Smallville Review – “Sneeze”

Clark is back this week, with new friends and new powers.

Cast

Tom Welling as
Clark Kent
Kristen Kreuk as
Lana Lang
Michael
Rosenbaum
as Lex Luthor
John Glover
as Lionel Luthor
Annette
O’Toole
as Martha Kent
Erica Durance as
Lois Lane
Allison Mack as
Chloe Sullivan.

Written by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer.
Directed by Paul Shapiro.

Original Airdate

Sneeze

originally aired on Thursday,

October 5, 2006.

Synopsis

Lex is kidnapped in the aftermath of his posession, while Clark learns something new about himself while fighting a cold.

High Point

Chloe’s reaction to seeing her insane plan work was my favourite part of the episode, though “Borneo” was a close second.

Low Point

“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone…” Okay, they didn’t actually use the music, but that’s about the only thing they could have done to make that moment cheesier.

The Review

It had a few original aspects. The sick hero isn’t very common; I can only think of two other examples, and I own over 2000 comics. It would have been nice to see a Clark develop a power in an episode other than the one right after the last part of the season opener. I give it 4 out of 6.

The effects were well done, as usual. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story was nicely done, with the Pentagon invasion thread getting picked up, and the introduction of a character from DC continuity who seems to be sticking around for more than one episode. I give it 5 out of 6.

The acting was pretty good. I like the new proactive Lana, the return of the old Lionel, and the introduction of this Oliver (played by the man who would have played Aquaman had that series been picked up.) I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response was nice, with a fairly fun episode, in spite of its goofiness. I give it 5 out of 6.

The production was mixed this week. The editing, lighting, and camera work was strong as usual, but I found the redress of the Birds of Prey set distracting, and the nail driving was just too darn loud. I give it 4 out of 6.

Overall, it continues the Smallville tradition of a strong season opening. Let’s hope they break the tradition of a weak mid-season before the season ending recovery and stay strong all year. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total,

Sneeze receives
33
out of 42.

4 replies on “Smallville Review – “Sneeze””

  1. Gesundheit!
    If Clark is weak, shouldn’t his sneezes be also weak?

    How come Lois accepted (or seemed to accept) the world’s lamest reasons for the flying door?

    How could Clark clean up Metropolis without being observed? That amount of destruction would certainly be worked on night and day.

    And finally, WHEN WILL CLARK FLY?????

    I did enjoy the show.

    • Re: Gesundheit!

      If Clark is weak, shouldn’t his sneezes be also weak?

      How come Lois accepted (or seemed to accept) the world’s lamest reasons for the flying door?

      How could Clark clean up Metropolis without being observed? That amount of destruction would certainly be worked on night and day.

      And finally, WHEN WILL CLARK FLY?????

      I did enjoy the show.

      Hey, I’m sure when you’re sick you still sneeze hard too ;-)

      I liked this episode, but I really have to wonder… how is Lana not questioning Clark nonstop about how he stopped lex or what happened. How does she not figure that he must have powers like Lex had when possessed by Zod.

      Oh, and I agree with you. Just have Clark fly already!!! I know they said not until the end of the show, but with this being season six now, it just feels like they keep moving the goalposts.

      • Re: Gesundheit!

        If Clark is weak, shouldn’t his sneezes be also weak?

        Hey, I’m sure when you’re sick you still sneeze hard too ;-)

        The human sneeze has been clocked in excess of 100mph, or 160 kph for non-US out there.

        If you want to get really nitpicky about involuntary actions run amuck in the super-powered, read http://www.rawbw.com/~svw/superman.html, or if you just want a laugh.

  2. Loves it!
    Hey.Im from Australia. I really love smallville but where not up to date with use. We are only up to season 4, The episode Lucy. Ive been reading of whats is going to happen further in the show. This is my favourite show by far. Im addicted to it. Ive liked every episode so far. OK. Well im off ok cya’s.

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