Smallville Review – “Ryan”

If you haven’t seen the episode yet, watch it before reading further. I tried to keep this review spoiler free, but there are some things that you don’t even want a hint of.

Cast

Tom Welling as
Clark Kent
Kristen Kreuk as
Lana Lang
Michael
Rosenbaum
as Lex Luthor
John Glover
as Lionel Luthor
Sam Jones III as
Pete Ross
Allison Mack as
Chloe Sullivan
Annette
O’Toole
as Martha Kent
John
Schneider
as Jonathan Kent

Written by Philip Levens.
Directed by Terrence O’Hara.

Original Airdate

Ryan originally aired on Tuesday,
November 12, 2002.

Synopsis

Ryan, the telepathic boy from Stray, returns to Smallville.

High Point

The slow motion pull-out shot.

Low Point

The Warrior Angel/Superman analogies are starting to come on a little
too thick. I laughed at the cover of Warrior Angel #1, but by the
time Ryan finished talking to Lex, the horse had been well beaten.

The Review

This was a fairly original episode. I think it’s the first
episode in which Clark’s abilities were nearly useless. I give it 5
out of 6.

The effects were stuff they’ve done before, and on long
effect that we haven’t seen before. That effect was nicely done, too.
I expect to see them get a lot of use out of it. Hopefully the next
time they’ll get it to look like Clark isn’t just running on the spot.
(Maybe film the live footage with Tom running on a treadmill?) I give
it 5 out of 6.

The story was an excellent way to bring Ryan back. It’s
about time one of these Smallville transients comes back, and they
picked the right character and brought him back the right way. I give
it 5 out of 6.

The acting from the guest star, Ryan Kelley, was
extremely impressive for an actor of any age. The main cast did a
good job, too. I give it 5 out of 6.

Ah, the emotional response. Bullseye. 6 out of 6.

The production was the usual high for most of the episode.
In other scenes, such as Nell’s scene, the slow-motion pull-out shot,
and the damaged comic scene, the director of photography did an
absolutely incredible job. I give it 6 out of 6.

Overall, this episode had everything. It had past threads to
tie up, new threads that got started, character revelations, upheal in
the personal lives of guest characters and stars, and the guts to do
what Fox wouldn’t let George Lucas do in Return of the Jedi.
I give it 6 out of 6.

In total, Ryan receives 38 out of 42.

5 replies on “Smallville Review – “Ryan””

  1. excellence
    That was a very, very good episode…38 out of 42 at least! : )

    This is the kind of stuff that makes me want to buy the series on
    DVD : ) Wish they’d release more than the first 2 show…grrr.

    And its the first show where I really get why Clark would want to
    have am alter-ego to his “secret identity”. Its basicly summerised
    by Johnatan Kent’s line about how Clark can’t just go in the clinic
    and start ripping steal doors off the place…Superman does that
    sort of thing all the time (or will do, in that time line), its the sort of
    action that a respectable citizen can’t do, but a super-hero can.

    And now Clark’s two love interest are living together? Wow, his
    love-life is getting more mixed up than mine! Hurrah! ;- )

    • Re: excellence

      And now Clark’s two love interest are living together? Wow, his love-life is getting more mixed up than mine! Hurrah! ;- )

      Unfortunately, They’ll Live To Far Away For an Effective Use Of That Telescope.

      That’s Actually Something I Was Wondering. If Clark Had A Telescope That He Used To Look In On Lana With, Now That He Can Look Even More Effectively (With X-Ray Vision), He Balks At The Chance (Except When He’s ‘Bad’ From Red Kryptonite). Why The Change Of Heart?

  2. Ryan Kelley
    I agree completely — I liked him the first time, and this time proved it wasn’t a fluke. If Ryan doesn’t have an Oscar in 10 years, it’ll be because he didn’t want one. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of his work.

    • Re: Ryan Kelley

      I agree completely — I liked him the first time, and this time proved it wasn’t a fluke. If Ryan doesn’t have an Oscar in 10 years, it’ll be because he didn’t want one. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of his work.

      Vanyel is right about this promising young actor. Ryan Kelley, has all the right stuff. Good looks, dynamic screen presence, phenominal acting skills, and is able to convey such a great range of emotions convincingly. His oscar is waiting!

  3. What am I thinking? Very well done.
    I enjoyed the story laced with human interest and not the villian of the week. Ryan was very convincing and showed promise.
    Only two plot complications annoyed me:
    1) Authorities first go to the clinic and are told there is no such kid. They search the location, then leave. Then Clark springs Ryan and the authorities suddenly must enforce Ryans return because the evil doctor has the paperwork saying he is responsible for the patient. Seems no one even thought about that earlier statement that the boy was not in the clinic. I had to wonder.
    2) Okay Clark runs some 500 miles and just catches the brain doctor. Did no one wonder at how he suddenly appeared in the middle of a remote airport so soon after leaving the hospital? I realize that some suspension of belief and reality is appropriate, but again I wonder if it was stretched much thinner in this event.

Comments are closed.