Smallville: Finale
That was an extremely emotional, and triumphant last ten minutes of the show. Truly a beginning, rather than an end. There are certain creative/directorial/writing choices this ep employed that I absolutely loved, and thought did immense justice to laying down a feel of the show that the final ep ever, deserved. This isn't to say the ep was without its faults. Really, its biggest problem was how it was saddled with all these crappy threads from previously in the season, and having to deal with them and still produce something magical. It's the shows own fault, of course, but there you have it. Still though, for this ep to be bogged down by the baggage of the general awfulness of the 2nd half of the season, and overall lacklustreness of the season in totality - it has to be commended for not only doing the best job it could, but also managing to elicit, genuine emotion within viewers like myself. A resonance and link to the show I haven't felt in a very long time.
Clois
A lot of the ep was dedicated to the Clois wedding and the relationship, in general. In an odd way, the first half (barring a couple of stellar moments) and and the second half Clois, proved to actually be a study in contrast, in terms of how its been handled largely this season, vs. its true, inherent, effortless enjoyability. The first half Clois was mostly all big talk, big melodrama, to the point of contrivance and just generally, this forced feeling of 'OMG-look-they're-epic-see-see!' All this doubts galore nonsense that popped up recently - IMO, is just that. Nonsense. Because I just don't feel it makes sense for these characters, at this stage to be thinking/contemplating what they are. Not after this season. Not after how they solidified their place in each others lives and then went on to reaffirm that to each other not just by words, but by actions too. It just seemed as if the writers thought this, roadblocks basically, would make us that much more invested in seeing the wedding actually happen. And I think they got this completely wrong because those invested, were already so. This in fact, just proved to be an irritant, I'm thinking. And it felt so shoehorned, again, because the characters reactions seemed forced. Lois, of all people knew from her earlier talks with Clark as the Blur, about how lonely a heroes life could be. She knew this, she had felt it. Clark' doubts, too, similarly felt as if they'd been inserted to try and create drama, unnecessarily so. And this was emblematic of a kind of tone the writers forced on Clois several times during this season - OMG!Moments, for the sake of them, rather than just allowing them to be. And melodrama where none was needed, like Clark' incredulousness that Lois waited for him 3 weeks back in 'Dominion.' It's just one example, but it's of an unfortunate tone I felt Clois was burdened with, for large portions of this season, where they were more caricatures of what the writers thought these two people in love should perfectly be, and not allowing them instead to just be their awesome selves.
But despite this, the Clois was a Win for me in this one. Because when they shone? They really shone. Firstly, I think the writers made the right decision by having their own words, in the form of their vows, to ultimately be what reconciled them back to the marriage, rather than having Chloe or Oliver to do so. And the vows themselves had real character, because each set stayed so true to the respective people they belonged to. The part that I loved best about the scene with them behind the door from each other was Lois not only reaffirming that they both happened to make each other the people they are, and this isn't some kind of one-way street where one lucked out over the other, but that it was the imperfections, the human side, the vulnerabilities are a the part and parcel aspect of it all that ultimately makes you want to be the better person for the other, even moreso. I thought it was a nicely directed scene too, the actors did a convincing job, and it was the moment, for me where we could move on from the forced sacharriness of Clois from this season to them being what someone like me, atleast always wanted them to be - two awesome individuals, in love, deeply and passionately with one another.
And 2nd half Clois was exactly that. They walked down the aisle together, for one thing, which I thought was utterly symbolic of their relationship, SV and other canon-wise. And then the rest - they may not have shared a ton of time together in the 2nd half - they were after all off saving the world and being awesomely awesome, and this is what makes them so brilliant to watch, because after witnessing them as individuals in their element is when you then want them get together, and so it all culminates in that wonderful scene of Lois and Clark locking eyes as Clark flies outside the plane - their smiles say it all.
I wasn't at all expecting in the 'now-seven years-later' scenes for them to still not be married. But I actually think it was incredibly brave of the writers to go this route, because how wonderfully quirky and Clois - it's never their love or commitment that was ever in question or the problem---they were just too busy being their world-saving, butt-kicking selves. It's that, and the chemistry of Clark', "Ms Lane" on the steps to her sexily, and Lois' beaming smiles, "so hot" - this right here? Is the Clois I love.
Tess
I found myself dreading where they were going with Tess, the moment she entered Lex' office. The question of Tess' loyalty and to whether it might sway or not, was actually one of the few themes I thought the show did well, in the 2nd half the season. In the end, all said and done, she proved to be Clark' greatest victory summed up in her and Lex' "I tried to save you", "Too late, Clark already did" exchange. Because through this season, and this ep, we've seen that it is Clark' positive influence and hope and belief in others that can often times be his greatest strength. And in none better than in his relationship with Tess, was this so emphatically punctuated. Tess sought redemption, and she earned it. I'm incredibly disappointed we didn't get a scene of Clark and Oliver mourning her, because I think it could have been placed in there and it was very much needed. But what we got of her in this ep, CF so incredibly brought to life. She was outstanding in the scene with Lionel. Which, btw, could it have been any creepier?! ::shudders at Lionel' handsiness:: In it, she so seamlessly transitioned from the vulnerable, to the badass. How much did I love that she saved herself, and in the manner that she did! Great scene. Tess, may you rock n roll in peace.
Darkseid
Possibly the worst villain arc in SV history, and yes, I believe the witch-stones arc of S4 is better because atleast it genuinely brought the LOLZ. It did manage to come to an end with some kind of bang in this ep, and I couldn't help but think if only the writers had handled the storyline with a similar levels of intensity and urgency throughout the season, then maybe we wouldn't have had such a failure in terms of audience investment. I'm still fuzzy on how Darkseid itself, as inhabiting Lionel, got destroyed, or what GA did to the unholy trinity. But eh, atleast the shots of Apokolips were cool. And wasted potential as they might've been, Granny Goodness, Desaad and Godfrey were the real stars of this vehicle, whatever little time they got.
Family and moving on
The other important theme of the ep that the first half in fact, laboriously drove home to us. It's not that I mind the theme, not at all. But I couldn't help thinking, didn't we already do all of this in 'Homecoming?' Wasn't that the whole point? And here, all the issues just seemed to come back, rather pointlessly. Clark selling the farm should not equally have equated to letting go of his memories in everyones mind. It seemed as if it was all incorporated in as a way to bring Martha and Jonathon back into the fold. And much as I loved seeing them both, I thought way too much of the early part of the ep was consumed with basically rehashing the same points over and again. Having said that, Jonathon as a sort of spirit guide? I can buy. And in that vein, it's fitting that at the point when Clark needed him the most, that is when Jonathon appeared to him, like in 'Lazarus.' And Martha glancing at the empty seat next to her at the chapel? I got teary eyed, I'll admit. As I did again when we saw Jonathon next to her (despite the giggles at how ghost!Jonathon decided to change and dress up for the occasion, heh). Needless to say, given my feelings on Jor-El, I just didn't care for his integration into the story. But damn if I still didn't choke up a bit when Clark told him how long he'd waited to hear Jor-El tell him he was proud of him. I think it's a real testament to just how much my love for Clark outweighs everything else, including my disdain for Jor-El, heh.
Oliver
I actually felt for JH/Oliver, for having been dumped the sorry storyline that he was during this last stretch. But he did get a couple of good moments in the scene with trinity and gearing up to go fight the good fight. And the fact that Clark was able to get through to him, and he returned that faith in cheering Clark on at the end, was a nice symmetry. I still don't get Chlollie though, so I'll just leave it at that.
Chloe
Like I said, I just never got Chlollie, so. Yeah. And I wasn't really feeling that Chlark hug either. But AM did very well with what she had, and she was especially good in her scene with Lois at the DP. Her future (present?) scenes, with the Chlollie kid - well, if I recall correctly, Oliver does have kids with different women, right? So I suppose it kind of fits. She was shown still very much a part of Clark and Lois' life, and I guess, despite whatever my feelings towards the character, this too, fit.
Lois
Lois in fierce, kick-ass reporter mode is the best kind of Lois. As is self aware, not-afraid-to-acknowledge-her-flaws Lois. And I'm so glad we got to see both in this, her final ep. From her DP scenes to the ones on the plane (her best, IMO), as Clark flies, as she readies to interview the President - both reach one of the pinnacles of their lives. This was comics Lois come to life in the best way possible. And the seven years later glimpses of her, her interactions with Jimmy and Perry - loved it. My favorite part was her very Lois way of 'reasoning' with journo!bitch. Say it like it is, Lois.
The return of Lex and glorious Clex
The first glimpses of MR/Lex? Chills, I tells ya. Chills. Ever since I heard that MR would be reprising his role, I'd hoped we'd get something akin to him and Clark teaming up to stop Darkseid. While we didn't quite get that, and instead only one Clex scene (why?) I'd say we got a pretty damn near excellent one, anyway. Full of crackling energy and chemistry and history. And it stayed true to how I imagined it might be. Because of course Lex wants Clark to save the world. No world=No Clark, after all. If Clark can't actualize his full potential as the greatest hero, Lex can't realize his as greatest foe. It is incredibly Lex to believe their destinies are entwined, and indeed, they are. This is their bond - and Lex just wants Clark to hurry on up and save the day so they can carry this dance on, forever. Clark: "I'll always be there to stop you." Lex: "I'm counting on it." And so they're linked, for all time to come. And you just know that when Clark says later, "I believe even in the darkest soul, there is hope" and "it's easy to hate, stronger to love", he has Lex somewhere in his mind. He'll never shy away from confronting Lex, and we know he'll always do what's needed - but I can't be the only one that thinks that there'll be a part of him still wanting to find that hope in Lex too.
As for the Lex/Tess scene, I saw it coming. I really think Lex genuinely believed he was doing Tess a favor. I didn't see the mindwipe coming though. But then---and again, not sure if anyone else saw it this way, but did Lex really forget? Who's to say the goop actually worked? I'd like to think not, because it just makes the Clex future that much more interesting to envisage, and their bond that much greater that Lex' mind could reject the notion of losing his time/memories of SV. The moving on theme, therefore, related here as well, as Smallville played as integral a part in Lex' life, as it did Clark'.
Clark
Save the best for last, always. For all his super powers, his most extraordinary gift yet remains his unrelenting goodness, and ability to keep faith and belief in the goodness of others when even they may have lost it, and moreover the ability to actually walk them off their brink. I've already discussed Tess, and the Clark/Oliver scene in the chapel was great too. Oliver' strength of character was tested but it was Clark who determined that Oliver would in fact emerge victorious in the inner struggle, through sheer belief. His "I believe in you" - his greatest strength.
The montage at the FOS - my heart swelled up a couple sizes, I'm telling you. Our boy done good, folks. He done good. I appreciated so much that the writers recognized the importance of having Clark himself be the ultimate inspiration to get him to take flight. In that moment of despair as he's hurled through the air by Darkseid, and he looks back on his time at the FOS, and what was was shown to him - it is his own greatness and goodness that propels him towards his destiny. The montage of saves, too, was terrific.
Finally - Clark in the suit. The Suit. How magnificent did he look flying, and just those glimpses and flashes. And the end? Him standing tall and proud, the shirt rip? Perfection.
Hello, Superman. And can I just say, TW' version of Clark Kent will forever be my Supes. Forever.
Bits and bobs
- The music! The Score! Again, chills.
- Perry: "stories don't write themselves, Lane!" - Ha!
- Jimmy!
- Atleast we got a Martian Manhunter reference.
- They actually found a plausible way to have the Gen not be there at the wedding - color me shocked.
Clois
A lot of the ep was dedicated to the Clois wedding and the relationship, in general. In an odd way, the first half (barring a couple of stellar moments) and and the second half Clois, proved to actually be a study in contrast, in terms of how its been handled largely this season, vs. its true, inherent, effortless enjoyability. The first half Clois was mostly all big talk, big melodrama, to the point of contrivance and just generally, this forced feeling of 'OMG-look-they're-epic-see-see!' All this doubts galore nonsense that popped up recently - IMO, is just that. Nonsense. Because I just don't feel it makes sense for these characters, at this stage to be thinking/contemplating what they are. Not after this season. Not after how they solidified their place in each others lives and then went on to reaffirm that to each other not just by words, but by actions too. It just seemed as if the writers thought this, roadblocks basically, would make us that much more invested in seeing the wedding actually happen. And I think they got this completely wrong because those invested, were already so. This in fact, just proved to be an irritant, I'm thinking. And it felt so shoehorned, again, because the characters reactions seemed forced. Lois, of all people knew from her earlier talks with Clark as the Blur, about how lonely a heroes life could be. She knew this, she had felt it. Clark' doubts, too, similarly felt as if they'd been inserted to try and create drama, unnecessarily so. And this was emblematic of a kind of tone the writers forced on Clois several times during this season - OMG!Moments, for the sake of them, rather than just allowing them to be. And melodrama where none was needed, like Clark' incredulousness that Lois waited for him 3 weeks back in 'Dominion.' It's just one example, but it's of an unfortunate tone I felt Clois was burdened with, for large portions of this season, where they were more caricatures of what the writers thought these two people in love should perfectly be, and not allowing them instead to just be their awesome selves.
But despite this, the Clois was a Win for me in this one. Because when they shone? They really shone. Firstly, I think the writers made the right decision by having their own words, in the form of their vows, to ultimately be what reconciled them back to the marriage, rather than having Chloe or Oliver to do so. And the vows themselves had real character, because each set stayed so true to the respective people they belonged to. The part that I loved best about the scene with them behind the door from each other was Lois not only reaffirming that they both happened to make each other the people they are, and this isn't some kind of one-way street where one lucked out over the other, but that it was the imperfections, the human side, the vulnerabilities are a the part and parcel aspect of it all that ultimately makes you want to be the better person for the other, even moreso. I thought it was a nicely directed scene too, the actors did a convincing job, and it was the moment, for me where we could move on from the forced sacharriness of Clois from this season to them being what someone like me, atleast always wanted them to be - two awesome individuals, in love, deeply and passionately with one another.
And 2nd half Clois was exactly that. They walked down the aisle together, for one thing, which I thought was utterly symbolic of their relationship, SV and other canon-wise. And then the rest - they may not have shared a ton of time together in the 2nd half - they were after all off saving the world and being awesomely awesome, and this is what makes them so brilliant to watch, because after witnessing them as individuals in their element is when you then want them get together, and so it all culminates in that wonderful scene of Lois and Clark locking eyes as Clark flies outside the plane - their smiles say it all.
I wasn't at all expecting in the 'now-seven years-later' scenes for them to still not be married. But I actually think it was incredibly brave of the writers to go this route, because how wonderfully quirky and Clois - it's never their love or commitment that was ever in question or the problem---they were just too busy being their world-saving, butt-kicking selves. It's that, and the chemistry of Clark', "Ms Lane" on the steps to her sexily, and Lois' beaming smiles, "so hot" - this right here? Is the Clois I love.
Tess
I found myself dreading where they were going with Tess, the moment she entered Lex' office. The question of Tess' loyalty and to whether it might sway or not, was actually one of the few themes I thought the show did well, in the 2nd half the season. In the end, all said and done, she proved to be Clark' greatest victory summed up in her and Lex' "I tried to save you", "Too late, Clark already did" exchange. Because through this season, and this ep, we've seen that it is Clark' positive influence and hope and belief in others that can often times be his greatest strength. And in none better than in his relationship with Tess, was this so emphatically punctuated. Tess sought redemption, and she earned it. I'm incredibly disappointed we didn't get a scene of Clark and Oliver mourning her, because I think it could have been placed in there and it was very much needed. But what we got of her in this ep, CF so incredibly brought to life. She was outstanding in the scene with Lionel. Which, btw, could it have been any creepier?! ::shudders at Lionel' handsiness:: In it, she so seamlessly transitioned from the vulnerable, to the badass. How much did I love that she saved herself, and in the manner that she did! Great scene. Tess, may you rock n roll in peace.
Darkseid
Possibly the worst villain arc in SV history, and yes, I believe the witch-stones arc of S4 is better because atleast it genuinely brought the LOLZ. It did manage to come to an end with some kind of bang in this ep, and I couldn't help but think if only the writers had handled the storyline with a similar levels of intensity and urgency throughout the season, then maybe we wouldn't have had such a failure in terms of audience investment. I'm still fuzzy on how Darkseid itself, as inhabiting Lionel, got destroyed, or what GA did to the unholy trinity. But eh, atleast the shots of Apokolips were cool. And wasted potential as they might've been, Granny Goodness, Desaad and Godfrey were the real stars of this vehicle, whatever little time they got.
Family and moving on
The other important theme of the ep that the first half in fact, laboriously drove home to us. It's not that I mind the theme, not at all. But I couldn't help thinking, didn't we already do all of this in 'Homecoming?' Wasn't that the whole point? And here, all the issues just seemed to come back, rather pointlessly. Clark selling the farm should not equally have equated to letting go of his memories in everyones mind. It seemed as if it was all incorporated in as a way to bring Martha and Jonathon back into the fold. And much as I loved seeing them both, I thought way too much of the early part of the ep was consumed with basically rehashing the same points over and again. Having said that, Jonathon as a sort of spirit guide? I can buy. And in that vein, it's fitting that at the point when Clark needed him the most, that is when Jonathon appeared to him, like in 'Lazarus.' And Martha glancing at the empty seat next to her at the chapel? I got teary eyed, I'll admit. As I did again when we saw Jonathon next to her (despite the giggles at how ghost!Jonathon decided to change and dress up for the occasion, heh). Needless to say, given my feelings on Jor-El, I just didn't care for his integration into the story. But damn if I still didn't choke up a bit when Clark told him how long he'd waited to hear Jor-El tell him he was proud of him. I think it's a real testament to just how much my love for Clark outweighs everything else, including my disdain for Jor-El, heh.
Oliver
I actually felt for JH/Oliver, for having been dumped the sorry storyline that he was during this last stretch. But he did get a couple of good moments in the scene with trinity and gearing up to go fight the good fight. And the fact that Clark was able to get through to him, and he returned that faith in cheering Clark on at the end, was a nice symmetry. I still don't get Chlollie though, so I'll just leave it at that.
Chloe
Like I said, I just never got Chlollie, so. Yeah. And I wasn't really feeling that Chlark hug either. But AM did very well with what she had, and she was especially good in her scene with Lois at the DP. Her future (present?) scenes, with the Chlollie kid - well, if I recall correctly, Oliver does have kids with different women, right? So I suppose it kind of fits. She was shown still very much a part of Clark and Lois' life, and I guess, despite whatever my feelings towards the character, this too, fit.
Lois
Lois in fierce, kick-ass reporter mode is the best kind of Lois. As is self aware, not-afraid-to-acknowledge-her-flaws Lois. And I'm so glad we got to see both in this, her final ep. From her DP scenes to the ones on the plane (her best, IMO), as Clark flies, as she readies to interview the President - both reach one of the pinnacles of their lives. This was comics Lois come to life in the best way possible. And the seven years later glimpses of her, her interactions with Jimmy and Perry - loved it. My favorite part was her very Lois way of 'reasoning' with journo!bitch. Say it like it is, Lois.
The return of Lex and glorious Clex
The first glimpses of MR/Lex? Chills, I tells ya. Chills. Ever since I heard that MR would be reprising his role, I'd hoped we'd get something akin to him and Clark teaming up to stop Darkseid. While we didn't quite get that, and instead only one Clex scene (why?) I'd say we got a pretty damn near excellent one, anyway. Full of crackling energy and chemistry and history. And it stayed true to how I imagined it might be. Because of course Lex wants Clark to save the world. No world=No Clark, after all. If Clark can't actualize his full potential as the greatest hero, Lex can't realize his as greatest foe. It is incredibly Lex to believe their destinies are entwined, and indeed, they are. This is their bond - and Lex just wants Clark to hurry on up and save the day so they can carry this dance on, forever. Clark: "I'll always be there to stop you." Lex: "I'm counting on it." And so they're linked, for all time to come. And you just know that when Clark says later, "I believe even in the darkest soul, there is hope" and "it's easy to hate, stronger to love", he has Lex somewhere in his mind. He'll never shy away from confronting Lex, and we know he'll always do what's needed - but I can't be the only one that thinks that there'll be a part of him still wanting to find that hope in Lex too.
As for the Lex/Tess scene, I saw it coming. I really think Lex genuinely believed he was doing Tess a favor. I didn't see the mindwipe coming though. But then---and again, not sure if anyone else saw it this way, but did Lex really forget? Who's to say the goop actually worked? I'd like to think not, because it just makes the Clex future that much more interesting to envisage, and their bond that much greater that Lex' mind could reject the notion of losing his time/memories of SV. The moving on theme, therefore, related here as well, as Smallville played as integral a part in Lex' life, as it did Clark'.
Clark
Save the best for last, always. For all his super powers, his most extraordinary gift yet remains his unrelenting goodness, and ability to keep faith and belief in the goodness of others when even they may have lost it, and moreover the ability to actually walk them off their brink. I've already discussed Tess, and the Clark/Oliver scene in the chapel was great too. Oliver' strength of character was tested but it was Clark who determined that Oliver would in fact emerge victorious in the inner struggle, through sheer belief. His "I believe in you" - his greatest strength.
The montage at the FOS - my heart swelled up a couple sizes, I'm telling you. Our boy done good, folks. He done good. I appreciated so much that the writers recognized the importance of having Clark himself be the ultimate inspiration to get him to take flight. In that moment of despair as he's hurled through the air by Darkseid, and he looks back on his time at the FOS, and what was was shown to him - it is his own greatness and goodness that propels him towards his destiny. The montage of saves, too, was terrific.
Finally - Clark in the suit. The Suit. How magnificent did he look flying, and just those glimpses and flashes. And the end? Him standing tall and proud, the shirt rip? Perfection.
Hello, Superman. And can I just say, TW' version of Clark Kent will forever be my Supes. Forever.
Bits and bobs
- The music! The Score! Again, chills.
- Perry: "stories don't write themselves, Lane!" - Ha!
- Jimmy!
- Atleast we got a Martian Manhunter reference.
- They actually found a plausible way to have the Gen not be there at the wedding - color me shocked.