One of the most interesting character arcs, IMO, is that of Lionel Luthor. In the first few seasons he was unreservedly, admittedly, and gloriously Evil. He was the Bad Guy incarnate.
Then, as the Lex arc progressed, and Lex became more Evil, Lionel became less so. Is that because he saw himself in Lex, and saw how awful it was? Is that because he recognized the demons in himself, and wanted to prevent Lex from the same agonies he (Lionel) had faced? We've seen that Lionel does love Lex in some twisted way (he didn't kill juvenile Lex after he thought that Lex killed Julian in his cradle) - is he trying to protect Lex in some way? Or, does turning to the side of Good make him weak?
And then, as Lionel became the vessel of Jor-El - boy, that came out of left field. So now, does Lionel really have good feelings, or are they reflections (or imprintings or whatever) of what Jor-El feels (presumably) for Clark? Could Lionel be good on his own, without the alien influence?
The last few episodes seem to imply that he may be. The whole thing with keeping Clark prisoner in the Kryptonite cage - I interpret that as a last, self-destructive return to Lionel's old ways. And he realizes it's a mistake and that he's lost his chance with Clark. That's why he's been so upset and frazzled the last few episodes - he has thrown away his opportunities. And I think he knew that, and it preyed on him. Yes, Lionel Luthor developed a conscience.
And that's what the most interesting thing is. The characters:
1) Clark - always Good, has his moments when he feels unhappy or weak or mopey, but in the end, always gets off his ass and saves the world
2) Lex - a wounded boy, grows up, has numerous chances to choose the good and consistently chooses the bad, becomes Evil
3) And Lionel - chose to be Bad as a young man. Bad through his adulthood. Meets Clark Kent, slowly turns away from the path of Evil. But still fascinating in that we wonder -
a) Is he consistently choosing to be Good, or is it all a facade? He is the master of manipulation, after all.
b) Could he really become Good? Does he have too much sin on his soul?
c) Would he have chosen to turn to the path of Good (even if he doesn't make it all the way) if it hadn't been for Clark Kent? (CK = Superman later, who will be an inspiration for the world).
What makes you change? What makes you turn away from a path that you've spent your life on? And, when you've been on a path for a long time (say, a lifetime), is it even possible to retrace your steps and choose a new path?
So what the writers are showing, and John Glover most of all through his nuanced portrayals over the past seven seasons, is that Lionel maybe, possibly, could be redeemed. Or, rather, Lionel could redeem himself. The "turning away from the path of sin" and Lionel Luthor is a topic I'll always wonder about.
Wisely, JG and the writers have left it ambiguous. Lionel Luthor's (possible) redemption of his soul will always be a matter of debate.
Great thanks to John Glover for turning what could have been a cardboard villain into the complex, irritating, fascinating character we've known and loved (or hated) for the past seven seasons. You've added immensely to Smallville, JG. We'll miss you.
Then, as the Lex arc progressed, and Lex became more Evil, Lionel became less so. Is that because he saw himself in Lex, and saw how awful it was? Is that because he recognized the demons in himself, and wanted to prevent Lex from the same agonies he (Lionel) had faced? We've seen that Lionel does love Lex in some twisted way (he didn't kill juvenile Lex after he thought that Lex killed Julian in his cradle) - is he trying to protect Lex in some way? Or, does turning to the side of Good make him weak?
And then, as Lionel became the vessel of Jor-El - boy, that came out of left field. So now, does Lionel really have good feelings, or are they reflections (or imprintings or whatever) of what Jor-El feels (presumably) for Clark? Could Lionel be good on his own, without the alien influence?
The last few episodes seem to imply that he may be. The whole thing with keeping Clark prisoner in the Kryptonite cage - I interpret that as a last, self-destructive return to Lionel's old ways. And he realizes it's a mistake and that he's lost his chance with Clark. That's why he's been so upset and frazzled the last few episodes - he has thrown away his opportunities. And I think he knew that, and it preyed on him. Yes, Lionel Luthor developed a conscience.
And that's what the most interesting thing is. The characters:
1) Clark - always Good, has his moments when he feels unhappy or weak or mopey, but in the end, always gets off his ass and saves the world
2) Lex - a wounded boy, grows up, has numerous chances to choose the good and consistently chooses the bad, becomes Evil
3) And Lionel - chose to be Bad as a young man. Bad through his adulthood. Meets Clark Kent, slowly turns away from the path of Evil. But still fascinating in that we wonder -
a) Is he consistently choosing to be Good, or is it all a facade? He is the master of manipulation, after all.
b) Could he really become Good? Does he have too much sin on his soul?
c) Would he have chosen to turn to the path of Good (even if he doesn't make it all the way) if it hadn't been for Clark Kent? (CK = Superman later, who will be an inspiration for the world).
What makes you change? What makes you turn away from a path that you've spent your life on? And, when you've been on a path for a long time (say, a lifetime), is it even possible to retrace your steps and choose a new path?
So what the writers are showing, and John Glover most of all through his nuanced portrayals over the past seven seasons, is that Lionel maybe, possibly, could be redeemed. Or, rather, Lionel could redeem himself. The "turning away from the path of sin" and Lionel Luthor is a topic I'll always wonder about.
Wisely, JG and the writers have left it ambiguous. Lionel Luthor's (possible) redemption of his soul will always be a matter of debate.
Great thanks to John Glover for turning what could have been a cardboard villain into the complex, irritating, fascinating character we've known and loved (or hated) for the past seven seasons. You've added immensely to Smallville, JG. We'll miss you.
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