“Hostage” Airs Tonight
IT’S THE RETURN OF MARTHA KENT AND PERRY WHITE – Much to Clark’s surprise, Martha Kent (guest star Annette O’Toole) returns to Smallville with her new boyfriend, Perry White (guest star Michael McKean) in tow. Lois and Perry realize they are both working on the same story about the Red Queen, and decide to team up, which ultimately puts them in serious danger. Chloe helps Clark search for the Book of Rao, which they believe contains information on how to stop Zod and his army.
In the meantime, when the episode is over come back here and let us know what you thought, or email us so we can read your thoughts on the air!
I’m so happy!!!!
Cannot wait!!!
I cannot wait, this episode looks like it will be amazing!
I can’t figure out what I’m more excited for: this episode or Salvation. Right now, it’s a toss up because they both look incredible.
I look at this pic and I just imagine Ollie is at the end of the table that we can’t see, asking anybody if they want some rolls.
Man, I was gonna say something about the rolls too! You beat me to it. Anyway, I’m really excited for this episode and to see the trailer for Salvation.
It looks like a delicious dinner so I’m assuming that Lois didn’t cook. :)
Let’s take a moment to consider how FREAKING ICONIC THAT DINNER TABLE PICTURE IS!
Sorry, I got carried away. As much as I’ve loved this season (still my #1 favorite of the series), I don’t think I’ve been this excited for an episode since Absolute Justice. (Of course, if I’d known how epic Charade was going to be, that would’ve been on the list.) But ever since we learned Martha and Perry were returning, I’ve been all “IS IT HERE YET?! IS IT HERE YET?!” Finally I can shut the hell up, lol.
Oh, and the week long wait til Salvation might be my undoing. Especially if the trailer is as epic as BP claimed (as per Damian Holbrook).
SALVATION TRAILERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqkjrGW-pAo&feature=player_embedded
I heart Tom Welling as Superman so much that I can’t stand it.
Salvatiion trailer was freakin amazing thelast shot was epic
I’m not gonna need my DVR tonight,or next friday..I’m stayin’ at home!! This trailer is F……ING AMAZING!! From what I’ve heard my wish might just come true..Clark telling Lois the truth without being caught or backcornered..for the first time!! GO SMALLVILLE!
@MJ, the fact that we can tell it’s a ham and not a burnt brick of meat is a sure sign that Lois did not cook.
I’m with all of you guys. I don’t know which one has got me more psyched to watch. Both are going to be so iconic and a gift for Superman fans.
Anyone read the IGN interview in particular with AOT and MM and her comment about her gams? So funny. I love them both.
But that trailer and paired with the Salvation episode stills, wowza!!!!
I JUST SAW THE SALVATION TRAILER! OH MY EFFIN’ GOOODNESS!
Clark…that’s…it’s…he sees the….*crying hysterically*
Flip me pver and sprinkle some cheese on me b/c I am DONE! Can’t even think straight! I…THAT TRAILER! Geez! I’m just gonna crawl into my little dark corner and rack back and forth until SALVATION airs b/c I have lost all control of myself!
I meant over.
So far this is proving to be an outstanding episode!!! It’s great seeing Mrs. O’ Toole back.
i guess we know why they kept hammering the fact that tess is a redhead now, when the jeck did we start to pay this show the attention todetail that you need when watching lost?
*heck
ok that was a good misslead
for those of you who are wondering that charred person in the fortress is tess
Thanks phill
Overall good episode. I’ve been waiting to see Annette again since Phantom. She’s awesome. Mckean was great too. I thought it was funny that in both episodes he was in he ended up almost falling and hanging for dear life.
The only thing that made me scratch my head was how non-Kandorians know what the Book of Rao does. I guess maybe Max Lord read a de-powered Kandorians mind or something. That doesn’t detract any points from the episode for me.
Next week is going to be awesome! I can’t believe the finale is already here. What a great season it has been!
Oh and I was hoping Perry would say “Great Caesar’s Ghost” or “Great shades of Elvis” (even though that’s a Lane Smith thing) But I was laughing when he said it.
Greeat Episode!!Cant wait for next week !! Hey Steve or Derek do u guys know if Smallville panel is going to b on sunday again at Comic Con ?
With only one episode left before the season finale I got to say that this was a good one to set up for what’s to come.
Fans of Smallville have been wanting to see Martha return since she left at the end of season 6 and while we had to wait three seasons I think that the fans won’t be disappointed by her one episode return. Her being revealed as the Red Queen wasn’t much of a surprise although it showed that how far she’s welling to protect her son. I have to wonder if the apocalypse that she mentioned is referring to the Kandorians or something completely different.
The Lois/Perry moments were okay as there were callbacks to how the two of them were in the comics/movies. I couldn’t help but enjoy when Lois called Perry “chief”. Hopefully we’ll see Perry return for a few more episodes for the 10th season.
Lastly, the parts that involved Tess and Chloe respectively, we got some developement from them. Perhaps also set up for whatever is to come concerning them for the finale.
Now us fans can countdown for the end of season 9. The trailer for it was short but made more eager to see what they got in store. I mean, the last scene involving Clark and the image that was in his eye was enough. The season as a whole has been great and I predict that the finale will do a good job in wrapping it up.
As for the rating for the episode “Hostage”, I’ll give it a 4 out of 5.
Sacrifice and Hostage have been the best lead up episodes to a Smallville season finale in the history of the show. By the way but the final scene between Clark and Chloe in Hostage where she turned Watchtower back online might be one of my favorite moments of the series. This came from the fact that it was so wonderfully heartwarming and in the words of the great Steve Glosson, it gave me man tears sir, man tears.
Excellent episode! But what I didn’t understood was how did Lois knew about the Book of Rao, she said the her friend called him, so it is Zod again posing as the Blur? But the real Blur told her he won’t be calling again, so she didn’t mind then?
That got me thinking that maybe that note wasn’t for Clark, and it was confirmed with the season finale description…. OMG can’t wait
wow that was a episode!
I feel bad for Tess. :-(
It’s always so hard for me to express clearly how I felt about an episode the day after it airs. Usually, I need some time to think about it or I need to watch it a few times. So I feel like I’m going to miss some things with my initial comments.
I thought it was a beautiful episode but then again, I think this has been a good season from start to finish. It hasn’t been a perfect season. There have been things along the way that I didn’t care for or episodes that I liked more than others. But I have enjoyed this season very much.
Martha really touched my heart last night. I almost feel like this needed to be 2 episodes because there was just so much going on. Her grief in coming back to the farm was tangible. I felt like I could feel her pain. The moments between Martha and Clark were heart warming and touching. I liked hearing Clark say out loud that he thinks about his father every day. It’s funny because my own husband’s father died when he was 19 and after the episode I asked him if he still thinks about his father every day and he said yes….he does. For at least a few minutes every day he thinks about him.
The scene when Perry stood in the doorway in Jonathan’s jacket with the sunlight in the background was just gut wrenching. Who wasn’t wishing for Jonathan to just magically appear in that moment?
The scene in the kitchen between Martha and Lois was sincere and emotional in a different way. These two have always had a bond. Martha has always sort of understood Lois on a deeper level. In many ways, Lois is a lot like Martha. They were both city girls that fell in love with a boy from a farm. Their lives took them both in directions that they weren’t expecting in the name of love. And remember….they both have soft spots for “strays.” :) What Martha had to share Lois needed to hear. She needed her mother figure (and let’s face it…Martha is Lois’ mother figure) to tell her to look inside herself. She needed someone to remind her that she couldn’t look outside of herself to find fulfillment.
Perry was amazing in this episode. He was touching in his scenes with Martha. That scene on the porch with Clark was so mature and so comfortable. Who would have ever known that Michael McKean had only done 1 episode before? Didn’t it feel like he just belonged there? Perry and Lois played off each other very well. They both have those oddly quirky personalities and you could understand why Perry will come to be the “father figure” in Lois’ life down the line. He understands her and respects her and can provide some of that support and wisdom that she never got from her own father.
Chloe finally apologized last night and as I promised many times before….I forgave her as an audience member right along with Clark. My only quibble was that I wished the show had the courage to just have her flat out say she was wrong as opposed to using the justification that she was trying to save the world. Yes, her intentions were good but her actions were still wrong. BUT—I did really appreciate the honest emotions last night and the way she was able to verbalize her regret over the way she had shut herself off. I wish it had come earlier in the season but I’m relieved and happy that the writers finally went there. Now, I can support Chloe again. So yay for that. As predicted Clark forgave Chloe and reassured her that he needed her. And you know what? OF COURSE HE DID, folks. Was there ever any doubt that Clark would forgive her? Clark is the most gracious, most humble, most forgiving man in the world. He would never turn his back on a friend. He would offer them his forgiveness and offer them affection and friendship. He reacted exactly as I would expect Superman to react.
Yes, the Clark and Lois break-up was painful. I know a lot of people in the fandom feel heartbroken and upset about it. I just hope that people can hang in there and understand that all relationships go through rough patches. Even people who love each other can have bad days. It’s going to be OK.
Honestly, I have extreme sympathy for both Clark and Lois right now. We need to try and see this from their perspectives.
Poor Lois still has no idea WHY Clark always seems so distant from her. Clark admitted to his mother last night that he’s deeply in love with Lois….but he’s been shutting her out folks. She has NO IDEA why he’s been shutting her out. What else is she to think other than that maybe he just doesn’t love her or isn’t as invested in their future or finding a purpose? Can anyone blame Lois for feeling lost?
We the audience know that Clark is struggling to hold it together and feeling incredibly torn over the two sides of his life. But Lois doesn’t know that. We have more knowledge than she does. It’s not fair to judge Lois based on what WE know. Lois had to figure out what her purpose was in life. You can’t love another person if you don’t love yourself. Lois had to love herself before she could truly be in a relationship with Clark. She had to look inside of herself and find her own self-worth before she could truly offer her life to someone else. This was good writing and a great step forward for Lois’ character. She’s going to be Superman’s wife. She HAS to have a strong sense of self or how else is she ever going to have the strength to stand next to the strongest man in the world as an equal?
And of course….I felt for Clark last night. My heart broke for him. He loves Lois but he’s so torn right now between his two worlds that he just doesn’t know what to do. I think Martha gave him some good advice. He needs to tell her the truth. He needs to open himself up to her and really show her both sides of himself. He can’t keep offering her only half of himself. Clearly….that wasn’t working. Martha’s grief over Jonathan and Perry’s realization that love was what mattered created an interesting parallel to Clark’s difficult situation. He’s so close to having everything he’s ever wanted but he’s still scared. Here’s hoping he finds the courage next week to show the person he loves both sides of himself.
I’m sure there were people who were surprised at the lengths Martha was willing to go to as the Red Queen. But then again, we need to think about to the early seasons and the lengths that Jonathan was willing to go to to protect his only child. Can we really say that a mother or father wouldn’t do whatever they had to if it meant saving the life of their child? I have no doubt that Martha would gladly give her own life if it meant protecting her child. And she owned up to what she had done in the end. She was very sympathetic and it was a powerful scene.
This episode set up a lot of things for next week. I’m anxious to see how it all will play out. Probably the most excited I’ve ever been for a finale of Smallville.
I will add this though quickly:
I know a lot of fans got very nervous last night when Erica Durance (who is such a sweetheart by the way) made a comment about the “triangle” continuing into next season.
I hope to God that she was being coy.
Bad move, Smallville. Bad move. There are a lot of fans (and I’m not just talking Clois shippers…I’m talking general fans of the show who love CLARK and want to see CLARk written well) are going to be very very angry if Clark actively romances Lois as the Blur at this point. At this stage in the game, we should be DONE with that. He owes her the truth and romancing her without telling her the truth at this point makes him look like a jackass. Lois has already told the audiene that she’s in love with Clark and sees him as “the one”—so turning her back on him to go after the Blur at this point (even though, yes it’s still Clark) makes her look fickle.
Please Smallville. Please have the guts to have him tell her the truth. A lot of people feel like this has been the best version of the “Triangle” ever written because it has painted them both in a sympathetic light. But all of that will go down the drain if they try to dredge up this “triangle” BS next year. Please don’t go there Smallville. Because I’m predicting Henry James Olsen level backlash if you do.
Once again Anne Coffell Saunders and Jordan Hawley proved why they are my favorite writers on SV right now. They did an outstanding character study of each character in this episode and even hit the nail on the head for both Martha and Perry who they never wrote for before and then to have to create backstory that made sense and resonated with what happened before and what is happening currently. There were so many parallel between Martha, Perry, Clark and Lois. Martha and Perry served as guiding hands for Clark and Lois.
Lois and Clark broke up as it seemed to be inevitable but I don’t see either one of them giving up on this relationship. Clark definitely is not, especially from when Lois left the dinner table and what you saw when he watched Lois save Perry. He had a very “that’s my girl” look. Plus Lois’ words were very telling at the end that in past she would’ve jumped at the chance to run away from her problems but she wasn’t going to do it now. She had been set adrift at the end of Charade and needed to find out who she was. She’s independent and self-sufficient and she came to realization that she couldn’t rely on Clark or the Blur or anyone else for her to find her identity. She wasn’t going to let someone else define who she was, it had to come from within and isn’t that one of the running themes of SV. It echoes the words of Jonathan and Virgil Swann. Clark is still finding that. He’s close but he needs to find the right balance between Clark and Kal-El.
Lois and Clark definitely have to work things through but all relationships, even the best ones, run into obstacles, have rough times. However you certainly did not get the feeling that they never wanted to see each other again and neither took a vindictive swipe at each other that was meant to intentionally hurt.
The scenes between Clark and Martha were so beautiful and reminded of the past scenes of a mother and her son who she loves dearly and wants more than anything for her son to find happiness. I got so misty when Perry walked in with the firewood and Martha at first thought it was Jonathan. And wow, Pa Kent was all over this episode. This episode brought us back to the origins of SV – the family unit and it felt so comfortable and so right. The calm before the apocalypse.
Coffel and Saunders wrote an amazing scene with Chloe in WT and her admittance that she had been locking herself away and that she wanted to live again. AM sold that scene and I felt for Chloe so much.
Cassidy, what can I say, she was great as usual and I loved the way Winter filmed the hostage sequences – jerky and a bit unreal like. Tess truly is the woman without a country and it was so evident in her scene with Martha. She has no where to turn because of her very shady actions, making both sides question what side she is really on.
Just have to say, how fun was it to see Lois literally chasing after a lead. Her hopping up onto the Inquisitor newspaper dispenser, shimmying up the fire escape, climbing over rooftops to chase down that lead. What a great visual.
The final few seconds of the episode – wow did not see that one coming. In the words of Lois Lane – Twist.
Everyone was spot on but once again. Everyone brought their A game and Tom and Erica – They keep bringing more and more layers and depth to these two iconic characters.
I had to watch Hostage 2-3 times in order to really appreciate it. To be honest, I had really mixed feelings about this episode, especially when I was watching it for the first time and thinking to myself “Huh, I’ll have to watch it again to find out whether I like it or not.”
Now, after I’ve seen it a few times I can definitely say that I liked it – maybe not loved it like for instance Metallo, Idol or Charade (which are on the top of my list), but I have to say that it was a very solid episode.
Hostage places great emphasis on character emotional development – and I like and enjoy such episodes the most.
Some highlights for me:
*Perry and Lois – OMG! I loved their interaction! It was pure gold :)))
1) Lois saying “Who’s sorry now BIOTCH” while sending her photo with Perry to her high school journalism teacher – was priceless and freaking hilarious! I couldn’t stop laughing and I totally loved the way Erica delivered that line!
Also, I’d like to say that I don’t think that Lois’s interest in journalism was retconned in any way. Yes, I remember what she said in season 4 that she had no special interest in journalism, but what do we really know about her pre-Smallville high school days? –nothing much.
That’s why I think it’s highly probable that she had a teacher in high school who was a total bully and discouraged her from being interested in anything journalism-related. (Hey, when I was in high school I had a really bad experience with my Maths teacher, who was really scary – till this day I shudder when I think about anything Mathematics-related).
2) Also, I love the scene at the Talon and this bit of dialogue:
Perry: “Well, either you’ve been robbed or I’ve missed a hell of a party”
Lois: “My parties are never that good”
Perry: “You know, what that means don’t you?”
Lois: “We are officially a threat”
These two are kindred spirits!
3) Lois saving Perry!
“Look Lane if for some reason I don’t make it and you do…It’s not pretty but it has to be said…I think I deserve the first position on the by-line” – classic Perry White! And then “Great Caesar’s Ghost!” – I was waiting for that line! So happy to hear it! :)
Perry and Lois have great chemistry together, and I really hope that TPTB will decide to bring Perry back to the Daily Planet – I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.
*Martha and Clark
I’ve missed Annette O’Toole playing Martha sooo much! And I was totally heartbroken when she started to talk about Jonathan and how she missed him. To tell the truth, I almost cried during the scene when she thought that Jonathan was standing at the door. It was such an emotional moment, it reminded me of the ending scene in Vengeance when Martha watches the video with Jonathan and little Clark driving a tractor, and Jonathan says to the camera “Clark wave bye to Mommy son, bye, bye” – for me that was one of the most emotional scenes in the history of this show, I cried like baby when I was watching it…
I’m really glad that Clark had some heart to heart talk with his mother – I’ve really missed those honest, heart-warming moments…
There were also a few surprises for me:
* The significance of the Book of Rao – If the book of Rao is used to send the Kandorians away, all Kryptonians will be exiled from Earth including Clark. I didn’t expect this, but it was an interesting twist.
*Lois and Clark breaking up – for real. That was a surprise for me…
Yes, I’ve read some spoilers about that but I didn’t believe in them – lol!
Well, I was sooo in denial… :(
The breaking up scene between Lois and Clark in front of Perry and Martha – broke my heart…
But I have to say that I totally understand where Lois is coming from (she was on an emotional roller coaster especially after the events of Charade, so I’m not surprised that she was confused and was trying to figure out what she wanted).
And I also think that both Lois and Clark need some time to think over why they want to be in this relationship together – being in a serious relationship with sb is about trust and honesty. Clark has to tell Lois his secret just like Martha advised him: “If you want her back you’re going to take the next step in your relationship, otherwise you’ll have to let her go.”
So, right now I’m waiting for Salvation – I was hoping that Lois will learn Clark’s secret, but I’m not sure anymore if that’s what’s going to happen in the finale.
Oh, and it was totally Zod/fake Blur’s card, which was left for Lois…
*Chloe’s apology
I liked it. For the first time since the beginning of season 9 I really felt for Chloe and what she’s gone through. It was a good scene/ loved the music in the background (it was also used in Metallo in the scene between Clark and Chloe)
And finally Martha Kent as The Red Queen:
I really don’t know how to feel about this. I think that’s the only thing that bothers me in this episode, but that’s ok, I’ll get over it ;)
Can’t wait for Salvation! I’m trying not to keep my expectations too high – but it’s really difficult, especially after I saw the trailer in black and white – it was amazing!
@Joanna I had a horrid gym teacher that it didn’t take till 15 years later for me to love participating in a sport – tennis. So yeah, I could see it being pre Smallville.
I’m also like you, trying to keep my excitement contained for the finale but it’s really hard to do with that b/w trailer and the only color was the Superman crest reflected in Clark’s eye.
I forgot to mention I loved Lois saying the Superman line “I’ve got you”. I admit I squeed over that moment.
First of all, this is one of the only eps. that I didn’t get to watch when it originally aired. I’m going to have to watch this ep. again on either iTunes (via my iPod Classic or my iPhone 3G) or my PlayStation 3 to fully comprehend everything that went on.
First of all, wonderful guest performances by Annette O’Toole and Michael McKean in their iconic roles. I didn’t realize how much I missed Martha and quite frankly Jonathan until I watched this ep. The references to Jonathan pulled at my heart strings. The scene in the barn and especially the scene where Perry comes into the house with the firewood. :(
Annette O’Toole maybe her finest performance as Martha Kent post Jonathan’s passing. Her scenes with everyone were just fantastic especially loved her scenes with Tom and I loved her disbelief putting her apron back on and cooking in her kitchen. I also loved like everyone else did her connection with Lois and how Lois truly connected with someone who understood her angst. As far as Martha being The Red Queen. No issues with it, it makes perfect sense to me and I really enjoyed how Martha read Mercy like an E-Book and pretty much saw everything Mercy was trying to hide and saw through all her “tough girl” act. Before the series ends, I at least want to see Martha at least once more on Smallville.
Perry White, I didn’t know what I was going to get as far as he was concerned. On the other hand, boy did he impress me with all he had to do in this ep. Michael and Annette played really well off each other especially at the Dinner Table. One can see when Perry is interacting with Martha there is a real genuine sweetness and caring that of course from their real life marriage. Erica and Michael together was great for me as far as Superman mythology goes because one can see this father daughter type relationship begin to blossom and I can just tell Michael and Erica really enjoyed working together. Loved the callbacks to the ep. “Perry” back in the third season with Perry dangling on the side of the building and saying “I already tried that once before.” Referencing the bridge, I think it was the bridge in the ep. “Perry” Also, loved the reference to Perry’s drinking problems back in Season Three and lastly Perry referencing that he and Clark were even. I liked that because Derek and Steve were wondering from “Plastique” back in the eighth season, did Perry get him his original job at The Daily Planet. He didn’t, but we know for sure, this time he did. Releated to that, I like Lois saying to Perry “I won’t forget what you did for me.” So, maybe when he is up for the job of Editor and Chief Lois will go to bat for him.
Chloe’s apology, I’m a little surprised some people were stunned that she finally apologized. Maybe it was more stunned that it took this long for her to apologize. I kind of thought that it would take a long while and for WatchTower to be totally annihilated for her to step back from her Windows Computers and for her to actually see what she has done this past year to herself.
Very much in the last few days of Smallville Season Nine remind me of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer Season Six. Everyone finally realizing what they have done wrong and not knowing what this next Armageddon has in store for them.
This was an odd second to last ep. it was completely different than “InJustice” and much better than it, in my opinion. And it rivals “Oracle” I am not going to be able to watch the finale, live most likely, however the last scene of Martha telling Clark what the “Book of RAO” can do rivals Clark’s line in “Oracle” “Zod is coming.”
Five out of Five. Can’t wait to hear what the brain trust thinks of this ep. especially Derek and Steve. @Natasha what did you think, girl?
@Natasha thank you for the trailer! Again, I didn’t see the ep. live so, I didn’t see the trailer. My Lanta. This may be the best Season Finale since “Vessel.” Can’t wait to see this ep.
I’ll be honest that I didn’t know what to think about he episode at first because my stupid f$@&ing CW station had no sound for the first 45 minutes and I had to watch with closed captioning…not good when I can’t hear the inflection in the characters voices to gauge any kind of reaction out of me.
On second viewing, I loved it. I loved all of the Lois/Perry, Martha/Clark, Lois/Martha, and Clark/Perry scenes. Everyone was spot on and I LOVED the continuity from Perry and the reasons why Martha hasn’t really been back to Smallville since she left for Washington.
And, sorry but I LOVE not only that Martha is the RQ, but the very sound reasoning behind it. Well, I bought it anyway, lol.
@ Joanna, I love what you said abou Lois’ teacher possibly bein the reason she initially was against journalism. I now adopt that reasoning as official canon.
Re: Chloe’s apology. It’s about time, and as promised, I forgive her. And the thing I loved most is how utterly Clark-like Clark was when he accepted her apology. He is so my Superman.
I don’t want to talk about the Clois breakup because I’m still hurting even though I kinda saw it coming. But what I did love was that Clark, unlike his past self, did not at all act like he was giving up on Lois and he never once questioned “what if she isn’t the one?” And he basically got Martha’s blessing to tell Lois his secret, which seemed like a sticking point in his other relationships. But at the same time, he heard what Lois was saying about needing a purpose, so when it came to saving Perry on that building, he stood back and let her do it on her own, and that look of pride on his face like “that’s my girl” was so so sweet that I have no doubt (even if I didn’t know the end game) hat they’ll find their way back. Even at the end with Lois and Perry at the DP, Lois said Clark’s name not with derision or like “I can’t believe I ever loved you” kind of dismissal, but rather with warmth and caring. It’s little things like this that make the break-up all hurty, but without it feeling permanent or long lasting. And I mean in the Ross/Rachel kind of long lasting, (6 SEASONS, lol).
And obviously it was Zod that sent that note. It was a nice little misdirection, but when Clark told Lois in Charade that anyone else that contacts her as the Blur that she shouldn’t trust it, I believed him.
Last but not least, Tess. After everything was revealed to be in her head, it made the direction and camera work of the hostage scenes that much more brilliant. At first I thought they were just using the same type of cinematography as the Tess/Zod/Kandorians scenes in Savior, but they got me and I love when SV tricks me.
And you know how else they got me? That twist about the Book of Rao exiling all Kryptonians. Wow. Now I’m excitedly nervous about the finale.
I give this ep a solid 4.5 out of 5, which may go up to 5 out of 5 if the finale is as amazing as that trailer looked.
Love everyone’s comments on the episode! This is one that I have to watch again to see how I feel the second time around.
@Woo, I totally agree with you about Annette. She played the grief with so much raw emotion that I was totally blown away. I mean…my God. You could just feel the loss that she felt being that house. It broke my heart.
@Natasha, That scene where Lois is pulling Perry up the building and Clark is watching was very well acted by Tom. I loved that he was there if she needed him but he didn’t just dive in right away. He stood there and let her try and do it herself. Had Lois had trouble Clark would have been there in a second but he was giving her the chance to stand on her own. I loved it. And the look on his face was pure gold. He loves her and it showed.
@ Natasha:
*About Martha aka The Red Queen
Oh, I totally understand the reasoning behind Martha becoming The Red Queen and trying to protect Clark – that’s not what bugs me so much. I guess, my problem is that I can’t really buy the fact that she’s gained so much power. When you start to think about it she’s become more powerful than Checkmate – and that’s HUGE! It’s just something that bothers me – but hey, that’s ok ;)
@ Natasha and @ kimmie –
*about Lois’s interested in journalism pre-Smallville
I’ve read some comments on other boards made by people who were outraged that Lois was depicted as someone who was interested in journalism pre-Smallville days, which according the them was against the show’s canon and was a total retcon.
As I wrote before in my post, I think that it’s highly probable that Lois had some journalism lessons, and a very nasty teacher. And I can totally imagine the following situation taking place between Lois and Mrs Kreismann (I think that was her name?):
Teacher: Lane, I’ve read your article and there are a few things we need to discuss…
Lois: Well, I’ve put a lot of effort into writing this story and I… (she is interrupted abruptly)
Teacher: LANE! What in the world were you THINKING!? Is that what you call an ARTICLE?
Lois: Well…
Teacher: Think Lane, THINK!
Lois: Ummm…
Teacher: Sorry Lane, but that’s not an ARTICLE – that’s utter RUBBISH! And for your information my six year old son’s writing is sooo much better than yours!
Lois: Hey, wait a minute…
Teacher: Look at THIS Lane – is THIS what you call English spelling? And your punctuation? Ugh, utterly DREADFUL… Lane, what did you THINK? That you’re Perry White or something? Oh, no, you DID think that? – that’s a good one! Oh my, I’m so sorry…hahaha…
After taking the final blow Lois is standing like a stone, her face shows no emotion, but her blood is boiling… She’s ready – ready to explode…
Lois: Umm, Mrs Kreismann?
Teacher: Yes?
Lois: Yeah, maybe my spelling is crappy and writing skills not so perfect. But you know what? You’re not the best person to teach this subject either. I didn’t even like your classes in the first place, and after today, journalism is on my “no-no’s” list. So… don’t expect to see me here again. Have a nice day!
She walks out of classroom, slamming doors angrily.
Mrs Kreismann is shocked, she’s not accustomed to any sign of defiance.
Teacher: LANE! LANE! How rude…
After a moment of silence Mrs Kreismann takes the list of attendance and mutters to herself: “Lois Lane: FAILED!”
The End.
Hehehe – that’s how I imagine it happened…what a horrible, horrible teacher!
@Joanna: LOL. I was thinking it was highly probable that Lois took journalism as an elective, even if just because it was better than any of the alternatives (she can’t draw, play an instrument, and she’d drop dead before taking Home-Ec). But then Mrs. Whatsherface killed any interest Lois might have had early on. It’s okay Joanna, fanwanking can be fun :D.
@Joanna great little drabble there. but yeah, I can see that happening with Lois and totally turning her off from anything that smelled like journalism. Probably the only thing that made working at the Torch tolerable was being able to hang out with her cousin and although she probably kept it hidden, hashing out stories with Clark and most likely needling and of course annoying Clark about the articles he wrote.
This morning I was rewatching Perry and it was really fascinating to watch after seeing the dynamic of Perry and Lois. I found a lot of similarities in their approach to a story and their interaction with Clark. There were times were I could have just as easily had heard Lois saying something that Perry said, i.e. “Hi Perry White. I’d like a triple cappuccino, one of those glazed cruellers and . . . an interview.” Couldn’t you hear Lois say something similar in her mack truck barreling through a barricade kind of way.
I will say one line Perry said to Lana that really stood out to me, “Sometimes I let my enthusiasm for a story outweigh my good sense.” This reminded me of Lois’ line in Stiletto about allowing the Lois fast lane ramps into cruise control and gets away from her.
Perry and Lois really are kindred souls.
I just re-watched some of “Hostage” on my PlayStation 3, (BTW, the episode is up on PlayStation Network, Zune Marketplace, and is Number Six on Apple iTunes.) I have to tell you, watching Perry show up in Jonathan’s jacket, one almost hopes that it was Jonathan in the jacket and the look on Martha’s face. Heartbreaking… I just realized, the timing of this ep. good planning and I don’t know if Kelly and Brian planned this ep. to air on Mother’s Day (BTW Happy Mother’s Day SHoEligans) but good planning on them to have this ep. air Mother’s Day Week.
@Joanna that was probably my favorite line of the ep. Lois texting her teacher on her Palm Pre the picture of her and Perry together and Lois calling her former teacher a “Bee-otch.” LOL.
So can we talk about something on here for a second?
It seems as though there are a lot of people in the fandom who, in my opinion, are being overly harsh on Lois for ending the relationship in this episode. I know everyone is going to come at this from their own perspective and I respect that….but I have to come right out and say that I just don’t understand why anyone needs to be “blamed” for this. To me, both Clark AND Lois came off extremely sympathetic and I fail to understand why in this particular circumstance people need to take “sides.”
I’ve heard a lot of people ask this question. “I understand that Lois needs to find herself….but why can’t she do that in a relationship?”
Yes, of course, it is possible to chase after dreams and follow one’s ambition within the context of a healthy relationship with a partner who openly encourages you and supports you in that quest. The problem is that at the start of “Hostage”….the relationship wasn’t healthy and Clark was not being supportive at all. Lois admitted to him that she felt as though her life was falling apart and he told her that she was over-reacting and then flat out told her to “give me a break.” Think about that for a second. How would YOU feel if the person who was supposed to love you told you to “give them a break” when you admitted that you felt lost?
Now, don’t get me wrong. I am intensely sympathetic to where Clark was coming from. He feels so torn right now between the two sides of his life. He was stressed about finding the Book of Rao and the impending war with Zod. I completely understand why he was a bit dismissive. But Lois doesn’t know that. Why are people judging Lois from THEIR VANTAGE POINT? It’s completely unfair. We, the audience, have so much more information than Lois does. Lois was looking for a PARTNER in this episode and Clark was shutting her out. From Lois’ perspective, Clark just didn’t care what she was going through and wasn’t willing to let her in on whatever it is that was distracting him.
The scene was actually a mirror to the Clois scene in “Doomsday” last year. Last year, Lois was emotional and upset and desperate to find Chloe. She looked to Clark for emotional support and help and Clark shut her out. Now, we the audience knew that Clark was trying to protect himself and Lois. He was torn over the possibility that he would be killed in the fight with Doomsday and so he put up the “forcefield” and shut Lois out. Instead, he reached out to her as the Red Blue Blur and comforted her through that persona. But as Clark Kent…he shut her out.
Martha’s speech to Lois about finding her purpose working with Jonathan to stop the flood mirrors this idea as well. Martha explained that she found her purpose when she worked side by side with Jonathan to help those families. The problem is….Clark is not allowing Lois to work side by side with him. He’s shutting her out from one whole side of his life. How can Lois see him as a supportive partner when he keeps shutting her out?
Clark tells his mother that he has fallen deeper in love with Lois talking to her as the Blur but that Lois keeps that side of herself closed off from him as Clark Kent. And I can understand that. But Clark is doing the same thing. He’s not offering his entire self up to Lois either.
The sad part is that these two people desperately need each other but they need ALL of each other. Giving each other only half of themselves was not working.
The ball is in Clark’s court here. Martha was dead on with her advice. Clark either has to let Lois in completely or he has to let her go.
As for breaking up with him at the dinner table? Yes, the timing was bad. But then again….sometimes that’s just what happens in life. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us and we break down at a time and place that we didn’t intend to. Is there anyone out there who can truly say that they have always acted appropriately at all times? Because anyone who tries to claim that is, in my opinion, lying to themselves. We have ALL had moments where maybe we said the wrong thing at the wrong time. But oh no…let’s crucify Lois for doing it at the dinner table. The truth is that it was wrong for Clark to ask Lois to lie to his mother. Lois was uncomfortable with the charade but she did it so that he could save face. It just reached a point at the table where she couldn’t lie anymore. I felt terrible for Clark in that scene but I understood where Lois was coming from.
You know, I know that we all have our favorite characters on this show. Some people love certain characters more than others. I think it’s natural that we tend to look at the show from our favorite character’s point of view. But I also think that this can serve as a detriment at times because if you ONLY look at the show through one character’s POV at all times you miss half of what is going on. I’m not sayng that you can’t have disagreements about a character. For example, I understood Chloe’s POV this year regarding why she was shutting herself off in Watchtower but I still thought she was wrong and owed Clark an apology. I understood Oliver’s POV when he wanted to commit suicide earlier in the season but I still felt that Clark was wise and correct in everything that he shared with Oliver.
Obviously, I know that this is Clark’s show and so consequently, his POV is most important. I think people know by now how much I go to bat for Clark and his role on this show. But it is, in my opinion, it’s simply unfair to only look at this break-up through his eyes. It’s equally important to try and look at it through Lois’ perspective. From her perspectve, Clark was dismissive and unencouraging towards her pain in the beginning of the episode. He wasn’t treating her like a partner nor was he encouraging her or hugging her or doing the things that a loving boyfriend should do when you are feeling down. Clark has no problem telling Lois how much he believes in her as the Blur….but when is he going to do it as CLARK? Lois needs to hear that from CLARK in order to know how much he cares.
I just think this is a much more complicated situation than people are making it out to be. Why does anyone have to be the bad guy here? Why can’t we be sympathetic to both of them as opposed to paining the one person as the villian in what is an extremely difficult situation?
Just thought I’d bring it over here for discussion.
There are some things, which I forgot to mention when I wrote about Hostage. So, here are a few additional thoughts:
*Lois and Martha scene in the kitchen
I cannot even express how much I loved Martha’s story about going down to the river with Jonathan, and working together with him all night…it was such a beautiful memory. And when she said, “I didn’t know what my purpose really was until that rainy day. I just needed to look inside myself” it was so uplifting and inspiring…and you can clearly see that Martha’s personal story had made an impression on Lois – what a great scene!
@Natasha:
*Tess and her scenes with Maxwell Lord
Oh, I so agree with you about the direction and camera work of the Hostage scenes, which were taking place in Tess’s head!
At first I was really shocked by the violence and sense of intrusion which pervaded these claustrophobic scenes, but afterwards when it was revealed what was really happening – everything made perfect sense! I was really impressed by Glen Winter’s work…
@kimmie:
*Perry/Lois similarities
Yeah, Perry and Lois are truly kindred spirits! :)
When I was re-watching their scene at the Daily Planet when Perry says to Lois “We make a good team kid” and then adds “So what do you say kid? Africa?” some part of me wanted to hear Lois say “Let’s go!.” You know, I’d love to see more of Lois/Perry action ;) Can you imagine their adventures in Africa? They’d be soo much fun to watch…
But I’m happy that Lois chose to stay in Metropolis and face her problems. It shows that her character undergoes significant growth and progression – and I love it :)
@MJ :
The problem is that Lois doesn’t know Clark’s secret – and that is the major obstacle in their relationship, which won’t miraculously disappear. Clark needs to reveal himself to Lois – there’s no going back. If he’s ready to be in a serious relationship with the woman he loves, he needs to share his secret identity with her… But the question is: is he ready? I’m not so sure about it. I think he’s still confused about himself. Clark sees himself as two separate identities: The Blur/alien/hero and Clark Kent/human/reporter.
Sharing only one side of himself with Lois while shutting her out from his other side is unfair and cruel. And Lois is drawn to both sides of him, which makes perfect sense because in the Smallville universe both sides of Clark are equally important. The ultimate journey of our hero is to find the balance between those two sides.
That’s why I understand the decision made by TPTB to break them up. This status quo between them cannot last for long. He needs to tell her his secret or let her go.
As I wrote before, I can totally see where Lois is coming from, and I understand why she decided to break up with Clark. I remember the scene in Charade when Lois was ready to tell Clark that she was helping the Blur. She wanted to be honest with him because she loved him and she understood that keeping secrets from sb you love is not good.
As for Clark? I don’t think that he meant to reveal his secret to Lois. Yes, he was considering telling her. And then when he learnt about the fake Blur he almost told her, but he was pushed to do it, pressured to reveal himself.
I want to see Clark telling Lois his secret because he truly wants to share his life with her, and not because he’s forced to do it.
But that’s just my opinion.
@Joanna, you and I are on the same page. That’s what I want as well. I’m hoping that the show has the guts to go there. I just feel like “truth” is the only thing that makes sense at this point from Clark.
I loved this episode as a hole plus these little,but strong moments..some emotional,some funny..people have mentioned them already,I can only agree;Martha being back on the farm,heartwarming talks with Clark,one of her famous I digg you plus advice talk with Lois,memories of Jonathan,Clark thinking about his dad every day.
And I got what I’d been waiting for..Chloe finally breaking down..realizing her mistakes,what she’d done and regreting it..she was only trying to help Clark in her own way,it’s all been done with best intenciones..but road to hell..you know..anyway I can now like her character again and that’s cool!
Mostly it suprised me how much fun I had watching this episode..I mean Lois and Perry..haha what a team they were hilarious, especially Perry,he’s the Perry we all know..”Great Caesar’s Ghost!” line..Lois’;”Whoe’s sorry now BIATCH!..The hole scene in her apartment,then;”They did a really bad number on your closet!”..;”No,it’s always like that!”..references to”Perry”..Lois calling him Chief,the interaction between those two was just briliant..SO hilarious!
As far as Lois&Clark break up..suprisingly I didn’t take it that bad at all..that’s what I don’t see the same way as most of you,or feel about.It just doesn’t seem that serious or dramatic to me,maybe I’m wrong maybe I should watch it again.To me,although THE WORD break up was used,it seemed just as a spur of a moment thing..everything that’s been boiling,and I don’t mean dinner,culminated,exploded at the dinner!And considering the hole act and pretending plus things bottled up..considering Lois’ character it kinda had to happen,or atleast could’ve been expected!
And don’t get me wrong..I feel for both of them.I can totaly understand Lois’ side in it too,I don’t blame her..I’ve actually expected her reacting worse even before it went down.I somehow assumed she would act differently and they would be on a break from the beginning of the episode.But no!She totaly suprised me..she was actually putting an effort into maintaining their relationship..quite enthusiasticaly,while Clark on the other hand and for understandable reasons,this is looking from Lois’ perspective., was being distant,was shutting her out at the time he should have been the biggest support,because her life was falling apart!Just imagine..she has no money,no job,no purpose in life,has to start all over again and is doing everything to change that,is giving their relationship a chance at the same time,is willing to share everything with Clark..I’m talking about the story that could bring them back in the game..and he doesn’t even wanna look at it,instead he’s absent ,distant ,shutting her out..furthermore he seems like he’s doing virtualy nothing while THEIR career and life is falling to pieces!In other words,unlike her he seems completely uninvested in their relationship..not only that,but he tells her she is overreacting and should give him a break..funny..Superman telling Lois;”Give me a break!”Anyway that’s looking from her perspective of course..Little does she know that the weight and the future of the entire world is upon his shoulders..talking about having no purpose and nothing to do ha!!
The point is I totaly understand her reaction,while feeling for him of course,but that’s his crazy life..so if he wants her in it he needs to listen to his mother and be honest with her,or let her go!
I don’t believe he’s gonna let her go and as I already said I don’t see this break up so seriously or as something permanent..don’t believe either of them has given up on that relationship.It’s just a matter of a really bad timing!
Also as someone mentioned that little scene with him beeing on a roof top while Lois was saving Perry ready to jump in to help if neccesary,but holding back letting her do it on her own..the expresion on his face while looking at her..priceless!Exelently delivered from Tom plus moments like that make him more and more supermanly all the time.
The Book of Rao and the implications about its use..wow!That opens up some interesting plot points for the finale..it’s gonna be wild,it’s gonna be out there,talking about everything that awaits us..right now I’m mostly thinking about a trailer for ‘Salvation’..and the reflection of that red blue Superman simbol in Clarks eye!
@Joanna and MJ..I hope the same thing you do..Clark telling Lois the truth,hole truth and nothing but the truth on his own free will,not because he’s forced to somehow..I’ve already told that..it would make him even greater as a character and closer to the superman ideal he’s been progressing toward within the realm of this show.I obviously agree ther’s no bad guys in this break up and understand Lois’ side,especially cause he hasn’t been giving her even the HALF of him and at the worst posible time..she was ready to be with only half of him,only Clark Kent,but the CK she knew and fell in love with..the problem is he hasn’t given her even that much,but had instead been preocupied and distant..shutting her out without any explanation.The thing is he’s not perfect nor will he be as a Superman,because although so very powerfull,he isn’t a God among men,even if he sometimes can seem godlike like some sort of mesiah.
Nonetheless his destiny is to be the ’saviour’ of the world against this alien treath in the upcoming apocalypse,so in the face of that.. Lois’ problems may have seemed quite meaningless and that’s why he reacted the way he did,but the problem is he shouldn’t have cause she doesn’t know about that! He made a mistake and realized it..from what Lois knows,as far as she’s concerned her problems are huge and she thaugth they were their mutual problems,so she just couldn’t understand why he’d been behaving like it’s no big deal and of course with him not being his usual,unerstanding,supportive and proactive self which he is even as “only” Clark Kent,what else could she have concluded other than he’s not inerested in sharing and honest relationship!
That’s the noise in their comunication channel,so I agree..the only fair and right thing for him to do is to tell her the truth and I sure hope it happens cause anything else would be going back to where we already was and have been through..instead of naturally progressing the show’s story!!