“Quest” and “Arctic” Review by angellwings
Hello again, SHoEligans! It’s been a while, and I apologize for that, but I’m back! And I’ve got a double decker review for you! I’ll be talking about “Quest” and “Arctic”. As usual I’m going to assume that if you’re going to read this review then you’ve already seen the episode. So let’s get started on this super belated and mega loaded review.
The first thing I did after “Quest” ended was…well…call all my relatives and make sure no one was touched by the tornado that hit my area that night, and then I went back and tried to decipher the dialogue that the national weather service warnings ruined. I had very little success, and most of the dialogue I missed was between Lex (The phenomenal Michael Rosenbaum) and the Antique clock expert (I’m sorry that I cannot remember his name). I’ve looked up the missing dialogue, and luckily the holes have been filled in. “Quest” was directed by Kenneth Biller and written by Holly Harold (by the way Holly Harold is a very comic book like name. Sort of like Lois Lane, Pepper Potts, Vicki Vale, etc.). Both Kenneth and Holly did extremely well with this episode. I believe “Quest” to be one of the best pre-finale episodes Smallville has ever produced. I, as usual, cannot find anything to complain about and I especially cannot complain about the performances. However we’ll get into those in detail later. I loved the ending of “Quest”. The entire episode and especially the ending just set up everything for “Arctic” so perfectly.
Robert Picardo was a wonderful addition as Edward Teague, and I have to say that he achieved the appropriate amount of creepy. The whole very literal portrayal of “hero worship” was very disturbing, and I have to say the make-up department out did themselves with both Lex and Clark’s bloody carved chests. My favorite scene throughout the entire episode would have to be the scene where Lex sticks the cipher onto the grandfather clock. The look on his face as he listens to the song that it plays is just full of so many emotions that it makes the scene extremely memorable.
Now shall we discuss quite possibly the best Smallville finale ever? Yes? Good.
“Arctic” was handled beautifully by the cast and crew. The episode was written by Holly Henderson (another double H) and Don Whitehead and was directed by Todd Slavkin. I’ve already stated that in my opinion this was one of Smallville’s best finales to date, and Holly Henderson, Don Whitehead, and Todd Slavkin are all to thank for that. In this episode we got our now seemingly standard Jimmy Olsen B-plot, “Kara” causing Edward Teague’s death,”Kara” and Lex scenes, Chloe being attacked by Brainiac, Clark taking out Brainiac (for the time being), the long awaited Clana breakup, a very beautiful Clois scene, a Chlimmy proposal (where the heck did that come from?), Chloe being arrested, and a Clark and Lex show down. That’s a lot to take in forty-three minutes, and that doesn’t even touch some of Smallville’s previous finales.
But unlike some previous finales the pacing in this one was very near perfect.
It didn’t feel rushed or feel like I was watching it in slow motion. It was the perfect Goldilocks speed. My favorite scene from the entire finale would have to be the scene of Clark when he comes to visit Chloe in the hospital. The minute her eyes pop open with that glazed over catalytic look and he angrily sneered Brainiac’s name chills ran up and down my spine. I could tell that Clark Kent was gone and Superman had suddenly arrived.
Allison Mack was her usual brilliant self. I am very happy that Ms. Mack will be returning next season especially given the limbo Chloe was left in. Aaron Ashmore was even more likeable as Jimmy in the past two episodes, and I can’t help but wonder how Jimmy’s proposal will be handled next season. Erica Durance was one half of the absolute best on screen hug ever during the finale, and I cannot wait to see how they define the Clark and Lois relationship in season eight. The chemistry between Erica and Tom has been show cased a lot this season, and used expertly to expand Lois and Clark’s friendship.
I want to take a moment to praise Laura Vandervoort for being able to channel James Marsters so well. She really delivered the lines in Marsters’ style. James himself was wonderful in the episode as well. Brainiac is quite possibly the first computer that I have ever literally wanted to destroy. His portrayal makes the fact that it can’t be done even more frustrating. He is perfect in a role of pure villainy. Tom Welling impressed me very much. His range of emotions was extremely varied, and expertly demonstrated.
After the finale I realized just how greatly Michael Rosenbaum will be missed. The idea of a premiere without Lex Luthor is going to be a strange and new experience for Smallville viewers as well as cast and crew. Michael portrayed Lex Luthor more brilliantly than any actor before or even after him (yes I know that’s a big statement). I know that I wish his run on Smallville wasn’t over, but I totally support Mr. Rosenbaum in whatever he does in the future whether he resurfaces on Smallville or not. He is a wonderful talent in several areas of the entertainment business. I will say that whether Lex Luthor physically appears on Smallville or not his presence will always hover over the atmosphere of the show. The threat and large persona of Lex Luthor will haunt our main cast all the way through season eight, and that’s an accomplishment that should put a permanent smile on Mr. Rosenbaum’s face.
I give both of these episodes five Jimmy Olsen gumball engagement rings out of five.
