Smallville Review – “Arctic”

Smallville’s tradition of strong season finales continues.

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 Don Whitehead and Holly Henderson
Directed by Todd Slavkin

Original Airdate

Arctic first aired on Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Synopsis

Kara has learned about Teague’s attempt on Clark’s life, and is taking a very proactive stance in dealing with it.

High Point

In a word: FINALLY!

Low Point

That’s not the reaction I expected when Clark attacked Brainiac, especially given what Clark interrupted. (In other words: why was Brainiac destroyed instead of recharged?)

The Review

The originality is pretty good, as there is undeniable forward momentum in most of the characters and relationships in this episode. I give it 6 out of 6.

The effects were frequent, and well done. We didn’t have many that were new, except the final shot, but that’s not a big problem. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story was well done, capping off the season nicely by wrapping up the threads laid out earlier. I give it 5 out of 6.

The acting was good, particularly during the second half. I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response was strong. Granted, I was cheering during a scene that was intended to be heartbreaking, but I think it was worth it. The big impact that held this back was the website’s description I stumbled across last weekend looking for the writer and director of last week’s episode. Every major plot point was spoiled. I give it 5 out of 6.

The production is one area this show always delivers in. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it was a pretty good season finale. There’s a lot of ground covered here that means big potential changes for next season. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Arctic receives 36 out of 42.

5 replies on “Smallville Review – “Arctic””

  1. Two Things
    1. No more Lana! YAY!

    2. What happened to that shot in a preview a few weeks ago of Lex outside the fortress during the day in a big parka? It was probably about a month ago, but it never showed up in an actual episode.

    • Re: Two Things

      2. What happened to that shot in a preview a few weeks ago of Lex outside the fortress during the day in a big parka? It was probably about a month ago, but it never showed up in an actual episode.

      It was probably filmed for this episode, but edited out for length.

  2. Controlling the Traveler
    I don’t think it’s inconsistent that Brainiac gets toasted. My laptop is plugged into the wall and has a battery, that doesn’t mean a bolt of lightning will just recharge it faster.

    I find it much more difficult to believe Jor-El has sent a device to control his son that doesn’t have a safety check. He obviously has the technology (or whatever) to tell how Clark is doing enough to carry on a natural-sounding beyond-the-grave conversation, then surely he can tell whether Clark has gone to the dark side, or someone undeserving is just trying to control him.

    • Re: Controlling the Traveler

      I find it much more difficult to believe Jor-El has sent a device to control his son that doesn’t have a safety check. He obviously has the technology (or whatever) to tell how Clark is doing enough to carry on a natural-sounding beyond-the-grave conversation, then surely he can tell whether Clark has gone to the dark side, or someone undeserving is just trying to control him.

      I wasn’t so sure of this part either. I was hoping for a good twist like so: Clark is not the traveler that can be controlled; Braniac is. The device should have been something that could be used to wrangle in Braniac, and the look on Lex’ face when he finds out it doesn’t control Clark would have been priceless.

      But that’s just me.

      • Re: Controlling the Traveler

        I find it much more difficult to believe Jor-El has sent a device to control his son that doesn’t have a safety check. He obviously has the technology (or whatever) to tell how Clark is doing enough to carry on a natural-sounding beyond-the-grave conversation, then surely he can tell whether Clark has gone to the dark side, or someone undeserving is just trying to control him.

        I wasn’t so sure of this part either. I was hoping for a good twist like so: Clark is not the traveler that can be controlled; Braniac is. The device should have been something that could be used to wrangle in Braniac, and the look on Lex’ face when he finds out it doesn’t control Clark would have been priceless.

        But that’s just me.

        I had the same thoughts and hopes.

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