Review of Roulette Episode 9x05
So I found this review for "Roulette" while I was cleaning out my hard drive that I never posted. I know at this point no one is interested but I thought I'd post anyway. Enjoy!
I can tell you right now that I enjoyed "Roulette" more then last weeks "Echo" which despite the nice Clois moments had weird pacing, and left me feeling rather Meh about it. "Roulette" while not giving me the rapturous high of the first 3 episodes this season, was certainly a solid entry. So sit back, relax, and enjoy my recap. Beware the possible spoilers ahead. They tend to bite you know.
I've really been enjoying the starting sequences before the opening credits this season, and "Roulette" holds to form. The constant spinning of the roulette wheel, accompanied by the suitably Emo "Daisy" by Brand New (for those of you interested in the music) in the background, paint a picture of Oliver's inner pain. The lyrics:
I'm a mountain that has been moved. I'm a river that is all dried up. I'm an ocean nothing floats on I'm a sky that nothing wants to fly in I'm a sun that doesn't burn hot I'm a moon that never shows it face I'm a mouth that doesn't smile I'm a word that no one ever wants to say I'm a mountain that has been moved I'm a fugitive that has no legs to run I'm a preacher with no pope and spewing a sermon that goes on and on and on we'll take all these things and we'll bury the past and we'll pray that they......... and be all right, it's alright, it'll easier that way well if the sky opened up and started pouring rain like a new......start things over again and be alright, it's alright, it'll easier that way
The song is more then apt. Certainly, it echoes Oliver's sense of disfranchisement after killing Lex. The roulette wheel becomes a symbol of chances taken, only to end in ruin, evidenced by Oliver's continuous losing streak. The sum of all the numbers on the roulette wheel, 1-36 adds up to 666, the number of the beast. This could either symbolize the darkness within Oliver that allowed him to kill Lex and is fueling his descent, or the devil on his shoulder who won't let him forget what's he's done, and that he's not worthy of much of anything. Certainly, not the mantle of hero that he once aspired to and that Clark is wearing so well (Personally, I think it's a mixture of all 3). Que hot, mysterious, Asian chick in red chiming-song, who offers him a game of chance that's sure to put fire back into his life. Granted it's a rather cliche image. But since the dealer and many of the background actors are also Asian. I think where meant to believe (at least at the start of the show) that Oliver's continuing his dilettante ways in one of the underground gambling dens controlled by the Triads in the Far East. (After seeing the whole episode I now know their still supposed to be in Metropolis. Chloe's deception not withstanding, the club was supposed to resemble Triad controlled underground gambling den) Plus, Victoria AKA hot, Asian, babe's outfit is reminiscent of what her character wears in the comics as the villainess Roulette so it's hard to bitch when the writers are just following cannon. Really, I'm just happy that were getting a chance to see some of the lesser known characters from the DC bible. That Steph Song played her part with just the right amount of ambiguity just proves again that SV has a stellar casting dept.
Oliver: The fact that killing Lex affected him so badly is what's going to allow many of us to eventually forgive Oliver. When he set himself as judge, jury and, executioner, he crossed the line of what separates a hero from a villain. His fall from grace was both interesting to watch (although I realize I'm in the minority on this) with all the subsequent parallels between Oliver and Lex the writers were making, as well as necessary for the storyline. Only in seeing Oliver hit rock bottom, and then come full circle with the choice to kill, and this time choosing not to, could we the audience believe in his atonement. That he recognized that he has no right to choose who lives and who dies, yet is still willing to save the life of the one who wronged him, marks his first steps on the path to redemption. It's not what others do but what you do that matters in the end. Oliver finally understands that. In understanding, he finds the true hero within.
Oliver/Lois: I can't tell you how much I love their relationship. If I wasn't such a die hard Clois girl I would totally ship them like crazy. I love that Lois/Oliver 3 years after they broke up are still firm friends and even have a birthday tradition that's obviously important to both of them. So much so, that Lois instantly goes to red alert when Oliver does a no show. I love that she's heartbroken when she finds out Ollie is suicidal then pissed as hell at Clark (more on that below) when she finds out that he knew and didn't tell her. Oliver is one of her family and there's nothing Lois won't do for her family. I love how Lois is continue to come into her own as an investigator. She capable and smart as she tracks Oliver down by his car GPS, only to get in a throwdown with Victoria AKA Roulette when she proves less then forthcoming. Lois was a throwdown that Lois was winning, until Victoria brought a gun to a knife fight figuratively speaking (I'm adoring all the fight scenes this season, and I really hope the writers keep them coming). I didn't even mind that Oliver had to save the day, especially since it lead to a powerful Lois/Oliver scene in his office where Lois chides Oliver for not confiding in her about his problems. While Oliver can't help being vulnerable to her and admits his pride, his fear, and a bit of his hidden love. Lois who is no longer in love with Oliver, she still deeply loves him and let's him know, that she'll always there for him. The sense of warmth, friendship, love, and understanding between the two of them was just lovely.
I know there are some critics who think that Oliver's feelings for Lois are coming out of nowhere, especially after their great closure scene in "Bride." But I respectfully disagree. People, seem to forget that Lois broke up with Oliver, not the other way around. There was always a sense of what might of been at least on Oliver's part pervading their relationship. Even Lois showed a bit of backsliding in "Toxic" and she had been broken up with Oliver for close two years. That scene in "Bride" was closure for both of them, but I saw a hint of regret on Oliver's part. Oliver who never wanted to break up with Lois to begin with, but realized that he had a mission that wasn't conductive to long term relationships especially when the other party couldn't handle his dual existence. Recognizing in his absence that Lois had moved on with Clark, for the sake of his friendship with both of them he buried his feelings. Easy to do when you have a busy, fulfilled life and a mission to boot. With his life on the skids and his mission gone, I can easily see how the emotions he buried are bubbling back to surface. That the last time Oliver felt in control of his life, and good about himself was when he was with Lois can't hurt either. Plus, Lois is awesome, who wouldn't regret losing her.
Lois/Clark: I liked the fight between Lois/Clark. Its an organic reason to add friction to their relationship that rings true to who they are. Clark keeps secrets, and for the most part Lois doesn't care as long as those secrets don't endanger someone she loves. Then it's on! You could feel Lois palpable hurt that Clark would keep something as important as Oliver's suicide attempt from her. She can handle Clark keeping things from her, but lying to her face is a definite no...no. The course of true love is never easy, but I'll take true angst over manufactured angst any day of the week.
Chloe/Oliver: I get that Chloe/Oliver are standing in for the gray to Lois/Clark black and white. Oliver is most assuredly a stand in for Batman who due to contract rights could not be shown on SV. He's the worldly, cynicism to Clarks lofty ideals which defines the worlds finest of Batman/Clark and the holy trinity of Batman/Wonder Woman/Superman. While Batman is the brutal realist, Clark the dreamer, and Wonder Woman the emotional center which acts as the fulcrum between the two. Her ideals are just as high as Clarks, but she can in certain cases be even more ruthless then Batman. She's their balance. Sorry, I didn't mean to start babbling. I just really love my Trinity. The point is that I get that there has to be gray heroes to equalize the light. I've got no problem with Oliver standing in that place, but Chloe along side him just makes me nervous. I mean it makes sense character wise. She's always thought she's had a right to invade other people's lives, and that she always knows best. And I appreciate the writers giving her something else to do beside scream at Clark about what he didn't do according to the gospel of Chloe or be jealous of him and Lois. Maybe it's just the dismissive way she talks about Clark not being involved in her shakedown of Oliver, not seeming to get that the very reason he couldn't commit to her plan are the attributes that make him a hero and a symbol of hope. Maybe it was the way Oliver was talking about how no one knows him better (not buying it) and Chloe was just eating it up with a spoon that had my eyes in danger of rolling out of my head. Maybe I just don't like Chloe playing God, no matter that it had a positive outcome this time. It makes me uneasy, and I don't think the precedent is healthy for her. On a more positive note I really like her make up in the scene. She looked pretty and poised.
Clark: We didn't see a lot of Clark this episode but what we did see was good. I'm really enjoying how Clark is using his brain more this season. First, using snack runs as an excuse to leave Lois while he saves the people of Metropolis. Finding the clue of the roulette napkin, then finding the club only to track down Oliver. Finally, going to Jor-El when he needs help finding out about the Kryptonian assassin. Clark has really matured as a person, and a hero these last 2 seasons and I couldn't be happier. Besides smart Clark is sexy Clark, IMO.
Clark/Oliver: I like the high above Metropolis shot of them both. Finally, my two boys are back together again. And Clarks right he'll need all the help he can get with Zod and crew. Let the games begin.
Thing That Stood Out For Me:
-Um, Oliver's a billionaire there's no way all his money would be in just one convenient account.
-Clark made saves but forgot to leave his usual tags.
Favorite Quotes
Clark to Lois: Shouldn't you be riding a mechanical bull somewhere? It is Friday night.
Lois to Clark: You know most men wouldn't complain if I showed up topless. (Oh honey, trust us Clark wouldn't complain either)
Clark to Lois: I think people would prefer knock to pants on.
Victoria to Oliver: Then play a game with me. Oliver to Victoria: I'm all in. (It's all in the delivery and body language. I totally wouldn't minded seeing them have hot meaningless sex. This show needs more porn.)
Oliver to Lois: She was a psycho ex girlfriend who watched "Fatal Attraction" to many times.
Lois to Oliver: What am I the Bunny? You really need to take a dip in the sane chick pool. I mean that dress was a bigger red scare then cold war Russia.
Oliver to Lois: Although I thought you wore it pretty well. (The look and their faces as they said these lines made me melt.)
I can tell you right now that I enjoyed "Roulette" more then last weeks "Echo" which despite the nice Clois moments had weird pacing, and left me feeling rather Meh about it. "Roulette" while not giving me the rapturous high of the first 3 episodes this season, was certainly a solid entry. So sit back, relax, and enjoy my recap. Beware the possible spoilers ahead. They tend to bite you know.
I've really been enjoying the starting sequences before the opening credits this season, and "Roulette" holds to form. The constant spinning of the roulette wheel, accompanied by the suitably Emo "Daisy" by Brand New (for those of you interested in the music) in the background, paint a picture of Oliver's inner pain. The lyrics:
I'm a mountain that has been moved. I'm a river that is all dried up. I'm an ocean nothing floats on I'm a sky that nothing wants to fly in I'm a sun that doesn't burn hot I'm a moon that never shows it face I'm a mouth that doesn't smile I'm a word that no one ever wants to say I'm a mountain that has been moved I'm a fugitive that has no legs to run I'm a preacher with no pope and spewing a sermon that goes on and on and on we'll take all these things and we'll bury the past and we'll pray that they......... and be all right, it's alright, it'll easier that way well if the sky opened up and started pouring rain like a new......start things over again and be alright, it's alright, it'll easier that way
The song is more then apt. Certainly, it echoes Oliver's sense of disfranchisement after killing Lex. The roulette wheel becomes a symbol of chances taken, only to end in ruin, evidenced by Oliver's continuous losing streak. The sum of all the numbers on the roulette wheel, 1-36 adds up to 666, the number of the beast. This could either symbolize the darkness within Oliver that allowed him to kill Lex and is fueling his descent, or the devil on his shoulder who won't let him forget what's he's done, and that he's not worthy of much of anything. Certainly, not the mantle of hero that he once aspired to and that Clark is wearing so well (Personally, I think it's a mixture of all 3). Que hot, mysterious, Asian chick in red chiming-song, who offers him a game of chance that's sure to put fire back into his life. Granted it's a rather cliche image. But since the dealer and many of the background actors are also Asian. I think where meant to believe (at least at the start of the show) that Oliver's continuing his dilettante ways in one of the underground gambling dens controlled by the Triads in the Far East. (After seeing the whole episode I now know their still supposed to be in Metropolis. Chloe's deception not withstanding, the club was supposed to resemble Triad controlled underground gambling den) Plus, Victoria AKA hot, Asian, babe's outfit is reminiscent of what her character wears in the comics as the villainess Roulette so it's hard to bitch when the writers are just following cannon. Really, I'm just happy that were getting a chance to see some of the lesser known characters from the DC bible. That Steph Song played her part with just the right amount of ambiguity just proves again that SV has a stellar casting dept.
Oliver: The fact that killing Lex affected him so badly is what's going to allow many of us to eventually forgive Oliver. When he set himself as judge, jury and, executioner, he crossed the line of what separates a hero from a villain. His fall from grace was both interesting to watch (although I realize I'm in the minority on this) with all the subsequent parallels between Oliver and Lex the writers were making, as well as necessary for the storyline. Only in seeing Oliver hit rock bottom, and then come full circle with the choice to kill, and this time choosing not to, could we the audience believe in his atonement. That he recognized that he has no right to choose who lives and who dies, yet is still willing to save the life of the one who wronged him, marks his first steps on the path to redemption. It's not what others do but what you do that matters in the end. Oliver finally understands that. In understanding, he finds the true hero within.
Oliver/Lois: I can't tell you how much I love their relationship. If I wasn't such a die hard Clois girl I would totally ship them like crazy. I love that Lois/Oliver 3 years after they broke up are still firm friends and even have a birthday tradition that's obviously important to both of them. So much so, that Lois instantly goes to red alert when Oliver does a no show. I love that she's heartbroken when she finds out Ollie is suicidal then pissed as hell at Clark (more on that below) when she finds out that he knew and didn't tell her. Oliver is one of her family and there's nothing Lois won't do for her family. I love how Lois is continue to come into her own as an investigator. She capable and smart as she tracks Oliver down by his car GPS, only to get in a throwdown with Victoria AKA Roulette when she proves less then forthcoming. Lois was a throwdown that Lois was winning, until Victoria brought a gun to a knife fight figuratively speaking (I'm adoring all the fight scenes this season, and I really hope the writers keep them coming). I didn't even mind that Oliver had to save the day, especially since it lead to a powerful Lois/Oliver scene in his office where Lois chides Oliver for not confiding in her about his problems. While Oliver can't help being vulnerable to her and admits his pride, his fear, and a bit of his hidden love. Lois who is no longer in love with Oliver, she still deeply loves him and let's him know, that she'll always there for him. The sense of warmth, friendship, love, and understanding between the two of them was just lovely.
I know there are some critics who think that Oliver's feelings for Lois are coming out of nowhere, especially after their great closure scene in "Bride." But I respectfully disagree. People, seem to forget that Lois broke up with Oliver, not the other way around. There was always a sense of what might of been at least on Oliver's part pervading their relationship. Even Lois showed a bit of backsliding in "Toxic" and she had been broken up with Oliver for close two years. That scene in "Bride" was closure for both of them, but I saw a hint of regret on Oliver's part. Oliver who never wanted to break up with Lois to begin with, but realized that he had a mission that wasn't conductive to long term relationships especially when the other party couldn't handle his dual existence. Recognizing in his absence that Lois had moved on with Clark, for the sake of his friendship with both of them he buried his feelings. Easy to do when you have a busy, fulfilled life and a mission to boot. With his life on the skids and his mission gone, I can easily see how the emotions he buried are bubbling back to surface. That the last time Oliver felt in control of his life, and good about himself was when he was with Lois can't hurt either. Plus, Lois is awesome, who wouldn't regret losing her.
Lois/Clark: I liked the fight between Lois/Clark. Its an organic reason to add friction to their relationship that rings true to who they are. Clark keeps secrets, and for the most part Lois doesn't care as long as those secrets don't endanger someone she loves. Then it's on! You could feel Lois palpable hurt that Clark would keep something as important as Oliver's suicide attempt from her. She can handle Clark keeping things from her, but lying to her face is a definite no...no. The course of true love is never easy, but I'll take true angst over manufactured angst any day of the week.
Chloe/Oliver: I get that Chloe/Oliver are standing in for the gray to Lois/Clark black and white. Oliver is most assuredly a stand in for Batman who due to contract rights could not be shown on SV. He's the worldly, cynicism to Clarks lofty ideals which defines the worlds finest of Batman/Clark and the holy trinity of Batman/Wonder Woman/Superman. While Batman is the brutal realist, Clark the dreamer, and Wonder Woman the emotional center which acts as the fulcrum between the two. Her ideals are just as high as Clarks, but she can in certain cases be even more ruthless then Batman. She's their balance. Sorry, I didn't mean to start babbling. I just really love my Trinity. The point is that I get that there has to be gray heroes to equalize the light. I've got no problem with Oliver standing in that place, but Chloe along side him just makes me nervous. I mean it makes sense character wise. She's always thought she's had a right to invade other people's lives, and that she always knows best. And I appreciate the writers giving her something else to do beside scream at Clark about what he didn't do according to the gospel of Chloe or be jealous of him and Lois. Maybe it's just the dismissive way she talks about Clark not being involved in her shakedown of Oliver, not seeming to get that the very reason he couldn't commit to her plan are the attributes that make him a hero and a symbol of hope. Maybe it was the way Oliver was talking about how no one knows him better (not buying it) and Chloe was just eating it up with a spoon that had my eyes in danger of rolling out of my head. Maybe I just don't like Chloe playing God, no matter that it had a positive outcome this time. It makes me uneasy, and I don't think the precedent is healthy for her. On a more positive note I really like her make up in the scene. She looked pretty and poised.
Clark: We didn't see a lot of Clark this episode but what we did see was good. I'm really enjoying how Clark is using his brain more this season. First, using snack runs as an excuse to leave Lois while he saves the people of Metropolis. Finding the clue of the roulette napkin, then finding the club only to track down Oliver. Finally, going to Jor-El when he needs help finding out about the Kryptonian assassin. Clark has really matured as a person, and a hero these last 2 seasons and I couldn't be happier. Besides smart Clark is sexy Clark, IMO.
Clark/Oliver: I like the high above Metropolis shot of them both. Finally, my two boys are back together again. And Clarks right he'll need all the help he can get with Zod and crew. Let the games begin.
Thing That Stood Out For Me:
-Um, Oliver's a billionaire there's no way all his money would be in just one convenient account.
-Clark made saves but forgot to leave his usual tags.
Favorite Quotes
Clark to Lois: Shouldn't you be riding a mechanical bull somewhere? It is Friday night.
Lois to Clark: You know most men wouldn't complain if I showed up topless. (Oh honey, trust us Clark wouldn't complain either)
Clark to Lois: I think people would prefer knock to pants on.
Victoria to Oliver: Then play a game with me. Oliver to Victoria: I'm all in. (It's all in the delivery and body language. I totally wouldn't minded seeing them have hot meaningless sex. This show needs more porn.)
Oliver to Lois: She was a psycho ex girlfriend who watched "Fatal Attraction" to many times.
Lois to Oliver: What am I the Bunny? You really need to take a dip in the sane chick pool. I mean that dress was a bigger red scare then cold war Russia.
Oliver to Lois: Although I thought you wore it pretty well. (The look and their faces as they said these lines made me melt.)