.

[JEWCY]

Originally posted by miller31
Anybody know if/when this ep will be rerun again? I tape the show to watch with my dad when we can find time to have a mini-marathon, which could be months later. While watching my copy of this ep recently, I noticed that the audio was horrible. Looks like it's been skipped in the summer Thursday schedule.

Not sure if it's my tape/VCR or a problem with the local CW, but this mind-bending ep is an especially bad one to have spotty sound for.

its on tonight @ 7

[Chloe_is_my_Hero]

I had an initial unfavorable reaction to this episode. Then after re-watching it, it somehow grew to be one of my favorites. Weird. SV usually does not have that kind of effect on me.

[ChaosSV]

really good..
so emotional n looks amazing
and CHlark moment at the ends was priceless

[BigT]

I liked this episode. This along with Justice were the only episodes worth watching in season 6. Everything else was lame, dissapointing, pointless, or crap!

[SGuthrie27]

MARVELOUS episode! "Labyrinth" was so inventive! I love how they threw in so many references to other characters (Oliver, Jor-El, Raya), and to different elements of the show (The Phantom Zone, Level 33.1, etc.) in the mental institution Clark was in (albeit only in his mind). His relief at seeing Chloe still alive was also sweet to see. Martian Manhunter made a great addition as a recurring guest star, and YAY, Shelby got something to do -- he saved Clark again, even!

--SGuthrie ><>' :)--

[Nimkong]

This episode was amazing.But not on my top,but close.Liked the plot,clark being crazy gave me chills because of the examples like the FOS was a magizine,the martian manhunter returned and a phantom showed up

[Aficionado]

This will always be one of my favorite Smallville episodes. It had a justifiably creepy atmosphere considering the setting and there was originality in the way the writer referenced all that had been going on in Clark's life thus casting doubt on his own sanity.
What I loved, above all, was that Clark was front and center, it also allowed Tom to showcase his acting skills which so many are always prone to deride. The music was phenomenal in this episode as well.

[computermaster]

I watched shutter island the other day and couldn't get this episode out of my head. The whole story was so similar.

[Kneel before Zod]

This episode while interesting, gives me a headache every time I see it. What with that low humming noise throughout.