jlvsclrk | Smallville 9-11/12

A++. I totally loved this episode, even though I understand and share much of the criticism I've seen directed its way. How does that work? Because I enjoyed what I saw, even as in retrospect I can see opportunities where it could have become so much more.

It helped I think that I'd followed all the interviews posted by tariel22 in the weeks leading up to the event, especially an interview with writer Geoff Johns by the Comic Geek Squad. That made it clear that Johns was primarily interested in introducing his beloved JSA to a wider fanbase, and explained a lot of his reasoning behind the choices he made in developing the script. Some of his decisions had mixed payoffs, for example in the area of costuming. I think they got Stargirl's outfit perfect, but Fate's helmet looked a little chintzy and Hawkman's costume looked better on the shelf than on the body. You can really appreciate why the Smallville producers aren't eager to put Welling in the iconic costume - a straightforward interpretation will look silly.

Here are some of the elements that made me squee / fangirl like crazy:

The murder mystery aspect of Part 1 - I loved that it was truly a joint investigation by Clark and Chloe, not just an instant google solution.
Just about everything to do with Dr Fate - far and away the most interesting of the guest stars.
The reveal scene at the JSA brownstone where Clark puts all the pieces together. Chills! Tom did some fine acting work here in a largely silent scene, showing us Clark's mind at work.
The look on Chloe's face when she's shown the JSA computer. *snort*
Seeing the true shape of John / J'Onn and a glimpse of his home planet Mars after he got blasted by Fate.
Some of the later scenes with Stargirl - surprising given how wretched she was at first. I'm going to credit director Tom for that.
Lex is mentioned! And Fate pointedly does not reply when Clark says he's dead.
The Hawkman / Green Arrow animosity - I ate it up with a spoon. I loved Hawkman's "But you love hearing yourself talk. Shut up." But Ollie DID make a good point that they should be thinking about the "why now" aspect of the situation.
Lois's parallel investigation - she got even further into the mystery by finding out about all the old JSA foes who had been released and their records erased.
All the Checkmate references. Agent Waller! The Suicide Squad!! Agent Mercer!!!!!

Was Clark largely sidelined in the episode? Yes and no. He had the most screentime by a substantial margin, but in several of those scenes he was basically just watching on the sidelines. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. He was listening, learning, making sound judgements and allowing other people to express their point of view - leadership skills all. Sure I would have liked a little more action from him in the final battle, but the victory of the team could never have been in doubt. That was essentially the point of the show - that the Icicle could pick most of them off one or two at a time, but even amped up by Fate's helmet at the end was no match for the combined team. I think Clark also realized that Hawkman NEEDED to strike that final blow himself, and also needed to prove that he wasn't going to cross the line again by going too far. In this case, Clark's INaction helped reengerize a hero, and opened up hope for the future. So yay Clark! And although I normally wince whenever the word saviour is mentioned on the show, I did enjoy what Fate had to say about the future for both Lois and Clark.

And yes, all that handwaving aside, would it have KILLED them to add in one shot of Clark slugging something or protecting the other team members? That's why I have mixed emotions about the return of the fully powered Martian Manhunter. Personally, I would have left him in the hospital regenerating throughout the battle as his sudden return only seemed to upstage Clark. And again in the scene with Chloe at the end, I loved what he said but really, he and Chloe had never been all that close. It should have been Clark who finally broke through her defensive shell. Oh well. Maybe it was easier for her to accept the concern from someone a little less important to her.

Speaking of Chloe, what a delight to finally be able to enjoy her again. Sure I'm not happy with her spying activities, but as long as the show has people expressing their qualms too, I can live with it. Watchtower has become her whole life, and she just can't understand why Clark doesn't drop everything to respond to her rather vague calls about setting up a meeting. He on the other hand has so many things on his plate: the Kandorians, random saves, a full-time job, and yes, a girlfriend. He CANNOT drop those things, so is letting Chloe slide to the bottom of the priority list. That's a pity but I can empathise. But he shows up right away when she's in trouble, and demonstrates how much he's been learning at the Planet as they work to solve the mystery. I enjoyed all of Chloe's interactions this week, and certainly hope that she takes up Stargirl's suggestion to add in a lounge area for our heros to relax in. Then we'll know she's started to round the corner back to her old snarky self! But what on earth did Fate mean when he said her fate was the same as his? Doomed to lose her family? Go crazy? Die? Or will she inherit the helmet for a little while? Interesting stuff.

Sadly, I will miss the next few episodes as I'm off to Whistler tomorrow for the Olympics. Go Canada! (Had to sneak that in.) I may tweet a few updates (jlvsclrk) if I can figure out how to do so on the road (I'm sadly behind the times). BTW, the postcard offer still stands if you want one.

Keep safe all. Talk to you again when I get back at the end of the month.