Loved it? hated it, What did you think of Plastique?

[shy175223]

Do not post your thoughts until after the airing of this episode.

[Super Maverick]

7

[skylar]

I liked it I'll give it a 8.5 of all
Clois scenes.

[thehenry89]

9 cuz clois and chlavis kicked butt!!!

[reobeem]

This was a nice episode. I loved the Lois and Clark comedy bits, they kept things from being too serious. As for Davis I really like him and I know it's early but I feel sorry that he turns into the monster Doomsday. Then there's Tess, it seems she's doing the same theing with 33.1 that Lex did and even though it was seasons ago I'm happy that story line is coming together. The next episode looks promising even if it's only to connect Oliver to Tess.

[kszonew]

Like last week, a good but not great or outstanding episode. Maybe 5 1/2 to 6 area. I like the overall idea of where they are going, but I think it's going to take awhile to get things really going.

I am looking forward to next week. Even if it's mainly a live action version of scenes from the Green Arrow web/cartoon thing from the season 6 dvd set.

[FLyxNERD]

wow who voted 2

[Aries83]

Everything about the episode was good, except for Bette. The scenes between Davis and Chloe were too rushed and too buddy buddy to be believable, and the ending was just...weird.

I voted 2

[origin]

8.5 rounded up to a 9. I wish the fleshed out Bette's character a little more. but the dialogue this season is so much more entertaining than last, especially the Clois scenes

[MetroGirl06]

I liked it, but I thought it was a peculiar choice for the second episode. But I like Davis (shocking!). He seems like a decent guy. I thought I was totally going to hate the whole Doomsday-human angle, but I'm intrigued now. And Tess is pretty scary and intimidating. Not quite up to MR's villainous prescense but I think she has a lot of potential for the dark side.
I'm excited for the rest of the season!

[Darth Pipes]

I missed the first ten minutes so I can't make a full judgment. I was so-so on the Planet stuff and the Clark/Lois stuff (Clark/Chloe was good though). But I was impressed with the two new characters, Bloom and Mercer. I think they're going to be good additions to the show and I'm looking forward to seeing how both of their storylines will turn out. Bloom is a likeable character and his interaction with Chloe was quite good.

Can't wait for Ollie's origin next week!

[Kal26]

I gave it a 10! I thought it was a great episode. I loved how Clark went strait to the bus without worrying about who saw him use his powers. I also loved the injustice gang reference made by Tess. I can't wait to see more on the new villains, and I can't wait to see more Lois and Clark in the DP. I couldn't be happier!

[ForzaItalia]

LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!

Introduced a great new character (Plastique), and took steps of Clark getting closer to becoming Superman..... 1000 times better than the season premiere.

[yoxodo]

I'm giving this episode a 2, and I think i'm being generous. When was the last time there was absolutely no major storyline going on in the second episode of the season? Sure Tess is apparently getting the Legion of Doom together, but that's what they were building up Lex to do for years and that never panned out.

This was a filler episode, a freak of the week episode at best.

[superhippie2000]

i liked it just wish there was a bit more with bette and her story and more action.

[STFanatic]

I think is was more than a FOTW episode, it had some setup for future episodes.

With Tess recruiting members for her "Team", this may really get interesting.

The bus scene was pretty good, I liked Tess's reaction to her "hero".

I will add more reactions after I watch it again ;)

[Aries83]

I'm giving this episode a 2, and I think i'm being generous. This was a filler episode, a freak of the week episode at best.

Someone else who sees the light. I also gave it a 2.

[Saber]

I voted a 5 only because the last 5 minutes were interesting. The rest of it dragged and was predicable. The comedic routine between Lois & Clark in this episode was very much like “Lois & Clark” the series. It was typical and nothing new. I would have liked something a bit fresher & deeper.

I hope they don’t go in the direction of Tess having the hots for Clark because I saw no chemistry there. Heck, Lex & Clark had more sparks in the first & second season, that there were times I had to wonder about Lex’s brotherly love for Clark.
It just didn’t fly.

[bizzaroboy9]

I loved this episode! Great acting and dialogue with Clark, Lois, Tess, Davis, Chloe and Bette. Loved the special effects and the storyline. Tess scared the crap out of me! I love her! The suspenseful ending was really good! AND IT'S NOT A FILLER EPISODE!!!

[doodie8808]

I LOVED IT LOIS WAS AWESOME BUT ANNOYING A LITTLLE DAVIS WAS AWESOME I DON'T CARE FOR TESS CLARk WAS AWESOME CHOLE ALSO WAS A LITTLE ANNOYING WITH BEING SO GULIABLE SHE IS NOT MY FAVORITE BUT WRITING HER THAT WAY MADE ME NOT CARE FOR HER TONIGHT WHEN INVOLVING BETTE. BUT HER AND DOOMY ARE HOT AS IS CLOIS HOT LIkE FIRE!

[Smallville6]

I gave it an 8.
LOVED the bus scene, Clark/Tess scenes, Clois DP scenes and Davis but I hated the plastique thing. It just felt too much like the earlier seasons when Clark gave his cheesy speech to Plastiqe. It could have been cool, but I just didnt like it. I did however, like the scene between Bette and Tess.

[xHerox]

I gave this episode an '8'. I did not think that the main Freak of the Week story was all that entertaining (except for the final moments) but I thought that there were quite a few excellent character moments in this episode, which is why I gave it a somewhat high score. In particular, all of the Clark and Lois interaction was great, as was the scene between Clark and Chloe. Speaking of which, I really liked Chloe in this episode and I thought that she interacted well with Davis, who was interesting character in his own right.

Overall, this episode isn't that memorable and I doubt that it will stand out as one of season eight's better episodes, but it was enjoyable all the same.

[Meteror Freak]

This episode was PERFECT except for two things in my opinion.
1.) Lois's cold detachment for the death of a street kid. (chloe and clark cared, why doesn't she?)
2.)The forced Chalvis. (don't get me wrong, they have chemistry, but they really layed it on thick at the lightbulb scene.)
Other than that, I loved it! I gave it an 8 too!

[ClanaBaby101]

Ohemgee! Wow, this episode was great! I'd give it a 10. I still think Odyssey kicked butt, but hey Plastique followed close behind! Clark in that dark blue shirt looked totally sexy, gah I cannot describe how much of a turn on that was to see him in that blue shirt, with tousled hair like he always has. Okay wow, I will just leave it at that. I know Clana will always be my favorite shipper, but I think Clois may be my second. Can't wait for the next eppy!

[ZODisGOD]

I thought this was a great episode. 10/10 for me; loved the Chlois scenes. I also like the humor in the short dialogue between Clark and Davis.

[Bizarro345]

Gave it an 8. Liked it but it could've been better. Good start for Doomsday but that whole Tess team thing...eh. Only if Mxyptlk comes back as part of that team or Bizarro will I be happy lol. I don't want a team of nobodies. I want recurring villains.

[unfocused]

Great episode.

[TWLOVER03]

I vote 10. This episode kicked ass, I don't care who you are.

[ClarkyBoy14]

I liked it. It was better than last week. I like the two new characters, and I love Clark's attitude this season. I hope PS3 can keep it up!

[6-Super-Man -5]

Hated the Bette character, but overall I give this episode, 8.

[SnowBird]

I loved this episode and gave it a 10. For the second episode I thought it was one of the best. For example in the 1st season, does anyone remember the Bug Boy? One of the worst. Smallville has come a long way.

Lots of Clark; Lois and Clark the beginning; Action & Plastique; intro Davis; bad @ss Tess; BBF Clark and Chloe interaction; start of an evil team; classic Clark messing up on purpose on the obit so Lois could help him. If she only knew; beginning of Doomsday. The actors gave it their best.

That's the short version. The new Metropolis location looked awesome with the crises. I think the actors like it that they don't have to go on location. This is sizing up to be an awesome season.

[SteveS]

I gave it an 8 for Chloe and Clark and Davis. Tess is going to be a handful and the actress is playing her part well.

[vyperman7]

This episode was pretty enjoyable. Definately better than the premiere. When is the last time you could say that episode 2 was better than the season premiere? Shows you how weak Odyssey was.

Pros :

- I am liking the Davis/Chloe chemistry. How sad is it that Chloe has more chemistry with a perfect stranger then she does with Jimmy.. :lol: Davis is so much more of a likeable character than Jimmy. I also like the ending shot with Davis in the alley. Nice little cliffhanger.

- The prospect of a team of villains is great. Hopefully they will bring back Mxy. I am really liking Tess so far. She was a great addition to the show. I wasn't sure how I would fell about MR being gone, but Tess is cool so far.

- The bus scene was cool. Seeing Clark saving people in the streets of Metropolis was awesome. Although, it will be a bit hard to keep his identity secret with no suit or glasses for that matter. I did like the quote from Davis "For a guy without a uniform, you sure saved a lot of people".

- I like the chemistry between Tess and Clark. It should be interesting to see which way they take it.

- The Clois scenes were great, and the last shot of them typing side by side was awesome. Nice forshadowing. Also, the phone booth bit was great.

Cons :

- I still HATE the fact that Clark is a reporter. He did nothing to earn the position whatsoever. It must be nice to waltz in off the street into a reporting gig. The only saving grace is that they had Clark explain why he is working at the DP

- It bugs me that Lois is being billed as this veteran reporter when she doesn't even have that much experience. Making comments like "Back when I was a rookie, etc".. She hasn't worked long enough yet to be a miss know it all.

- Chloe's emotions going in so many different directions. She is supposed to be in love with Jimmy, yet she is obviously attracted to Davis, and she was upset when Clark was so accepting of her engagement. I just wish that Chloe would make up her mind already. The sad fact is that she has better chemistry with both Davis and Clark, and she is marrying the guy she should be friends with.

*************

Overall I really enjoyed this episode. It had some nice forshadowing in it with the phone booth, Clark being heroic in Metropolis, DP related scenes, etc, as well as great chemistry between both Davis/Chloe and Clark/Tess. One of the more enjoyable FOTW eps because the FOTW story mixed in so well with all the other elements.

9/10

[LuckyLois]

I really enjoyed it. I think Tess is a twisted and is playing the role really well. Davis is getting interesting too. I think the actors did a great job tonight. Loved Clark and Lois, Clark and Chloe. It seemed real their interaction. Lois and Clark looked amazing, and I was glad to see so much Clark tonight too. I gave it a 10! I have great expectations this season.

[ShInE4YoU]

I really liked this episode... it had less action then last weeks but it was still very good..

Things I liked best:
1. DAVIS, WOW! mysterious & sexy. Can't wait to see where his character goes...
2. Chloe's new calling...
3. Clois....
4. Twisted Tess....

and of course Clark's new wardrove...that man is smokin hot....

[txluvstom]

I gave it a 10! It was well-rounded and quite solid for a second episode. It touched on a lot of stuff from last week. The Clois scenes were crisp with wonderful comedic timing on both sides. Best scene of the night hands-down was Clark and Chloe in the Talon apartment reguarding the engagement. Beautifully acted by Tom and Allison. Great episode.

[Ginx]

9/10 - Good episode with some minor things that could have changed but overall Davis/Doomsday ruled the episode along with Clark's facial expressions. SV is on it's way to where it should be.....

[jimmyolsenblues]

i liked it some classic lois and clark mythology scenes, so nice to see clark saving people and out of flannel

[STFanatic]

Of course I noticed his shirt was Iconic Blue ;)

[BadToad]

I gotta go with what I gave Odyssey. A 7.

I really can appreciate that PS3 want to move the show along, and progress Clark, but I think its clear that they are definitely skipping a few chapters. And not just with Clark. Lois seemed a bit advanced in her role as reporter. And Davis and Chloe's instant-connection seemed a bit rushed. Tess also feels like its a bit too much, too soon.

But, I do love how they are writing Clark. Strong, compassionate, heroic, and SMART! I loved that.

The Clois interaction was done very well, with the banter being 2-sided, and the putdowns being balanced quite nicely with compliments and encouragement.

AM and SW have already shown more chemistry in one episode than AM and AA have managed in over a year. And Sam made quite a good impression on his first time out. He's a really solid actor.

The Clark/Chloe stuff was pretty interesting, and TW and AM were typically great in their scenes together. I'm not at all sure where they are going with this.

Unfortunately, the big weakness in this episode was the character of Bette herself. Very underdeveloped, played by a weak actress.

[warriorrenegade]

I enjoyed the episode a 9/10. See SV can still crank out a good episode from time to time. Shame they come once maybe twice a year.

[amberdawn]

I gave it an 8!

[RedKRules]

With those lightswitches, they could had light up the whole Metropolis ... but anyway it was good thanks to Sam! I give it a 6

[tyson08]

I didn't care about Bette... but I did enjoy this episode. It kept me interested and the final 10 minutes were excellent.

I'm really, really looking forward to next weeks episode. It looks fantastic!

[falcon64z8]

I think this is a 4, I could care less for Bette. This episode felt like an emo one. The only good thing is about the ending where I hope they do a villain unite vs Justice league.

[RedKRules]

I think this is a 4, I could care less for Bette. This episode felt like an emo one. The only good thing is about the ending where I hope they do a villain unite vs Justice league.

and I thought I was being generous!! ;) Villain Unite vs Justice League would be :eek::eek:

[dimeo782002]

I gave it an 8 . there were alot of things i liked and some things were uh so so . I actually like the doomsday introduction and the interaction with chloe. Chloe seems to have a little somethin for davis . you can tell she has some kind of thing with him. imnot saying crush but they obviously have something . The chlark moments were good the talk of the engagement brought little tears cause this could be the beginning of the end for chlark as a romance . They have had a strong bond and clark is right they are more than friends but now what ? he obviously and chloe too are having hard time with this. Im not gonna say if it's love or frienship feeling because that bhas not yet been established . but ther defineylt is something neither of them want to lose . The tess mercer i still need to see her more to see what i think. The freak of the week * yawn * but it is needed to have clark rescue people i guess . now the dp and lois . although i9 find the banter funny between clark and lois i feel she is a little too bossy imo. i like lois being sarcastic but i feel like they arealying it on pretty thick and have like she has been there ten years . Just need her to pull back just a littlemore but i totally agree with lois giving clark a suit ... now that was funny . but some of the rest of the banter was a little toomuch but i liked clark repeating lois when he said never reveal the source' but over all good episode . im not caring too much about the next episode , isn't it a little too early for a filler episode ?? i want to know about clark not green arrow !

[scifigirl]

I gave it a nine. I thought that it was a pretty solid episode. I really liked the Clois, Davis, Davis and Chloe together and heroic and wonderful Clark. I don't like Tess and Bette was a pretty lackluster villian.

[Cogito17]

I gave it a seven. I liked the episode, especially in terms of the main characters individually as well as the way many of the characters interacted. But in terms of the overall story of the season and the story of the episode, it wasn't quite as strong. Most of the stuff they revealed was just sort of teasing or setting up for whats to come this season. Still a very enjoyable episode though!

[ginnyfan]

I was wrong footed a bit at first but after watching a second time I love it! It was a great episode. It was a lot more Chloe focused than I thought. They transitioned her from Journalism to helping "meteor people" as Davis calls them, beautifully. I loved the Lois/Clark interaction. So much fun. So funny. LOL! I thought this episode gave Tess some gravity, especially toward the end. I'm really getting excited about her. The cat's out of the bag, Chloe's engaged. I love what Chloe had to say about Jimmy and her engagement during the episode. Davis is HOT. He had great chemistry with Chloe. Oh her bang fell over her eye so alluringly in some of the Chloe/Davis scenes. I like that he inspires her new... direction. "Girl scout!" *giggle* Loved Tess recruiting Bette. And next weeks episode looks like it'll be great! Great continuity that Bette escaped during the events of "Odyssey."

10/10

[Kevin24]

10/10 for me. Nice surprises at the end that gave me serious chills.

[Mini Wolfsbane]

Um, I think this episode mostly left me confused...but only somewhat.

Parts that confused me (Or were just plain bad):

Clark just rips open the bus like a freaking tin can with everyone and their mom
around to see it in broad daylight. Hello, what happened to subtlety?!
I realize it's a life and death situation, but even when there were people around before
he always used some caution with his abilities. Tonight it was just: March over and rip it open. Who cares if everyone can see including the people inside? Agh!! Bad writing!

Oh, and the wearing a plaid shirt to the freaking Daily Planet bit.
I would expect Clark to do something that stupid, but I wouldn't give him so much credit as to actually do it. You own a suit man. I know, I've seen it!
Get with the program, please. He's been there, what, more then a dozen times already.
Your eyes quit working there, boy? Did you not see the nicely dressed men and women who weren't wearing plaid?...! Bad, bad, bad writers! Clark is not that stupid or unobservant!

I think it was Bad Toad that said Lois seemed a little too advanced as a reporter.
Maybe it's the new hair color, maybe it's the outfit, maybe it's the fact that she thinks
she knows everything about being a journalist when she's only been working there, what, a few months? (Heh. I just figured it out as I wrote it.)
I have to agree. Ease up, Lois. You don't need to be more obnoxious to me then you already are.

Since when does Chloe just automatically fall for some random paramedic that she just met? And when she's engaged to the guy she claims to love? What??
If you're going to do a love triangle, work it in over the course of a few episodes, don't just shove it down our throats in three minutes.

And leaving a 15 year old homeless kid alone in your apartment?
Um, bad idea much? Yes, I'll just leave the streetrat in my place alone where she
can take all my stuff to hock on Ebay before I get back the next day.
(Not trying to stereo-type here, but, come on, would YOU do that?)
She thinks Bette is mourning. That's all well and good, but you just don't
leave a kid in your apartment alone. Someone take the stupid stick away from
Chloe before she hurts herself. First the tacky ring and now this. She's been
playing with the stupid stick too much. (I think I'll use that regularly now.
Oh, and it's taken from the proverbial "dull stick" as in "Rogue in the X-Men movies had been beaten
with a dull stick.")


I think that's about it, except for the ending. Davis is huddled in an alley....nude.
This is the beginning of Doomsday? Yeah, because a naked guy in an alley is really scary.
(For the record, the noise/scream/whatever it was he made at the end did freak me out. I was afraid to see it again because I couldn't tell it was him. I actually thought it was Brainiac.)

Good stuff:

Clark...everything! The Clois banter, the life saving, the hotness...er, the amazing way he is no longer obsessing over Lana (OMG! look, a flying pig!) and being an independent young man. *sniffle* They grow up so fast!
Really though, it's an amazing change from last season. I'm diggin' season 8 Clark!!

The humor. Dude, I actually laughed out loud at the "I'm getting married?" line.
Love the SV humor. It's great to see it back again in full force.

Other:

IDK, Bette just made me think of Bart (which, by the way, I thought she was gonna go all good and get with the JLA and I was ready to be a Beart shipper.), which is sorta a good thing and sorta not. If character X reminds you of character Y, it means they're being lazy and recycling plots. Except I did enjoy that they made her hide her powers
and she was vengeful. Can't remember the last FOTW that played everyone like that.
I wouldn't go so far as to call her annoying, but for me she was just sorta there.
From the previews I thought she'd be around everyone Else's age. By the end of the eppy it was easy to believe she was 15, though.

Maybe my sound wasn't up loud enough or my hearing is going, but I couldn't make out Bette's name hardly at all. I heard Pat, Vet, and a bunch of other crazy things. Next time I'm blasting it, I don't care who's asleep. It's awful when you don't even know what a characters name is.
__________
All in all, there were some cring worthy moments, but it wasn't downright unwatchable.
I give it 5 stars.

[Rachel B]

The storyline was boring. Lois' repoter status was over the top. Clark should not be a full fledged repoter yet. Chloe is unhappy. I think the only thing that I truly enjoyed was Davis. SW is a very good actor and the chemistry between him and Chloe was good.

[Karafan1]

I'm giving this episode a 2, and I think i'm being generous. When was the last time there was absolutely no major storyline going on in the second episode of the season? Sure Tess is apparently getting the Legion of Doom together, but that's what they were building up Lex to do for years and that never panned out.

This was a filler episode, a freak of the week episode at best.


I think it's pretty early for a filler episode. I thought they usually save those for the 3rd to last or 2nd to last episodes in the season..

[vyperman7]

I gotta go with what I gave Odyssey. A 7.

I really can appreciate that PS3 want to move the show along, and progress Clark, but I think its clear that they are definitely skipping a few chapters. And not just with Clark. Lois seemed a bit advanced in her role as reporter.

I said basically the same thing in my review V. I don't like how they are making Lois out to seem like a veteran when she is still somewhat green herself in terms of overall experience. She hasn't worked long enough to be a miss know it all yet. I also think they should have had Clark start out in the mailroom to start building an interest in journalism over the first half of the season. That way while he was working on his dual identity, he could do so more in a lower key job and eventually write an article on the mysterious hero that would have him earn the position of reporter. I hate how Clark hasn't had to earn his reporting status.

[Remy72883]

This episode what great in the story development of characters both old and new to the show. We get to see the introduction of Clark Kent and Tess. The new and improved female version of Lex Luthor. Who is just as suspicious of Clark and dare i say even more cunning than Lex Luthor was. We get to see how she handles situations with more delicatcy and style. We also get to see the famous Lois and Clark team kick into action for the first time with great chemistry and hope of what adventures are yet to come. We get introduced to are newest character Davis. A paramedic who tries to help people on and off the clock so to speak. Davis meets Chloe early on in this episode and some could say they have a spark between them. Later on we see them both for a breif moment realize the mutual attraction they have for one another followed by a moments of silence. Clark and Davis later meet for the first time at a hospital where Clark is covering the door that Lois has broken into for the purpose of stealing confidental records. We then get introduce to Bett also early on in this episode who has the ability of pyrocanesis. Do to abuse we later learn of Lex Corp which is never directly said but greatly assumed based on his track record of 33.1. Her lack of faith in people has taught her the hard way of independence. Later on after she and Chloe have a confrontation. Clark comes to the rescue of Chloe. We get to see why are hero is just that. A Hero. Despsite the fact he witnessed her kill a former friend and almost Chloe. Clark still offers her a hand of acceptance. Towards the end of this episode we get to see Tess and Bett having a conversation about Bett joining a team of Meator Inhanced which leaves room for alot of excitment for what might very well be on its way. At the very end however we see Davis nude in a dark alley way having what appears to be spasms. Now i already know unfortionally this characters purpose but i willnot deliver that information here i do not wish to spoil it for the fans. All and all a great episode which once again raises alot of question keeping us on the very edge of are seat for is to come. I give this episode a 8+

[superspider02]

Well i enjoyed the episode tonight. It was pretty good. Bette was a neat character and i hope we get to see her again. They didnt really come out and say if she was krypto powered or a regular metahuman? I thought it was neat she was indeed connected to black creek location and tess's people were after her. I thought her power looked good and she acted very well. I to was thinking when tess mentioned a team for it to be sucide squad if so i hope we get to see said team vs the jla that would be so wicked. Davis was a pretty nice character. Sam acted well and he did have some good chemistry with allison in the episode. I thought it was funny that he blew chloe is engaged when talking with clark and thought clark was with her. Also the doomsday hint at the end of the episode was sweet i do hope we get to see monster form at some point probably will be in prey or bride my guess. It was cool to see the facial bone/spike some what forming on his face at the end. Cant wait for more with him.

[kraami]

Gave it a 5...it was better than the premiere so that's good. New chars seem to materialize a little better. Lois was so annoying I was starting to like her but now she seems like a know it all that doesn't and got really annoying fast. They did some repair work in this episode having it involve clark at DP since they "lightswitched" that in the premiere. But all in all ...just a freak of the week...hopefully next week can get it back to a worthy ten...(Hoping and praying).

[behwes74]

I gave it an 8.5. Love the additionof SW and CF. SV feels fresh and relevant again. Was very impressed with SW; guy had instant chemistry with everyone, especially scene with Clark. This dude can act. I feel bad 4 AA. Like him as an actor but he and AM have no onscreen chemistry...As 4 the episode, thought it laid the ground work 4 the upcominng seasong nicely. Quite strong 4 a second eppy. Thought the story structure was great. All in all, better than Odyssey in my opinion.

[Tacitus]

Nothing to add what hasn't been said already, I agree with pretty much everything BadToad and vyperman7 said. This are happening way too fast IMO, mostly in regard to Lois and Chloe/Davis. I like that Clark is finally at the DP, I accepted the light switch, but come on, let him show some interest in reporting and be a little bit more competitive. He just lets Lois pull his nose. :lol:

Oh, and please get a better actor for the security guard. I can act better than that guy :D

Bonus points for the new opening credits, loved the JH addition.

6/10

[Este]

Lightswitch

They take more time for dialogue - good. But not good when that dialogue emphasizes the lightswitches. And not so good when all the talk slows the episode down to a crawl.

Oh, and I've already seen Lois & Clark. And FOTW episodes. And Tess impersonates Lex quite well, but how about something new?

6/10

[thefilmguy22384]

again this episode was hurting with out the presence of lex. i really hate that tess chick. the show is trying so hard to make her seem even more bad ass then lex but i hate to break it to them but she is pretty lame. she doesnt even begin to measure up to rosenbaum. they really need to give rosenbaum what ever he wants to get him back. if they gotta cut some of the budget out of the effects or locations for an increase in pay then so be it. no effect or set can compare to what he brought to the show. i can play ball just as long as he comes back at least for the last few episodes to tie it all up. we shall see.

whats the deal with clark so quickly getting work at the daily planet as a journalist. i know a few freshly graduated journalism majors and i gotta tell you that there is no way its that easy. even with four years of college and a degree its difficult making it in journalism. these days most places wont even accept your application with out a college degree. so for clark to just jump in and in his first day get all of that work, thats almost more unbelievable then a man being able to fly ha.

im not sure how i feel about davis bloom aka doomsday. why do they have to give him this back story where he was a nice guy and all of that? its butchering the comics. in the comics doomsday was just a mindless killing machine with no remorse or a single shred of humanity. he and superman only meet one time and we all know how that turns out. then again im willing to sit back and see where they go with it. it could end up working out but it could just end up being a bad impression of lex's transformation into the villain.

oh and what was up with chloe and bloom practically ripping eachothers clothes off after only knowing eachother for less then a day? i mean talk about rushing that relationship. it didnt feel at all natural to me and it almost made chloe look a little slutty. that she would be so tempted by bloom after such a short period of time. she must not care for jimmy as much as she leads on if she falls that fast for bloom.

all in all though the episode wasnt that bad. i know my review is filled with mostly complaints but on an enjoyment level i was entertained. its certainly a relief that lana is gone. she was really weighing the show down. my biggest problem is just lex not being there. if he was on this season i would probably feel much better about this episode. i hope they kill off tess some time in the not too distant future.

[skully]

A solid 8.

Loved all the Clois moments, Doomy's introduction and interesting finish to the epi, as well as the Chloomy moments, Clark's bus heroics and super-save on Chloe, and the start of what looks like the Legion of Doom. Tess's increasing evilness was good as well.

A good start to S8. Lots of great potential starting to develop.

[Jaderoyale]

I was pleasantly suprised. I didn't watch any clips for this episode so i didn't know what to expect.
LOVED Clark and Lois. "You think i have a charming smile?"
Chloe and Davis (smmmooooking chemistry there). I am actually, LOVE Davis. I found him EXTREMLEY attractive.
Wasn't too keen on Bette.

Gave it an 8.

[yoxodo]

Just watched Plastique a second time and liked it a little more than i did upon the first veiwing, but not much more. This is the slowest start the show has ever gotten off to, and i can't quite put my finger on it but something in these first two episodes just doesn't feel right. Is anyone else getting that? Maybe its the lack of Rosenbaum and Glover, or all the new characters who, to me, feel kind of forced...

I can see why a lot of people are thrilled with the direction this season is taking, what with Clark acting more heroic and less moody, and new relationships seemingly being formed. Maybe this will be one of those seasons that is better in hindsight, after it all plays out. For me, season 6 was like that. I wasn't crazy about many of those episodes individually, but viewed altogether on dvd i now enjoy that season.

The only thing that really worries me is Davis Bloom/Doomsday. This is another character on a long list of characters that is appearing way to early in Clark's life. The writers are treading a fine line with this guy, and if handled improperly it could be really bad for the show. Doomsday is known for killing Superman, but i hope he's not about to kill Smallville.

[AndrewVDk]

The episode was fantastic, everything except annoying idiotic Lois scenes!
Chlark save was avesome, the best part of the episode,
and Davis was great, Tess too!

[Jaderoyale]

The episode was fantastic, everything except annoying idiotic Lois scenes!


Saying something like that is only calling out for an argument.
Fair enough you don't like Lois, but no need to be disrespectful and call her "idiotic" :)

[Timester]

again this episode was hurting with out the presence of lex. i really hate that tess chick. the show is trying so hard to make her seem even more bad ass then lex but i hate to break it to them but she is pretty lame. she doesnt even begin to measure up to rosenbaum. they really need to give rosenbaum what ever he wants to get him back. if they gotta cut some of the budget out of the effects or locations for an increase in pay then so be it. no effect or set can compare to what he brought to the show. i can play ball just as long as he comes back at least for the last few episodes to tie it all up. we shall see.

Rosenbaum is not coming back, that's why Tess replaced Lex.

[monel49]

Great ep! I can't put my finger on it, but something is very different this year. The actors are more relaxed, characters more developed--this all feels much more like the Superman story I've grown up with. Clark is confident and has an idea about who he is and what he should do. Great new character with Davis Bloome--Sam Witmer is a fine actor and adds some depth to this show. Smallville has grown up--it's not your high school kid's sci-fi fix anymore. I know it's only two episodes, but already, this season is head and shoulders above the others. Thanks to writers and producers for taking it in a new direction--I give Plastique a 9.

[Fly by guy]

Even without all the old characters around I thought this was like a season 2 story, except with Clark at the Planet and not the Torch and yet another FOTW. Also, instead of scoping Lana, not it's Lois. The Dude might abide but Originality on SV does not.

I did not like the Freak at all. WAY too much attitude.
The Chlark scene about how things will change is a huge clue that later Chloe will no longer know Clark's secret. Living in bliss with Jimmy, ugh.

[Krypto_marcus]

I gave it a 10! I thought it was a great episode. I loved how Clark went strait to the bus without worrying about who saw him use his powers. I also loved the injustice gang reference made by Tess. I can't wait to see more on the new villains, and I can't wait to see more Lois and Clark in the DP. I couldn't be happier!

Me too and ITA:D

[skully]

It's funny. I really enjoyed Plastique. But I watched a rerun of S4 Sacred on cable afterwards and was quite blown away with how much more action there was in the S4 epi compared to our most recent episode. Then again, the intermittent witches and stones epis in S4 did have a lot of fun and action.

Still, I was happy enough with S08E02.

[AgentChaos]

Thumbs up:

-Tess. I was a little nervous about her when I heard they were bringing her in to replace Lex, but she's been pretty good so far.

-Chloom. Maybe a little too hot, but I don't care. The first 10 seconds of Chloom had more chemistry than 2 years of Chimmy.

-The BDA is MIA. Let's keep it that way.

Thumbs down:

-Lois. For someone who has been in journalism for only 2 years, not counting her short stint at the Torch, she came across as a bit of a bossy know-it-all towards Clark. Her attitude was very condescending. It was a major turnoff.

-The VOTW was just not interesting. Hopefully this is the only one this season.

-After wanting to be a journalist almost her entire life, Chloe is just going to walk away and settle for being Mrs. Jimmy Olsen? Ew!

Now having said that, it's easily explained why Chloe might want to not step back into journalism right away:

Brainiac seriously messed with her mind when he tried to take it over. Combine that with a month of imprisonment, being subjected to experimentation, long periods of isolation locked up in a cell, seeing her best friend "die" saving her.... it's realistic to think her emotional state is somewhat screwed up.

IMO Chloe needs some time to get her head on straight, figure out what's happening to her, and put her life back in order. Once she does that, a return to reporting will come. At least that's my hope.

[quietone]

8/10

Good episode. I like the start of S8 especially since we are getting mature, proactive, smart Clark.

The Clois interaction has been enjoyable. It's so nice to see Clark joking and smiling. He seems more relaxed this season.

My conspiracy theory is that Tess definitely had something to do with Clark getting the job at the DP. Especially as a reporter with zilch experience.She knows something's up with him and this is her way of keeping tabs on Clark w/o being too obvious.

Davis is going to be a great addition to the cast. I can't wait to see what's in store for him.

The only weak spot was the actress who played Bette. She was mediocre and I'm being generous. I actually thought her story was interesting especially since it ties back into Level 33.1 and I hope we get to see the army that Tess is assembling.

[stenochick]

I enjoyed Plastique a lot. Yes, it was the season 8 version of a season 2 FOTW episode, but it advanced the story arcs and had great dialogue and character development.

After watching Tess and Clark in Plastique, I believe that Tess saw Clark's application and made sure he was hired as a full reporter in the basement with Lois so that Tess could keep an eye on him and have a reason to get to know him better.

If he was in the mailroom, that would be weird for the big boss to be interested in some dude in the mailroom. I think she wants to keep Clark close to her because she is convinced he is hiding information about Lex's whereabouts.

I liked Tess a lot more this week than last week. I guess she just needed to grow on me.

Lois comes off as this veteran reporter, but I am telling you, I have known people this bossy in real life. In her eyes, her one year at the Inquisator and one year at the Planet are a wealth of valuable experience that she must impart on Clark, her rookie sidekick.

Even though she is still a rookie compared to veteran reporters with 20 years experience, Lois has totally embraced journalism. It is her passion NOW regardless of whether it was in previous seasons, so Lois is going to be way over-the-top about it despite (or because of) her lack of experience.

Chloe was great but her ambivalence about Jimmy was very obvious. The Chlark scene was very revealing. These two have feelings for each other but it is now too little, too late. I guess having Lana out of your system and spending all day with Lois can do that to a man.

SW was great as Davis, That was the best part of the whole episode.

Bette was a convincing street kid. As a former foster care caseworker, I cringed when Chloe invited Bette to stay with her and then had her stay there unsupervised!! That is rule #1: never bring a foster kid, especially a teenager, into your home; and if you must, hide your valuables first.

I liked the continuity between Tess closing down and reassimilating the inmates at Black Creek last week and Tess inviting Bette to be part of her suicide squad or whatever league of villians she is creating. Lex liked to hold people prisoner and experiment on them, Tess just invites them into her gang.

And of course, last but not least, I cannot complain about the return of highschool Clark Kent: smart, proactive, motivated, heroic, happy, sweet, funny, and optimistic to the point of giving sappy speeches to teenage villians. He even showed up to episode two wearing his best highschool outfit and backpack.

[RobMcC]

I voted 7 mainly because i enjoyed the addition of Davis didnt care much for the anger mind fire girl

[Kaos89]

A 2 ....because Clark is acting like a FRICKIN IDIOT! again and again!
STOPBEING SO BAIT!

[STFanatic]

I will confirm that as posted before, in the closed captions, Clark does say "We are more than just friends, we're family".

I just finished watching the episode again (I love my DVR) with the captions on.

There was a lot that I somehow missed the first time around.
I am not thinking of this episode as a FOTW, but more as an introduction to a character we will see again.

[AgentChaos]

A 2 ....because Clark is acting like a FRICKIN IDIOT! again and again!
STOPBEING SO BAIT!

:confused: When did Clark act like an idiot in this ep?

[Shadow116]

Lois getting all high and mighty with Clark really buged me since she thinks she's mythos Lois apparenty. SV Lois had only worked at the Planet what a year at most just because she slept with Grant. I hated that...plus I'm still wondering why they did Perry after Odyssey and Plastique. And not a big Chlavis guy, especially because Chloe's engaded. But Clark is actually getting better and taking the sting out of his studpidity and sex with Lana I've had issues with for the past many seasons.

Those were the only things that bugged me with this one.

So...7.5/8 out of 10

[LuckyLois]

I really liked how Clark held his ground with Tess and told her he and Lex had not been friends for years and to watch out , not to let the job overwelm her as it did Lex. I was really glad to see him act like that. As for not coming to work in nice pants and shirt after he has visited Chloe 3,000 times and has seen what everyone wears, well they had to do it so Lois could dress him in the phone booth. You can't nitpick everything I guess. It would have helped if the phonebooth was clear glass!:D

[stenochick]

I really liked how Clark held his ground with Tess and told her he and Lex had not been friends for years and to watch out , not to let the job overwelm her as it did Lex. I was really glad to see him act like that. As for not coming to work in nice pants and shirt after he has visited Chloe 3,000 times and has seen what everyone wears, well they had to do it so Lois could dress him in the phone booth. You can't nitpick everything I guess. It would have helped if the phonebooth was clear glass!:D

ITA agree with everything you said, especially about the glass phonebooth. If TPTB are going to make Clark do something that stupid, the payoff for the audience should have been a little better. :)

[skywalker28]

Good
-Clark helping people out of the bus. Clark is Superman right now (with the exception of flight), he's determined to help people and finally has realized his ultimate purpose in life and without Lana to hold him back he is doing so.
-All Clois scenes were well done.
-Chlark scenes, of course.
-Davis Bloome looks like a surprisingly interesting character and his downfall into Doomsday looks intriguing.
-Chloome scenes.
-Legion of Doom/Injustice League teaser?
-Music was very good again.

Bad
-I'm still not sold on the Tess Mercer character yet. I really feel like they are force feeding us a villain here.
-Plastique, I think it was the actress more than the character.

Other
-It's amazing that Metropolis hospital looks just like Smallville Hospital.
-Only two scenes in Smallville (The Talon & Lex's Mansion). Seriously, this show should be called Metropolis.

I really liked this episode and I honestly feel that this is turning out to be a great season of Smallville/Metropolis.

[Kal-alien]

Average episode got an average score. 5

[geminis]

I enjoyed Plastique a lot. Yes, it was the season 8 version of a season 2 FOTW episode, but it advanced the story arcs and had great dialogue and character development.

After watching Tess and Clark in Plastique, I believe that Tess saw Clark's application and made sure he was hired as a full reporter in the basement with Lois so that Tess could keep an eye on him and have a reason to get to know him better.

If he was in the mailroom, that would be weird for the big boss to be interested in some dude in the mailroom. I think she wants to keep Clark close to her because she is convinced he is hiding information about Lex's whereabouts.

I liked Tess a lot more this week than last week. I guess she just needed to grow on me.

Lois comes off as this veteran reporter, but I am telling you, I have known people this bossy in real life. In her eyes, her one year at the Inquisator and one year at the Planet are a wealth of valuable experience that she must impart on Clark, her rookie sidekick.

Even though she is still a rookie compared to veteran reporters with 20 years experience, Lois has totally embraced journalism. It is her passion NOW regardless of whether it was in previous seasons, so Lois is going to be way over-the-top about it despite (or because of) her lack of experience.

Chloe was great but her ambivalence about Jimmy was very obvious. The Chlark scene was very revealing. These two have feelings for each other but it is now too little, too late. I guess having Lana out of your system and spending all day with Lois can do that to a man.

SW was great as Davis, That was the best part of the whole episode.

Bette was a convincing street kid. As a former foster care caseworker, I cringed when Chloe invited Bette to stay with her and then had her stay there unsupervised!! That is rule #1: never bring a foster kid, especially a teenager, into your home; and if you must, hide your valuables first.

I liked the continuity between Tess closing down and reassimilating the inmates at Black Creek last week and Tess inviting Bette to be part of her suicide squad or whatever league of villians she is creating. Lex liked to hold people prisoner and experiment on them, Tess just invites them into her gang.

And of course, last but not least, I cannot complain about the return of highschool Clark Kent: smart, proactive, motivated, heroic, happy, sweet, funny, and optimistic to the point of giving sappy speeches to teenage villians. He even showed up to episode two wearing his best highschool outfit and backpack.

ITA with this and everything Lucky Lois said. Must go to Daily Planet and remove all those window decals....

I also think people are being kind of harsh on Bette; she's a frickin' 15 year old female kid, for crying out loud. And let me tell you, the hormones and the attitude make you want to kill them. But you still let them live in your house knowing the potential for destruction. Until you boot them out to get some peace and quiet while they attempt to develop the brain that has been foundering in the sinkhole of emotional upheaval that is the teenage female experience. Can't tell I don't have any experience with moody teenage girls, can you? Nope, didn't think so.

Also, Tess, now how subversive was she? Smile in front of you while surreptitiously knifing you in the back. Very Luthor protege. Love to hate Lex but women can be just as bad, if not worse; it looks like Tess is just warming up.

Good bad Davis is bringing out the bad girl in Chloe. She is so unaccustomed to being hit on that Davis must be a refreshing change. But poor Chloe; destined to always make the wrong romantic choice.

For me Plastique was the bomb. Have to watch it again several times to determine exactly which type but it was definitely not a dud.

[stenochick]

One more comment I thought of after rewatching Plastique: I can't think of any plotholes or "lines I wished were in Plastique"** or scenes which had to take place in Offscreenville in order for there to be continuity. So, hats off to the storytellers for that.

**other than, "I've got to find my cousin, Kara. What if she is in the Phantom Zone?"

[Kal-alien]

Oh.. About the lightswitch moments. Maybe you guys are just shocked because for the first time in a long while... the story is progressing. It has been stagnant for so long, that it seems more "lightswitchy" than it really is/ i dunno. Just a thought

[Eeyore840]

I gave it an 8.

The whole Lois/Clark/Daily Planet stuff felt very forced. The way Lois' character has been written in the past has affected my ability to believe in this professional, driven, and competent (?) Lois they are giving us now. The street scenes reminded me of L&C: TNAOS. It felt like deja vu, and not necessarily in a good way.

I love the new attitude from Clark. Smarter, more mature, and competent; exactly what I would expect from the future Superman, and a huge improvement over Clark's persona for the past 4 seasons.

Chloe and Davis--WOW! They are making this show interesting again, thank goodness! And Tess is totally creepy...I can't wait to find out more about who she is, where she comes from, and what her connection is to Lex.

No Jimmy, and no Lana, which is always a plus.

[geminis]

Stagnant seems a little harsh to me but I appreciate and understand the sentiment. I consider it as more of a constant rebound off the rim which finally, eventually gets turned into a slam dunk. Hard on the basketball and the fans but oh, the payoff.

[GaidinDre]

I give it a 10. It was everything I hope to see when I tune in to Smallville.

[Mad Madam Mimm]

I give the episode an 8. I enjoyed the interaction between Clark and Lois, even if Lois was a bossy PITA. It fits her character as she has patronized Clark since the day they met. The banter between them is good, as it has always been. I am hoping their storyline does not get rushed in an effort to wind it up by end of S8. I'd like to be able to see the pendulum swing - meaning that I want to watch their feelings for each other develop with a little nuance and subtlety and not just be slapped in the face with it (though I fear a slap is coming.) I will feel a little robbed if they wake up one day suddenly ga-ga over each other.

By far, the best scene IMHO, was between Clark and Chloe. I always enjoy their scenes but the Talon scene was one of their best. Poignant, tender, and a rare glimpse of vulnerability from our superhero. I have always been a TW fan, but I have not always been a fan of his acting (he can be so stiff sometimes! and not in a good way!). I thought he really nailed that scene and I am really enjoying him this season. Last season Clark seemed like such an afterthought among all the other story arcs. I feel like this season the show is getting back on track. Go Tom!

I am holding off judgment on Tess Mercer, to see where she is going. I liked seeing her show a different dimension of her character, esp. with Clark, but hope they don't distract the Clark/Lois storyline with a romantic entaglement with Tess.

I have never watched Sam Witwer before and I enjoyed him as Davis Bloome. I did think he mumbled a little bit, but that could be all that heavy metal music I listened to in high school finally making me deaf.

----- Added 37 Seconds later -----

I give the episode an 8. I enjoyed the interaction between Clark and Lois, even if Lois was a bossy PITA. It fits her character as she has patronized Clark since the day they met. The banter between them is good, as it has always been. I am hoping their storyline does not get rushed in an effort to wind it up by end of S8. I'd like to be able to see the pendulum swing - meaning that I want to watch their feelings for each other develop with a little nuance and subtlety and not just be slapped in the face with it (though I fear a slap is coming.) I will feel a little robbed if they wake up one day suddenly ga-ga over each other.

By far, the best scene IMHO, was between Clark and Chloe. I always enjoy their scenes but the Talon scene was one of their best. Poignant, tender, and a rare glimpse of vulnerability from our superhero. I have always been a TW fan, but I have not always been a fan of his acting (he can be so stiff sometimes! and not in a good way!). I thought he really nailed that scene and I am really enjoying him this season. Last season Clark seemed like such an afterthought among all the other story arcs. I feel like this season the show is getting back on track. Go Tom!

I am holding off judgment on Tess Mercer, to see where she is going. I liked seeing her show a different dimension of her character, esp. with Clark, but hope they don't distract the Clark/Lois storyline with a romantic entaglement with Tess.

I have never watched Sam Witwer before and I enjoyed him as Davis Bloome. I did think he mumbled a little bit, but that could be all that heavy metal music I listened to in high school finally making me deaf.

[svtwamedfan05]

I loved this episode. I give it a 10

[Mar-El]

I was going to give the episode a 7, because on first viewing I thought it was kind of average, but I watched it again this morning and I liked it more.

I really like Davis and Tess. I liked Chloe in this episode. Lois and Clark were awesome. If this is a "FOTW" episode, it's definitely one of the better ones.

Was something moving around in Davis' forehead in that last scene?

I give it an 8/10.

[Timester]

The best thing of this episode was the tone of the writing. Very well written, everyone acting very mature.

Very different from the previous seasons.

[SueB]

Plastique was a mess. Like Odyssey it was a patchwork quilt of scenes loosely stitched together. It had less “WTF” moments than Odyssey but it still had plenty of those WTF moments. What surprised was the acting. Only SW did well in my book. And that’s saying a lot, because I’m a big fan of TW & AM for acting. Throughout the episode I constantly noticed the “stage direction” in scenes and some serious over-acting. Some of the shots were almost soap opera quality:

Ex:
Character X says a line or takes an action
Over-long focus shot on Character Y …. And you can practically here the “DUN DUN DUNNNNN!” music from the soaps.

Yeesh. Did they cut back on the people who fix that kind of quality issue? The big thuds were just overwhelmingly loud. Overt, take me out of the moment moments:
- Overlong UST look from TW to ED when the bomb went off (you can almost hear the director say, pssst “PLAY IT WITH TENSION!)
- Chloe could have looked at the screen when Clark told her she should come back to reporting and she said “I’m moving on”. Seriously, I have expected her to look at the screen and say “Did you here that fans?! My character is moving on!”
- Clark w/ Tess (Director: pssst “TOM! Roll your eyes at the mention of Lex! Tess! Give EVOL stare after Tom leaves the room)
- 2nd meet-cute with the lightbulb. Again, you can here the director saying “ALLISON! Make sure you to give Sam a long look! The message is UST!”
- Clark/Chloe scene (Director: TOM! Look torn up but brave about it! Tom & Allison! Make the hug look conflicted!)

It was just clunky. Much worse than last week.

Good spots:
- Clark rescuing people, nice bit. Clark obviously smarter than Lois in figuring out what was going on.
- SW was very good. I really liked the way he blew telling Clark about the engagement. So much more subtle than e rest of the acting all night)

Plot:
- They continue to undermine the point of the Smallville series. It’s turned into Superman without tights. I wanted the journey, they skipped to the end.
- Lois is played as a joke. We are still laughing AT (vice WITH) Lois because she is so clueless and bombastic. Can they not give this woman ANY dignity? Just a scrap? Must her first method of investigation be “flirt with the cop” and if that doesn’t work, “bribe the cop”?
- What the hell is up with the mixed messages still? Why have a subplot about Chloe hiding her engagement from Clark for a week, Clark being upset, and the conflicted hug? I know Clois fans don’t see anything but you really really have to be an ostrich to ignore that they are sending a Chlark ANGST signal here. If there was no angst, there would have been no subplot. Time is precious in the episodes, they spent a lot on the topic. Its mere existence as a subplot is confirmation that they are treating Chlark as an issue – whether or not some want to pretend it doesn’t exist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s intentionally interpretable by Clois fans as “It’s just the demolition of the friendship, there is no romance here, and Doomsday was just mistaken about the hug” while Chlark fans will be perfectly capable of saying “It’s on-screen presumed they are a couple by a new observer, TW goes into angst/sad mode like he did when talking to Lana in Promise after the wedding, and the hug is romantically conflicted). WTF. I really don’t like watching the manipulation of fandoms so blatantly on-screen*– I think the producers are saying “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” but I can sure see it.
*Note: the closed caption argument? Weak. The rest of the closed captioning was so poorly done, with missed phrases, word order changes, etc…It’s my understanding CC is not from a script but someone typing as they watch the episode (hence all the errors). If they don’t get a script (and they don’t, I’ve been on the other side of this argument before and told unambiguously, CC is not from a script) then this is just the typer presuming the line because it’s a cliché. At the end of the day, I’ll accept “deleted scenes” which are filmed and then later put on the DVD by TPTB over a network typed (not producer typed) CC error.

Retcon of the day
- Lois pretending she ever wrote want ads or Obits. She started off with her first article in the Inquisitor based on the Barn Doors from Aliens freelance article – fiction (per Clark) but still already on the front page of the tabloid. The assignment after the spaceship that didn’t get printed was already in New York --- it had nothing to do with want ads and obits. Lois Lane paid no dues like she’s claiming Clark has to. Further, she blatantly STEALS Clark’s work for her first front page article at the DP. This is not a woman of integrity.

In sum, SW was a good spot and I like Clark being heroic. They had a few worthy lines or moments. The rest was just a reboot MESS with over-acting and blatant contrivances.

[stenochick]

*Note: the closed caption argument? Weak. The rest of the closed captioning was so poorly done, with missed phrases, word order changes, etc…It’s my understanding CC is not from a script but someone typing as they watch the episode (hence all the errors). If they don’t get a script (and they don’t, I’ve been on the other side of this argument before and told unambiguously, CC is not from a script) then this is just the typer presuming the line because it’s a cliché. At the end of the day, I’ll accept “deleted scenes” which are filmed and then later put on the DVD by TPTB over a network typed (not producer typed) CC error.

I'm training to be a captioner and only live shows are captioned live. Scripted shows are captioned ahead of time from the script. That's why there is no time delay between the spoken words and the captions.

[SueB]

I'm training to be a captioner and only live shows are captioned live. Scripted shows are captioned ahead of time from the script. That's why there is no time delay between the spoken words and the captions.

Then I stand corrected! Last year, in a similar argument, I had another so-called insider claim that they are absolutely NOT from a script. So, I'll accept your answer as more valid.

Can you explain why there were so many errors?

[Mad Madam Mimm]

I love the fact that there is such a wide range of opinions on the same episode!! Sorry for the double-post - new at this thing!

Re The Clark/Chloe angst moment -- I saw it more as a resolution of the angst that has been there all along (and another story line that was drawn out way too long!) I am pleased to see some of the older story lines put to rest, but I agree that they do need to get back to the development of Clark from farmboy to his Superman persona. I would love to see him use his superpowers more - that is the one disappointment I have with the new episodes. He needs to use his entire super-arsenal of powers (and I would not object to them throwing in a new one, but then again, I don't require SV to follow the mythos to the letter - I like the creative license that started the whole show to begin with.)

Man, I could talk and read posts about this darn show all day long.
Must...get...back...to...work...

[stenochick]

Then I stand corrected! Last year, in a similar argument, I had another so-called insider claim that they are absolutely NOT from a script. So, I'll accept your answer as more valid.

Can you explain why there were so many errors?

I will have to rewatch it with the captions on. I usually watch with the captions because I enjoy seeing how the script changed by the time it got to air.

You can tell when you are watching live captioning because there is a time delay and there is a constant scrolling, sometimes even live correction.

The errors can be caused by the following: 1. the captioner hit the wrong keys on her machine. 2. the captioner hit the right keys on her machine but did not define that keystroke in her dictionary of english words so the wrong word or words popped on the screen. 3. the captioner was correct but something got lost through the phone lines. The technology is not the best. 4. The captioner used the original script but the actors did not.

I find that number 4 is most common in Smallville. For example, last week, Tess walked into the tent and said, "Who's Regan?" and the caption said, "Regan Matthews?" There is no way that could be a typo or error on the captioner's part. Obviously the captioner was not watching the show live at any point or they would have written what they heard and not make up a last name for Regan.

You would think that in captioning a show ahead of time instead of live, there would be no errors by the captioner, but there always are.

Your insider may know more than me, but this is what I have been taught. I'm a student, not an actual working captioner yet.

The best is watching old reruns of SNL that are re-aired in the daytime on E! cable channel. The censors are more strict on E! so you will hear a bleep but see the actual content on the bottom of the screen. The funniest one is when Molly Shannon says camel toe and points to hers over and over and all you hear is bleep, bleep, bleep and the audience roaring.

[SueB]

Thanks for the info --- very insightful. Just watch that one scene w/ CC on and you'll see what I mean about really big errors. Whole dropped lines (on screen said, not on the CC and what's more, the CC doesn't sound like spoken english) etc..

At the end of the day, however, the actors either didn't say the lines and the director let it stand or they dropped it in editing. It's a fairly big point so I think the choice to leave it off is intentional. Just like there was an early version in an upcoming episode that had an event that caused pages of comments in a spoiler thread, then later the event is dropped from the script. At the end of the day, the event is not aired, so it doesn't happen.

OTOH, I believe that if TPTB put a scene in the deleted scenes, it "counts". That's just my rule, but edits from the script, don't.

I believe the motivation is for intentional misdirection to prop up ratings --- which is why TPTB are jerks.

[stenochick]

^^^Yes. Clark saying "we are more than friends" and Clark saying, "We are more than friends. We are family" are two wayyyyyyyy different things. Like night and day. I'm glad they omitted it, though. I hope they did not do just for ratings, but we'll see.

[Kevin24]

Plastique was a mess. Like Odyssey it was a patchwork quilt of scenes loosely stitched together. It had less “WTF” moments than Odyssey but it still had plenty of those WTF moments. What surprised was the acting. Only SW did well in my book. And that’s saying a lot, because I’m a big fan of TW & AM for acting. Throughout the episode I constantly noticed the “stage direction” in scenes and some serious over-acting. Some of the shots were almost soap opera quality:

Ex:
Character X says a line or takes an action
Over-long focus shot on Character Y …. And you can practically here the “DUN DUN DUNNNNN!” music from the soaps.

Yeesh. Did they cut back on the people who fix that kind of quality issue? The big thuds were just overwhelmingly loud. Overt, take me out of the moment moments:
- Overlong UST look from TW to ED when the bomb went off (you can almost hear the director say, pssst “PLAY IT WITH TENSION!)
- Chloe could have looked at the screen when Clark told her she should come back to reporting and she said “I’m moving on”. Seriously, I have expected her to look at the screen and say “Did you here that fans?! My character is moving on!”
- Clark w/ Tess (Director: pssst “TOM! Roll your eyes at the mention of Lex! Tess! Give EVOL stare after Tom leaves the room)
- 2nd meet-cute with the lightbulb. Again, you can here the director saying “ALLISON! Make sure you to give Sam a long look! The message is UST!”
- Clark/Chloe scene (Director: TOM! Look torn up but brave about it! Tom & Allison! Make the hug look conflicted!)

It was just clunky. Much worse than last week.

Good spots:
- Clark rescuing people, nice bit. Clark obviously smarter than Lois in figuring out what was going on.
- SW was very good. I really liked the way he blew telling Clark about the engagement. So much more subtle than e rest of the acting all night)

Plot:
- They continue to undermine the point of the Smallville series. It’s turned into Superman without tights. I wanted the journey, they skipped to the end.
- Lois is played as a joke. We are still laughing AT (vice WITH) Lois because she is so clueless and bombastic. Can they not give this woman ANY dignity? Just a scrap? Must her first method of investigation be “flirt with the cop” and if that doesn’t work, “bribe the cop”?
- What the hell is up with the mixed messages still? Why have a subplot about Chloe hiding her engagement from Clark for a week, Clark being upset, and the conflicted hug? I know Clois fans don’t see anything but you really really have to be an ostrich to ignore that they are sending a Chlark ANGST signal here. If there was no angst, there would have been no subplot. Time is precious in the episodes, they spent a lot on the topic. Its mere existence as a subplot is confirmation that they are treating Chlark as an issue – whether or not some want to pretend it doesn’t exist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s intentionally interpretable by Clois fans as “It’s just the demolition of the friendship, there is no romance here, and Doomsday was just mistaken about the hug” while Chlark fans will be perfectly capable of saying “It’s on-screen presumed they are a couple by a new observer, TW goes into angst/sad mode like he did when talking to Lana in Promise after the wedding, and the hug is romantically conflicted). WTF. I really don’t like watching the manipulation of fandoms so blatantly on-screen*– I think the producers are saying “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” but I can sure see it.
*Note: the closed caption argument? Weak. The rest of the closed captioning was so poorly done, with missed phrases, word order changes, etc…It’s my understanding CC is not from a script but someone typing as they watch the episode (hence all the errors). If they don’t get a script (and they don’t, I’ve been on the other side of this argument before and told unambiguously, CC is not from a script) then this is just the typer presuming the line because it’s a cliché. At the end of the day, I’ll accept “deleted scenes” which are filmed and then later put on the DVD by TPTB over a network typed (not producer typed) CC error.

Retcon of the day
- Lois pretending she ever wrote want ads or Obits. She started off with her first article in the Inquisitor based on the Barn Doors from Aliens freelance article – fiction (per Clark) but still already on the front page of the tabloid. The assignment after the spaceship that didn’t get printed was already in New York --- it had nothing to do with want ads and obits. Lois Lane paid no dues like she’s claiming Clark has to. Further, she blatantly STEALS Clark’s work for her first front page article at the DP. This is not a woman of integrity.

In sum, SW was a good spot and I like Clark being heroic. They had a few worthy lines or moments. The rest was just a reboot MESS with over-acting and blatant contrivances.

I don't agree with the negatives you pointed out but I have to give you props for being so detailed in your review of the epsiode. You definitely are a different viewer of the show then I am.

I admit it was an interesting read and very in depth and a lot of the issues you had with the epsiode are ones that have never been mentioned before on the these forums , at least I don't think so.

Hopefully next week changes your opinion of the show!:)

[babyluthor]

I give it a 6. There were some good scenes, but also some that were not that great.

I thought the new Davis character was kinda boring. Just seems like he's a regular guy. I will reserve judgment though because it was only his 1st appearance. I hope at least his alter ego thing will make him more interesting.

I'm liking Tess more after seeing this episode. Last epi I didn't like her, but I think now she has her character down. And she has a good evil stare hehe.

Do we really need another love connection with Chloe? The Davis/Chloe relationship seemed kinda forced. I did like how they did the engagement reveal to Clark using Davis. I found Chloe and Clark's facial expressions to be confusing when they were hugging, like they didn't know if they were suppose to be happy, sad, or indifferent.

I wish they would put more into the visual fx. Many on this episode seemed kinda cheap and rushed. Like when the girl blew up those barrels, her friend just seems to disappear. I say if they can't make it look awesome, than just don't do it.

Overall I thought it was an ok episode.

[BWOracle]

I gave the episode a 9. We finally have the Clark Kent we’ve been waiting for since Season 1…pro-active, working at the Daily Planet, working with Lois Lane and saving people in Metropolis. Superman is almost here.

I had to deduct 1 for a weak Bette and bit more conversation than action.

However, to those idiots who call Clark’s change in lifestyle lightswitching…did you actually watch Odyssey. Clark clearly stated that he finally realized that he had been holding onto a life on the farm that had not existed for years and he needed to make a drastic change to find a new life.

In the adult world, things like this happen all the time. They’re called life changing events (similar to Lois’ interest in journalism being sparked by the barn door almost landing on her in Sneeze). In my own personal experience, I have had several life changing events in my own life.

I’m sure at some point this season we’ll find out that Tess hired Clark because Lex told her to keep a close eye on him and what better way to keep an eye on someone than have them work for you.

Alternatively, we may find out that Perry White recommended Clark. If you look closely at the episode Gone in Season 4, the Daily Planet article about Lionel’s conviction had the by line of Perry White, so he worked for the Daily Planet after he met Clark and would be in a position to influence his hiring.

As usual on this site, those with negative opinions scream the loudest. If you moan about Lex being gone, get over it. The actor left (creative people don’t like doing the same thing over and over no matter how good it may be). If you don’t like it, there are plenty of other things you can find to do on Thursdays from 8 to 9 PM.

[doodie8808]

WHOA WHOA I SAW FOR A FACT THAT CHOLE TOO STOLE EVIDENCE FOR A STORY SO LOIS IS NOT ALONE IN THAT I THOUGHT THIS EPISODE WAS GOOD AND GOT AN 8 FROM ME TO RUSHED BUT GOOD I LOVE THE SAM AND AM STUFF AND THE CLOIS STUFF THOUGH I AM PISSED THAT CHOLE WAS SO GUILABLE TO PUT SOMEONE IN HER HOME MADE ME NOT LIkE HER CHARACTER AT ALL!

[ann91]

I liked the scenes of lois and clark
the episode quite entertaining.
I am liking GREAT

referred to chloe to no longer be the same in terms of its relationship with clark xD heh.

[magic]

this has to be the worst episode in smallville's history in my book

[All about Clark]

I gave it a 7. I thought it was a little slow and a little dull. There were some really good scenes and then some I could have completely gone without, such as the one where Davis meets Chloe at Isis.

I found myself only really liking the scenes where Clark is involved. And I really liked his approach with Bette after she attacked Chloe.

I didn't get why Chloe wanted to run Isis, knowing she had just almost got herself killed by a meteor freak, that part didn't really jive.

It was odd seeing both Clark and Chloe so miserable with the idea that she needed to move on with her life and her engagement. There's something to that, if it was so difficult telling Clark, then something is really wrong there. Not to mention, that if she runs Isis, Clark is valuable to her in keeping her alive. They have always helped each other, does this marriage change that, will she quit helping him and him saving her. It all seems like such a conflict.

Tess is growing on me a little, but not Davis. I guess we'll see next week.

[dimeo782002]

Saying something like that is only calling out for an argument.
Fair enough you don't like Lois, but no need to be disrespectful and call her "idiotic" :)

I have to agree ! i did not like some of the bantering and felt lois is a little to bossy but im certainly not gonna call her an idiot . i did like the part where she went and took that guys button up shirt i laughed at that. but name calling of the chracters will start arguments here . can't we just agree to disagree on our favorites * sighing *:D

[Magda Halliwell]

Who is the PS3? And why was it called Plastique. I guess I am dumb.

[Smallville6]

this has to be the worst episode in smallville's history in my book

Care to explain why exactly?

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


Who is the PS3? And why was it called Plastique. I guess I am dumb.

PS3 is an abbreviation for the producers of the show.
And it was called Plastique because Bette is known as Plastique in the comics.

[dimeo782002]

I gave the episode a 9. We finally have the Clark Kent we’ve been waiting for since Season 1…pro-active, working at the Daily Planet, working with Lois Lane and saving people in Metropolis. Superman is almost here.

I had to deduct 1 for a weak Bette and bit more conversation than action.

However, to those idiots who call Clark’s change in lifestyle lightswitching…did you actually watch Odyssey. Clark clearly stated that he finally realized that he had been holding onto a life on the farm that had not existed for years and he needed to make a drastic change to find a new life.

In the adult world, things like this happen all the time. They’re called life changing events (similar to Lois’ interest in journalism being sparked by the barn door almost landing on her in Sneeze). In my own personal experience, I have had several life changing events in my own life.

I’m sure at some point this season we’ll find out that Tess hired Clark because Lex told her to keep a close eye on him and what better way to keep an eye on someone than have them work for you.

Alternatively, we may find out that Perry White recommended Clark. If you look closely at the episode Gone in Season 4, the Daily Planet article about Lionel’s conviction had the by line of Perry White, so he worked for the Daily Planet after he met Clark and would be in a position to influence his hiring.

As usual on this site, those with negative opinions scream the loudest. If you moan about Lex being gone, get over it. The actor left (creative people don’t like doing the same thing over and over no matter how good it may be). If you don’t like it, there are plenty of other things you can find to do on Thursdays from 8 to 9 PM.

just a friendly note we are not supposed to call people names here and we are not allowed to tell people not to watch the show or if you don't like it don't watch ect. imk just telling you before someone reports it . i do not feel clark is a light switch at the planet i think it was a little fast or they should explain a little more but calling people idiots because they say clark lightswitched is inapprpriate . we are all entitkled to our opinions here but name calling is not cool. no im not a moderator but i simply am someone who cares that we all respect eachother. have a wonderful day:D

[Supes4Ever]

Plastique was a mess. Like Odyssey it was a patchwork quilt of scenes loosely stitched together. It had less “WTF” moments than Odyssey but it still had plenty of those WTF moments. What surprised was the acting. Only SW did well in my book. And that’s saying a lot, because I’m a big fan of TW & AM for acting. Throughout the episode I constantly noticed the “stage direction” in scenes and some serious over-acting. Some of the shots were almost soap opera quality:

Ex:
Character X says a line or takes an action
Over-long focus shot on Character Y …. And you can practically here the “DUN DUN DUNNNNN!” music from the soaps.

Yeesh. Did they cut back on the people who fix that kind of quality issue? The big thuds were just overwhelmingly loud. Overt, take me out of the moment moments:
- Overlong UST look from TW to ED when the bomb went off (you can almost hear the director say, pssst “PLAY IT WITH TENSION!)
- Chloe could have looked at the screen when Clark told her she should come back to reporting and she said “I’m moving on”. Seriously, I have expected her to look at the screen and say “Did you here that fans?! My character is moving on!”
- Clark w/ Tess (Director: pssst “TOM! Roll your eyes at the mention of Lex! Tess! Give EVOL stare after Tom leaves the room)
- 2nd meet-cute with the lightbulb. Again, you can here the director saying “ALLISON! Make sure you to give Sam a long look! The message is UST!”
- Clark/Chloe scene (Director: TOM! Look torn up but brave about it! Tom & Allison! Make the hug look conflicted!)

It was just clunky. Much worse than last week.

Good spots:
- Clark rescuing people, nice bit. Clark obviously smarter than Lois in figuring out what was going on.
- SW was very good. I really liked the way he blew telling Clark about the engagement. So much more subtle than e rest of the acting all night)

Plot:
- They continue to undermine the point of the Smallville series. It’s turned into Superman without tights. I wanted the journey, they skipped to the end.
- Lois is played as a joke. We are still laughing AT (vice WITH) Lois because she is so clueless and bombastic. Can they not give this woman ANY dignity? Just a scrap? Must her first method of investigation be “flirt with the cop” and if that doesn’t work, “bribe the cop”?
- What the hell is up with the mixed messages still? Why have a subplot about Chloe hiding her engagement from Clark for a week, Clark being upset, and the conflicted hug? I know Clois fans don’t see anything but you really really have to be an ostrich to ignore that they are sending a Chlark ANGST signal here. If there was no angst, there would have been no subplot. Time is precious in the episodes, they spent a lot on the topic. Its mere existence as a subplot is confirmation that they are treating Chlark as an issue – whether or not some want to pretend it doesn’t exist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s intentionally interpretable by Clois fans as “It’s just the demolition of the friendship, there is no romance here, and Doomsday was just mistaken about the hug” while Chlark fans will be perfectly capable of saying “It’s on-screen presumed they are a couple by a new observer, TW goes into angst/sad mode like he did when talking to Lana in Promise after the wedding, and the hug is romantically conflicted). WTF. I really don’t like watching the manipulation of fandoms so blatantly on-screen*– I think the producers are saying “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” but I can sure see it.
*Note: the closed caption argument? Weak. The rest of the closed captioning was so poorly done, with missed phrases, word order changes, etc…It’s my understanding CC is not from a script but someone typing as they watch the episode (hence all the errors). If they don’t get a script (and they don’t, I’ve been on the other side of this argument before and told unambiguously, CC is not from a script) then this is just the typer presuming the line because it’s a cliché. At the end of the day, I’ll accept “deleted scenes” which are filmed and then later put on the DVD by TPTB over a network typed (not producer typed) CC error.

Retcon of the day
- Lois pretending she ever wrote want ads or Obits. She started off with her first article in the Inquisitor based on the Barn Doors from Aliens freelance article – fiction (per Clark) but still already on the front page of the tabloid. The assignment after the spaceship that didn’t get printed was already in New York --- it had nothing to do with want ads and obits. Lois Lane paid no dues like she’s claiming Clark has to. Further, she blatantly STEALS Clark’s work for her first front page article at the DP. This is not a woman of integrity.

In sum, SW was a good spot and I like Clark being heroic. They had a few worthy lines or moments. The rest was just a reboot MESS with over-acting and blatant contrivances.

I am going to try and put this down while being respectful, because I don't want to start a fight. I read this whole thing, and I have to admit a few points are worth looking at. But I have to ask, and I don't mean to call you out specifcally SueB, as there are others who post on here from TWOP as well, but are you bringing that same misplaced negativity over here as well? I ask this because I went over to TWOP and looked at what they had to say about this last episode, and laughed, yes LAUGHED!

A lot of these criticisms are similar. On TWOP, they are still holding on to the old "rumor" that Lois got her job because she slept with her boss, when Grant said in "Blue" that she got her job because of the article she wrote in "Combat"! So they still call her "Nois" (Not-Lois), saying she didn't have an interest in Journalism (funny, they showed that in Season 5, Season 6 when she got a job with the Inquisitor, plus Season 7 when she got the Daily Planet job) saying she shouldn't act so "experienced" even when based on Smallville's "fluid time" she has been a reporter for a year and a half now at the DP, and rip the show because it is "ruining" Chloe. I don't even LIKE Lois's character. I am a Clark fan. But a lot of this anger seems odd to me, as I can't find it in the show's writing at all.

[dimeo782002]

WHOA WHOA I SAW FOR A FACT THAT CHOLE TOO STOLE EVIDENCE FOR A STORY SO LOIS IS NOT ALONE IN THAT I THOUGHT THIS EPISODE WAS GOOD AND GOT AN 8 FROM ME TO RUSHED BUT GOOD I LOVE THE SAM AND AM STUFF AND THE CLOIS STUFF THOUGH I AM PISSED THAT CHOLE WAS SO GUILABLE TO PUT SOMEONE IN HER HOME MADE ME NOT LIkE HER CHARACTER AT ALL!
Oh yes chloe did steal a luthorcorp card i remember that lol !
but she was just trying to help the girl off of the street chloe also took in lana when they were younger and she was definetly in love with clark then . so even though cjhloe knew clark loved lana she still took lana in as crazy as that is she still opened her door to a stranger , wrong decision but not a reason to hate or dislike more of a rreason to say hey girl don't do that again.:)

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


Who is the PS3? And why was it called Plastique. I guess I am dumb.

ps3 stands for the new powers that be brian souders , kelly something the pther is peterson andy way they are the three writers that took over the show after al gough and miles millar left the show . and you are not dumb i just found out that bda means big dumb alien lol !:rotfl:

[SueB]

but are you bringing that same misplaced negativity over here as well?

I've posted my reaction to the episode and don't represent anyone but me. You may call it "misplaced negativity" but I really thought it was pretty poor. I do post both here and TWoP but generally don't repeat word for word. There was more than enough negativity at TWoP from yesterday, so while I could have posted a detailed assessment there, "me too" would have just about covered it as well -- but a whole post was a bit redundant. Not sure your point of asking about my posting habits.... hope that answers your question.

SV S8 is not nearly as good as past seasons IMO. It's really gotten quite shallow. I think some are so blinded with some of the highlights that they are accepting alot of the quality problems due to their thrill for "movement". I keep thinking it might get better but the routine episode was just as bad as the premier. I'm hoping quality improves but I it's gone off my must-see-TV list and is now DVR-only. I never saw SV until S6 but quickly became a big fan because of what I perceived as depth in many episodes (especially the earlier years). Not all, mind you. Some were real clunkers (like Thirst, Spell, etc..). S8 is not at that same weight-class as the previous "average" SV episode IMO for either Odyssey nor Plastique. Some like the superficial and the light -- me, not so much.

[RedKRules]

Plastique was a mess. Like Odyssey it was a patchwork quilt of scenes loosely stitched together. It had less “WTF” moments than Odyssey but it still had plenty of those WTF moments. What surprised was the acting. Only SW did well in my book. And that’s saying a lot, because I’m a big fan of TW & AM for acting. Throughout the episode I constantly noticed the “stage direction” in scenes and some serious over-acting. Some of the shots were almost soap opera quality:

Ex:
Character X says a line or takes an action
Over-long focus shot on Character Y …. And you can practically here the “DUN DUN DUNNNNN!” music from the soaps.

Yeesh. Did they cut back on the people who fix that kind of quality issue? The big thuds were just overwhelmingly loud. Overt, take me out of the moment moments:
- Overlong UST look from TW to ED when the bomb went off (you can almost hear the director say, pssst “PLAY IT WITH TENSION!)
- Chloe could have looked at the screen when Clark told her she should come back to reporting and she said “I’m moving on”. Seriously, I have expected her to look at the screen and say “Did you here that fans?! My character is moving on!”
- Clark w/ Tess (Director: pssst “TOM! Roll your eyes at the mention of Lex! Tess! Give EVOL stare after Tom leaves the room)
- 2nd meet-cute with the lightbulb. Again, you can here the director saying “ALLISON! Make sure you to give Sam a long look! The message is UST!”
- Clark/Chloe scene (Director: TOM! Look torn up but brave about it! Tom & Allison! Make the hug look conflicted!)

It was just clunky. Much worse than last week.

Good spots:
- Clark rescuing people, nice bit. Clark obviously smarter than Lois in figuring out what was going on.
- SW was very good. I really liked the way he blew telling Clark about the engagement. So much more subtle than e rest of the acting all night)

Plot:
- They continue to undermine the point of the Smallville series. It’s turned into Superman without tights. I wanted the journey, they skipped to the end.
- Lois is played as a joke. We are still laughing AT (vice WITH) Lois because she is so clueless and bombastic. Can they not give this woman ANY dignity? Just a scrap? Must her first method of investigation be “flirt with the cop” and if that doesn’t work, “bribe the cop”?
- What the hell is up with the mixed messages still? Why have a subplot about Chloe hiding her engagement from Clark for a week, Clark being upset, and the conflicted hug? I know Clois fans don’t see anything but you really really have to be an ostrich to ignore that they are sending a Chlark ANGST signal here. If there was no angst, there would have been no subplot. Time is precious in the episodes, they spent a lot on the topic. Its mere existence as a subplot is confirmation that they are treating Chlark as an issue – whether or not some want to pretend it doesn’t exist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s intentionally interpretable by Clois fans as “It’s just the demolition of the friendship, there is no romance here, and Doomsday was just mistaken about the hug” while Chlark fans will be perfectly capable of saying “It’s on-screen presumed they are a couple by a new observer, TW goes into angst/sad mode like he did when talking to Lana in Promise after the wedding, and the hug is romantically conflicted). WTF. I really don’t like watching the manipulation of fandoms so blatantly on-screen*– I think the producers are saying “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” but I can sure see it.
*Note: the closed caption argument? Weak. The rest of the closed captioning was so poorly done, with missed phrases, word order changes, etc…It’s my understanding CC is not from a script but someone typing as they watch the episode (hence all the errors). If they don’t get a script (and they don’t, I’ve been on the other side of this argument before and told unambiguously, CC is not from a script) then this is just the typer presuming the line because it’s a cliché. At the end of the day, I’ll accept “deleted scenes” which are filmed and then later put on the DVD by TPTB over a network typed (not producer typed) CC error.

Retcon of the day
- Lois pretending she ever wrote want ads or Obits. She started off with her first article in the Inquisitor based on the Barn Doors from Aliens freelance article – fiction (per Clark) but still already on the front page of the tabloid. The assignment after the spaceship that didn’t get printed was already in New York --- it had nothing to do with want ads and obits. Lois Lane paid no dues like she’s claiming Clark has to. Further, she blatantly STEALS Clark’s work for her first front page article at the DP. This is not a woman of integrity.

In sum, SW was a good spot and I like Clark being heroic. They had a few worthy lines or moments. The rest was just a reboot MESS with over-acting and blatant contrivances.

I pretty much I agree with everything you said ..... it is not about misplaced negativity! I just didn´t buy what they tried to sell to me! that is just it!

[Keymaster]

I loved it!

This season is definitely surprising me, even though we're only 2 episodes in. I like the transition of Clark and that they didn't waste any time getting him off the farm and into the Daily Planet as well as the plaid shirts!! You can definitely see the connection between him and Lois getting stronger. The biggest surprise is that even without Lex or Lionel, there seems to be a future after all. It's a shame this may be the last season because this season already looks more promising, in my opinion, than last season....so far.

Long live Smallville.

And as for that 2 hour post before mine....sounds like you have too much time on your hands... maybe you should be a movie critic, since I've never seen a positive movie review in my life.

Peace!

[Tatiana]

I loved it, especially the dynamic between Clark and Lois, from the first moment he walked in they were fun, entertaining, sexy, heroic. Clark looked hot too in that blue shirt and the white one too. Lois looked stunning, so did Chloe. I really liked the character of Davis, he has a lot of charisma, and the chemistry between him and Chloe was super, they definitely were attracted to each other. It made me a little teary eyed when Chloe told Clark she was getting married and things were going to change but that she wasn't ready for that. There's definitely some tension there. I also liked a lot the character of Bet? i think that was her name, kinda brought back the old Smallville. Tess was cool too, she is starting to show her true colors...and I am wondering, is she creating like an evil team to fight the justice league? interesting to see what will happen. I gave it a 10

[Timester]

Lois Lane paid no dues like she’s claiming Clark has to. Further, she blatantly STEALS Clark’s work for her first front page article at the DP. This is not a woman of integrity.

Yes, bad Lois, for doing something that ILL would do. Like stealling Clark's scoop in "Lois & Clark". :rolleyes:

If you want to rip the episode, go for it, I did it several times. But, please, don't use the review to spread the vapid TWOP lies here.

And you should now better, since you did participate on the Chlois thread.

[Tatiana]

A 2 ....because Clark is acting like a FRICKIN IDIOT! again and again!
STOPBEING SO BAIT!


Why do you say he is acting like an idiot? and don't get so angry, it's just a show if you don't like it, don't watch it. It is as simple as that

[Nerial]

I hated the premiere. Way to many plotholes (OMG), way too many characters, and nothing is explained (How did Ollie find Clark? How did everyone get out of the facility at the end?--the goons hadn't been defeated. How did Ollie know Clark was an alien? *bang head on desk*).

But, this episode was very good. It had fun moments (phone booth), the actress who played Plastique did a good job, Davis sparked my interest, Chloe's motives for this season were estiblished well for Isis, and Tess' decision to create a team with super-powered people makes her different from Lex (I was not impressed with Tess in the first episode). Lex would never trust meteor freaks unless he could control them fully.

Overall, so much better. I was worried for this season, but this has made me feel there is hope.

Oh, and Clark carrying Tess out of the bus was SO Superman. He had the expression DOWN! Wonderfully done!

[wolverine316]

Good episode; better than Odyssey. I give it an 8.

[Supes4Ever]

I've posted my reaction to the episode and don't represent anyone but me. You may call it "misplaced negativity" but I really thought it was pretty poor. I do post both here and TWoP but generally don't repeat word for word. There was more than enough negativity at TWoP from yesterday, so while I could have posted a detailed assessment there, "me too" would have just about covered it as well -- but a whole post was a bit redundant. Not sure your point of asking about my posting habits.... hope that answers your question.

SV S8 is not nearly as good as past seasons IMO. It's really gotten quite shallow. I think some are so blinded with some of the highlights that they are accepting alot of the quality problems due to their thrill for "movement". I keep thinking it might get better but the routine episode was just as bad as the premier. I'm hoping quality improves but I it's gone off my must-see-TV list and is now DVR-only. I never saw SV until S6 but quickly became a big fan because of what I perceived as depth in many episodes (especially the earlier years). Not all, mind you. Some were real clunkers (like Thirst, Spell, etc..). S8 is not at that same weight-class as the previous "average" SV episode IMO for either Odyssey nor Plastique. Some like the superficial and the light -- me, not so much.

The reason why I mentioned it, and I probably should have said this to you a LOONNG time ago, is that I always waited for your reviews after episodes. I respect your opinion, I enjoy your opinion, and a lot of times you catch things that I miss. I have always thought that if you weren't doing it in real life, you could make a heck of a living as a entertainment reviewer. Your criticisms are brutal when necessary, and even though you ship a certain relationship, I never sensed your bias coming through in that which made me happy because I don't ship any relationship. I have first been, and always will be here for Clark's journey towards his destiny.

The reason why I mentioned those things, is that while I don't believe it is intended, a lot of talking points from other posters on TWOP have started to come through on your reviews, and it troubled me. It troubled me one, because as I said I respected your opinion, but two the fact that a lot of the "facts" that are spread on that site about Smallville's season-to-season and character progression are just well.....lies. I have poured over every possible source of material you can FIND on Smallville's history, and matched it with my own memories from watching every single episode since Season One, Episode One. I can find no factual or contextual basis for some of the "facts" expressed by viewers on that site. To use the phrase due to the lack of a better one, as a "fan" of your reviews and opinions, the perception of influence from the negativity on that site respectfully raised red-flags.

[alejandrita439]

i loved it

it was a great episode :)

[anakinjmt]

I don't know if anyone has brought this up, but this wasn't your average FOTW episode. They made the origin Kryptonite-related, but Plastique is a bona fide DC supervillian, most notable for being a member of the Suicide Squad. For anyone that's seen the JLU episode Task Force X, they may remember Plastique in that episode, who was more of the original Plastique: used actual munitions. I liked though that for this episode they used the current version, where she can make things explode themselves. If Tess is gathering up the Suicide Squad, this will be a VERY good season. I don't know if it's been revealed if the Suicide Squad will appear in this season, but that's certainly the impression I'm getting.

Anytime they bring in more DC mythos is a good thing IMO. Better to stick with the tried and true, plus it sends my comic book geekiness into overdrive.

[SueB]

Yes, bad Lois, for doing something that ILL would do. Like stealling Clark's scoop in "Lois & Clark".

You know, I think I'm coming to the impression that maybe I just really don't like ILL. I see the move where she had Clark on tape recorder without his knowledge as something you don't do to a friend. If that's ILL, I don't like it. I like the values Ma & Pa Kent generally used. Don't get me wrong, there were some times Pa Kent was IMO way out of line... but the tape recorder bit was underhanded. I just didn't like it at all.


vapid TWOP lies here.

What in the world are you talking about? I said Lois didn't pay her dues because she never wrote Ads & Obits. What else bugged you?


And you should now better, since you did participate on the Chlois thread.

Again, WTH? I don't Chlois and rarely visit that thread (and never here). Are you confusing me with Sue Denim?

Now, Timester, you get a bee in your bonnet everytime I post. I think you should either PM your beef or take it to the mods. Constant personal assault is against the rules I'm pretty sure.


I can find no factual or contextual basis for some of the "facts" expressed by viewers on that site.

If I brought over some error, please point that out. Seriously. I don't think I did and I have no problem admitting if I've made a mistake. I think I can discern between the venting and reality. I may vent from time to time on TWoP but I try to stay in what I think is accurate space.


I always waited for your reviews after episodes.

Doh! Really? Um... gee, thanks, I'm like completely surprised.

[ColdPlay3r]

it was alright

7

[Darth Pipes]

I mentioned last week that I thought the absence of Lex left a large void. I still feel that way but not as much this week. I thought Tess improved from last week and was impressed with Doomsday's introduction. There could be some hope after all for this season's new villains.

[Yasise]

I gave it a six, maybe I could have given a 6,5 either.

I think it was a nice episode, the actors did a good job. Clark and Lois were cute together and so were Chloe and Clark AND Chloe and Davis!

Davis seems to be an interesting, new character, at least the actor is really doing a good job. Very talented!

I liked Tess better than last week. She still seems to be more like a female Lex to me, but o.k. I guess we've still to see more of her.

I'm still suffering from the lightswitch in Clark's decision to beome a reporter at the DP. I still didn't get used to that.

For now I've this weird feeling that I'm watching the other show:"Lois & Clark" but just with other actors and actually that's a shame.

But well, this season definetly seems to be more promising than the last season!

BTW, can anybody explain the reason/meaning for the title of this episode, "Plastique"?

What was plastique??? I didn't get that.

[legofreak]

hi everyone, i hope this is a good place for my first post ...
smallville is getting better and better :) i just love it ...

[Magda Halliwell]

Great to have you here legofreak! :) Someone told me earlier Plastique was the girl who could blow things up Yasise! I don't really think the name fits the power though.

I am iffy on this ep. Neither one has just blown me away. I do love the Clark and Lois scenes and I have to say their back lot is top notch. I do like Tess though and wonder if she is building The Legion of Doom I also am intrigued by this new young EMT. He looked HOT all naked and writhing! ;)

[Timester]

BTW, can anybody explain the reason/meaning for the title of this episode, "Plastique"?

What was plastique??? I didn't get that.

Bette is a DC villain named Plastique.

[RedKRules]

I'm still suffering from the lightswitch in Clark's decision to beome a reporter at the DP. I still didn't get used to that.

For now I've this weird feeling that I'm watching the other show:"Lois & Clark" but just with other actors and actually that's a shame.

I feel the same, believe me!:lol: I gave it a 6

[Otisburg Mayor]

I give it a 7. I always like when seeds are laid for continuity, and the Davis entry while seemingly rushed, also seems promising. One thing that stood out on the negative side though, was the scene where Bette "turned" on Chloe was truly laughably bad. Hideous directing.

[TheANIMAL (marcus)]

Tess was my favorite part. Everything else was cheesy.

[SparkleforSmallville]

Bette is a DC villain named Plastique.

She most likely got her name from the "plastique explosives" you see in spy movies,
when they blow a safe door etc.

[vamroc]

How can people have any complaints we got good chemistry between Lois and Clark a potential rift between Chloe and Clark Tess is proving to be good foil and we got the first mention of the INJUSTICE LEAGUE.

[bizzaroboy9]

made me feel like i was watching an classic episode of smalliville from season 2/3/4

[Jade4813]

I gave it a 7. There were some things I loved and some things I didn't like as much.

Pros:

I loved Clark's first day at the DP and most of the Clois interaction. The phone booth scene certainly made me laugh!

Clark: Proactive, smart, heroic...what's not to like?

Lois: Yeah, she was a bit bossy, but...then again, that's Lois. :lol: And I liked that the banter was even on both sides, with neither party getting the better of the other.

Injustice League? Possibly awesome. Depends how they do it.

Chlovis had a lot of sparkage. One complaint there, listed below.

Chloe was the most endearing I've seen her be in a long time throughout most of this episode.

They addressed Chloe's disinterest in going back to the Planet, and they made it her choice. For a show that's often let these kinds of things go in the past, I was happy to see that addressed...as well as her decision to take up ISIS.

Tess's hiring of Clark makes sense if she wants to keep an eye on him, but I could have stood a single line in which she said when she got his application she hired him sight unseen for that reason. Just to help reinforce how/why Clark got the job as he did.

This episode had some great lines. "Psycho spice" was one, but there were many others.

It was good to see Chloe outside of the role I've grown used to seeing her in - fill in for other characters, exposition, and research. They focused more on her character and, in my mind, characterization. I hope they keep it up, because it reminded me that this character used to be one that I loved and hopefully could regain some of that.

Cons:

I did not feel Bette. At all. I tried; I just couldn't get there.

Chloe has been really intuitive for a while now, so how did she not know when she was pushing too hard in that last scene. Bette kept saying "Thanks but no thanks" and I think they had Chloe ignoring what was being said to her just a little TOO much. It just struck me as odd because Chloe's been, again for a while now, a character who generally seems to get the stuff that's not said...so it was strange that she was being told in no uncertain terms NO and was ignoring it. I get that she was trying to help, but I think they pushed that just a wee bit too far.

As a personal nitpick, there were some scenes I feel the camera stayed too long on a character and a couple others where I felt it panned away too fast. But that's just me.

I would have liked them to have handled the scene with Lois and the cop differently.

Clark is suddenly against b&e to get info? Since when? Not a huge problem, but that did take me out of the story for a minute.

There was an odd moment in the hospital between Davis and Chloe and Bette. Davis challenges Chloe to do something about Bette; Chloe shoots it back at him. I could go with it, but it seemed a LITTLE odd to me given that they didn't know each other at all at that point. Then Chloe invited Bette to stay, and...called...Clark? So my next point is...

Where's Lois living now? I choose to believe it's not at the Talon or that's another hit against Chloe and I'd rather that not be the case.

I liked the Chlovis, but it did make me a little uneasy too. I didn't like that Chloe so quickly and easily seemed to forget her fiance. It didn't make her look good, since the week before they tried to make it clear that she wanted to be with Jimmy, and I thought AM sold that pretty well. Hopefully, next episode will be better, but did not like the reflection on Chloe here.

There was an odd wardrobe change, IMO. Clark's wearing the blue shirt, it's messed up from the explosion, and he has to go meet Tess. So he puts on, what seemed to me, an identical blue shirt (please tell me it's not the same guy's!) really fast - he's Clark, I can buy it. And then he switches back to flannel for the next scene. I don't have a huge problem with the fact they did it, but given that he was wearing a perfectly fine looking shirt in his meeting with Tess, I didn't get why he changed it.

Clark being heroic is awesome. He needs to learn some subtlety, though. I mean, honestly, ripping off the top to a bus is something people tend to notice.

Okay, by my count that's an even 10 for and 10 against, which seems pretty balanced to me. I gave it a seven because the things I loved outweighed the things I had a problem with. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

[Autumn]

I gave the episode a 7, which is much higher than how I felt about the episodes last season.

Here's what I liked:

1) The change of the color; There's a darker feel to the show now, which I like. The show was too bright before.

2) Clark's change of wardrobe: Oh, thank gosh! Tom Welling looks way too old to be wearing that ridiculous blue shirt with the tight red jacket anymore. Giving him a new wardrobe makes him feel older and more mature.

3) The cinematography was pretty good in this episode. The train wreck shots were awesome. It was a great shot of Clark carrying Tess.

4) Chloe and Clark moments: I swear AM and TW's chemistry keeps getting better and better each year. I loved when Clark saved Chloe, and I loved when Clark and Chloe talked about happiness and marriage. You could see how they both loved each other but couldn't quite get the words out.

5) Chloe and Davis: Davis is hot! He's a great actor, and his plot line reminds me a little of Cole from Charmed, and Cole was my favorite character. So... The two actors have great chemistry, and his story line seems interesting and promising. He's much better than Jimmy.

6) No Jimmy or Lana. I'm not missing Lana. I liked her with Lex and being kind of evil, but being with Clark always got on my nerves. Clark seems more normal with her gone. And Jimmy just grates. I wouldn't mind him as much if he wasn't with Chloe. But she's clearly not really deeply in love with the guy. He's just the only guy who's ever fought for her.

7) The beginning of the anti-justice league. I've been waiting to see this for a few seasons, so I'm glad they are finally doing it.

8) There was more to the fotw story line, so it didn't bug me. It had deeper roots for the rest of the season.

9) Chloe having a bigger role in the show. She's always been treated like crap in the past, so hopefully, this will be a change that will stick around.

Okay, the things I hated!

1) Clark getting a job so easily at the DP! He's working on stories with Lois as well as writing the obits. HUH??????? I mean they could at least say that Perry White helped get him the job, with the promise that he'd have to start taking journalism classes on the side. Show some effort. You can't just wake up one morning and go, "Today I think I'll be a journalist," walk into the biggest newspaper in the state, and get a job pretty high up. Lois shouldn't be there either. And I despise how they use the Lois and Clark shot that was similar to the Chloe and Clark shot in the past (working side by side). I feel like she's taking over Chloe's existence and that bugs me. But I just can't take Lois and Clark seriously as journalists. It just enhances the negative message that you can get whatever you want with no work or effort. This is a pet peeve of mine, and they need to rectify this problem. And honestly, it's not a hard thing to fix. So, start being creative. Perry White stepping in to get him the job with a promise to make up for slacking in the past, would have at least been believable.

2) Chloe giving up journalism. I don't have a problem with her becoming the Xavier of Smallville, but she shouldn't lose something that she was passionate about since she was a little girl. The intrepid reporter (which they've annoyingly transferred the same line to Lois now) that made her mother proud as a little girl. I despise watching people lose their ambitions and dreams. But I do like Chloe helping people with meteor abilities. But I think she can do more than one thing. She could at least be a freelance reporter doing stories on the side. Maybe positive stories about people with meteor powers. She could become an activist for them as well. But to give up journalism all together rings false. That is merely a cheap plot device, because they don't want to write in more than one female reporter at once, so since Lois has the famous name, Chloe has to get the boot. THAT BOTHERS ME!!!!

3) And last but not least (actually the most), LOIS AND CLARK. I don't like them together. I don't feel the actors have chemistry. They write in dialogue that is very bickering and bantering in nature, but I feel it falls flat. Lois is rude and abrasive and just comes across as self-involved. She uses her body to get what she wants, and personally I don't see how she would be a good match for Clark. I didn't like the "wink-wink" moments. They were in your face. Not as bad as previous seasons. But still irritating. I think it's lazy writing to just show them as they will be in the future with no development. It's like because he's the future Superman and she's the future Lois Lane that developing their characters realistically is kind of tossed out the window. And I really, really hate that. To be honest, I can't help it, but I have a violent, angry reaction to Lois. I despise her character. I can't even watch her in other Superman incarnations anymore. Smallville's ruined it for me. Now, I really and truly think that Clark should end up with Chloe in the future. No more of this pen name stuff for Chloe. I think she's better than Lois Lane in any version of any comic, movie or show. But no one has to agree. This is how I feel about it. :)

In Smallville, there seems to be too much pre-destination. Where's the choice? Superman cannon is scripture apparently, so Lois "has" to end up with Clark, Lex "has" to end up as the villain, Chloe "can't" be a journalist because her cousin is destined to be "the" reporter. Where is the chance for the writers to create story lines with a little bit more freedom? There has to be room for interpretation. As it stands, the show takes of the statement of "It is, no matter what because it is their destiny." I think the writers should write as if they don't know the ending yet. It's never the popular thing to interpret something differently than it ever has been interpreted before. But I really think Smallville needs some new interpretations of the Superman story.

Let's face it. It's the 21st century, the girls should be in on the secret now. Look at Iron Man. I loved the ending and how he poked fun at having a secret identity. Women are "capable" of handling the truth. No more secrets and lies. Lois, if she "has" to be the one, should be in on the secret.

Okay, rant over. Oh yeah, I still don't like Lex and Lionel being gone either!!!!!

So overall, a pretty good episode. Just some "little" gripes here and there. :)

[Fallen One]

Plastique.. not Paper

No funny opening this time, I just want to sit back and say how I felt about this episode. This was the best FOTW episode of the series. And as a Superman fan, I have never been more proud of Smallville than I was Thursday night. I've watched this episode 5 times, and each viewing it gets better. Its memorable, it gives you fussy feelings. The writers really did a great job. Folks.. this season.. I have a good feeling about this. This feels special.

Seeing Clark come down those stairs, nervous even though he's been to the Daily Planet countless times, was the perfect way to open his legendary career there. And Lois.. oh Lois.. Erica Durance is the best Lois ever to grace the screen. The little things she does to make her character so endeared are amazing. Her facial expressions, the body movements, the attitude, the comedic timing.. she has it mastered. What an amazing actress.

The entire opening was gold. GOLD. The way Lois said "Brawny Lumberjack", the way she marched over to that guy and took his suit. The "hey Lane, personal space remember?" line. To her grabbing his hand, marching him to a phone and shoving him into it while he's trying to get a word in, then closing the door. I LOVED IT. And then when Clark comes out and that beautiful Supermanly music plays in the background.. chills.

Clark rushing out of there and saving everyone, his secret be damned, was incredible. And the shot of him carrying Tess with that S-curl, how can any Superman fan not be on the edge of his seat when he saw that.

I really liked the meeting between Davis and Chloe, it was believable and I saw the chemistry right out of the gate. Also, the Chlark talk on the street was really good. I'm glad the writers let Chloe acknowledge that she wants to take a break from journalism, dispite Lex currently missing. It gives Clark a reason not to feel bad for his friend, and it allows everything to move forward with all the characters.

Clark explained exactly why he applied at the Daily Planet, and it wasn't to keep an eye out for Lex like someone said last week. It was so that he could be in the first to know any news that happens in the world so that he can go help people. Thats Superman, and thats always been only the reason why Superman has worked at the DP. Nice touch with Lois texting him twice in a row. That is so Lois.

Let me get on the Lois "rules of journalism". I think its so.. endearing that Lois has jumped at the chance to help one of her best friends in his career. Chloe never did something like that for Lois. Lois had to learn the ropes all by herself, but she wants to make sure that she is there to help Clark. Sure it leads to banter, but that makes good television. Clark knows that when Lois is giving him a hard time that its because she's a great friend who wants the best for him. Thats why he never gets upset with her. Another thing great about this scene is that cocky smile that Lois gives after she lists a rule. Perfect, just perfect. But sure enough when Clark left to see Tess, Lois sat down with a concerned look on her face. She pretends she's a know-it-all, but deep down she's soft and is just masking how she really feels about Clark.

The Tess/Clark scene was great. Tess revealing that Lex told her everything was nicely done and it sets up Clark to be just as suspicious of her as she is of him. I too noticed the chemistry they had and it looks to be a setup for later in the season. Tess throws on the kindness, but she can change in a instant. Really good acting by Cassidy and Tom in this episode.

I said this was the best FOTW episode of the series, but its not because of Bette who I found to be lacking and a whiner. The Met-General Chlavis scene, while I could see what they were trying to do, came off a little akward to me. I admire the way Chloe put herself out there, but she went about it a little too strongly. Bette is a complete stranger, and Chloe does not live alone, and its not even her apartment. Trying to get someone to come stay with you and then getting upset when they rightfully tell you to back off is a little too self righteous to me. Davis was more tact and went about it in a better way.

The Clois scene at the wreck site was great and I look forward to more of those. There are so many good things about these next Clois scenes. Clark ate up Lois talking herself up only to be shot down by that cop. But she got him back by secretly taping him talking about what happened with Tommy. When they were walking up those stairs and Lois reminded Clark about another rule you see Clark shake his head like he was being tortured. And the way Lois said "oh God no" when Clark asked about them sharing a byline was perfect. Nice touch with the finger jabbing too, Lois.

And the hospital scenes with them were genius. Lois and her stack of keycards and Clark being left to stand in the hallway with flowers were hilarious. They worked so well with each other and I'm so glad they figured out that Bette was the killer. Clark and Davis first meeting was great too and I admit that its going to be hard watching what happens down the line in the season. Davis really is coming off as a good hearted guy.

I'm torn on the Chloe and Davis situation, particually their scene at Isis. While it pleases me like you wouldn't believe that Chloe is interacting with people besides Clark, I think she's a little too flirty for someone who just got engaged last week. If I were engaged and I knew someone was making a play at me, I would cut it off immediately. I wouldn't smile at them for no reason, stare into their eyes, or become buddy-buddy with them. There should be bounderies. I don't like her encouraging his feelings and I think its pretty underhanded. Now Jimmy has another reason not to completely trust in her feelings for him.

I was really pleased with how Bette's situation was resolved, the way Clark talked with her was really compassionate. I am SO proud of him this season. Now that Lana is out of his life, he has balls. Now that Chloe isn't always around him, he gets to use his brain. I LOVE the way the writers are writing him this season. I also liked how he put Chloe's happiness before their partnership. Whether they want things to change or not, a spouse should always come first in someone's life. Thats just a part of marriage.

Tess's scene at the mansion and her scene with Bette at the end were incredible. I ate it up. The dark clothes, the creepy music, the fearless way she looks at you. I really love our new villian. I loved how dark they had her scene with Bette and the slight echo in their cell. Whether Tess was speaking of the injustice gang or the suicide-squad.. that was one of the most best revealations of the season and I look forward to that storyline.

What can I say about the final DP scene? If i said it was perfect i'll just be repeating myself. Let me first start with Lois. The second episodes have proved to be pivital for her. 2nd episode of season 6 she decides to get in journalism and joins the Inquisitor. 2nd episode of season 7 she gets hired at the DP and flat out told of her potential. And now in this episode she gets her first front page byline! I love how the writers are progressing her. She's maturing before our eyes and becoming every bit of the Lois we all saw in Apocalyspe. She's still in the basement, but if there is a season 9 I fully expect her to be out of it by the second episode.

The talk she and Clark had was really touching. The way she thanked Clark and admited how proud she was that they solved the case was something we would have never seen when she first appeared in Crusade. Their relationship has grown SO much that even their banter is with a different softness. She winked at him and gave this beautiful gracious smile. And that Supermanly music playing again sealed the deal along with the iconic desk shot sealed the deal. LOVE IT. Even thinking about it now I can't stop smiling.

Davis morphing before our eyes was an excellent way to close off one of the best episodes since season 5 and the best FOTW episode in my opinion.

Last week was a 8, but Plastique gets a 9. Keep it going Smallville!

[individuall]

^Just cuz I'm a nit picker when it comes to Lois...It was a front page Headline not a byline ;)

Good post though

[bizzaroboy9]

Plastique.. not Paper

No funny opening this time, I just want to sit back and say how I felt about this episode. This was the best FOTW episode of the series. And as a Superman fan, I have never been more proud of Smallville than I was Thursday night. I've watched this episode 5 times, and each viewing it gets better. Its memorable, it gives you fussy feelings. The writers really did a great job. Folks.. this season.. I have a good feeling this. This feels special.

Seeing Clark come down those stairs, nervous even though he's been to the Daily Planet countless times, was the perfect way to open his legendary career there. And Lois.. oh Lois.. Erica Durance is the best Lois ever to grace the screen. The little things she does to make her character so endeared are amazing. Her facial expressions, the body movemente, the attitude, the comedic timing.. she has it mastered. What an amazing actress.

The entire opening was gold. GOLD. The way Lois said "Brawny Lumberjack", the way she marched over to that guy and took his suit. The "hey Lane, personal space remember?" line. To her grabbing his hand, marching him to a phone and shoving him into it while he's trying to get a word in, then closing the door. I LOVED IT. And then when Clark comes out and that beautiful Supermanly music plays in the background.. chills.

Clark rushing out of there and saving everyone, his secret be damned, was incredible. And the shot of him carrying Tess with that S-curl, how can any Superman fan not be on the edge of his seat when he saw that.

I really liked the meeting between Davis and Chloe, it was believable and I saw the chemistry right out of the gate. Also, the Chlark talk on the street was really good. I'm glad the writers let Chloe acknowledge that Chloe wants to take a break from journalism, dispite Lex currently missing. It gives Clark a reason not to feel bad for his friend, and it allows everything to move forward with all the characters.

Clark explained exactly why he applied at the Daily Planet, and it wasn't to keep an eye out for Lex like someone said last week. It was so that he could be in the first to know any news that happens in the world so that he can go help people. Thats Superman, and thats always been only the reason why Superman has worked at the DP. Nice touch with Lois texting him twice in a row. That is so Lois.

Let me get on the Lois "rules of journalism". I think its so.. endearing that Lois has jumped at the chance to help one of her best friends in his career. Chloe never did something like that for Lois. Lois had to learn the ropes all by herself, but she wants to make sure that she is there to help Clark. Sure it leads to banter, but that makes good television. Clark knows that when Lois is giving him a hard time that its because she a great friend who wants the best for him. Thats why he never gets upset with her. Another thing great about this scene is that cocky smile that Lois gives after she lists a rule. Perfect, just perfect. But sure enough, when Clark left to see Tess Lois sat down with a concerned look on her face. She pretends she's a know-it-all, but deep down she's soft and is just masking how she really feels about Clark.

The Tess/Clark scene was great. Tess revealing that Lex told her everything was nicely done and it sets up Clark to be just as suspicious of her as she is of him. I too noticed the chemistry they had and it looks to be a setup for later in the season. Tess throws on the kindness, but she can change in a instant. Really good acting by Cassidy in this episode.

I said this was the best FOTW episode of the series, but its not because of Bette, who I found to be lacking and a whiner. The Met-General Chlavis scene, while I could see what they were trying to do, came off a little akward to me. Firstly, I admire the way Chloe put herself out there, but she went about it a little too strongly. Bette is a complete stranger, and Chloe does not live alone, and its not even her apartment. Trying to get someone to come stay with you, and then getting upset when they rightfully tell you to back off is a little too self righteous to me. Davis was more tact and went about it a better way.

The Clois scene at the wreck site was great and I look forward to more of those. There are so many good things about these next Clois scenes. Clark ate up Lois talking herself up only to be shot down by that cop. But she got him back by secretly taping him talking about what happened with Tommy. When they were walking up those stairs and Lois reminded Clark about another rule you see Clark shake his head like he was being tortured. And the way Lois said "oh God no" when Clark asked about them sharing a byline was perfect. Nice touch with the finger jabbing too, Lois.

And the hospital scenes with them were genius. Lois and her stack of keycards and Clark being left to stand in the hallway with flowers had him looking like a doofus were hilarious. They worked so well with each other and I'm so glad they figured out that Bette was the killer. Clark and Davis first meeting was great too and I admit that its going to be hard watching what happens down the line in the season.

I'm torn on the Chloe and Davis situation, particually their scene at Isis. While it pleases me like you wouldn't believe that Chloe is interacting with people besides Clark, I think she's a little too flirty for someone who just got engaged last week. If I were engaged and I knew someone was making a play at me, I would cut it immediately. I wouldn't smile at them for no reason, stare into their eyes, or become buddy-buddy with them. There should be bounderies. I don't like her encouraging his feelings and I think its pretty underhanded. Now Jimmy has another reason not to completely trust in her feelings for him.

I was really pleased with how Bette's situation was resolved, the way Clark talked with her was really compassionate. I am SO proud of him this season. Now that Lana is out of his life, he has balls. Now that Chloe isn't always around him, he gets to use his brain. I LOVE the way the writers are writing him this season. I also liked how he put Chloe's happiness before their partnership. Whether they want things to change or not, a spouse should always come first in someone's life. Thats just a part of marriage.

Tess's scene at the mansion and her scene with Bette at the end were incredible. I ate it up. The dark clothes, the creepy music, the fearless way she looks at you. I really love our new villian. I loved how dark they had her scene with Bette and the slight echo in their cell. Whether Tess was speaking of the injustice gang or the suicide-squad.. that was one of the most best revealations of the season and I look forward to that storyline.

What can I say about the final DP scene? If i said it was perfect i'll just be repeating myself. Let me first start with Lois. The second episodes have proved to be pivital for her. 2nd episode of season 6 she decides to get in journalism and joins the Inquisitor. 2nd episode of season 7 she gets hired at the DP and flat out told of her potential. And now in this episode she gets her first front page byline! I love how the writers are progressing her. She's maturing before our eyes and perfecting her skills. Her potential is being realized. She's still in the basement, but if there is a season 9 I fully expect her to be out of it by the second episode.

The talk she and Clark had was really touching. The way she admited thanked Clark and admited how proud she was that they solved the case was something we would have never seen when she first appeared in Crusade. Their relationship has grown SO much that even their banter is with a different softness. She winked at him and gave this beautiful gracious smile. I couldn't stop smiling. And that Supermanly music playing again sealed the deal along with the iconic desk shot sealed the deal. LOVE IT.

Davis morphing before our eyes was an excellent way to close off one of the best episodes since season 5 and the best FOTW episode in my opinion.

Last week was a 8, but Plastique gets a 9. Thank you writers.

omg! i love you! this is how i feel!!! one of the best fotw episode for sure. high five!:lol:

[Autumn]

Oh, and just as a side note, I feel that Chloe is like a lot of the girls out there who marry the first guy who comes along who shows interest in them. I don't think it reflects badly on her character, rather portrays her as a human with human frailties. She loves Jimmy, but she's clearly not in love with him. It reminds me of the character in Evening who played Claire Dane's best friend. She's getting married, but she's still really in love with another guy. She marries him because she thinks it's her best shot at happiness. Not because she's immoral or trying to have an affair with Harris (the guy she really loves). Chloe thinks Clark will never come around, and she feels she needs to move on in her life.

Davis is practically one of the first guys on the show, who isn't coming across as a bit of a wimp or a psycho that's showing interest in her. The guys usually and predictably go for Lana or Lois. So, I think Chloe's surprised by it. She's not used to that kind of attention. She didn't cheat. In fact, she said she was engaged. Was she attracted to him? Sure. But again, she's only ever really had Jimmy. She lost her virginity to him, and then later he becomes her first and only serious boyfriend. So, reacting to other guys I think is normal. With Jimmy, she's settling. And deep down she knows it. But she doesn't think Clark will ever come around, and she never expected a guy like Davis to show interest because let's face it she's always been second choice with Lois and Lana hanging around.

But that's just how I see it. So, I don't think it makes her character questionable. I think it makes her human and relate-able and that's why I like Chloe. She's the girl who usually gets the guy in the end in romantic movies, because the idiotic guy has the epiphany. You know? She's the best friend in "Some Kind of Wonderful" who always knew the guy she loved was kind of stupid. :) Well anyway, I just noticed some comments about Chloe's behavior, so I thought I'd respond.

[SnowBird]

Plastique.. not Paper

No funny opening this time, I just want to sit back and say how I felt about this episode. This was the best FOTW episode of the series. And as a Superman fan, I have never been more proud of Smallville than I was Thursday night. I've watched this episode 5 times, and each viewing it gets better. Its memorable, it gives you fussy feelings. The writers really did a great job. Folks.. this season.. I have a good feeling about this. This feels special.

Seeing Clark come down those stairs, nervous even though he's been to the Daily Planet countless times, was the perfect way to open his legendary career there. And Lois.. oh Lois.. Erica Durance is the best Lois ever to grace the screen. The little things she does to make her character so endeared are amazing. Her facial expressions, the body movements, the attitude, the comedic timing.. she has it mastered. What an amazing actress.

The entire opening was gold. GOLD. The way Lois said "Brawny Lumberjack", the way she marched over to that guy and took his suit. The "hey Lane, personal space remember?" line. To her grabbing his hand, marching him to a phone and shoving him into it while he's trying to get a word in, then closing the door. I LOVED IT. And then when Clark comes out and that beautiful Supermanly music plays in the background.. chills.

Clark rushing out of there and saving everyone, his secret be damned, was incredible. And the shot of him carrying Tess with that S-curl, how can any Superman fan not be on the edge of his seat when he saw that.

I really liked the meeting between Davis and Chloe, it was believable and I saw the chemistry right out of the gate. Also, the Chlark talk on the street was really good. I'm glad the writers let Chloe acknowledge that she wants to take a break from journalism, dispite Lex currently missing. It gives Clark a reason not to feel bad for his friend, and it allows everything to move forward with all the characters.

Clark explained exactly why he applied at the Daily Planet, and it wasn't to keep an eye out for Lex like someone said last week. It was so that he could be in the first to know any news that happens in the world so that he can go help people. Thats Superman, and thats always been only the reason why Superman has worked at the DP. Nice touch with Lois texting him twice in a row. That is so Lois.

Let me get on the Lois "rules of journalism". I think its so.. endearing that Lois has jumped at the chance to help one of her best friends in his career. Chloe never did something like that for Lois. Lois had to learn the ropes all by herself, but she wants to make sure that she is there to help Clark. Sure it leads to banter, but that makes good television. Clark knows that when Lois is giving him a hard time that its because she's a great friend who wants the best for him. Thats why he never gets upset with her. Another thing great about this scene is that cocky smile that Lois gives after she lists a rule. Perfect, just perfect. But sure enough when Clark left to see Tess, Lois sat down with a concerned look on her face. She pretends she's a know-it-all, but deep down she's soft and is just masking how she really feels about Clark.

The Tess/Clark scene was great. Tess revealing that Lex told her everything was nicely done and it sets up Clark to be just as suspicious of her as she is of him. I too noticed the chemistry they had and it looks to be a setup for later in the season. Tess throws on the kindness, but she can change in a instant. Really good acting by Cassidy and Tom in this episode.

I said this was the best FOTW episode of the series, but its not because of Bette who I found to be lacking and a whiner. The Met-General Chlavis scene, while I could see what they were trying to do, came off a little akward to me. I admire the way Chloe put herself out there, but she went about it a little too strongly. Bette is a complete stranger, and Chloe does not live alone, and its not even her apartment. Trying to get someone to come stay with you and then getting upset when they rightfully tell you to back off is a little too self righteous to me. Davis was more tact and went about it in a better way.

The Clois scene at the wreck site was great and I look forward to more of those. There are so many good things about these next Clois scenes. Clark ate up Lois talking herself up only to be shot down by that cop. But she got him back by secretly taping him talking about what happened with Tommy. When they were walking up those stairs and Lois reminded Clark about another rule you see Clark shake his head like he was being tortured. And the way Lois said "oh God no" when Clark asked about them sharing a byline was perfect. Nice touch with the finger jabbing too, Lois.

And the hospital scenes with them were genius. Lois and her stack of keycards and Clark being left to stand in the hallway with flowers were hilarious. They worked so well with each other and I'm so glad they figured out that Bette was the killer. Clark and Davis first meeting was great too and I admit that its going to be hard watching what happens down the line in the season. Davis really is coming off as a good hearted guy.

I'm torn on the Chloe and Davis situation, particually their scene at Isis. While it pleases me like you wouldn't believe that Chloe is interacting with people besides Clark, I think she's a little too flirty for someone who just got engaged last week. If I were engaged and I knew someone was making a play at me, I would cut it off immediately. I wouldn't smile at them for no reason, stare into their eyes, or become buddy-buddy with them. There should be bounderies. I don't like her encouraging his feelings and I think its pretty underhanded. Now Jimmy has another reason not to completely trust in her feelings for him.

I was really pleased with how Bette's situation was resolved, the way Clark talked with her was really compassionate. I am SO proud of him this season. Now that Lana is out of his life, he has balls. Now that Chloe isn't always around him, he gets to use his brain. I LOVE the way the writers are writing him this season. I also liked how he put Chloe's happiness before their partnership. Whether they want things to change or not, a spouse should always come first in someone's life. Thats just a part of marriage.

Tess's scene at the mansion and her scene with Bette at the end were incredible. I ate it up. The dark clothes, the creepy music, the fearless way she looks at you. I really love our new villian. I loved how dark they had her scene with Bette and the slight echo in their cell. Whether Tess was speaking of the injustice gang or the suicide-squad.. that was one of the most best revealations of the season and I look forward to that storyline.

What can I say about the final DP scene? If i said it was perfect i'll just be repeating myself. Let me first start with Lois. The second episodes have proved to be pivital for her. 2nd episode of season 6 she decides to get in journalism and joins the Inquisitor. 2nd episode of season 7 she gets hired at the DP and flat out told of her potential. And now in this episode she gets her first front page byline! I love how the writers are progressing her. She's maturing before our eyes and becoming every bit of the Lois we all saw in Apocalyspe. She's still in the basement, but if there is a season 9 I fully expect her to be out of it by the second episode.

The talk she and Clark had was really touching. The way she thanked Clark and admited how proud she was that they solved the case was something we would have never seen when she first appeared in Crusade. Their relationship has grown SO much that even their banter is with a different softness. She winked at him and gave this beautiful gracious smile. And that Supermanly music playing again sealed the deal along with the iconic desk shot sealed the deal. LOVE IT. Even thinking about it now I can't stop smiling.

Davis morphing before our eyes was an excellent way to close off one of the best episodes since season 5 and the best FOTW episode in my opinion.

Last week was a 8, but Plastique gets a 9. Keep it going Smallville!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!...Your words were a perfect description and I couldn't have said it any better. It's really great to get a positive post. It's so exciting to see S8 unfold:)

[Xanderman]

This episode was pretty enjoyable. Definately better than the premiere. When is the last time you could say that episode 2 was better than the season premiere? Shows you how weak Odyssey was.

Pros :

- I am liking the Davis/Chloe chemistry. How sad is it that Chloe has more chemistry with a perfect stranger then she does with Jimmy.. :lol: Davis is so much more of a likeable character than Jimmy. I also like the ending shot with Davis in the alley. Nice little cliffhanger.

- The prospect of a team of villains is great. Hopefully they will bring back Mxy. I am really liking Tess so far. She was a great addition to the show. I wasn't sure how I would fell about MR being gone, but Tess is cool so far.

- The bus scene was cool. Seeing Clark saving people in the streets of Metropolis was awesome. Although, it will be a bit hard to keep his identity secret with no suit or glasses for that matter. I did like the quote from Davis "For a guy without a uniform, you sure saved a lot of people".

- I like the chemistry between Tess and Clark. It should be interesting to see which way they take it.

- The Clois scenes were great, and the last shot of them typing side by side was awesome. Nice forshadowing. Also, the phone booth bit was great.

Cons :

- I still HATE the fact that Clark is a reporter. He did nothing to earn the position whatsoever. It must be nice to waltz in off the street into a reporting gig. The only saving grace is that they had Clark explain why he is working at the DP

- It bugs me that Lois is being billed as this veteran reporter when she doesn't even have that much experience. Making comments like "Back when I was a rookie, etc".. She hasn't worked long enough yet to be a miss know it all.

- Chloe's emotions going in so many different directions. She is supposed to be in love with Jimmy, yet she is obviously attracted to Davis, and she was upset when Clark was so accepting of her engagement. I just wish that Chloe would make up her mind already. The sad fact is that she has better chemistry with both Davis and Clark, and she is marrying the guy she should be friends with.

*************

Overall I really enjoyed this episode. It had some nice forshadowing in it with the phone booth, Clark being heroic in Metropolis, DP related scenes, etc, as well as great chemistry between both Davis/Chloe and Clark/Tess. One of the more enjoyable FOTW eps because the FOTW story mixed in so well with all the other elements.

9/10Hey Ryan, great review, I agree with you on a lot. (Lol on the Jimmy bashing. heh) After the garbage that was Odyssey last week though almost anything would seem like an improvement in my eyes, but, I digress...lol. Good episode, although I thought it could have used some more excitement overall (it seemed to lag in places). Also personally, I wasn't really into the Davis character/actor, nor the Davis/Chloe pairing. I just wasn't feeling it. But based on Davis spoilers, there may be a reason for all that....I didn't mean to get spoiled, some guys in the Superman section ("Hollywood is destroying Superman" thread) were talking about it during the course of their Smallville bashing. lol, oh well)

8/10 for me, solid episode. Huge improvement over the first, a definite step in the right direction. (No ridiculous Justice League, no ridiculous Martian Manhunter, no ridiculous Jimmy? Now that's a formula for success if there ever was one. lol) You know, Clark pulled his trademark vanishing act more than once on Lois in this ep, and since it's impossible for someone to just vanish into thin air like that, you'd think Lois would raise some questions, but nope. And Clark still isn't wearing glasses, so how exactly is Lois NOT going to immediately recognize Superman as Clark down the road? At least with glasses, thin disguise or not, it's a disguise. But, since this series won't cover the Superman aspect, they can get away with obvious story flaws like that I guess.


I still HATE the fact that Clark is a reporter. He did nothing to earn the position whatsoever. It must be nice to waltz in off the street into a reporting gig.I think they sort of cover Clark getting the job with the whole Tess involvement though--she undoubtedly considers Clark a person of interest as connected to Lex's disappearance. And she is also aware of Lex's own personal intrigue with Clark. So she's keeping him close. (Plus, she wants to do him.:lol: She said it herself, that Clark was on her "to do" list. lol)


It bugs me that Lois is being billed as this veteran reporter when she doesn't even have that much experience. Making comments like "Back when I was a rookie, etc".. She hasn't worked long enough yet to be a miss know it all.Right on. They just want the classic "Lois&Clark" dynamic in place. Where Lois is basically already a "seasoned pro" when Clark first joins up at the DP. Smallville however is doing things a bit differently of course, in that Lois is mostly just a total pro in her own mind--no real widespread fame/recognition yet. And instead of getting there on her own, Smallville's Lois will apparently get there with help from Clark (stealing from him and all--but to her credit she did thank him in the end at least).

[ginnyfan]

Wow! Yeah that was a great post Fallen One. :D

[Fallen One]

High fives Jason!

Thanks Kaitlyn, Snowbird, and Ginnyfan!

If my friends saw me Thursday night I might have had to hand in my man-card! I was smiling so much thinking about that episode and how this season is shaping out. I've been a smiling maniac this whole weekend.

[Fernandaflima]

4 its all I can... for this ep

[thefilmguy22384]

Rosenbaum is not coming back, that's why Tess replaced Lex.

thats stating the obvious. im well aware of the situation there. im simply saying that lex's replacement is a very poor imitation of him and with out him the show is gonna hurt itself. i read an article that that he wont come back at all. but i also read another article recently saying that he may return in the last episode or two. hopefully the one about him popping in the near the end will be the one that turns out true. in either case they should kill this lousy excuse for a replacement tess off and get someone more worthy of filling lex's absense if thats at all possible. she sucks

[sebari77]

^Just cuz I'm a nit picker when it comes to Lois...It was a front page Headline not a byline ;)

Good post though

Sorry, but you need to pick some other nits.

As someone with a degree in journalism, I saw nothing wrong with Lois's dialogue in this episode, especially grading on the fictional-show- standard. And, specifically her comments about getting the byline seemed true. Getting the "headline" is a television/movie cliche.

The byline is the important thing; headlines are often written by lower-echelon hacks who are paid less, and quite often are interns or considerably lower-level compared to the paper's true ace reporters. What is important to real reporters is >getting the story< and not how it gets hyped (the headline).

Headlines *often* get the priorities of the day wrong. Sometimes the most important story that day doesn't get traction until wire services or other media pick it up. For example, a full year before Katrina, the Times-Picaynue ran a whole series on the sad state of the levee system in New Orleans. They were not always big-headline items... but the reporter with the byline was sought out by national and international media a year later once their reports took on a whole new level of importance.

As someone who was extremely critical of the season premiere's glossing-over of Clark's hiring, I was encouraged by this episode's focus on the day-to-day demands of journalism. After such a debacle, I was surprised they followed it up with something so properly focused. Not even a top-10-percent of Smallville episodes level of quality, but, a major step up from episode one.

I gave it a 7. On its own merits it was only a 5 or 6, but I had to grade it up just for the wide shot of Lois Lane and Clark Kent sharing workspace. That shot is a keeper, one of the best in SV history.

[SnowBird]

High fives Jason!

Thanks Kaitlyn, Snowbird, and Ginnyfan!

If my friends saw me Thursday night I might have had to hand in my man-card! I was smiling so much thinking about that episode and how this season is shaping out. I've been a smiling maniac this whole weekend.

I know what you mean. I have had that same smile. I got to share the first two episodes with my son when he came over last night. His wife and two daughters aren't Smallville fans so he doesn't watch the episodes until he has time to come over and watch the recorded version with me. It's even more fun to watch Smallville with someone who shares the same enthusuasm for a great show. I even spoil him a little bit about future episodes. Even though we live next door to each other, life, family and work can take a lot of time out of a week so the times we spend together watching Smallville are priceless.

[mrw66855]

Plastique.. not Paper

No funny opening this time, I just want to sit back and say how I felt about this episode. This was the best FOTW episode of the series. And as a Superman fan, I have never been more proud of Smallville than I was Thursday night. I've watched this episode 5 times, and each viewing it gets better. Its memorable, it gives you fussy feelings. The writers really did a great job. Folks.. this season.. I have a good feeling about this. This feels special.

Seeing Clark come down those stairs, nervous even though he's been to the Daily Planet countless times, was the perfect way to open his legendary career there. And Lois.. oh Lois.. Erica Durance is the best Lois ever to grace the screen. The little things she does to make her character so endeared are amazing. Her facial expressions, the body movements, the attitude, the comedic timing.. she has it mastered. What an amazing actress.

The entire opening was gold. GOLD. The way Lois said "Brawny Lumberjack", the way she marched over to that guy and took his suit. The "hey Lane, personal space remember?" line. To her grabbing his hand, marching him to a phone and shoving him into it while he's trying to get a word in, then closing the door. I LOVED IT. And then when Clark comes out and that beautiful Supermanly music plays in the background.. chills.

Clark rushing out of there and saving everyone, his secret be damned, was incredible. And the shot of him carrying Tess with that S-curl, how can any Superman fan not be on the edge of his seat when he saw that.

I really liked the meeting between Davis and Chloe, it was believable and I saw the chemistry right out of the gate. Also, the Chlark talk on the street was really good. I'm glad the writers let Chloe acknowledge that she wants to take a break from journalism, dispite Lex currently missing. It gives Clark a reason not to feel bad for his friend, and it allows everything to move forward with all the characters.

Clark explained exactly why he applied at the Daily Planet, and it wasn't to keep an eye out for Lex like someone said last week. It was so that he could be in the first to know any news that happens in the world so that he can go help people. Thats Superman, and thats always been only the reason why Superman has worked at the DP. Nice touch with Lois texting him twice in a row. That is so Lois.

Let me get on the Lois "rules of journalism". I think its so.. endearing that Lois has jumped at the chance to help one of her best friends in his career. Chloe never did something like that for Lois. Lois had to learn the ropes all by herself, but she wants to make sure that she is there to help Clark. Sure it leads to banter, but that makes good television. Clark knows that when Lois is giving him a hard time that its because she's a great friend who wants the best for him. Thats why he never gets upset with her. Another thing great about this scene is that cocky smile that Lois gives after she lists a rule. Perfect, just perfect. But sure enough when Clark left to see Tess, Lois sat down with a concerned look on her face. She pretends she's a know-it-all, but deep down she's soft and is just masking how she really feels about Clark.

The Tess/Clark scene was great. Tess revealing that Lex told her everything was nicely done and it sets up Clark to be just as suspicious of her as she is of him. I too noticed the chemistry they had and it looks to be a setup for later in the season. Tess throws on the kindness, but she can change in a instant. Really good acting by Cassidy and Tom in this episode.

I said this was the best FOTW episode of the series, but its not because of Bette who I found to be lacking and a whiner. The Met-General Chlavis scene, while I could see what they were trying to do, came off a little akward to me. I admire the way Chloe put herself out there, but she went about it a little too strongly. Bette is a complete stranger, and Chloe does not live alone, and its not even her apartment. Trying to get someone to come stay with you and then getting upset when they rightfully tell you to back off is a little too self righteous to me. Davis was more tact and went about it in a better way.

The Clois scene at the wreck site was great and I look forward to more of those. There are so many good things about these next Clois scenes. Clark ate up Lois talking herself up only to be shot down by that cop. But she got him back by secretly taping him talking about what happened with Tommy. When they were walking up those stairs and Lois reminded Clark about another rule you see Clark shake his head like he was being tortured. And the way Lois said "oh God no" when Clark asked about them sharing a byline was perfect. Nice touch with the finger jabbing too, Lois.

And the hospital scenes with them were genius. Lois and her stack of keycards and Clark being left to stand in the hallway with flowers were hilarious. They worked so well with each other and I'm so glad they figured out that Bette was the killer. Clark and Davis first meeting was great too and I admit that its going to be hard watching what happens down the line in the season. Davis really is coming off as a good hearted guy.

I'm torn on the Chloe and Davis situation, particually their scene at Isis. While it pleases me like you wouldn't believe that Chloe is interacting with people besides Clark, I think she's a little too flirty for someone who just got engaged last week. If I were engaged and I knew someone was making a play at me, I would cut it off immediately. I wouldn't smile at them for no reason, stare into their eyes, or become buddy-buddy with them. There should be bounderies. I don't like her encouraging his feelings and I think its pretty underhanded. Now Jimmy has another reason not to completely trust in her feelings for him.

I was really pleased with how Bette's situation was resolved, the way Clark talked with her was really compassionate. I am SO proud of him this season. Now that Lana is out of his life, he has balls. Now that Chloe isn't always around him, he gets to use his brain. I LOVE the way the writers are writing him this season. I also liked how he put Chloe's happiness before their partnership. Whether they want things to change or not, a spouse should always come first in someone's life. Thats just a part of marriage.

Tess's scene at the mansion and her scene with Bette at the end were incredible. I ate it up. The dark clothes, the creepy music, the fearless way she looks at you. I really love our new villian. I loved how dark they had her scene with Bette and the slight echo in their cell. Whether Tess was speaking of the injustice gang or the suicide-squad.. that was one of the most best revealations of the season and I look forward to that storyline.

What can I say about the final DP scene? If i said it was perfect i'll just be repeating myself. Let me first start with Lois. The second episodes have proved to be pivital for her. 2nd episode of season 6 she decides to get in journalism and joins the Inquisitor. 2nd episode of season 7 she gets hired at the DP and flat out told of her potential. And now in this episode she gets her first front page byline! I love how the writers are progressing her. She's maturing before our eyes and becoming every bit of the Lois we all saw in Apocalyspe. She's still in the basement, but if there is a season 9 I fully expect her to be out of it by the second episode.

The talk she and Clark had was really touching. The way she thanked Clark and admited how proud she was that they solved the case was something we would have never seen when she first appeared in Crusade. Their relationship has grown SO much that even their banter is with a different softness. She winked at him and gave this beautiful gracious smile. And that Supermanly music playing again sealed the deal along with the iconic desk shot sealed the deal. LOVE IT. Even thinking about it now I can't stop smiling.

Davis morphing before our eyes was an excellent way to close off one of the best episodes since season 5 and the best FOTW episode in my opinion.

Last week was a 8, but Plastique gets a 9. Keep it going Smallville!
Fallenone I agree with everything you said. I gave this episode in 8/10. I only did this because I thought the main plot line for this episode was kind of slow. But I agree 100% with everything you have said this season is shaping up to be great. It is amazing how much stuff they can get done for main storylines and side storylines without lana being on the show. Once again, great post and look forward to next week's episode. Keep it up new producers and writers

[Jade4813]

I just watched it for the second time, and I have to say, it's even better than I remember!

[ColdPlay3r]

^^^^ yeh i just watched it again

better than wat i voted

[Hopefulsuicide]

8/10 for me, but i'm already thinking i should have given it more

that was one of the best episodes of Smallville i have seen since way back in season 3. most people will probably not understand this. i mean it's not the most important episode, nothing truly amazing happened... but it was well written, well acted and still fun to watch

i love episodes that make me want to see me. the whole veritas story i hated, so i never really cared about veritas cliffhangers, but here we have a lot of questions, about tess' team, about davis etc

alot of the questions i was asking after odyssey were answered i.e. what happened to the other inmates at black creek etc etc, which is such a refreshing change from the 'under rug swept' approach we usually get

Clark was on form, if not still holding remnants of his usual BDAness (but i never expect that to fully go away), the clois was making me grin with LnC fangirl love, i'm finding Tess very interesting, Davis was quite charming (even if i was repeating 'it's not doomsday' during every scene), and i'm really hoping they bring back plastique.

from the looks of things they are setting up a justice league versus Tess' team battle for later in the series, which is so damn exciting i could pee my pants :p

well done guys, it takes a lot to please me after a whole season of what i considered crap, but you have redeemed yourselves

[superpal1]

Great episode. I really cant praise it anymore or better than whats been said above me. This season just feels right.

[bimplebean]

I have to say -- MEH.

Aside from the 'freak of the week' overtones, it truly disappointed me how Clark 'solved' the Plastique problem. Give her a sincere 'trust me speech' and then send her to BELLE REVE? What the heck are the writers *thinking?* How could Plastique trust ANYONE who sent her to be locked away in a mental institution? She totally would not tolerate it. It completely did not ring true.

I also have a tremendous problem with the work setting at the DP. When Lois showed up in the series she was just a slacker; more often than not getting things wrong rather than right. Now she's the 'star reporter' giving Clark pointers? He is quite right in not completely respecting her, but what about some adult supervision here? Lois' 'journalism' techniques aren't daring, they're dumb. And I still have trouble believing a scenario where a guy with barely a *shred* of college could start out as a reporter for a major metro newspaper. We need Perry White here, and stat.

I also still have trouble believing Tess Mercer wants to act as the editor of the planet as well as the 'acting head' of LuthorCorp. Owners/publishers are not editors; they don't supervise reporters. It just feels like they shoehorned her in there for the sake of a story.

Still more trouble with Chloe just 'giving up' on being a journalist. That was her passion for so many years; I just can't believe this character would abandon all that so casually.

So many turns in this plot are overly simplistic and take away from the believability of the characters and their motivations.

[SueB]

So many turns in this plot are overly simplistic and take away from the believability of the characters and their motivations.

Exactly and well said. We really should demand more from the writers, not praise them for poo.

[RedKRules]

I have to say -- MEH.

Aside from the 'freak of the week' overtones, it truly disappointed me how Clark 'solved' the Plastique problem. Give her a sincere 'trust me speech' and then send her to BELLE REVE? What the heck are the writers *thinking?* How could Plastique trust ANYONE who sent her to be locked away in a mental institution? She totally would not tolerate it. It completely did not ring true.

I also have a tremendous problem with the work setting at the DP. When Lois showed up in the series she was just a slacker; more often than not getting things wrong rather than right. Now she's the 'star reporter' giving Clark pointers? He is quite right in not completely respecting her, but what about some adult supervision here? Lois' 'journalism' techniques aren't daring, they're dumb. And I still have trouble believing a scenario where a guy with barely a *shred* of college could start out as a reporter for a major metro newspaper. We need Perry White here, and stat.

I also still have trouble believing Tess Mercer wants to act as the editor of the planet as well as the 'acting head' of LuthorCorp. Owners/publishers are not editors; they don't supervise reporters. It just feels like they shoehorned her in there for the sake of a story.

Still more trouble with Chloe just 'giving up' on being a journalist. That was her passion for so many years; I just can't believe this character would abandon all that so casually.

So many turns in this plot are overly simplistic and take away from the believability of the characters and their motivations.


ITA! There were some changes that just didn´t make any sense !

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


Exactly and well said. We really should demand more from the writers, not praise them for poo.

I want development, not lightswitches!

[dimeo782002]

Exactly and well said. We really should demand more from the writers, not praise them for poo.

You said POO lmao !:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
i know im immature it just makes me laugh cause we can't cuss so we are forced to speak as children lol ! in the letter to ps3 thread i said cow poo and horse puckie lol !

[bimplebean]

Heh heh. Heh heh. You said "doody"

- Butthead, 1996


:lol:

[SueB]

You said POO lmao !

I was going for alliteration. Beside, I think Lillie said it first.

[superman2001]

i thought this episode was great, i really did like the scene where Clark, saved the people on the bus, and i thought the scene where clark saved chloe from bette was great, and it was great to see Davis turning into Doomsday, at the end of the episode, i can't wait to see the new episode, on thursday, it is going to be a great episode.

[LoveHurts38]

I will give the episode an 8 loved the Clois interactions!!

[AgentChaos]

Still more trouble with Chloe just 'giving up' on being a journalist. That was her passion for so many years; I just can't believe this character would abandon all that so casually.

Chloe didn't say that she was giving it up for good. From her tone, it sounded like she was going to take a break from journalism and try other things.

As much as I hate that, it does make sense. The events of Season 7 (Grant coming in and trashing her as a reporter, Lex interfering with her work, then firing her) IMO turned Chloe off of reporting quite a bit. Add in the fact that she just got out of prison a week ago, and it's clear that she's burned out.

I say give Chloe some time away from that world and let her get her head on straight. Once that happens, I can see her getting that spark back.

[Mad Madam Mimm]

[quote=Autumn;4025793]I
1) Clark getting a job so easily at the DP! He's working on stories with Lois as well as writing the obits. HUH??????? I mean they could at least say that Perry White helped get him the job, with the promise that he'd have to start taking journalism classes on the side. Show some effort. You can't just wake up one morning and go, "Today I think I'll be a journalist," walk into the biggest newspaper in the state, and get a job pretty high up. Lois shouldn't be there either. And I despise how they use the Lois and Clark shot that was similar to the Chloe and Clark shot in the past (working side by side). I feel like she's taking over Chloe's existence and that bugs me. But I just can't take Lois and Clark seriously as journalists. It just enhances the negative message that you can get whatever you want with no work or effort. This is a pet peeve of mine, and they need to rectify this problem. And honestly, it's not a hard thing to fix. So, start being creative. Perry White stepping in to get him the job with a promise to make up for slacking in the past, would have at least been believable.


I had to chuckle at this part (in a friendly way!) because you are not the first person to take issue with this little piece of the plot. What amuses me is that people expect reality when it comes to how Clark got his job at the DP, yet accept without argument the teenage girl that blows things up with her mind, the part where Chloe commutes between Smallville and Metropolis without effort, the part where the entire town of Smallville is rife with meteor rock and cranks out freaks on a daily basis. It is a light-hearted jest, so no need to flame me. I just find it funny that how Clark got his job is really bugging some people for its lack of reality when we are talking about Smallville - the most un-real place there is. Tee hee. Das funny!

Again, it seems like the story line has started off in a big hurry - like we need to get there yesterday and time is short. Makes me fear the worst, that this is the last season, and that they are trying to wind everything up in a short amount of time.

WRT Lois I have to say this: She is rude and a know-it-all, but she also has some truly genuine moments when you can see her brassy nature is a defense mechanism and not so much who she is (I think that is largely enhanced by EDs acting she can show a shift of emotion with the most subtle of expressions). If you did not have the pain in the ass gruffness aspect to Lois' character you would not appreciate the moments of vulnerability as much.

I have enjoyed Clark/Lois' interaction since the beginning, but I really do hope they do a better job of bridging the gap between annoying the heck out of each other to being in love. Again, I fear the producers are going to rush the entire season as they have the first two episodes, which is going to leave some very unsatisfied customers.

Amazing level of analysis going on here. From Sue B to others, I am enjoying how much sheer thought and analysis people are giving this show, whether I agree with the analyses or not... Awesome! :rotfl:

[biggkoz]

People seriously thought this was the best episode of smallville ever? Are you kidding me? Whos voting here jr high kids?

[RedKRules]

:lol:

[LaNaLoVeScLaRk]

i loved the little jokes clark and lois had her expressions...wow she totally wants him no doubt!:D

[Jlvsclrk]

I see I'm not alone when my rating of this show went up after seeing it a second time. The first time through, it felt too action-light; the second time, my brain obviously compensated for that and enjoyed the story that was presented. Loved everything to do with the Daily Planet, thought it was a very good intro for Davis...

Toxic has begun. I'm off!

[Bane]

I actually really liked this episode, and I love Jessica Parker Kennedy. Can you say sexy? Anyway, I'd give this episode an 8/10.

[ChaosSV]

10 ..
that was the best...
4 the Chlark moment... i hope there'll be more in season 8

[stenochick]

For me Plastique was the bomb. Have to watch it again several times to determine exactly which type but it was definitely not a dud.

I just got your pun! That is brilliant!!! Plastique is a form of explosive device, ie, a bomb. :lol:

[KalEltheBoyscout]

10/10 - Great episode!!! Loved seeing Clark being more heroic. Jennifer Parker Kennedy did a pretty good job considering her age. The new characters are starting to grow on me. For a moment I actually believed that Tess was a nice person when she tried to seduce Clark. Sam did a great job in his debut as Davis. I LOVE SEASON 8!!!

[Bane]

Her name is Jessica....not Jennifer.

I hope to see her return, her performance was pretty good.

[DreadShamus]

7. Was very decent for a filler episode.

[WellingFan]

I gave it a 9 since it was just impossible to measure up to Odyssey. Brilliant!

[Babykins27]

I ALREADY DONT LIKE TESS NO SHOCKER THERE.
Lois and Clark had a lot of good witty banter it made me smile alot. I just love smallville I enjoy every episode I really do.:rotfl:

[blackcelebration]

Great episode to follow on from the Season Premier 9/10!

[RaniaLovesClois]

Loved it.

[SGuthrie27]

I felt that it was a pretty good episode. Bette was okay as far as sort-of-villains go. She had more personality than most, but still didn't end up being my favorite. I loved the Chlark and Chlavis moments. At this point, I was pretty intrigued by Davis' character, and the way they ended the episode served even more to make me wonder where they were going to take him (even though I already knew he was going to end up being Doomsday).

--SGuthrie ><>' :)--

[actaeon]

Watched it again, and finally got around to rating it... a solid 7. Tess was fun, and the Clois interaction was terrific. Loved Clark changing his shirt in the phone booth-- got a laugh out of me even on the second viewing! Lois was great, her seven (twelve? six??) "rules of reporting". Striking out with the cop. Taking charge in the hospital, with Clark being the wimp ("don't go in there! You'll get caught! You could go to prison!") Then in the end, she's nice to Clark... awww.

The Davis and Chloe stuff was... umm... interesting. Flirt, much?!!

Points off though for the actress who played Bette. Weak, very weak. She and the skateboarder were the least convincing "street kids" I've ever seen.

[FanofTom]

I gave it a solid 9
Storyline of the premiere was better
But loved the way they dress Tom this season.

[Nimkong]

This episode was good.I liked the villan,davis arriving and clark working at the DP

[BoyScout-ManOfTomorrow]

10!!

Still after rewatching this...one of the best second episodes and AMAZING set-up episode. All the things I wanted to see Clark do in S7 happen in the first two episodes of S8. Even when it has it's freak of the week thing going on it has so much depth and takes the show to a new level.

Excellent teaser!

Interesting introductions to Tess and Davis.

Clark and Lois working together is the best entertainment you could ask. Clark and Lana were never written anywhere near as good as these two.

All the relationships seemed interesting for the first time since...along time.

Had some of the best comedy Smallville has produced: "Im getting married?" "Chloe's engaged?" Priceless!

I think S10 "Shield" might come close to this...Either way, both are amazing at setting up the season.

This episode was great and it promised a great season which S8 imo definately was!!