Read on for the review of the latest episode, and plans for the reviews in the eighth season.
Cast
Tom Welling as Clark Kent
Kristen Kreuk as Lana Lang
Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan
Erica Durance as Lois Lane
Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olson
Laura Vandervoort as Kara
Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor
John Glover as Lionel Luthor
Written by Aaron and Todd Helbing
Directed by Michael Rohl
Original Airdate
Hero originally aired on Thursday, March 13, 2008.
Synopsis
Pete Ross comes back to town as a roadie for “One Republic.” He momentarily forgets all of the lessons in morals, ethics, and avoiding glowing green stuff that he learned when he lived in this town and gains superpowers from stolen Kryptonite enhanced gum. His plan to become a public superhero doesn’t work out as he hoped, though.
High Point
Pete still holds his ground when he needs to.
Low Point
Though a step up from Gingold soda, chewing gum would be a corny source of superpowers even if it weren’t saddled with the most obvious product placement since the “Red Zone” episode.
The Review
This really doesn’t feel original. It’s nice to see what Pete’s been up to, but not nice enough to carry an episode. I give it 3 out of 6.
The effects were well done. They have definitely figured out how to elasticize a human in CGI form, even if they haven’t figured out how to leave non-super clothing and watches unaffected. I give it 5 out of 6.
The story had some nice forward momentum in the Kara subplot, but the main plot needed to be much stronger to overcome being saddled by the extreme product placement. I give it 4 out of 6.
The acting was generally solid, but aside from Sam Jones III as Pete, nobody had a strong moment to shine. I give it 4 out of 6.
The emotional response was good, mostly for nostalgia for the days when I considered this “must see TV,” with little to do with this episode itself. The irritation at the level of product placement with Stride was the most powerful emotion I felt. I give it 3 out of 6.
The production, thankfully, was still pretty solid. The use of purples in Lex’s office and attire was nice to see, and is hopefully being used to set things up for a solid future. I give it 5 out of 6.
Overall, it’s a pretty “bleh” kind of episode. I give it 3 out of 6.
In total, Hero receives 27 out of 42.
Additional Notes and Comments
I’m really feeling tired of this series. They should have put Clark’s path to herodom on a much faster schedule, in my opinion. I don’t expect to continue weekly reviews next year, but instead expect to switch to newer fare and maintain reviews of this show in the complete season form instead.
Tainted Gum (dun dun)
I thought the only real interesting bit in this episode was Lex and his assistant looking into the star alignments on his family crest. I wonder if that will play into next week’s episode at all.
I can somewhat understand the placing of bands in episodes, in the right setting, as a promotion.
However, the gum thing was borderline inexcusable. The name getting tossed around, the packaging and logo in your face as much as possible, etc. Not to mention that the supply of kryptogum was brushed aside with an "I destroyed it" from Clark, with no mention of how it became contaminated, if it was an accident or on purpose, etc. (I can’t help but get the feeling that, had the gum sponsor not been involved, it would have been a much more interesting story with perhaps a nefarious plot on the part of the manufacturer.)
Several times in the episode I flashed back to a few seasons ago when Pete handed Clark a "new copy of the Talon mix" upon which the camera focused for an inexplicably long period of time…
I’m not quite ready to give up on the series, but they sure aren’t making it easy. I’m really holding out hope that these last few episodes were the products of being rushed due to the strike, and once the writers are back into full swing the show will get back on track.
Re: Tainted Gum (dun dun)
Let us know if that happens (I gave up).
Re: Tainted Gum (dun dun)
I can’t say I blame you. It’s hard for me to give up on a series I’ve invested 7 years into, but as I implied it’s like they’re actively trying to drive away fans.
I don’t usually give up so easy, but I have in the past.
Here’s a few examples of series that I did give up on:
The Simpsons after 16-17 seasons, I forget when.
ER after 8 seasons.
The Practice after 8 seasons, before it became Boston Legal
X-Files after 7 seasons. (Don’t shoot me!)
Sliders after 3 seasons, after they killed off Arturo.
seaQuest after 2 seasons, and I can’t believe I made it that long watching it over on DVD now.
Prison Break after 2 seasons.
There are surely a lot more than that, but that’s all that come to mind.
I mainly mention these because a discussion about giving up on series over time is surely more interesting than discussing anything about this episode. :-)
sad thing really
I record this on my TiVo and I can’t be bothered to even watch it. And the one time I do i see this episode. Definitely forgetable. I have to say the worst part was the whole stride sell out. I know they have to come up with additional revenues from somewhere, but at least give it a good story. And don’t annoy me with blatant ads.
Re: sad thing really
If it bothers you, don’t reward them by repeating the brand name for free.
Only advertise for those who pay you, or those you like :)
Lower originality rating please!
I’ve seen this episode before. Rememeber when Pete was doing illegal racing with kryptonite-fuelled cars? He was as much of an ass then, with Clark trying to be the concerned friend, and then the episode ended with Pete eating humble pie.
It’s a rehash! They had Sam Jones for a guest appearance and that’s the best they could do?
This could have been a good episode!
If they got rid of all the horribly distracting and stupid product placements and completely rewrote the main story arc.
I am close to giving up on this show myself, but theres a dogged part of me that wants to see it out. I just hope it doesn’t take very many more seasons. I think its time they put this one to bed, they have already ruined it.
Re: This could have been a good episode!
I’m only watching the show now to see how it ends. Originally I thought the show was planned for only 5 seasons. 4 in high school and 1 after that to show Clark moving towards the character we know as Superman.
The best part of this episode was Lex acting evil and torturing Pete. We’re almost to eeeeeeevil Lex.