Voice of Reason: Season Six: Wither

Wither

Overall

The great thing so far about this season is that it is extremely easy to break things down. Unlike last season, which was a tangle of confusion in regard to plot, motivation, character, relationships, who wrote the character this way and who wrote it that way…this season is pretty straightforward. Good is good, bad is bad. It's been relatively consistent. So here are my thoughts, broken down:

I liked Oliver Queen

I liked Oliver Queen and Lois

I liked Lana

I disliked Lana and Lex

I liked Clark

I disliked Clark and Lex

But I didn't mind Lex too much.

I liked Jimmy

I liked Jimmy and Chloe

Chloe flipflopped, one minute I liked, next minute I didn't. Mostly liked, except for those weird exceptions.

Overall, good characters, mostly good relationships, bad plot.

And now the reasons. The reason I liked Oliver Queen was because we saw what he could be, when he was off his guard and charming; we saw his irony; we saw a smile trembling behind every stern line he spoke to Lois; we saw that he had a character, a three-dimensional personality, some history that troubled him and some history that buoyed him up, that made him a complex and conflicted person (as all good characters are). And we saw in his interactions with Lois something lovable – a good-heartedness, not Clark's forthright good-heartedness, but a wry, ironic, but genuine good-heartedness completely of his own. Finally, in his mien there was something that Clark does not yet have, though he is getting it: nobleness. He is disciplined and well-trained. He has a purpose and a goal. He commands your respect. Clark is getting there this season, but he's definitely not there yet.

I liked the relationship between Oliver Queen and Lois because their personalities had perfect chemistry. They did not change who they were for each other. They shared the same sense of humor, spoke the same language in their banter (which was not overplayed, but was real and pleasing), and seemed to have developed a tacit code of conduct or sense of their roles in the relationship. It was a relationship you could see happening in real life. Maybe even the most real relationship the series has ever had.

I liked Lana when she was away from Lex. She became straightforward, honest, direct – like the old Lana. She was sincere without overplaying it. She didn't harp on subjects where we knew she was wrong (the "bad old Clark" theme, etc.) and although in a harmless way she was still self-absorbed, she was not selfish.

I disliked Lana and Lex. There was no basis for their relationship that could be seen in this episode. It opened with a fight, it continued with corny happiness at an uncomfortable-looking costume party, it ended with intimacy. I couldn't see a reason why they were together in any of the three stages.

I liked Clark. He wasn't as remarkable as he was for most of last episode, because he was relegated to the worst plot and didn't have much to do with the interesting storylines. Nevertheless, he was still growing up – serious, responsible – and he even had a fleeting sort of connection with the alien girl, a sense of fellowship and compassion, however subdued. This is the Clark I like. They did a great job of not making him self-pitying and brooding but thoughtful and serious.

I didn't like Clark and Lex. I kept expecting their first meeting after all that to be somewhat poignant – after all, they have such extreme differences and such extreme similarities and such a strong and conflicted history. You would think it would affect them more. Instead it all seemed on the surface. It was all outer conflict, no inner conflict.

Lex's struggles to deal with his new relationship were very real, and seeing them come to the surface showed how much Lana meant to him. However, I thought the writers overplayed his scene with Clark (though certainly not as badly as last season, in "Mortal" and "Aqua"). Lex is suave. Although the third season's traumatic experiences revealed the darker violent side in him, his life since then has been – aside from a kidnapping here and there – a life of control. It seemed unlike him to throw his relationship with Lana in Clark's face. He seems more like the type of person who would suppress it, talk to Clark pretending nothing was wrong, and then burst out suddenly with one word, one line of dialogue, that showed how haunted he was. That Clark was still strong in Lana's thoughts. That Lex was hurt by it. I like the Lex of "Mercy," who looked at Lionel and said very quietly, "I heard what you said over the video…about what a special boy he is. What did you mean by that?" That's the Lex who is going to turn into a villain…not this Lex who taunts the man he should be resenting and fearing the most.

I had wondered how the character of Jimmy Olsen would unfold. This episode seemed to indicate that it was not going to unfold at all – or, if it did, it would unfold very slowly. We still did not know what motivated Jimmy, what his passions were, what his weaknesses were, how his past shaped his present. And yet there was an irresistible sweetness in his demeanor and his dialogue – something that made him an endearing, bumbling figure we could identify with the future.

This earnest clumsiness helped to make him and Chloe a perfect pair. Chloe is an intelligent, witty, occasionally cynical reporter who needs someone earnest and gentle with a great deal of optimism, to balance her off and provide the right chemistry. This is what she has with Clark, and what she had with Justin in "Crush". She is attracted to the social misfits with hopeful outlooks, because she's savvy and down-to-earth. I could see this relationship fitting.

Chloe herself met with an incoherent moment when, despite her cynical remark about Lex in "Sneeze," she told Clark that suspecting Lex was a stretch and then went so far as to encourage Lana to live her life…meaning move on and enjoy Lex. This was an unrealistic reaction for Chloe. The only way I could remotely see that happening would be if she did it so that she could keep Clark to herself, which clearly wasn't the case. The writers have already established that Chloe is skeptical of Lex. This seemed to be the first indication of some internal incoherence, but at least it wasn't as glaring as last year's flipflopping characters.

The plot, however, definitely needed work. Somehow the writers managed to make a fellow alien have about the same significance as a krypto-villain, and relegated Clark to a corner of the episode. Clark's story lurched from destroying the alien and rising in a superhero camera shot, to sitting listlessly in the barn bouncing a ball. The plot seemed jumpy, and the most important and exciting developments (i.e., the superb Oliver Queen and Lois relationship) had nothing to do with Clark and his plot. While I understand Clark's isolation, if he is going to grow as a character, he will need to interact to some extent with the people he has conflict with.

Also, the climax in Lex and Lana's plot made me smile more than sympathize, as Lana dramatically appeared in a corny costume, and the cinematographer tried to fill the length of the All American Rejects song with wide shots of people playing dress-up. Although I appreciated the symbolism of Lex's armor and red cape, as well as the Green Arrow's Robin Hood costume, I think ultimately it took away from the scene, rather than added to it. Imagine if Lex had stood there in a tuxedo, then turned around and seen Lana dressed elegantly and bewitchingly, instead of goofily. The whole tone of the scene would have changed for the better, I think.

However, despite two pat plots, I liked this episode. Smallville is a show about complicated relationships and complicated characters, and this episode formed and developed both beautifully. I only wish that Clark could have been part of the development.

Verdict: 8.7

Good/Bad Moments

"By weird, you mean two people at Make-Out Point not making out?" At first this line repelled me. I didn't think Chloe would be that obvious – it seemed rather contrived. And I still think it's somewhat contrived. But it's been a long time since Chloe has been with a love interest in a situation where she had a shot at a relationship. She could be pretty pushy with Clark years ago. So maybe this wasn't so unrealistic.
The writers continued to develop the concept that the deaths and losses are shaping and changing Clark. "Mom, I've lost Dad, Lana, Jor-El…" Although they may be stating this a bit too often, it's a relief to know that they're sticking with this angle, instead of taking him on an S5 roller coaster.
"When I was 13, a reporter caught me between classes at boarding school. He asked me how I felt about my mother's death. A mic shoved in my face in front of classmates I couldn't stand. That's how I found out she died." There was such wonderful pathos to this explanation. It fit. It explained so much pent-up resentment, so much hardened anger.
"We haven't met before, have we?" "I think I'd remember." Good moment. At first we saw it in a flirtatious context - as we saw all of their dialogue about isolation and connection - but in retrospect, it signalled a difference, and yet a strange familiarity, about both of them. Clark recognized something about her that was like him. She recognized something about him that was like her.
"Don't you think that pointing the pitchfork at Lex is a bit of a stretch?" "He had his hands on the ship. He was possessed by Zod. He nearly destroyed this planet. If the horns fit – " Um, Clark, that would be Zod. The only legitimate claim was that Lex had the ship, which might reveal a fascination with the darker side that could lead to danger. Lex loves to experiment and to flirt with danger - that should have been the point Clark made, not that he nearly destroyed this planet.
"You've always had an eye for beauty." Now that was mean. I found that hard to believe.
"…to foil my ingenious plot to repopulate the planet with vegetation." Clever line. That's more Lex's way, I think. If he is no longer comfortable being forthright, as he used to be with Clark before Clark put an end to it, he is more likely to play down all concerns with irony.
"You can't just sit safely by the water and watch all the happy people splashing around. I mean, eventually you just have to grow some fins and just dive in." Why on earth does Chloe tell her to dive in? This moment was inexplicable.
"No. No no no, not safe. Compelled." "By what?" "A girl. And a photo. My hope. Her respect." "Well, you have mine." "Well, since a girl made me drop a log…" Jimmy laughs, pleasantly. "Is there any chance that you've seen this weird vine that's fond of people?" That was a charming, endearing way to put it. Jimmy made me laugh, in a sympathetic, affectionate way. He's not deep, and I would like to know a little more about what drives him, but the fact that right now he's driven solely by love for Chloe makes for a lovable character.
The great thing about Oliver is that there seems to be a quivering smile underneath a perfectly straight face. You can see that he enjoys Lois, and enjoys his relation to her, in his studied frowns and laughing eyes at the same time.
"Although I must say I didn't picture the fruit basket." This was the beginning of the perfect exchange. They were having conversations within conversations, playing games within business talk. Immediately Lois wonders if the fruit basket is appropriate, and Oliver proceeds to pick it apart delightfull.
Oliver, playing his role with flair: "Peanuts. I'm allergic." Lois, struggling to maintain equilibrium: "I'll try to remember that." Oliver holds up an apple, and she can't restrain herself. "Childhood bobbing trauma?" "Are you hungry? No. Okay." This was so excellent. I'm still delighted when I read it. Her self-restraint, his bullying, her sarcasm, his playfulness, all running as an underlying current beneath a suave business meeting. This is the most complex scene this season.
"Well, I guess I was prematurely accurate on my opinion of you." That was such a good comeback. It was amazing the way the scene was shaped so that you were cheering for both sides. Incidentally, this is probably the first time I found myself inwardly cheering for Lois.
"While I'm sure downsizing me for an entire evening would make for great sport, I think I'll pass." She recognizes his enjoyment of the situation. This was good. It would have been terrible if she'd taken him to be hardhearted and all his words to be at their face value. While she still finds him to be very disconcerting, just as she disarmed him during their first meeting, it's not a blindness.
"You don't have a costume. Hm. What can I do about that?" He produces the gift box, neatly packaged. This was perfect...he was beginning to woo her in a very withdrawn, yet controlling, yet offering her dignity, kind of way. Complex and good.
"Right. The telepathy." She opens the box. "Even in my size. Mr. Queen, have you been rummaging through my drawers?" She smiles, but pierces him with her look, perturbed. Oliver is impassive. "Well, I have a good eye for sizing people up." Her probing, his deadpan reply...all made them a perfect match for each other. You felt like there was so much in one for the other to discover and enjoy. Oliver to enjoy Lois's humor and wit, Lois to enjoy Oliver's playfulness, but all hidden behind a code of conduct that required a cat and mouse game to uncover their personalities. This relationship abounded with potential.
"Agh! Find his mother. I'm issuing a code red!" Very unconvincing, squeaky little nurse.
"The Phantom Zone." "I knew I'd seen you before. You're the Kryptonian who opened the gateway." She seems almost glad. It was an interesting reaction...as if she doesn't want to find herself alone. "Looks like I'm not the only one who doesn't belong on this planet." I liked it that the writers what they could (or part of it) to make her different from the average krypto-villain. I don't think they did enough, but what they did, creating that equal ground between her and Clark, was definitely appreciated.
Great symbolism, Clark tied in a cross position, hole in his middle, dying. The emphasis on Clark's suffering to save the world was strong and fitting.
"Your subtleties, they strangle me…" music. Good double meaning.
Although I didn't like the whole "costume party" premise, I did like that Lex came clad in Greek armor wearing a red cape. The symbolism was clear - Lex is sheltering himself out of fear (later leading to Lana's symbolic stripping away of the armor), and Lex is destined to a future as epic as Clark's. He has the quality of greatness. Meanwhile, it was believable that he would wear Greek armor, considering his training and his idols. (Have they brought that side of his character up since S1?)
It seemed like the videographers didn't know what to record, but they needed to fill the song-time, so they showed a lot of unnecessary camera shots of strangers in the crowd and wide shots of everyone. The producers should have been willing to cut the song short, or condense it.
Lana enters in a clunky costume with dramatic music. The incongruity of the great music and her costume was unintentionally hilarious.
"So, is this part of your sizing me up?" "Well, honestly, Miss Lane, that was a miscalculation." Lois starts putting Oliver down, and he takes it. Aside from the comedy of the moment, and of Oliver's understated reply (I love understated humor), the exchange showed that they were getting more comfortable with each other. Oliver was slowly breaking down the barrier he had created between them.
"Well, that would be my polite comment on your choice of legwear this evening." Good reply. Her cleverness and his cleverness were so different that they played off each other very well.
"Talked to any of the old gang lately?" This was a good subtle, significant remark. We understood what he meant, especially after Lex's story - he was throwing Lex's role of outcast in his face. While it was mean, we already knew that he and Lex had a combative relationship, and a history that we don't yet know. It's impossible to judge whether or not this was an unfair dig until we know the facts...so in the meantime, clever line.
"I'm looking forward to that. Thank you." "Thank Lois. She can be very persuasive." That broke down the wall between them. They were officially captivated by one another - or rather, Lois officially returned Oliver's feelings. Oliver built it up perfectly, showing that he's a master manipulator of social events (including relationships). Which fit his character exactly.
"Clark! Clark, I can't find you on my own, you have to help me, where are you?" Great desperation. Sometimes Chloe tends to screech - this time the desperation was much more compelling.
"Who the h*** are you?" "The gardener. Get out!" More understated humor. I liked it that Clark finally got a confrontation in which he dominated, mind and body. It was good to see his role as savior develop. It's good for him to have challenges (look at the pat, challengeless "Fragile"), but it's also good to let him grow and demonstrate new strength.
"You can't go home, I can't let you stay. What are we going to do?" They were on even ground. This was pretty much unprecedented. The last time I remember such even ground is - not with Zod, since without the stone Zod clearly had the advantage and with it Clark clearly had the advantage - but in "Exile". When Jonathan confronted Clark, they fought, and you didn't know what was going to happen. (In fact, if I had to guess, I would have guessed that Jonathan would win, since clearly Clark had to return at some point...but instead Clark won, which was much better.) This was the same sort of even ground, but not nearly so epic a fight. I wish they could have played this up more.
"You saved me from the Phantom Zone, Clark. I'm sorry it has to be this way." Nice touch. She had such a coldblooded look as she murdered people and spoke of murdering people, but giving her humanity and a gratitude for Clark's rescue made her more believable.
Clark rises in the pouring water…great camera shot. It's been a long time since we've seen him stand exhausted and yet strong, after defeating a villain. ("Zod" doesn't count, somehow. It was an episode of gimmicks.)
The whole fight scene was too brief, the music cut off too soon, and we didn't have enough time to think, "Clark is awesome." To put it briefly.
Chloe whispers, "Please don't let me kill him." Her prayer showed us how much was at stake and made me hold my breath, even though my mind knew what was going to happen.
"I have enjoyed courting you against your will this evening." "Only because I let you." That was a perfect way to sum up their relationship all episode.
"I'd like to kiss you now." He says it so calmly, half as if considering her dignity, half as if defying her to protest.
"Um, you know, the lady requires a show of skill before awarding you with her favor." "Which is actually where I was going with the kiss." That was so unexpectedly sweet and playful. It again showed the potential in that relationship, the charm and the wit and the fun underlying a certain semblance of seriousness they have.
"Let's make it interesting. Hit that can with an arrow, and I'm yours."
"Have I told you I aim for you?" music. Great choice, fitting perfectly with the mood as well as the context. And they played off it with the camera shots very well, showing Lois through the bow, then refocusing on the arrow being drawn back.
Oliver, very seriously: "I'm going to go for it." This was like a "Rookie" moment (I always call it that after the Disney movie), when the viewer knows something before the other character knows it, and cackles with anticipation. "Here goes nothing." Deadpan. His serious look here was entertaining for the viewers, and also made it clear that there were things about him that he was keeping from Lois, and it was going to stay that way. Perfect moment.
Oliver looks at Lois, then smiles and slightly raises his aim. (Actually, probably raises his aim a bit too much, if he was aiming at the can before he raised it.) He half-misses. Why, I wonder. This moment added a sense of mystery and honor to his image. Was it because he didn't want to reveal his identity by giving her the opportunity to harp about his excellent archery? Was it because he thought they shouldn't kiss, just yet? Either way, his look and his smile were intriguing.
"It’s the first time I've ever danced in my extremely pretentious fountain. It's the first time I've ever felt…satisfied." "I was half expecting the word 'happy' to come out of your mouth." While this seemed very unlike Lex, particularly since we still have a hard time imagining Lex and Lana together at all, it was at least insightful. It showed that Lana knew that Lex was unhappy and tormented, and loved him anyway. For that matter, Clark was unhappy and tormented. She met him in a graveyard during a crisis. And they still hit it off. It makes sense that Lana, so insecure and so unsure of her identity, would gravitate toward unhappy people who needed her.

Details

"But I've never asked any of them to move in with me." Um, Helen Bryce?
Lois e-mails about a job opportunity. What is that about? Has she been offered a job at a junky newspaper, or is she looking for one?
Why would Chloe care about Jimmy taking pictures? She used to wander around taking pictures all the time.
Why did Clark find the seeds in Lex's garden? And why the name "Beauty That Belies A Dark Nature"? The name so obviously applies to the alien girl, but if this was a seed that Lex cultivated, then why would it symbolize the alien girl? Was there anything significant about this, or was it just an oversight?
How did Jimmy know about the vine? Has Chloe been updating him? Has she told him all of her Wall of Weird stories and kryptonite theories? And if she has, why did she whisper, "The M.O. wasn't exactly...normal" earlier in the episode?