The last run before the season finale kicks off
tonight. To be honest, I’m much more excited about
Monday’s Heroes return than this.

Cast and Crew

Tom Welling as Clark Kent
Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan
Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor
Kristen Kreuk as Lana Lang
Guest starring Lynda Carter as Moira Sullivan

Written by Genvieve Sparling
Directed by Terrence O’Hara

Original Airdate

Progeny first aired on Thursday, April
19, 2007.

Premise

Chloe is not the only Sullivan with superpowers, it
seems. While her Mrs. Sullivan’s abilities are
exploited, Lana discovers something unusual about her
pregnancy.

High Point

The look on Clark’s face when he finally makes the
decision.

Low Point

The look on Clark’s face when talking in the hospital
room. This was entirely unconvincing, particularly
when compared to the high point. (I wonder if the
actors are as tired of that plot thread as I am.)

The Scores

There were a few original elements. I
openly admit that I expected some very different test
results than what Lana actually got. I would have
preferred it if amnesia had nothing to do with the
story. It would have been scarier, and less like the
previous episodes in the series. I give it 4 out of
6.

The effects involved well used and tried
abilities, some decent glowing, and a pretty nifty
gas canister. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story would have been better without
amnesia or the continuation of the Clark/Lana
storyline, but otherwise, it was pretty good.
Moira’s existance sets up some interesting
possibilities for the future, too. I give it 4 out
of 6.

The acting from Carter was better than I’ve
seen from her in the old Wonder Woman series,
particularly when she talks about the blue sky.
(NOTE: I’ve only watched half of the series so far.)
Rosenbaum, Kreuk, and Mack also turned in nice work.
Welling’s varied from scene to scene. The scene in
the Low Point should have been one of his most
effective scenes, but I found it fell flat. I think
it’s because he tipped his head down too far, which
meant pulling his neck and chin back away from Lana,
instead of extending his neck towards her to be
closer during the revelation. For whatever reason,
he seemed like he wasn’t taking her seriously instead
of trying to really get her to open up. I give it 4
out of 6.

The emotional response was pretty good.
Setting aside the well used (and somewhat
weatherbeaten) standbys of Clark/Lana and amnesia,
things worked out pretty well. The test
results, “kill or be killed” conversation, and the
final line of the episode all worked out well, as did
Clark’s inner turmoil when deciding if he should act
or not. I give it 5 out of 6.

The production was very well done. First of
all, I have to give kudos to the makeup team for
keeping Lana’s natural look throughout the episode.
That’s not a common choice nowadays, but it makes a
lot more sense than rolling out of bed completely
made up, like most women on TV do. The editing and
lighting was also effective. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it’s a decent kickoff to the
last run of the season, but it could have been
better. New episodes will continue until the May 17
season finale. I give this episode 4 out of 6.

In total, Progeny receives 31 out of 42.