Tim’s “Noir” Review
So what did Tim think of “Noir”?
Wow. That’s all I can say really. I really don’t know what to think of this episode. I think it was definitely an either or episode. I mean, I could take it either way. I mean, it definitely had its strengths and its weaknesses. So let’s get on with the review, shall we?
First off, I loved the many Superman references that we were treated to in this episode. A Smallville episode in genral is usually ripe with these kind of references, and this episode was no exception. One of the most that stood out to me was the secret identity of Clark Kent that was displayed in the 1940’s flashback scene. I thought this was wonderful. I always love the episodes where we see Tom Welling in the glasses; they’re always a treat. I know we’ve only had one before this; hence why the episodes with Tom Welling wearing glasses is a treat.
I also believe that Noir was very well-lit and transitioned between the commercial breaks was well-done. I thought the episode was very well-shot for all the black and white scens that they did. Although this whole black and white dream sequence did little for the storylines that had been building all season (Phantom Zoners, and 33.1/Project Ares), it was a very enjoyable section of the episode.
What I liked about the 1940’s dream sequence was it had a story of its own while bringing to light some things that were going on with current character-situations currently in the show, namely the Lana and Lionel teamup. Apparently, Lionel told Lana a lot of things regarding Lex’s current Project Ares that they are investigating into to protect Clark. Now, I for one would like to know what they are protecting Clark from. I guess we’ll have to wait and find out later in the next couple of episodes.
A nice touch with the dream sequence was kind of the budding romance that was going on between Lex and Lois. Superman fans know that Lex has been attracted with Lois and once considered marrying her. So it was a nice reference to the comics there, which I enjoyed very much.
Although Noir didn’t really move the season-arc along as we would’ve hoped, what it did do was it really strengthened the character of Jimmy Olsen, which when we see the character development on Smallville with recurring characters is always nice. . He really took charge of the situation, something we haven’t seen in his character since earlier episodes of the seasons (Fallout and Static), so it was a nice thing to see in his character before he took off. It was a proper sendoff for Jimmy.
I thought the story, once we got back to color in the episode, was advanced nicely. Once we returned to color from our predominately black and white episode, it got right back to the story with Lex and his mysterious Project Ares, of which we had only glimpses into in the last episode.
And it seemed once we retunred there, things started to build for a climax with this Project Ares. We learned that Lex is coordinating with a senator for this Project Ares. So it’ll be interesting to see how this turns out.
But as usual though the acting for this episode was spot on! Their chracters translated from 2007 to 1947(i’m guessin) very well. Esp. Tom Welling. It is a shame that he was doing Smallville while Superman Returns was being shot because I would love to see him play this role as Superman/Clark Kent. He did it so flawlessly, it was amazing.
Also, to note for Tom Welling, when he saved Chloe from falling a few stories, he played that magnificently. Very Superman-esque, when he saved her and jetted away so Jimmy wouldn’t see him.
Another character that translated well into the black and white world was Chloe’s character. She did very well as our gal Friday. Kudos to Allison Mack!!!
One thing that I did not like were how Jimmy’s fascination with Noir-style movies came outta nowhere. He had never menitoned it in previous episodes and I thought they could have thrown a few mentions of it earlier in the season. Would’ve been nice is all I’m sayin. That being said, during the episode there were tons of references to his forties fixation, (i.e. his cheesy photo with Chloe).
Something this episode did have going for it was the Lois and Lionel confrontation at the end of the episode. i really was looking forward to that a lot, as we haven’t had one since Crusade. It was nicely done and I was not dissatisfied with it at all. I love how Lois and Lionel play off of each other, esp. now that Lois is a reporter for a newspaper. So the scene kind of had some Superman-esque-ness to it.
But all-in-all an okay episode. I think it was one of the weakest in an overall strong season. But I’d be lyin if I said I was surprised, as we as Smallville fans know that the 20th episode of the season tends to be not a good one, but I thought it was all right.
RATING: 2.5/5
