“Metallo”: Advance Review of 9×02
Special treat, got an early look at the second episode of the season entitled “Metallo” and I’m ready to share my non-spoilery thoughts. I go a bit more into detail than I did with the premiere since certain things are known now, and since this episode doesn’t disappoint you’ll definitely want to know what to expect. Let us know what you think, and let people know where you read it!
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There’s been a lot of great villain centric episodes in the past eight seasons. Some people would agree there’s been better ones than others. I liked the introduction of Toyman in “Requiem”, Lex as “Zod”, Mxyzptlk and several others.
I don’t think one has ever had as much screen time, presence or capability as that of John Corben’s Metallo in the second episode of the season. While Brian Austin Green handles the role perfectly, he’s got some years worth of research from being a comic book fan on how to handle himself and the man pays off. Such a sympathetic character we were introduced to in the premiere, takes a dark turn in the opening seconds of the second episode. It’s a bit sad that a Metallo story can’t involve Lex Luthor in season nine, but It’d be hard for it to make sense now.
As much as I loved “Savior”, this episode is leaps and bounds better to me than the premiere. It felt like everything one would love about an episode of Smallville, plus a little extra for longtime fans. Not only do we get the appearance of Shelby and a mention of Martha Kent, we see what’s become of the Kent household in the void of Clark over the last four weeks.
The wedge between Chloe and Clark takes a greater strain, but Tom and Allison never miss a beat. Handling these characters in a new way is far too interesting to ignore since the friends have gotten along so well these past few years. The duo start off at odds but try to find some common ground before all is said and done. Unfortunately, like all things in Smallville, it’s not that easy. Luckily for us, the two realize some mistakes they’ve made and try their hardest to look forward, even though a grudge can’t disappear in forty-two minutes this time around. Where we end with the two makes me very anxious to see what lies after “Rabid”.
Erica shares most of her scenes with Brian’s “Metallo”, who with his newly found gifts sets out to take vengeance on the Blur, who he blames for his sister’s death. Lois is very Lois in this episode: curious about Clark, searching for the Blur, and trying to get the story. One of my main complaints in these two episodes is that Lois’ realization of the events from Doomsday never came to light. I’ll suggest that somewhere between Lois finding Oliver, and her phonecall with the Blur at the end of “Savior”, she has learned about the demise of Jimmy and Davis. I’ll go as far to say that it’s a scene that was filmed but didn’t make the cut. I’ll anxiously await the season nine DVD for that clip. Even in her scene with Tess (one of my favorite between the two characters) Lois keeps the upper hand in a calm, and cool behavior, especially after being challenged to a rematch.
Tess is on a search of answers herself, trying to locate the missing Kandorians who escaped the mansion. She has some help in that of Stuart, played by Ryan McDonell – some kind of whiz kid who we almost get a kid brother kind of vibe from. Or Lenny Luthor, depending on how you look at it. He knows his stuff though, and while Callum Blue doesn’t appear this round, the presence of Zod is very much felt, almost as if he were watching over our shoulders. Usually when an actor “goes to visit Aunt Nell” or “is in Metropolis” it’s really noticed but with Zod, it’s like he’s in the shadows the whole time and whether you see his face or not, you know he’s there.
We get to see more of Dr. Hamilton who has the unfortunate privilege of encountering Metallo at Metropolis General. His meeting with The Blur is handled great and really feels like something out of a Superman movie.
We get to see more aspects of the Watchtower which I’m growing more and more in love with. I think it’s the most fantastic set they’ve had in the series and I catch something new everytime I watch a scene that takes place in there. You can tell Chloe has been doing some training of her own there, catching the hang of the new Queen technology goodies quite well. I think Allison shined in this episode more than she has in a long, long time. Probably since “Abyss” or “Bride”. Her encounter with Clark at the Kent Farm is particularly noteworthy, as her disdain and judgement of Clark carry out quite well. While Brian has the most screen time and definitely steals the show, this episodes acting award goes to Allison Mack for showing us some sides of Chloe we haven’t seen before. There’s even a shot that will have Chloe fans cheering for more as she tries to protect her cousin.
Erica takes Lois to something that’s so familiar to us, but we haven’t really seen on Smallville, and that’s someone eager to help the hero, in this case being the Blur. Clark’s decisions to implicate Lois in the search for Metallo definitely don’t end well, but the final confrontation between the hero and villain is one of the longest, most heartfelt encounters we’ve seen in this series, and the two characters really make for a tense battle.
One instance between Tom Welling and Erica Durance is my favorite scene of the episode, if not my favorite scene between the two characters of the series. Clark’s playful banter to Lois’ inquisitive nature really brings everything home for the episode and I would have been perfectly fine with it ending right there….
…but we’re treated to more, and the cliffhanger for this episode is one of those things that makes Smallville great.
All in all, my favorite episode of Smallville since “Beast”, and now in my top ten of the series. It’s all so perfectly done. Lois and The Blur/Clark share a lot of scenes in this one, several phonecalls and their final encounter in the Daily Planet bullpen that will have audiences smiling. If there’s one thing Brian and Kelly do well, it’s continuity and from the looks of these two episodes, this season will be no exception. From Kara, to Jonathan and Lionel, to Martha and Shelby, it feels like a show we’ve known for years, while still looking forward to what every man and woman has to do, grow up. Living in the past is not an option for these characters, and while Lois’ dreams continue to haunt her in this episode, the realizations will be something that reach far into the weeks to come for herself and Clark, as they eventually cross paths with Major Zod, and, as funny as it sounds, battle Kryptonian Virus zombies next week.
Lots of people are saying Smallville is having its best season yet. Who am I to disagree? It’s probably the strongest start to a season ever and without a doubt the second strongest episode of a season since “Phoenix”, written by Kelly and Brian themselves. Personally, my favorite seasons go in order of 3, 5, 8, 2, 1, 7, 4, 6 – but I can easily see this one climbing the charts with iconic episodes like this one pulling out all the stops early on. They’re not running out of steam at all, they have a plan of attack that we’ve seen in the first two weeks that will be carried out in months to come. The show is in good hands, the characters are safe, and the story is as super as ever.
YAYY! :) So excited, thanks so much Derek
Cant wait untill friday!
Loved reading your advance review, Derek! I don’t necessarily tend to get that excited about the villains Smallville brings on, but when I heard Brian Austin Green had been cast as Metallo my interest was immediately piqued. Glad to hear his episode went well and the door was left open for his return! I hope we see him back again.
Very glad to hear that Lois once again gets lots of face time, and hoping to see an abundance of Clark, too. I’m really looking forward to their reunion and you’ve left me extremely curious about the cliffhanger at the end. Thanks again for your insights!
Fantastic review! You made me even more excited for this episode and I’m not sure if I want to be glad about it or smack you for the reminder that that I can’t see it until Friday! I’m so conflicted! lol.
OMG can’t but I have to see on Saturday since Cw decide to put the stupid Mets game live in all NY area
This review is amazing. I’m even more excited about Smallville than ever! Can’t wait until next week. Thank you for sharing this review!
Awesome review! Thanks so much! I was originally excited for this episode, now I’m very excited to see it! I can’t wait to see the tense battle in this episode (Brian Austin Green definitely makes a great John Corben/Metallo), and I can’t wait for the reunion of Clark and Lois. I am highly intrigued about the cliffhanger at the end, now that you’ve made it all mysterious…can it be Friday yet? Many thanks for the review!
I am so psyched for this episode, and your review only increased my excitement. I must admit, that while I’m a huge Lois and Clark fan, my anticipation for this episode is largely due to Brian Austin Green’s John Corben. His two scenes in Savior had me liking him immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I hope they bring him back in the second half.’ So I’m glad the door is open for him to return.
I’m a big fan of continuity, so I’m happy to read about mentions of Shelby, Martha, etc. I’m also way in love with the Watchtower, so it’s cool that we’ll be seeing more aspects of it as well.
“[...] but the final confrontation between the hero and villain is one of the longest, most heartfelt encounters we’ve seen in this series, and the two characters really make for a tense battle.”
Oh man, I can’t wait!
Thanks again for your advance review!
Thank you for the review. Everything I’ve seen and heard has me excited for the next episode. I enjoyed Brian on T:SCC and was excited to see him cast as Corben. (aside: I always hated that title because I alway wanted to pronounce “Connor” as “Chronnor”) I can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of the cast and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
Very excited to see BAG as Metallo, he will make one amazing villain, no doubt! Can’t wait to see Metallo/Blur showdown and Lois and Clark reunion. This episode brings Clark Kent back to the Daily Planet, Lois being very Lois like you said -and I look forward to every second of her onscreen, there are some great action and continuity moments – the only thing I wish right now is for it to be Friday already :D Thank you for the review!
Great review, I’m now even more stoked for the episode. Especially glad to hear about the continuity touches. Thank you.
I’ve subscribed to the podcasts and, based on how much fun the Savior one was, I will try to catch up on the old ones too. ;-)
Thank you so much for the early non-spoilerly sneak peek at Metallo. Wonderful review! I have been highly anticipating this episode ever since we got the news that Brian Austin Green had been cast as Metallo. As Krys said, while I looked forward to see everyone of Smallville, the one I was really anxious to see was BAG. I thought I was going to have to go through BAG withdrawal with the cancellation of T:SCC but fortunately Smallville snagged him up and so glad to hear that we will not be disappointed with his portrayal of Metallo nor with the episode as a whole.
I am so happy to hear that by the end of this episode, everything still has not have been resolved, that the story arcs keep unfolding rather than be wrapped up at the 42 minute mark.
It really sounds like that everyone at Smallville has kicked it up a notch. Actually it almost sounds like the show has reinvented itself. From what it looks like so far, us fans will be in for one heck of a thrilling ride.
Thank you again for the great review.
I am so THRILLED with Season 9 thus far and having this review from Derek is definitely a treat and a wall for all judgment to bounce off of. If it’s one of Derek’s all time fav’s I know it will be mine + “Savior” was in the list so how could this not be. Gonna be awesome. Thanks for this and thanks for the awesome super fast podcast last week!
Awesome review Derek!!!
I really love hearing that Chloe’s being rounded out even more this episode though still sad to hear it doesn’t seem as if Lois knows about Jimny :(. So excited for the Martha mention though – she needs to return asap!
I also can’t wait for the Metallo/Clark throw down – from what we saw in the promo it looks great and the Clark/Lois bit of course :D.
Thanks!
Fantastic review! I’m really looking forward to seeing BAG, he really impressed me in the premiere. The Lois/Clark stuff sounds fantastic and I can’t wait for Tess/Lois. I’m also intrigued by the Chloe/Clark rift. Great review!
Hey Derek! Thanks for the advanced review.
BAG and Metallo are going to raise the bar for limited episode villains.
Clark being a hero and Lois getting into trouble are two things this show needed.
Martha and Shelby! Fantastic! I miss them both.
Can’t wait until this episode airs.
I’m still holding out for a Lois mention of or scene re: Jimmy.
WOW! If I was anxious to see Metallo before to read your review, Now after that I am officially dying of curiosity!!
BTW very nice review :) I’ll waiting for the podcast after the episode too
Awesome review! Thank you so much! Now I am really excited for Metallo.
Looking forward to seeing BAG as Metallo. He was the best part of “T:SCC” and I was so excited to hear that he’d be on “Smallville”.
My anticipation for this episode was already sky-high, but now the wait is like torture.
Amazing review!! can’t wait, I am now SUPER curiuos for the last scene!!
Can’t wait for the podcast!!
Fantastic review Derek.
If I wasn’t excited before this review *which by the way I was* then I am unbelieveably even more after reading this.
Impressed with Savior can’t even begin to describe it but Metallo surpassing that? I can’t wait .
Now I can’t wait for Friday! This is going to be a long week, that’s for sure!
Thanks for the excellent review and I hope this episode delivers, I got faith in your perspective!
Fabulous review. Now I’m even more excited to see it! And that bit about how the episode will leave us guessing? So mean. Lol
Wonder what it could be… something to do with Lois’ flashes, maybe…
Thanks again, Derek, for bringing us such a well-rounded review.
Friday needs to get here pronto!
Thanks for the wonderful review Derek.
I am very glad that Lois is Lois even when she is helping a super-hero. She gives herself 110% for the safety of the people she cares about and glad to see that Blur being a super-hero didn’t sway her. Also its a nice contrast from her interaction with the GA where she wanted to expose GA Bandit.
I am looking forward for Lois/Tess confrontation. They both are quite an amazing pair who play off each other very well.
I am excited to see on-screen her interaction with Clark and the Blur. I also wish that PTB haven’t had Lois’s reaction to Jimmy’s death off screen. This is what they did with Jonathan too. Why can’t they show how much it affects Lois?.
All in all I am very excited for this episode.
Wow. Smallville is finally leaving me speechless. I seriously think this could be the best season yet. Thanks for the early review (Not too spoilery) :). You guys are the best. Smallville definitely deserves some positivity.
Smallville is stepping up and I hope viewership increases this year.
BAG is HOTTTT
And Clois always puts a smile on my face:)
Thanks for the Review!!! It’s so refreshing to find a group of fans whose excitement level mirror your own! I’m looking forward to BAG as Metallo! Looking forward to all the goodies that this episode has to offer.
Thank you for an easy to read, enthusiastic, positive review!
You make me want to watch it NOW! Sadly, I have to wait until Saturday night!
Thank you for making my most favourite show so enticing!
Fantastic review, I like how you’ve given us a ton to look forward to without giving too much away.
I completely agree with you in that this could be Smallville’s best season yet.
I feel like FINALLY, Clark Kent is wholeheartedly adopting his Supes persona, and I am very glad to see he returns to the DP in this episode. I just couldn’t ask for more–Lois and Clark at the DP, investigating together again, with some Blur thrown in!
BAG is top notch thus far even though I haven’t seen this episode yet. I am very glad to hear he’s a comic fan and seems to take his character very seriously.
Thanks again for the great review, looking forward to the next!
Great review, Derek. Just enough to raise expectations and anticipation without spoiling the whole thing.
I’m really looking forward to the Clark/Metallo showdown. It’ll be fun to see. BAG once again prove to the viewing audience that David Silver was only a jumping off point for his career and his entire identity as an actor. I’m also chomping at the bit for the Clark/Lois reunion and her investigation with “The Blur.”
Thanks again for the early review!
Derek, Thanks for the review …..Now, I can’t wait for the episode. Can’t wait to see BAG more scenes and the fight between Metallo and the Blur.
I didn’t think it was possible to get more excited. I’m already anxious for this week to be over so Friday can get here sooner, but then Derek had to go and stoke the fire. BAG as Metallo and Clois/Blur scenes: more than enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Im so excited about Smallville’s new season. Thx for giving us this advance review .. cant wait till this Friday.
Excellent review Derek! I’m now completely psyched for Friday, and it’s only Monday.
BAG as Metallo looks great – I really liked him as Corben even though he only had two scenes in Saviour, so I can’t wait to see more of him. I’m a Clark fan through and through, so I’m pleased to see him embracing his heritage AND helping people at the same time. ANd if you guys are happy with the way things are turning out, then that makes me happy too.
It’s a whole different show and I love it :)
Thanks again for the review, Derek. I am SO excited for Metallo. I’ve heard from multiple folks “in the know” that this episode is far stronger than Savior, and I loved that, so…thanks!
Thanks for the advance review on Metallo! This is so peppered with significant tidbits, lots of enthusiasm and very positive vibes that it makes me want to watch the episode now. Savior was such an awesome episode and if Metallo is even better as you stated, well now…
I hope this episode is good for a Chloe fan. Is it?
I don’t know if I can stand another round of Chloe bashing, like I see she is getting from Savior from the last Chloe scene with Clark.
Anyways thanks for the review. Don’t know if I am going to watch this episode.
Note, not here, around the web.
Thank you Derek, your review is great, and I agree that it would be perfect that every fan had a reason to enjoy the episode, but my real dream it’s having a reason to enjoy every character of the show.
Another well written review Derek. It’s great to feel your presence here on the site. Ignore the haters buddy.
Awesome review.
It really make me hope for this episode and this season (which I did before, but your awesome review made me certain that I should. lol)
I can´t wait to see BAG in this episode. It sounds like he was absolutly awesome.
Thanks Derek, terrific review! I’m even more excited about Metallo now than I was before. It sounds like Brian is going to blow us all away, which is great since that is one of the things I’m looking forward to most…well that and the Tess and Lois scene :P
Thanks for the review. So excited for this episode. Savior was epic. Man… Clark jumping off the Statue of Liberty. Awesome…
I loved TSCC and BAG started out “Savior” really making an impression. I cant wait to see what happens in “metallo”! So many different story beats to be excited about. Great review Derek.
Great review. I’m particularly looking forward to the Clark/Lois reunion, Blur/Metallo confrontation and Chloe’s death. Oops, I’ll have to wait for the finale for that one (crosses fingers).
Thanks so much for the Wonderful review, Derek. Your enthusiasm, honesty, and fairness was evident throughout. You really boosted my confidence that Souders and Peterson love and respect this story and these characters and are determined to tell this story the way it should’ve always been told. It sounds like a brand new series with all of the high praises for these first two episodes and that leaves me encouraged that it will continue throughout this season. I’m so excited about the energized interactions between everyone in this episode, especially between Clark and a truly sympathetic villain, and of course, Clark and Lois and The Blur.