The character of Davis Bloome is further explained and explored in this engaging sixth episode of the series. A series of attacks is occurring within Metropolis, and Clark remains on the watch during the night at the Daily Planet to make the necessary rescues, whenever possible. However, he has difficulty keeping up with the attacks and murders, and believes that it may be a result of the meteor "freaks" who have been taking therapy at Chloe Sullivan's Isis Foundation for those who deal with an acquired supernatural power. At the same time, Davis Bloome, the new paramedic in the city, begins to point the finger at himself, but Chloe, whom he increasingly spends time with, refuses to accept that it might be him. Only when Clark has a showdown with both a meteor freak and Bloome himself does he come to a realization of whom he thinks is the murderer. A wonderful episode to establish the need to be wary of not only Bloome but also those who have been taking therapy with Chloe, and also to see how the show's main characters, Clark most importantly, would be diverted from realizing that Bloome, though not responsible for all the murders, has still played a direct role several times. And then, of course, it's chilling to know that Tess Mercer knew of the meteor freaks' murderous doings.
3 Reviews
All he needs now is the suit and the power of flight.
Colorscheme24 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I had a geekgasm watching this episode. While last week's trailer promised more Doomsday (did I miss the scene when Chloe discusses how this new creature can kill Clark?), the beginning moments of "Prey" arrived as the quiet fruition of seven seasons of solid character development.
A few stinker episodes and story arcs aside, this series has been built on a solid foundation of its characters, especially in the parallel evolution of Clark, Lex, and Chloe. Now that Lex, Lionel, the Kents, and Lana are gone, we see Clark more isolated and establishing himself as an adult. More and more, through costume choices, dialog, and Tom Welling's presence and delivery, he has become Superman. It's been a wonderfully slow and logical progression that simply can't be accomplished in any other media like it can in long-running serial television. There isn't a cheesy "moment" or "even" when he decides to become Superman. It's been built up with great skill and purpose from Season One through everything that has happened to him. His relationships, his decisions, and his mistakes have shaped him to be the hero we're expecting. I applaud the show.
These accolades come from watching Clark in the beginning of this episode. He's listening to the police scanner and responding to calls. We get an amazing downward aerial shot of the streets of Metropolis as his red and blue streak travels about the city. We're treated to a couple of Richard-Donner-Superman "first night" moments, when Clark is rescuing people not because they're tied to this episode's plot line, but because he's a hero and they need rescuing. I was giddy. Without fanfare or advertising, Smallville has introduced Superman in a very real way.
Chloe and Clark's relationship continues to sparkle. Allison Mack is a treasure, and I frankly can't wait to see where her career goes once she's free of the show. She brings so much depth and subtlety to her scenes that she often covers the writers' butts. She can make the cheesiest moments feel genuine.
My favorite dialog was between Clark and John Jones (sorry, I don't know the DC spelling) regarding keeping his identity secret. I'm very curious to see how the writers are going to handle the transition from anonymous hero to globally-known Superman without anyone realizing that it's Clark, especially now that he's established in Metropolis and *gasp!* without his glasses.
Of course, we all just sort of accept it in every other incarnation, so in a way we can't apply logic only to Smallville. Still, I have a feeling that they have something clever and deeply character-based up their sleeves, or at least some kind of gimmick we weren't expecting.
Great episode. And I didn't even talk about the plot.
A few stinker episodes and story arcs aside, this series has been built on a solid foundation of its characters, especially in the parallel evolution of Clark, Lex, and Chloe. Now that Lex, Lionel, the Kents, and Lana are gone, we see Clark more isolated and establishing himself as an adult. More and more, through costume choices, dialog, and Tom Welling's presence and delivery, he has become Superman. It's been a wonderfully slow and logical progression that simply can't be accomplished in any other media like it can in long-running serial television. There isn't a cheesy "moment" or "even" when he decides to become Superman. It's been built up with great skill and purpose from Season One through everything that has happened to him. His relationships, his decisions, and his mistakes have shaped him to be the hero we're expecting. I applaud the show.
These accolades come from watching Clark in the beginning of this episode. He's listening to the police scanner and responding to calls. We get an amazing downward aerial shot of the streets of Metropolis as his red and blue streak travels about the city. We're treated to a couple of Richard-Donner-Superman "first night" moments, when Clark is rescuing people not because they're tied to this episode's plot line, but because he's a hero and they need rescuing. I was giddy. Without fanfare or advertising, Smallville has introduced Superman in a very real way.
Chloe and Clark's relationship continues to sparkle. Allison Mack is a treasure, and I frankly can't wait to see where her career goes once she's free of the show. She brings so much depth and subtlety to her scenes that she often covers the writers' butts. She can make the cheesiest moments feel genuine.
My favorite dialog was between Clark and John Jones (sorry, I don't know the DC spelling) regarding keeping his identity secret. I'm very curious to see how the writers are going to handle the transition from anonymous hero to globally-known Superman without anyone realizing that it's Clark, especially now that he's established in Metropolis and *gasp!* without his glasses.
Of course, we all just sort of accept it in every other incarnation, so in a way we can't apply logic only to Smallville. Still, I have a feeling that they have something clever and deeply character-based up their sleeves, or at least some kind of gimmick we weren't expecting.
Great episode. And I didn't even talk about the plot.
Smallville
metrybill27 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
As someone who grew up with both Superman and Superboy comic books 40+ years ago, a costume or disguise and the glasses are both long overdue. It's a no-brainer and my main complaint, even if it isn't the final version; come on, think about it. Do what you must and cover your face and identity, something! Mardi Gras, Holloween, a cop uniform without patches, with sunglasses, Zorro's mask, a pullover hat, anything! Really short-sided, infuriating.
Superboy could fly. Krypto the dog was a superdog, not the result of an experiment, and could also fly. The meek, gawky and geeky Superboy has been abandoned in favor of a popular farm boy and athlete. "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" have not showed up, yet. The power or "ability" of flying are also long overdue. Still, this is a great series which I have thoroughly enjoyed. As I recall, in the original legend the costume was made by Martha from his baby blanket contained in the spaceship. The "S" was an El family symbol, like a Scottish emblem; this has been hinted at. The red and blue colors of his farmboy dress are right on but the yellow is missing; good show. The story of the constantly disappearing Clark is also right on.
There is more to be done and quickly before Tom Welling reaches 35.
With kudos to Annette O'Toole (excellent), John Schneider (very good), Tom Welling (very good), Kristin Kreuk (average, story character and looks only), John Glover (ok), and Erica Durance (sexy), Allison Mack is by far the best actor (actress) in the ensemble. Allison Mack is the glue. She and her character make sense of everything.
Thanks, John W
Superboy could fly. Krypto the dog was a superdog, not the result of an experiment, and could also fly. The meek, gawky and geeky Superboy has been abandoned in favor of a popular farm boy and athlete. "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" have not showed up, yet. The power or "ability" of flying are also long overdue. Still, this is a great series which I have thoroughly enjoyed. As I recall, in the original legend the costume was made by Martha from his baby blanket contained in the spaceship. The "S" was an El family symbol, like a Scottish emblem; this has been hinted at. The red and blue colors of his farmboy dress are right on but the yellow is missing; good show. The story of the constantly disappearing Clark is also right on.
There is more to be done and quickly before Tom Welling reaches 35.
With kudos to Annette O'Toole (excellent), John Schneider (very good), Tom Welling (very good), Kristin Kreuk (average, story character and looks only), John Glover (ok), and Erica Durance (sexy), Allison Mack is by far the best actor (actress) in the ensemble. Allison Mack is the glue. She and her character make sense of everything.
Thanks, John W
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