Smallville Review – “Prey”

This week’s review hits on time. Odds are, next week’s won’t.

Cast

Tom Welling as Clark Kent
Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan
Erica Durance as Lois Lane
Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olson
Cassidy Freeman as Tess Mercer
Sam Witwer as Davis Bloome
Justin Hartley as Oliver Queen / Green Arrow

Written by Kelly Sounders and Brian Peterson
Directed by Michael Rohl

Original Airdate

Prey originally aired on Thursday, October 23, 2008.

Synopsis

A serial killer with superhuman abilities is slaughtering people throughout Metropolis. Clark’s first instinct is to investigate members of the Isis Foundation, while Detective John Jones has other ideas. Clark’s obsession puts him at odds with Jones, Chloe, Jimmy and Davis Bloome.

High Point

Jimmy’s new direction was the best part of the episode. The trailer for next week’s episode (which may not be reviewed until Sunday Nov. 2) was the high point of the broadcast.

Low Point

The reporter who got the description of the killer didn’t put things together?

The Review

This is an original take on the series, with a different type of villain and story, reinterpreting one aspect of the source material while introducing well known elements of another. I give it 5 out of 6.

The effects were nicely done, with the shadowy elements effectively delivered. Of course, they may be setting themselves up for problems in the future: with this kind of buildup, Mr. “Bony Eyelids” is going to have to look really, really good when we finally meet him. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story is moving forward very nicely. The ultimate killer was known as soon as I heard the “bony eyelids” description, given the previous casting announcements. Still, I wasn’t quite sure how they’d twist and turn along the way. I give it 5 out of 6.

The acting was a little stiff this week, which is odd given how much conflict there was between these characters.
I give it 4 out of 6.

The emotional response is good. They did a very nice job of writing in the elements from the comics, and are creating an interesting back story for a character who really needed one. It would work for me with or without the comic background.
I give it 5 out of 6.

The production was well done, keeping the dark nighttime mood throughout to stay consistent with the tone of the story. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it’s a fairly strong episode, once again giving hope for the season. Generally, this season seems to be an improvement upon the past few years. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Prey receives 34 out of 42.

One reply

  1. Maybe…

    Generally, this season seems to be an improvement upon the past few years. I give it 5 out of 6.

    OK, maybe I’ll torrent the back episodes and see. I liked the Green Arrow, just before I gave up on the show, and with him apparently back, plus it maybe being good again…not that I *need* another show to watch, what with Atlantis, Heroes, Eureka, Sarah Conner, Bones, Chuck, My Own Worst Enemy, Pushing Daisies, Sanctuary, Fringe, Lost, Dr Who, Torchwood…

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