Was Lana really the one holding Clark back?

[Alaska Young]

Lana told Clark that she was the one holding him back but I don't believe that at all.

Clark could've went for his destiny so many times but never did. He had basically all of season 6 to become Superman but he didn't.

Clark was the one holding himself back...not Lana.

That's just my two cents. Anyone else agree?

[minerva73]

To some extent, she has been holding him back. Then again, everyone that Clark is affiliated with has held him back in one way or another.

I understand why she would say that because she probably saw how much time Clark devoted to making her feel better when she was comatose despite the fact that Clark could be doing other things which could further his development. Or she realized how much out of his way that he went when he tried to make their relationship work in "Wrath" only to find out that it'd crumble that same week. :(

So basically, I believe that when Lana said that she was holding Clark back, she said it from a Season 7 perspective.

[susangail]

Strictly speaking, Clark was the one holding himself back. It's not like anyone was holding green K to his head ;) But this Clark cares so much about the people in his life that he limits himself. Lana picked up on that.

[Lara Lane]

Clark held Clark back. Lana was only his excuse.

[RepairmanBob]

Piss poor writing and the greed of the network held Clark back. Lana was just the tool they used to do it.

[dru-zod2501]

Piss poor writing and the greed of the network held Clark back. Lana was just the tool they used to do it.
That's the real world answer.

Clark is the only one holding himself back. He's pathologically incapable of NOT using the women in his life as crutches and excuses. It doesn't matter whether it's Lana, or chloe, hell one day it'll be Lois' turn to carry him through the world, thankfully we won't get to see thatfar ahead

[Thrill_Seeker]

if you were to ask me I would say both clark and lana have held clark back,
lana didnt mean to, but with love, things get complicated

[colonyofcells]

I think both Lana and Clark are suffering from low self esteem. Both of them are always blaming themselves for the world's problems. Everyone in the world has a right to be happy including Lana and Clark. They should not sacrifice everything for the sake of other people.

[Superman86]

Clark still won't become Superman in season 8 either or any season after that. Smallville Clark will never be superman.

[Kreukie]

I think both Lana and Clark are suffering from low self esteem. Both of them are always blaming themselves for the world's problems. Everyone in the world has a right to be happy including Lana and Clark. They should not sacrifice everything for the sake of other people.

That's why they're so meant to be. :rotfl:

[colonyofcells]

Lana and Clark should take care of themselves first so they can also take care of other people. I don't understand why they need to sacrifice their love for the sake of other people. Lana is always portrayed as in the habit of sacrificing this and that. It does seem that both Lana and Clark suffer from weird messiah complexes and they are always dumping each other for that same reason.

[Sweetie]

Both are holding themselve back because of the other.Why did she come back in Smallville?She had money,she could have gone everywhere in the world.She could have started a new life somewhere else.Was it just a coincidence when Clark thought she was dead,he was ready to accept his destiny but,the minute she was back,he stopped everything and decided to stay with her in the farm forever?

I wish they would grow up and realise that their relation would work better if they stay friends.

[colonyofcells]

1.
I see nothing wrong with Clark being on the farm. I am not sure why staying on the farm means no progress. We do need farms for our food. Clark can be a great super hero even if his line of work is farming. There seems to be rampant discrimination against the noble and essential work of farming.

2.
Clark is also a great hero even when Lana is around. Being a great hero is definitely compatible wtih true love. All of these various loves strengthen each other rather than hinder.

[Sweetie]

^^
But,we know that CK is not supposed to stay on the farm.He's going to become a reporter and will become a hero that people will look up to.So,moping around on a farm and worry about Lana is not my idea of a great destiny.

[Kreukie]

1.
I see nothing wrong with Clark being on the farm. I am not sure why staying on the farm means no progress. We do need farms for our food. Clark can be a great super hero even if his line of work is farming. There seems to be rampant discrimination against the noble and essential work of farming.

2.
Clark is also a great hero even when Lana is around. Being a great hero is definitely compatible wtih true love. All of these various loves strengthen each other rather than hinder.

I agree with this, Clark doesn't have to be at the Daily Planet to be Superman, he can be Superman and still be a farmer.

Actually, that's better of a disguise then being a popular reporter at one of the biggest newspapers. :lol:

[txluvstom]

^^
But,we know that CK is not supposed to stay on the farm.He's going to become a reporter and will become a hero that people will look up to.So,moping around on a farm and worry about Lana is not my idea of a great destiny.
WE know it because we know how the MAKE -BELIEVE story ends! HE doesn't because in the MAKE-BELIEVE story he's living his life on a day-to-day basis. HE can't see the MAKE-BELIEVE future!

[colonyofcells]

I think Clark can be a reporter and also do farming on the side. I am aware of people who actually do this. I find it silly when people are worried about Clark not becoming a super hero just bec. he does some farming work. One of my old friends who lived in Israel was just a carpenter.

[The_real_Lex_Luthor]

Hmm...

Yeah I suppose there are many ways you could argue this.

Bottomline?

If Lana kicked the bucket, that would really kick Clark into "hero mode". Assuming he had the balls to do it. This version of Clark is such a whining wuss. I'd laugh if it weren't so pathetic.

Good thing Lex didn't let anything hold him back.

Now there's someone with balls! He had the guts to really embrace his darkside. He even killed a part of himself to get to where he is now. And that's a huge sacrifice since he's basically killing off his shot at redemption.

Cool thing about this version of Lex is you really sympathize with him. Whereas, Clark has turned into a major letdown.

No wonder Lex had to go. He leveled up. Clark stayed behind. So they weren't even on the same playing field.

Tsk, tsk.

[maryjanewatson]

There's a song that always makes me think of Lana and Clark. it goes a little something like this...

Landon Pigg - Can't let go


Well I cant let go
No, I cant let go of you
Youre holding me back without even trying to.
I cant let go
I cant move on from the past
Without lifting a finger youre holding me back.

And then we saw our paths diverge
And I guess I felt OK about it.
Until you got with another man,
And then I couldnt understand
Why it bothered me so.
How we didnt die we just
Never had a chance to grow.

I cant let go
No, I cant let go of you
Youre holding me back without even trying to.
I cant let go
I cant move on from the past.
Without lifting a finger youre holding me back.

And it might not make much sense
To you or any of my friends
Though somehow still you affect the
Things I do.
And you cant lose what you never had
I dont understand why I feel sad
Every time I see you out with someone new.

I cant let go
No, I cant let go
No, I cant let go of you.

I cant let go
No, I cant let go of you
Youre holding me back without even trying to.
I cant let go
I cant move on from the past
Without lifting a finger youre holding me back.

I cant let go
No, I cant let go of you
Youre holding me back without even trying to.
I cant let go
I cant move on from the past

[BobMalooga]

Lana told Clark that she was the one holding him back but I don't believe that at all.

Clark could've went for his destiny so many times but never did. He had basically all of season 6 to become Superman but he didn't.

Clark was the one holding himself back...not Lana.

That's just my two cents. Anyone else agree?

I couldn't agree with you more...Clark has always found som excuse no to go off and face his destiny and maybe Lana telling him to 'wake up and go do it already' will start him down the path towards it. Truthfully (and this is just my opinion...) he needs to be closer to it now than he ever has before and I felt like the producers were the ones really holding him back by continuing to give us clark as a BDA instead of the smart person that they've shown him to be all along.

Keith

[supergirl28]

As much as i love Clana i think that Clark heald himself back for her. No one is responsible for Clark beging a superhero except himself.

[jimmyolsenblues]

No one is responsible for Clark being a superhero except himself.

Quoted for Truth!

[MetroGirl06]

Clark held himself back. For her.

[dunkman]

Clark held Clark back. Lana was only his excuse.

I have to agree with you there. I think maybe Lana understood that, too, but she wanted to tell Clark what he needed to hear in a nice way.

----- Added 2 Minutes later -----


That's why they're so meant to be. :rotfl:

They are NOT meant to be! This is a story where you know how it ends, & they took forever, but finally Lana is gone.

----- Added 5 Minutes later -----


1.
I see nothing wrong with Clark being on the farm. I am not sure why staying on the farm means no progress. We do need farms for our food. Clark can be a great super hero even if his line of work is farming. There seems to be rampant discrimination against the noble and essential work of farming.

2.
Clark is also a great hero even when Lana is around. Being a great hero is definitely compatible wtih true love. All of these various loves strengthen each other rather than hinder.

I would totally agree with you in the real world, but in the DC comics universe we gotta have superheroes, & Superman doesn't marry Lana!

----- Added 7 Minutes later -----


I agree with this, Clark doesn't have to be at the Daily Planet to be Superman, he can be Superman and still be a farmer.

Actually, that's better of a disguise then being a popular reporter at one of the biggest newspapers. :lol:

But that's not who Clark Kent is! They changed things about his story a lot for Smallville, but they can't change his destiny.

----- Added 10 Minutes later -----


I think Clark can be a reporter and also do farming on the side. I am aware of people who actually do this. I find it silly when people are worried about Clark not becoming a super hero just bec. he does some farming work. One of my old friends who lived in Israel was just a carpenter.

If you mean Jesus, He was not "just" a carpenter. But I see your point. Real people can do several different things like that, but Superman is only 2-dimensional.

[msleggie]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaska Young
Lana told Clark that she was the one holding him back but I don't believe that at all.

Clark could've went for his destiny so many times but never did. He had basically all of season 6 to become Superman but he didn't.

Clark was the one holding himself back...not Lana.

That's just my two cents. Anyone else agree?






I agree with this, Clark is holding himself back and Lana was probably just saying that b/c she basically almost died and she got scared. I mean, who wouldn't, but it was a total cop out 2 say that she was holding Clark back b/c that's not true

[CLanaF23]

no lana didnt. clark held himself back..hes never wanted to face his destiny...its just he loves lana and everyone wants to blame her..but its not her fault at all

[warriorrenegade]

No not Lana...the writers held Clark back. I mean you got to squeeze every drop out of this turnip before its all over....right?

[AlwaysRight]

Piss poor writing and the greed of the network held Clark back. Lana was just the tool they used to do it.

ditto

That being said if i can't use the writers excuse i would blame Clark mostly, followed by the Jor-EL that seems to be malicous

[MetropolisGirl4SV]

Hmm...

Yeah I suppose there are many ways you could argue this.

Bottomline?

If Lana kicked the bucket, that would really kick Clark into "hero mode". Assuming he had the balls to do it. This version of Clark is such a whining wuss. I'd laugh if it weren't so pathetic.

Good thing Lex didn't let anything hold him back.

Now there's someone with balls! He had the guts to really embrace his darkside. He even killed a part of himself to get to where he is now. And that's a huge sacrifice since he's basically killing off his shot at redemption.

Cool thing about this version of Lex is you really sympathize with him. Whereas, Clark has turned into a major letdown.

No wonder Lex had to go. He leveled up. Clark stayed behind. So they weren't even on the same playing field.

Tsk, tsk.

Agreed...I actually sympathized with Lex at time but Clark was just a lost cause...all he cared about was Lana even if the world was ending Lana...or he just wouldn't take action till the very last minute, Chloe would always have to be his brain since he turned into a BDA.

And also what RepairmanBob said Piss poor writing and the greed of the network held Clark back. Lana was just the tool they used to do it.

[shawn316]

First of all, these characters are fictitious, therefore the only ones holding them back are the writers themselves. Secondly, Lana gets the major flack for holding Clark back, but I personally feel that it's the writers over dependence on the Chloe character. In order to maintain her importance, they have over emphasized her role and have made Clark depend on her way too much. Just look at every episode when she isn't around...Clark magically mans up and begins to act on his own.

So if any character is holding Clark back, it's definitely Chloe, not Lana.

[AlwaysRight]

First of all, these characters are fictitious, therefore the only ones holding them back are the writers themselves. Secondly, Lana gets the major flack for holding Clark back, but I personally feel that it's the writers over dependence on the Chloe character. In order to maintain her importance, they have over emphasized her role and have made Clark depend on her way too much. Just look at every episode when she isn't around...Clark magically mans up and begins to act on his own.

In defense of Chloe, half the time he is whining about Lana to her. Beyond that since taking out Pete, Johnathon and Martha, they made Chloe the only person he can run to(ie everytime somebody leaves the show they just put that characteristic on Chloe to the point she now is just the plot device people run to when they need help and her own storyline takes a backseat). That being said, i do agree they should make him more independant and do the crime fuighting stuff more himself alone(and let her be the friend/parent role giving advice on personal issues).

If that's the case though(wanting him being more independant and you can't blame writers) I would say the bulk of the blame goes on Clark himself if you take what the writers give you, but i do agree the writers use Chloe as an easy out to often.

I am hoping next season with Chloe going to jail, they will make Clark realize he shouldn't rely on her as much and has to do stuff for himself in order to protect her a bit.

[shawn316]

In defense of Chloe, half the time he is whining about Lana to her.

Just like I said; No Chloe = no one for Clark to "whine" to. Therefore leading him to actually deal with the situation. But then again, this wouldn't please the fans that are watching this show for the teenage drama. I am a firm believer in that Chloe's character is the glue that holds this show into being just a teenage drama...a la Dawson's Creek.

I agree with you that writers needed to fill the role of Jonathan and Pete, therefore looked to Chloe. However, there were far better choices...Lionel, John Jones, and best of all JOR-EL! But I guess Clark turning to his father for advice and counsel, instead of Chloe, would not be very Superman-like???

[AlwaysRight]

Just like I said; No Chloe = no one for Clark to "whine" to.

My basic a point is if he doesn't whine to Chloe they would just find another person for him to whine to



I agree with you that writers needed to fill the role of Jonathan and Pete, therefore looked to Chloe. However, there were far better choices...Lionel, John Jones, and best of all JOR-EL! But I guess Clark turning to his father for advice and counsel, instead of Chloe, would not be very Superman-like???

Actually Chloe was a good substitute for Pete, although might be nice with him having a male friend to talk about chicks with(maybe Jimmy???) but replacing the Kents much harder(not saying your picks are bad i might go for a more human friendly John Jones) because the Kents were always his link to humanity. Lionel is just to shady and Jor-EL was made out to be to malevolent(yet another issue i have with writing). I sort of wished TPTB would do everything in there power to try get Martha back next season but that doesn't look like it will happen.

You could also go with Ollie, but if they go that route it sort of cheapens Clark becuase Ollie is everything alot of us want Clark to be and would make Clark look weak in comparison(mentally at least). I think it was sort of the same thing with Kara this season, while i liked her character, alot of times i think her character outshined Clark(so they good in small doses but to much can be a bad thing)

[RJLCyberPunk]

Lana told Clark that she was the one holding him back but I don't believe that at all.

Clark could've went for his destiny so many times but never did. He had basically all of season 6 to become Superman but he didn't.

Clark was the one holding himself back...not Lana.

That's just my two cents. Anyone else agree? I agree it is his choice alone to continue or not his training and not anyone else's the PTB got way too many letters from the canon character haters and sadly bowed to their demands after all...

[Anu]

But he had so many human feelings also martian manhunter told that and so did jor-el tell clark that was the thing that was his greatest strength but also his greatest weakness , so i have to say that lana made him weak in a way

[Sweetie]

Clark should blamed himself for not progressing.But,it's not easy to be a hero,he got to think about all the dangers out there.The people that he loves will always be a target for his ennemis and the woman he loves got to be ready to share him with the world.That's why it takes a really strong woman who can deal with that issue.Fortunely,Lana grew a brain and saw that she's not the one who can push in that direction.

[mrs. luther]

no i don't think lana was holding him back it was his own choice not to follow his destiny and nobody is to blame but his self

[Dor el]

Maybe no one has been holding Clark back. Maybe he is right where is supposed to be at this particular time in his life. He is Clark Kent; not CK a.k.a Superman. Not yet. He stumbles but don't we all? Yeah, he is more powerful than we are; just means his stumbles are bigger. He has had a big dose of humanity, and now it's time to put that humanity in perspective. Many people make goofy youthful mistakes; most recover. Clark will too.

[cma_454]

Of course it's the writers, but (IMHO) in the story:

Clark's desire to be normal holds him back (this includes, but is not limited to his desire for a normal relationship with Lana).

Clark's dependence on Chloe to do so much of his thinking holds him back.

Clark’s antithapy towards Jor-El (who seems to want to push Clark towards his Superman destiny) holds him back.

Clark’s feelings of guilt (at least prior to Apocalypse) have held him back. There have been times Lana (and other characters as well) have said or done things to reinforce his guilt.

So, while it’s mainly Clark holding himself back; Lana, Chloe, and even Martha and Jonathan have at times acted as his enablers.

[eas]

Well, maybe Clark used Lana as the excuse to hold himself back. I just don't see how Clark couldn't have moved forward if he wanted. Lana gave him plenty of opportunities. Even marrying Lex Luthor didn't push him to move on. How is that Lana's fault?

[smallvillefreak24]

I don't think it was really lana, he may have been focused on her but he let himself do that. If clark really wanted to accept his destiny he could have at any time. Once again I wish we had "happy" clana moment before they ended it for good. o well lana was prob right to do it

[RJLCyberPunk]

Well, maybe Clark used Lana as the excuse to hold himself back. I just don't see how Clark couldn't have moved forward if he wanted. Lana gave him plenty of opportunities. Even marrying Lex Luthor didn't push him to move on. How is that Lana's fault?
The canon character haters have and will always find an excuse to hate Lana and all canon characters period, it is the nature of the beast, and now they have won, it is the "Chloe Sullivan show" now!:(

[Sweetie]

Well, maybe Clark used Lana as the excuse to hold himself back. I just don't see how Clark couldn't have moved forward if he wanted. Lana gave him plenty of opportunities. Even marrying Lex Luthor didn't push him to move on. How is that Lana's fault?


Of course,when she married Lex Luthor that didn't push him to go forward.It's the worst thing she could have done.Look how relieved he was when heard that she was married and was really happy in Apocalyspe.It's all he wants is her happiness.He knew that she was going to be miserable with Lex for the rest of her life.He will go forward if he is certain that his friends and relatives will be fine and truly happy.But,he got to understand that his destiny is to save mankind,it's not a game that you can play whenever he wants and he can't hold himself back forever.

[colonyofcells]

In season 8, Clark needs to go after Lana and convince Lana that their love will not hinder Clark's mission.
Clark needs Lana so that their love will serve as the foundation for Clark's mission.
Clark also cannot help everyone and it is ok for Clark to help Lana more bec. Lana is also important and Lana is also worth helping.
Lana should not sacrifice their love just so Clark can help one or 2 more people.
Clark also needs Lana's support in fulfilling the mission.
I hope Lana comes to her senses and stop sacrificing their love in trying to help more people.

[borednow]

Clark is using Lana as an excuse to be held back... but no Lana herself isn't holding Clark back, it's all Clark.

[clarkbunny]

No Lana wasn't holding Clark back, Clark was the only person holding himself back. Lana's little speech was just the writers copping out and trying to give the Lana haterz what they've always wanted - Lana to exit and admit she was holding Clark back.

Or maybe it was symbolic of Al Gough & co. exiting and that they have been holding Clark back with their poor writing......

[Charissa70]

I think she was a good part of the reason. He wanted always to protect her. And wanting to make her life perfect. He was over obsessed. Look how many times he did not do anything to lex even though his bf Chloe was threatened with death because Lana might get hurt. Yes, she was holding him back because the way he is written, he would worry about LL getting hurt. And look at the difference with Lois. She does not know his secret, but knows he is meant for something better and is pushing him big time.

[colonyofcells]

As with all things, having Lana has its advantages and disadvantages. The Martian Manhunter did say Clark's humanity if both a strength and a weakness. Loving Lana is part of Clark's humanity. My impression is that there are more advantages than disadvantages in having a wife like Lana for Clark. Lana should be able to support rather than hinder Clark's mission. I would like to see Clana work out rather than fail in Season 8.

[Kreukie]

No Lana wasn't holding Clark back, Clark was the only person holding himself back. Lana's little speech was just the writers copping out and trying to give the Lana haterz what they've always wanted - Lana to exit and admit she was holding Clark back.

Seriously, the writers just fed the Lana haters more to feed on by having Lana say she's holding him back! It's compete BS.

Who was the one that stopped Clark's from listening to Jor-El due to being told all season that Jor-El was wrong? MARTHA, JONATHAN.

Who was the one that kept not listening to Jor-El in season three? CLARK.

Who was the one that stopped Clark from competing Jor-El's mission in the season four premiere to build the FOS? MARTHA.

Who was the one that stopped Clark's training in season five's premiere by sneaking into the FOS? CHLOE.

Who was the one that stopped Clark's training in season seven due to having to be taken care of? KARA.

So, yeah. Lana didn't take part in any of those things indirectly, yet she's the one holding Clark back? Whatever! :rolleyes:

[WickedJenn]

I agree with eas...Clark used Lana as an excuse to himself and, she DID give him plenty of opportunities to move on, but he didn't.

[mistaguitarmasta]

It's not Lana's fault. S6 would have been the perfect time for him to start embracing his destiny. But then he wanted to catch/kill all the Zoners, which I can understand. But by the time he defeated Bizarro the first time, he should have begun.

He obviously didn't learn his lesson from "Reckoning", or else he wouldn't have gotten back together with Lana.

[Simba_Muffy]

Everyone and their mama knows(Well, at least I thought) Clark cannot become Superman as long as he's with Lana Lang! The Mythos say so. Superman does not date or hang out with Lana Lang. She's a good friend, but she not apart of his everyday life. He doesn't hang out with her everyday. And No. You cannot compare SV to "Superman III." Clark was already Superman and he was already in love with Lois Lane. He was Lana's friend in the film, not boyfriend. Superboy was her boyfriend not Superman. So, Yes, Lana held Clark back.

Notice how the blanket was left outside in "Action" but it was present in "Crusade"? Think about people.;)