SHoE: Episode 146 – “Checkmate”
Sterek Returns! Steve and Derek are getting the band back together, just in time for the end of season nine. With only five episodes left, the duo discuss the release of the season on DVD, as well as what we have to look forward to in the final episodes. Plus a full review of the seventeenth episode of the season, Checkmate, and our feelings on Amanda Waller.
Wooooooooo! (Not the person, the expresion) STEREK RETURNS! I am picturing Steve and Derek as starcrossed lovers running through a field of sunflowers into a DragonCon Steve/Graham hug. Ew. BUT YAY STEREK!
What a great way to begin the podcast! It was just perfect! It was really nice to go home for lunch and find this ready to go in i-Tunes!!
Derek and Steve are like peanut butter and jelly – perfect together!
Oh, I forgot to mention, since you brought it up right away, we get the CW via Comcast (I think we get the CW Philly feed)- and it’s beautiful. We get the HD version with dolby surround, and it sounds as good as it looks. The first time I saw Smallville in HD with surround I was so excited I had to keep replaying the opening credits.
Ahhh Sterek, I forgot how warm you were.
I loved the beginning. It’s good to hear you two talkin’ Smallville again.
the kings of podcasting have returned
Derek is the father of SHoE and it is only fitting that he return.
Welcome back Cap!
I love Steve but Derek is my favorite podcaster on the internets. The combination of the two, talking Smallville is like nothing on earth.
Long live the Kings!
Hilarious superman returns cameo. Most people didn’t like SR but I did in a strange kind of way (at least when I overlook Kate bosworth’s awful depiction as Lois Lane and the fact that they turned superman into stalkerman) but I liked it. Guess I’m easy to please :)
Glad to have Derek back on the show but he scores nil points on the whole “woman” thing. So I’m in camp Steve. Although I’ve got to agree Chloe’s rant on Clark was way OTT. I’m a “woman” and I don’t rant like that or at least I don’t think I do :)
Uh…that was Steve on the whole “woman” thing. Check the voice you were listening to.
Also, he was just kidding so I don’t really see a point in negating it.
It’s okay Derek, I was COMPLETELY on your side on the whole Chloe “debate”.
Also, great to have both of you guys back.
Just thought I would let you guys know. I am from St. Louis and we get a great CW channel. I also have an HD channel through Charter Cable.
Looking forward to listening to this on my Ipod while I go for my jog tonight. Glad to see you are feeling better Derek.
Wow. Just got through the first few minutes. Steve playing Lois Lane and Derek playing Superman with the Clois Superman Returns love theme in the background (which by the way is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed) is so hilarious I could cry. LMAO
Sorry Derek I thought that was you. I guess my point on the “woman” tag didn’t come across well. It’s my dry British sense of humour. A lot of people don’t get it :)
I just want to let Derek and Steve know that my lawyers will be in touch with them soon. You guys made me choke on my Hot Pocket when listening to your Superman Returns spoof. I almost died because of you two! lol.
In all seriousness, really great show you guys. Derek I’m glad you’re feeling better and welcome back! To Steve I would like to say that as a woman (or girl I guess) I know what we are like and Chloe indeed is just being a drama queen like most women are (except me of course!) ; D
Very interesting podcast.
I think both Derek and Steve made some good points in their debate about Chloe. It was good to hear a nice, mature conversation where these issues were brought up and discussed.
Upon first viewing, my feelings were similar to Derek’s regarding the apology. It bothered me a lot that Chloe was so cold to Clark and I didn’t think that Clark needed to be the one to apologize. If anything, I felt like Chloe owed Clark an apology for everything she had done this year. That being said, I now think that Clark’s apology in this episode was just one more example of why HE will go on to be the greatest hero the world has ever known and why Chloe and Oliver, while good people in their own right, will never really measure up to him. The ability to forgive and offer a genuine apology requires a very special kind of humility, graciousness and kindness. Clark’s the most powerful being on the planet and yet, in his mind, he hadn’t been there for his friend, so he was willing to say he was sorry. (On his knees no less.) He did something similar for Oliver back in “Echo” even though Oliver had been the one to stab HIM in the back last year. Notice that neither Oliver or Chloe ever returned the apology. Does that make them bad people? No. It doesn’t. But does it show us, the audience, that Clark is just on another level as far as his ability to love, forgive and show mercy and kindness? Yes, it does. Al Septien confirmed this on Twitter for many of the fans.
As for Steve’s comment about “women” blaming things on men….all I’m going to say is that in mature relationships that is not the case. And Smallville has already proven this point wrong by having a character like Lois on the show. Lois has consistently shown through the years that she is able and willing to admit when she was wrong and apologize for her actions without shifting the blame to Clark. But then again I’ve heard it argued over the years that Lois, despite her hot body and beautiful feminine presence, has a masculine energy to her at times and tackles situations more like a man than a woman. Might be something interesting for someone to think about….
Steve makes a good point that Chloe was trying to see the best in Davis last year. He also makes a good point that we need to hold David responsible for his actions. I do agree with this. One of my biggest points of discussion has always been that villians are responsible for the choices that they make. That being said, my issue with Chloe’s role in the Doomsday fiasco has always been more with the MEANS used and not with her intentions. I’ve always believed that Chloe’s intentions are good. I don’t think Chloe EVER sets out to hurt anyone. My issue with her actions last year were that they involved deception and hubris. She used lies to remove Clark from a situation that he had every right to have knowledge of. Despite her good intentions, the lying was WRONG. And while it was not her fault that Davis killed Jimmy, her actions were directly responsible for Davis eventually being in the position he was in. Had she now left town with him or stopped Clark from sending him to the Phantom Zone, or lied about him to Clark….the entire scenerio could have been avoided. So I see both sides of this argument. I admire Chloe’s desire to save Davis and I Believe in her goodness yet I also believe she made a lot of mistakes last year that cost everyone around her dearly.
Either way, I think you both made some interesting points and I enjoyed the podcast. Thanks for the entertainment and looking forward to hearing the next one soon.
OMG, you guys had me howling at that intro! (TWTDS) ;) I’m not going to be able to listen to SHOE on my commute across town much more if I’m going to have to keep pulling over to the side of the road to regain my composure after laughing myself to tears! Wow!
MJ, totally agree with your comments above – Clark is definitely coming across as the better man by being quick to apologize for his actions, whether they were well justified or not, because he of all people understands how his abilities can “snatch decision from the hands of Fate” – This is a guy who will be able to deal with the weight of saving villain and victim alike and not doubt his reasoning to continue saving people unconditionally. Which makes me wonder if Chloe will ever be in the same League as our superheroes….
On a personal note, when I was listen to this episode on my white iPhone 3G, it felt like two years when I still had my black 80GB Zune and listening to SHoE for the first time. Steve and Derek it was great to hear you guys again on any MP3 Player I own.
Loved the Superman Returns bit at the beginning. LOL.
I must say SHoEligans much like the characters on Smallville are just really passionate and really upset at people’s actions and character choices I’m noticing. Not that that this is bad necessarily but I can remember last season people not being not close to this passionate about character choice. BTW I love Derek’s: “Shut up Chloe” at the end of the ep.
@Natasha I think you were the first person that mentioned “The Red Queen” being Martha. I have to just tell you guys I have or had no idea who “The Red Queen” was going or is going to be since “Checkmate” aired.
Lastly, Tess used that tube thing as slide… Steve you’re going to appreciate this. I am almost went off the side walk when I was driving my wheelchair because I was laughing so hard. OMG. Lol.
this made my day!!!
Great episode. Died laughing during the Reading Rainbow part.
//Which makes me wonder if Chloe will ever be in the same League as our superheroes….//
Em, to be honest, I don’t think ANYONE is in Clark’s league. And that’s OK. There is only one Superman. The only person who really comes close is Lois at this point. She is able to admit when she is wrong and has proven that she has a very very good heart in spite of her flaws. And that’s sort of fitting since she’s the one we know he’ll spend his life with. I don’t really need the other people on this show to be in the same league as Clark.
Even in the comic books, I believe Batman admits openly that Superman is the “best” out of all of them. He has the greatest capacity for good. And Superman, in turn, says that he draws much of his “inspiration and “hope” (I believe that’s the quote) from his wife. I think Chloe and Oliver are both good people. But they are not in Clark’s league. He’s a step above. And hey…that’s OK. I don’t really expect them to be in his league.
Al Septien pointed this out on Twitter. He said that Clark was capable of things that Chloe is not. In this case, he is more capable of graciouness and humility.
@ Will, I also was dying on the Reading Rainbow part. I think I had to put my head down so people wouldn’t think I was crazy.
@ Woo, I feel horrible for laughing about you falling off the sidewalk in your wheelchair…but then I remember that Title XI tells me that I have to treat people the same, so I’m giving you equal oppotunity laughage.
And I don’t know if I was the “first” to mention Martha, but I have my reasons for believing that she is even though I’ve noticed there are a lot of people that don’t believe (or don’t want to believe) that Mrs. K could be capable of it. I guess I’m just running on the platform that Martha is originally from Metropolis, her father was a shark lawyer, she used to work for Lionel Luthor, and she has been in Washington as a U.S. Senator for three years at this point. I’m not naive enough to think she hasn’t learned a thing or two along the way. Plus, this is her baby boy she’s protecting; people shouldn’t underestimate what a mother is capable of when her (alien) son is in danger.
Of course, if it isn’t Martha, I’m more than willing to admit I was wrong.
@ MJ, Batman did say this (though he would never tell this to Clark’s face), and I love him for it.
@ MJ
Clark said that? AWW!
Also, has this rumor that Clark and/or Lois will get canned from the DP been confirmed. I know that he/she/they will find their way back if thay do but I’m just curious as to why this would be happening!
@Natasha Don’t worry about it, apparently that’s really funny to some people and I think the visual is funny too but it’s all right to laugh, if you want too.
@Natasha as far as Martha goes, I had no idea who the Red Queen was so the idea of it being Martha I was like “Okay.” I’d find this funny, but I know you and a lot of people wouldn’t… It’s Lana. Lol.
@MJ ITA with you that Clark/Superman is the “best” out of all of them and can totally see ED’s portrayal of Lois Lane meeting that standard from which Clark draws his inspiration and hope… I was implying more that I’m starting to doubt how Chloe even fits within the Justice League with all of the gray areas she keeps wandering into, when it appears that she really has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Oliver at least has some experience running around in dark alleys and running the vigilante circuit, but as was mentioned in this podcast, Chloe’s a LONG way from sneaking into barns around Smallville.
Oh, and I preordered S9 and bought a box of Corn Flakes to help support SHOE! ;)
re: your brains should have been played during rabid
This is mindblowing. Side by side comparison of every season’s opening titles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDdNIe3YgWI
Someone made this to take the piss out of TV without pity: CHLOEVILLE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdqDOB-TRuI
it literally says: Allison Mack as Watchtower
Justin Hartley as Green Arrow
Tom Welling as Watchtower’s Friend
Erica Durance as Watchtower’s Cousin
Cassidy Freeman as The Bad Chick
Callum Blue as That English Guy
That was a freaking amazing introduction XD
@Sarita, Yes, Clark said that. I don’t have the exact quote on hand but he basically said that everyone else in the world looked to Superman for hope and inspiration but that his hope and inspiration was his wife.
If you like Clois, I would suggest you read some Superman comics. The Clark and Lois interactions in the comics are honestly beautiful. I have been known to shed a tear on occasion because it’s so beautifully written. In fact, I still crack up thinking about one of the comics reviewers who admitted that he cried “man tears” after Superman and Lois parted in the New Krypton recently. Lois allows the reader to see Clark and Superman through HER eyes. She has many very touching monlogues in the comics where she talks about how selfless Clark is and the way he has changed the world with his compassion.
This is why so many of us on here get angry and up in arms when people try to diminish the role of Clois in the overall Superman canon or try to accuse Clois fans of being just “shipppers.” The Clois love story is an important part of the Superman story. From Superman’s own mouth she is his hope and inspiration and reason for fighting. Always has been. Always will be. It’s a part of the story and many times, it’s the most touching and emotional part of Clark’s story. There are plenty of heroes out there who don’t have a defining love story in their canon but Superman is not one of them. Now, notice I did not say that it was the ONLY part of Clark’s story. There are many important players in the Superman story and many important villians and battles to fight. I’m a huge fan of EVERYONE in the Superman story. Lex, Martha, Jonathan, Jimmy, Perry, Conner, Kara, Ron, Cat…I could go on and on. But the Clois love story has always been a driving factor in Superman’s life.
It’s not a coincidence that some of the biggest Clois fans in the comics world (Ex Smallville producer Jeph Loeb being one that you might know) are happily married men who know and understand first hand what it’s like to devote your life to someone.
Honestly, I’d suggest you read the Superman comics period. They’re great. I have not been in love with them lately. I find the New Krypton arc to be rather unemotional and dull. But I’m excited to see what the new writers come up with as we approach the end of that run.
I do read comics. I haven’t read much b/c well I’m poor and my parants think it’s ridiculous “wasting” money on comic books.
I’m collecting the Superman/Batman comics right now. I’ve also read the Geoff Johns stories that have come out in recent years like Last Son, New Krypton, and (my favorite) Brainiac. I have to say I also enjoyed reading the SR prequels by Singer and Dougherty. And of course I’ve read The Death of Superman. But all in all, that, SHoE, Superman history books, and my long hours on DC Wiki are my full knowledge of Superman in the comics.
Does anyone recommend any arc or story in particular? I would like to buy a bunch of comics on Free Comic Book Day!
P.S- I’M SO STUPID! How could I forget? I’ve also had the great privilege of reading Action Comics #1 (which I assume any true Supes fan has read). But you know what I’ve found? The only thing more difficult than getting your hands on Action Comics #1 is finding Issue #2.
@Sarita Right now I’m reading Superman: Secret Origin by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. It includes bits and pieces of Superman lore from comics, TV, and movies, including Smallville. The mini is almost finished, but it should be collected later this summer.
@ Kay
COOL! thanks. ; D
Great one guys!
Keep it up!
Just finished listening to Checkmate. Brilliant and hilarious stuff. Loved the intro. Welcome back Derek.
‘Chloe has more to apologize for than Clark ever could’ I cannot agree more. Clark has saved Chloe. He has protected her always even after being betrayed by her again again. There is nothing he needs to apologize for. Chloe on the other hand should be sorry for the Doomsday mess, the secrets she has been keeping, the fact that her adventure in Roulette almost killed Lois, the list is long.
You know how PTB desperately try to shove it down our throats that Chloe is the best thing since sliced bread in all their interviews? Yet how they present the character on the show does nothing but alienate fans to this character. If they really want us to like her, why can’t they write her in a likeable way. Why cannot she for once take responsibility for her actions? If she did, fans might actually begin to like her.
Brilliant. Brilliant. ‘Your’re so warm’ Warnpeople before you kill them from laughing. Lol
Awesome Awesome podcast guys! Welcome back Derek and don’t leave again after the season finale Lol
Hello,Excellent blog dude! i’m Fed up with using RSS feeds and do you use twitter?so i can follow you there:D.
PS:Have you thought about putting video to the web site to keep the people more enjoyed?I think it works.Sincerely, Drusilla Schlaefer