Robin’s “Salvation” Review
Well, it’s been over a month since the finale aired, and if there are any images that still echo in our minds, it would have to be from the first few minutes, where Clark has a prophetic dream of 2013. I absolutely loved the easter egg they threw in, showing a tiny Superman stopping a plane from crashing into the Daily Planet. Scenes like that were made for the pause function on my DVR. We also find that Lex is alive and running for president and the Dalai Lama is fond of Lois. I would have to say that my only complaint of this scene is that Lois looked a lot like Sarah Palin and did a lot of screaming at offscreen characters like Perry and Jimmy. I mean, I’m glad to know they are working at the Planet in 2013, but is it any more obvious that the actors aren’t really there? The producers should have planned ahead and shot a quick Perry scene while McKean was on the set for Hostage, and why not cast a young guy to play Superman’s pal? It’s not like he would be needed for Season 10. Just saying…
And hey, fun fact: “In Superman the Movie, when Jor-El (Marlon Brando) takes the young Clark (played by Jeff East) on his journey through the 28 known Galaxies he says that 12 earth years will have passed. This is when we first see Superman in the movie, so there is significance that Clark’s dream sequence at the start of the episode takes place in 2013 (12 years after Smallville first started).” – from Smallville Wiki.
Clark wakes up and finds a present from his mother – the suit! Let’s hope he suits up for Season 10. The trenchcoat has worn its welcome. Although the Connor Kent-inspired t-shirt look Clark sports at the end of the episode looked cool. Maybe we could get a red shield on the shirt though? That’s my Tim Gunn report. On with the rest of the episode!
Nearby on a gothic patio high above the streets of Metropolis, Lois finally gets to meet the person she’s been talking to on the phone. “FBI Agent” Zod reveals himself to be the Blur and warns Lois that Clark is not who he says he is. At Watchtower, Chloe, still sporting her green jacket, awkwardly talks to Oliver about the upcoming war of the worlds. They are still not being truthful about how much they care for each other. After Oliver hangs up, Clark shows up with the Book of Rao. When Clark tells her that it means exile for all Kryptonians, Chloe starts to think that maybe Clark’s destiny is to lead his people off the planet.
At the Fortress, Zod bellows away at the silent Jor-El. Before he destroys the crystals, Tess steps out from behind a glacier. She admits that she has seen the error of her ways and is looking for redemption. Zod throws her against the wall and denies her forgiveness. But Tess was talking about her conversation with Martha, not Zod. She pulls out some krypto-knuckles and beats him. He catches her monologuing though, as he crawls far enough away from her weapon to get to his feet and set her ablaze with his heat vision.
When Clark shows up, he also bellows at his mute biological father. He argues that his destiny is on Earth, and if all the training was just so he could help Zod, then it was no use. Zod steps out from what I am assuming might have been the Bathroom of Solitude and tells Clark that he can’t stop him. Clark notices the console was destroyed. He debates with Zod over whether war is actually necessary, and to not make a mistake like the murder of Faora again. He even says that he was able to find redemption after he caused the death of Jonathan. But Zod is sure of his destiny and takes off. Clark finds the char-broiled body of Tess Mercer being preserved in the cold.
At the Daily Planet, Lois snoops into Clark’s computer and finds a picture of Zod when she does a search for the Blur. At Met Gen, a strange old woman knits in the hallway as Clark looks in on Tess. Two Face Mercer apologizes to Clark and says that she wanted to stop Zod. She tells him to open the Book of Rao, he should use crystals she got from the rubble of Rao Towers. She left them in his “crow’s nest”, which I guess is the gothic patio that we have seen Clark hanging out on now and then. She tells him he is out of time.
Now we get to see a pretty cool montage of Kandorians hanging out at famous landmarks, burning the seal of Zod into them and setting them on fire. Pretty good CGI, I would say, but I was disappointed we didn’t get to see one of them burn Zod’s image into Mount Rushmore. I would say this episode was a total win if that happened. But, according to Chloe, even with all the destruction, the military is under the impression that this is all a hoax. Are they not getting live footage of this chaos? Where’s Geraldo when you need him?
At Watchtower, the two teams of superheroes, Justice Society and Justice League, are talking on an epic video conference call. It’s funny to think of how they set these cameras up. Stargirl is a big fan of patriotism, so she set up a flowing American flag in the background. Hawkman, who is in Giza, and also has some ties to Egypt, figured that his feed should have sweet hieroglyphics behind him. Cyborg loves technology, so he stationed himself in front of some screens with technostuff on it. Black Canary and Martian Manhunter have hit the streets and set up a link from respective dusky warehouses. It just cracks me up when I start to think about the scenes we don’t see on Smallville.
Anyway, the teams argue over what course of action to take. Clark joins the debate and tells them he has decided to use the Book of Rao to lead them all off Earth. He asks the heroes to accept his destiny to protect the world as a team. Oliver tells Clark he should tell Lois everything before he goes. Clark thinks it would hurt Lois, but Oliver tells him he should at least say goodbye.
The Kandorians cut off communications from Watchtower to the rest of the heroes by taking down the satellites (so much for our TV shows). This is when Oliver reveals a gift he has been hiding from Chloe, Watchtower’s own personal satellite. Oliver takes off to flip the switch at “the Earth station” to turn the satellite on after giving Chloe a (final?) kiss.
Lois continues on her snooping mission by looking through Clark’s things at the barn. She finds Dr. Swann’s journal, with the drawing of the Book of Rao. Clark shows up to say goodbye. He tells Lois that she is the one he has always needed. Lois tells Clark that Perry offered her a job in Kenya. After gathering himself, Clark throws on a smile and congratulates her. Lois admits she will give up Africa if they stop with the secrets. Clark tells her he doesn’t know what she is talking about. Clark gives her a hug and sends her on her way. Cold, but it was needed.
Meanwhile, Tess is fighting for her life in the hospital. She loses though, and the old woman goes in to her room….Chloe and Oliver communicate through radio handsets as Oliver goes through ventilation shafts to turn on the satellite. But Oliver is swarmed all of a sudden, and after they quickly exchange their declarations of love for each other, he tells her that they are not Kandorians! And that, ladies and gents, is the beginning of the end of the season finale. The cliffhangers have begun!
At the crow’s nest, Clark, finds the crystals that Tess hid, but realizes Lois swiped the Book of Rao from him. At a phone booth nearby, Lois meets with Zod to deliver the Book. Lois admits how hurt she is over Clark. Zod tries to console her by putting a hand on her shoulder. When she touches it, she realizes that it’s not the same hand she felt in Charade. She immediately starts to tell Zod that she hid the book where she confessed to the Blur he was the most important person in her life. Zod realizes the jig is up and throws Lois into the phone booth. But before she crashes completely through it, Clarks superspeeds in, clocks Zod and grabs Lois. He sets her to the ground before she comes to her senses. She stands up, looking around, and sees the real Blur in the shadows. She hands the Book of Rao off to him, and he whisks her into his arms and kisses her. After he leaves her, she realizes that the Blur is Clark Kent. Zing! Cliffhanger #3!
At the crow’s nest, Clark confronts Zod. The other Kandorians land on the building all around him. Clark tells them that the Book of Rao won’t hurt them. It will bring them to another place where they can live in peace. Clark talks about what happened when Faora wanted to leave him. Zod, in a fury, grabs Clark and whispers that Faora was a traitor and he didn’t want to kill his own child. Bad move, Zod, when you are surrounded by people with super hearing! Zod tries to argue his case more, but the Kandorians start to rip their Zod Fan Club armbands off. Vala asks Clark to take them home, where they can deal with Zod.
Clark places the book into the crystals as the Kandorians are taken away by a bright light. Zod pulls out Plan B, a dagger made of blue kryptonite, which neutralizes his and Clark’s powers and makes them mortal. As the rain falls, Clark and Zod beat the everliving snot out of each other. Zod slashes Clark with the dagger. Clark gives him an awesome slow motion uppercut. Zod gives Clark a Guy Ritchie jawbreaker and knocks him through some stained glass. Zod tries to stab Clark with the dagger, but Clark holds him back. Zod declares that everyone on this planet, including Lois, will kneel before him.
Clark tells Zod, “You already destroyed my first home. I won’t let you take this one.” He takes the dagger into the gut willingly and stumbles backward off the side of the building, smiling. Zod, out of range of the blue kryptonite, becomes Kryptonian again and is accepted into the golden light of the Book of Rao. He screams as he is taken away. Meanwhile, cliffhanger #4 arrives, as Clark falls from the roof, evoking religious symbolism. Clark is victorious, but as he said earlier to Hawkman: “At what cost?” Bring on Season 10!!
Great recap! I have to say, after rewatching all my dvd’s, Salvation has the most epic cliffhangers. The only one with more is the montage in Covenant.
This was a great review. But I just can’t help but think, how far Smallville has actually come. I look back to the first season finale, Tempest, and there we have Clark STILL in Smallville STILL in highschool and he has bearly put a dent into thinking about his Kryptonian heritage whereas now in this season finale we see him out of highschool and college and hopefully still working at the Daily Planet, he has somewhat of a suit, and he has met dozens of his own heritage. Look how far they have come and guess what? ONE MORE SEASON!!!!!!
great review as Ian said it is amazing how far they have come. my only worry is how they can contain Clark from putting on the suit and not becoming Superman and not seem filler for twenty episodes.
Well look at how they have handeled introducing each power. They have used one episode for each power. However he has not learned his iconic superpower yet, FLYING. There are three possiblities as to how I think they will handle the season:
1. Spend the whole season with clark learning how to fly.
2. For the first part of the season, leading up to the winter break, Clark learns how to fly then finish of the season with Clark trying to become Superman.
In my opinion I hope they go with the second option because I believe that there are a load of stories to make out of it.
Awesome review. Very well done!
I agree with the other comments when I say that this was a great review for what was a great season finale. When you look back at the entire series you have to admit that Smallville has changed since the beginning but at the same time kept things throughout the show.
As for the hopeful possibility of Clark finally flying next season, I like the suggestions that Ian gave. I would even like to see when the show goes into it mid season hiatus have Clark at least start to hover off the ground and then maybe during the second to last or at the start of the final episode have him full-fledged flying. Just my opinion.
Anthony, I think the final shot of the mid season finale should be Clark just barely hovering and then shoot to the credits. That would be pretty good.
Also for the series finale (if this is indeed the last season) I think it would be pretty cool if they did the final scene with Clark and Lois on the roof of the Daily Planet with Clark in the suit but just show his back and him and Lois start trying to come up with a name for him and then Lois says “Supe-” and Clark flies off of the roof (just showing his back still) before she finishes saying the name and then shoot to the Title: SMALLVILLE for one final time
@Ian
That would be a good way to wrap up things for the series. The ending that Derek mentioned in a previous SHoE episode was something I would liked seeing more.
Whether we actually have Clark being called Superman is something that might not happen. I’m up in the air about if Clark should be seen the suit in whatever fashion. Maybe having Lois handing over the cape to him would be all right.
Perhaps the final moments is a long shot of the top of the Daily Planet then a red blur flying in the sky. The blur then heads to the camera where we get a brief, a second or two, image of the Superman shield before the screen goes to black. Only an idea so take it whatever way you want to.
@Anthony
That’s even better than my idea.
For some strange reason I just dont want them to ever say “Superman”. If they said that then what would be the point of calling the show Smallville, unless they did say it and instead of having the final shot say “SMALLVILLE” it could say “SUPERMAN” in the exact same style. But I prefer they just not say it.
I don’t want them to say the word “Superman” I can’t explain why either, but it won’t feel Smallville-ish! Even tho I could accept the season finale tittle being “Superman”.
So, this will mean that Lana would be the only person in the show ever who said “Superman” (Pilot).
The final episode being titled “Superman” is the likely choice but I wouldn’t be all that surprised if it was called “Finale”. Doubtful of it happening but with the first ever episode being called “Pilot” it would be something right.
One thing I’m curious is how the whole Chloe character will be used since Alison won’t be in that many episodes for the 10th season. Maybe they could have her somewhat run Queen Industries since Oliver is likely to be MIA for a few episodes and considering what happen to Tess in the “Savior” it’s possible that she won’t be running the company. Doubtful that this is a possibility.
Another thing they could do is that in the first episode or two Chloe could get a hold of the Helmet of Nabu (not sure if that’s spelled correctly) and become the new Doctor Fate. She then could leave so she could try learn how to her new found abilities.
Remember it was mentioned in “Absolute Justice” that Chloe and Fate were similar so perhaps it’s not that far of a stretch. Whatever it is done I’m hoping that the Chloe character is not just pushed aside just because she won’t be in that many episodes. That’s something I believe that us Smallville fans can agree with.
Chloe as Fate could be fun,
As a comic book reader first and formost if they are going for Darksied I really really want him in the suit in the final battle and maybe doing something like the animated series where somebody is killed by Darksied and this pushes Clark to become the Legend. the episodes from STAS are Apokolips Now p1 p2
I like the idea of him just hovering at the mid winter break
I absolutely want him to be named Superman in the series finale. Isn’t that what this has all been building to?
I want to see Lois name him Superman and I want to see her write the headline for the Daily Planet introducing Superman to the world. The fact that in Smallville’s version Lois already loves Clark deeply and knows how far he’s come only adds depth to the story. But I absolutely want Clark to get that honor before the series is over. And Lois should be the one to do it. It’s actually rather fitting. Lana made the Superman reference in the pilot back in Smallville and Lois will be the one to carry it through in the finale.
Clark will probably be uncomfortable witih the name at first because he’s so humble. However, I imagine that when he sees how hopeful and inspired the city is he will graciously accept the name.
Can’t wait to see it!
I gotta say, this was really just a recap. Not much of a “review.” But its been so long since the finale, it was refreshing to picture all these moments in my head again. :)
I just had an epiphany. Considering the fourth episode of Season 10 will be the 200th episode of the series I think that is when they really will start to show Clark trying to learn how to fly. During the first episode of the new season they could deal with the aftermath of the Season 9 finale. Then the next 2 episodes will be the type of episodes that they have just to fill in space like the Season 9 episode “Rabid”. Then, in the 200th episode we start to focus on him flying. Thats just what I would do though.
The 10 things I want for season 10 (Smallville:The Final Season):
1.Glasses – Clark’s secret identity is not complete without his glasses. As Superman (currently in Smallville called: “The Blur”), Clark doesn’t wear a mask to hide his identity; he simply wears glasses in his “human persona”. Now, we have seen Clark wear glasses (in Whisper, Noir, Apocalypse, Idol, and briefly in Salvation), but never as a full-time thing. I want to constantly see Clark wearing glasses (unless he’s in costume) this season.
2.Superheroes – Smallville started as a High-School drama with no intent of becoming a super hero TV show. When season five aired, all of that changed, because Clark was out of high school. We have seen DC Comic Super-Heroes Impulse/Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, Acrata (as the Angel of Vengeance), Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Supergirl, Zatanna, The Wonder Twins, Speedy, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Brainiac 5, Justice League, JSA, Hawkman, Stargirl, Dr. Fate, Sandman, Star-Spangled Kid, etc. I want the Justice League to be big in this season, maybe a JSA episode, and definitely a Legion of Super-Heroes return episode. I also want Clark to step up (like in Salvation) as the leader of the JL and finally name them the Justice League of America. I also really want Kara to come back.
3.Red-Blue Blur – When Clark finally came out as Metropolis’ hero, he was the Red-Blue Blur. I want to see Clark as himself again, and honestly, I don’t care what he wears, as long as it’s red and blue. The Superman uniform is red and blue, Clark’s colors are red and blue, and everyone loves the red and blue shirt/jacket Clark wears. We need some Red-Blue Blur action!
4.Lex Luthor – Lex Luthor and Clark Kent (and Chloe Sullivan) ARE Smallville. We need (and Tom Welling has said) some Clark and Lex action. Lex is almost as old as Superman himself. Lex is a MAJOR part of Smallville (even as Michael Rosenbaum left) and he always will be a MAJOR part of Superman. I mean, he’s Sageeth for goodness sakes! He is Clark’s ultimate nemesis! Now, for Lex to return we need a few things. We need Michael Rosenbaum (either bald or with a cap or whig). We need a good return story, and we need some good Clark/Lex interaction. In season sevens Arctic (and even before in Descent), we saw Lex’s fall into evil. When he returned in season eight’s Requiem, we saw a vengeful Lex who only cared about doing evil to Clark and Lana. In season nine’s Absolute Justice, Dr. Fate tells Clark that he [Clark] will triumph over Lex, and in Salvation’s future sequence, we saw him running of President of the United States of America. Lex is, was, and always will be a part of Smallville! Therefore, all that to say this: Lex Luthor belongs on Smallville, especially for the final season! He is a must have!
5.Martha Kent, Perry White, and Jimmy Olsen – Martha Kent is also a big part of Smallville. She has been in our hearts ever since season one’s first episode, Pilot. She created the Superman uniform and is always there for Clark. She is also the Red Queen, dedicated to protecting and saving Clark from the evils of Checkmate. Perry White was last herd going to Kenya, Africa. In the comics (and in Salvation’s future sequence), is the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Planet. We need him as a regular this season. For him to be here in Metropolis influencing Lois and Clark and being their boss, that is a must have for the final season, and if he can’t do a whole season, well at least the final few episodes. Jimmy. Olsen. THE James Bartholomew Olsen. What else can I say? We need Jimmy for, at least, the final one or two episodes. We first saw Jimmy in season eight’s finale, Doomsday at Henry Olsen’s funeral, and we herd his name in Salvation’s future sequence yelled by Lois in the Planet. So, yes, we need Jimmy for the finale!
6.Lois and Clark:The New Adventures of Superman – Now, I don’t mean Dean Cain’s Lois and Clark series, but I do mean Lois and Clark aka Clois! We need Lois and Clark to be full-on comic book Lois and Clark, and to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind a marriage on Smallville (not as the finale ender, but you get the point). Lois knows Clark’s secret now, so what’s stopping them? I think that Clark should tell her everything, she accepts it, they date some more, and they get married! I love it! Why the hell not!?!?!
7.Amazing Continuity – This season had great continuity don’t get me wrong (except for in Kandor where Jor-El looks very old 5 years after he was on Earth), but if we could get references every episode from every season, that would be awesome! Like for example, if Clark gave Lois Kyla’s bracelet from Skinwalker (which Clark/Naman will give to his lover/wife one day). More Naman and Sageeth references would be great too! That would be a great continuity example on the show!!!! Another cool one would be a Bizarro or Brainiac reference. Also mentions of people like Whitney, Pete, Jason, Kara, Lionel, Lex, Martha, Jonathan, Lana, Chloe, Jimmy, Davis, Zod, etc.
8.Supervillains – Super villains are also becoming a big part of
Smallville, from the freak’s of the week or the occasional Kryptonian, psycho, or witch. I would like to see Parasite and Plastique again. I really want the return of Brainiac, because we know that he’s not dead. I want there to be the return of Bizarro; if he returns, it might explain why he’s backwards (like in the comics) since he was blown up. If he comes back together, he could be de-formed, just a theory. I wouldn’t mind seeing the real General Zod or seeing the clone General Zod again. I already said I want Lex Luthor! I would also like to see John Corben/Metallo return, but this time as a villain and not a hero.
9.Super-suit and Flight – We saw that Clark was given (by his mom, Martha Kent) the Superman uniform in Salvation, and we have seen it in action 3 times (Hereafter, Absolute Justice, Salvation) so far, but we have never seen Tom Welling as Clark wear it. We’ve seen a Red-Blue Blur in the suit in Salvation and the cape in Hereafter and Absolute Justice. So, I want to see Clark wear it. Also in this category, FLIGHT. We saw Clark fly in season four’s Crusade and in the future sequence we saw a red/blue blur fly past the Daily Planet in Salvation as well as a flying Superman cape in Hereafter and Absolute Justice. He also flew in his sleep in the earlier seasons (Metamorphosis and Rosetta for example). I really want him to be able to fly in the 200th episode so he can do it in the finale, but if we wait for the finale and he flies in the Superman uniform, I’ll be happy!
10.A Smallville/Superman Related Last Few Episodes – Okay, so whatever they have planned for the season long arc, that’s fine, but the final 3-10 episodes need to be Smallville and they need to be Superman. I need the show to end with some closer for Smallville. I need a good send off for Chloe Sullivan. I need a Lana Lang (as much as I hate Lana) reference. Either she calls or is mentioned. I need Lex Luthor. I want Whitney Fordman, Pete Ross, Major/General Zod (clone), Davis Bloome/Doomsday, Henry James “Jimmy” Olsen, and Jason Teague references or appearances in flashbacks. I need a Martha Kent appearance. I need Lionel Luthor and Jonathan Kent references and maybe flashback appearances. I also need to see Shelby and the Kent Farm, Talon, Smallville High, Kawatche Caves, and The Fortress of Solitude. I really want this final episode to re-cap all of Smallville and at the same time be a Superman story. Meaning, we need the Superman uniform, flight, glasses, Lex, Daily Planet, Kent Farm, Fortress. I need Clark to graduate from Smallville to Metropolis. I want Martha to move back to the Kent Farm, take it over, and have Clark and Lois move to Metropolis. I want Oliver to move to Star City and leave Metropolis. I want Tess to either leave or die. Chloe, I want her to survive, but, sadly, she will probably die. Lois and Clark need to become full reporters and be married, and I want Clark Kent to become, and be named by Lois, SUPERMAN!
So, that’s my stand. If you didn’t know, I am the owner of Smallville Unlimited (blog) and if you click on my name, you can read what I have to say on the last episode of Smallville, and other things about the show.
@Michael, it’s a nice list but I have a huge disagreement with one of your sentences.
“Lex Luthor and Clark Kent (and Chloe Sullivan) ARE Smallville.”
Wrong Mike. Smallville is the story of Clark Kent. Clark Kent is Smallville. Now, Lex….I will give you was a huge part of the story in the first 7 seasons. As viewers, we watched him struggle against his destiny and we witnessed his slow descent into the villiant that we all knew he would become.
However, throughout the course of the series, the only true constant in terms of star status has been Clark Kent. As the seasons have progressed people have come in and out of Clark’s life. All of these people had important roles to play.
In the early seasons, Clark’s closest confidants were his parents, Jonathan and Martha. They played a HUGE role in his growth from boy to man. He also shared a close friendship with Pete and of course, Lana was the girl in his heart. And yes, Clark shared a close friendship with Lex during this time period as well. Chloe was at best, a supporting player. But I would argue that in the early seasons she was not as important as Lex, Lana or even Martha and Jonathan in terms of Clark’s development.
In the middle seasons, Clark’s closest confidant was Chloe. At this point, Clark became more and more isolated. His friendship with Lex started to break down and major trust issues developed between them. His father passed away. His mother left town. Pete moved away at the end of Season 3. Chloe was really the only person that Clark had left. When I think of this time period, I think of a rather sad and lonely time in Clark’s life. And of course, Clark remained madly in love with Lana Lang. He also developed a rivalry and friendship with Lois during this time period.
In the later seasons, Lex has left town. Clark’s friendship with Chloe begins to become strained. Clark becomes friends with Oliver and he falls in love with Lois. At this point, Lois is probably Clark’s closest confidant and partner.
But there is a cycle to all of this. HOpefullly things will come full circle this season with Lex returning at the end of the season. But THIS is Smallville. A show centered around CLARK KENT with many players who have risen and decreased in importance over the years to support Clark’s journey. Lex was an extremely important part of that journey and his descent into evil was a VERY importnat part of the story. But to say that Smallville is “Lex Luthor, Clark Kent AND Chloe Sullivan” is, in my opinion, a completely false representation of what this show is about. You are forgetting the early seasons where Chloe was nothing more than a bit players. You are negating how important Lana, Martha and Jonathan were to the story. ANd you are negating the fact that Lois will have been on the show for 7 full seasons by the time Season 10 is complete. Ironically, by the time this show wraps, (and unless Michael R. comes back for Season 10) Erica will have been on this show for only 1 year less than Michael Rosenbaum and 1 year less than Lana.
Smallville is the story of Clark Kent and the MANY incredible supporting characters who have shaped his journey. Clark is more important than Lex or Chloe and CHloe, while an important supporting character, is no more important than Lana, Martha, Jonathan and now Lois in terms of importance on this show.
What MJ said, but emphasis on this: //Smallville is the story of Clark Kent and the MANY incredible supporting characters who have shaped his journey.//
And also that the Red/Blue Jacket/Shirt combo was the bane of my existence for 3 full seasons (5-7) because that’s all they would allow Clark to wear. In season 8 I was fine with it because it was finally just a “costume” and not his entire wardrobe (and I’m betting Tom was happy as well). So while I don’t mind the return of the Red/Blue combo, short of the actual Supersuit, I would really like for the wardrobe department to come up with something a little more creative in that, but not an eyesore.
On a side note, did anyone read Superman/Batman #73? Because “Red-Blue Blur”, at least in the S/B title, is now officially canon.
@Natasha, yes I saw the Red-Blue-Blur shoutout in Superman/Batman #73!! For those who don’t know there was a headline hanging above Lois’s desk at the DP about the Red-Blue-Blur :) What a fun issue with Clark/Lois/Bruce all working together! Awesome.
Actually, I realized that I made a mistake above. Unless Michael Rosenbaum comes back for Season 10 (which as of right now he has stated that he will not so our best hope is that we see him in the series finale) Michael will have been a part of the show for 7 seasons. 1-7. Erica will have been part of the show for 7 seasons as well. 4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10. Kristen was also a part of the show for 7 seasons plus her 5 episodes in Season 8. So as of right now, by the end of Season 10, Erica Durance will have just as many years on Smallville as Lex Luthor.
Just interesting to consider when people complain about losing the original cast. Erica Durance tends to get slighted since she joined the cast in Season 4. But at this rate, she’ll have logged as many years as Michael Rosenbaum with the show.
Just something to think about.
Referring to what MJ said, I just want to point out the obvious, maybe it was a typo but if Lois is on the show till the end of Season 10 making her run a 7 year run, then it would be the exact amount of seasons Michael Rosenbaum was on the show, unless you mean his character Lex Luthor who appeared in Season 8. So Erica and Michael, if he doesn’t return, will have been in the same number of seasons on the show.
@Domingo, thanks. Yes, I did catch that and I pointed that out my mistake in my post above. Just one of those brain lapse moments!
Thank you for pointing it out though. I just feel as though the characters who were the MOST important to Clark’s development in the early seasons (Martha, Jonathan, Lex, Lana and even Pete) are often forgotten now. Chloe really didn’t become Clark’s “best friend” until Season 4. The show got rid of Pete and retconned it that Clark and Chloe were “best friends.” That was NOT the case in the first 3 seasons. People also convienantly forget that Lana was the true female lead of the show for 7 years straight and that Clark repeatedly stated that Lana was the most important woman in this life—not Chloe.
I also feel like people are always talking about the “original cast” including Lex and completely forgetting exactly what you said above: that by the time this show is over Erica Durance will have given just as much time to this show as Michael Rosenbaum. There first 3 seasons the “Big 3″ was Clark, Lex and Lana. And now the finale 3 seasons have featured Lois in a larger role in Clark’s life. The middle seasons showed Chloe in a larger role. Every female has had her turn now at sharing that closeness with Clark. Chloe was a supporting players in the first 3 seasons, had an increased role in the middle seasons, and her role went back to supporting in the last season as we near the end of Clark’s journey. And by the time the show is over Lois will occupy the same amt. of seasons as Lex Luthor. (And Lana Lang minus Kristin’s 5 episodes in Season 8.)
And do you notice who has the seven seasons? The LL’s:
Lex Luthor
Lana Lang
Lois Lane
* Also just as a side note couldn’t you consider Lionel Luthor for a seven seasoner too. He wasnt apart of the original cast in season 1 but he might as well have been.
I agree with the majority of people when I feel that having some of the past characters, such as Lex, Lana, Martha, etc., being on the 10th season. However, the question is HOW they should be presented in the season.
Martha being somewhat of a recurring character would be a nice and I would like to see ‘mama Kent’ having “women talk” with Lois.
Lana is a character I’m not sure about. The group of episodes that she was involved in during the 8th season was a good way to send the character off and I feel that she wouldn’t fit in that well with how the show has progressed since her departure. A brief glimpse of her in the final episode would be all right.
Now Lex on the other hand, that’s someone I would like to see come back but it’s unlikely since Michael has stated that he’ll likely not be returning. I’m currently up in the air whether I would like to have some explanation on how he’s alive but if we’re given Michael actually playing Lex, wearing a bald cap is fine, will be fine with me.
New Topic:
Some Smallville News: Congrats to The Notorious B.A.G. who got married recently: http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b188110_megan_fox_brian_austin_green_are_married.html
I’d love to see him return as Metallo because there is so still so much Brian and Kelly can do with his character. Maybe have his character be the introduction for the beginning of intergang. Opinions Zune, iPod, and Android SHoEligans?
Thanks for pointing that out Adrian. Sometimes I just love talking about what happened in the episode. Luckily no one is paying me for this. :) Glad you enjoyed it anyway.
@Robin
I’m really really not trying to be a suckup but I really want to commend you for what a great job you did. As I read the review/recap I could literally picture what was going on in my head. I mean it has been a month since I have seen the episode but I can just read this and watch it all over again. By the way I love the little side notes that you put in.
One question does anybody think the dream bit at the begining of the show. was the ending of the entire series if they did not get the 10 season.
@Ben, Greg Beeman said that the dream sequence was actually supposed to start off Season 10, but because the finally without it seemed more like Zod’s story rather than Clark’s (and I love that Beeman recognized this and changed it) then K&B said he could use it for Salvation. It’s a good thing to because then Clark’s decision to use the Book of Rao not only made his sacrifice that much more resonant, but the fact that he willingly took the Blue K dagger into his gut so that he would die but Zod would ascend just makes me love Clark all the more. He saw what kind of future he could have as the admired hero of Metropolis and happily married to Lois, but he gave it up to first leave with the Kandorians, and then to die falling from a building.
But here’s another thing that I wanted to point out with the dream: Because in the dream/vision, we hear Dr. Fate’s voice repeating what he said in Absolute Justice, I was thinking that this vision was the complete one that Dr. Fate saw when he told Clark that he would lead this generation’s heroes and that Lois was the key. The reason I think this is because in Hourglass, Clark was able to see Cassandra’s vision with the endless graveyard and then with the people that he’s supposed to help, so it wouldn’t be the first time Clark was able to see what other psychics have seen of his future. And I think he was only just now seeing it because Dr. Fate’s powers is based on magic, so maybe it was just latent that Clark was only just then seeing it. Thoughts?
I think Clark is only now allowing himself to belive some of what fate and other people have passed on to him thew the shows history and maybe Dr Fate had left that in him to spark when Clark needed a kick up the bum.
like, Look this is your life if you want it you have to fight for it. and with the costume turning up at the end it’s the signal to put away your fears and stand tall.
well that and make every Superman fan on the planet get giddy like school kids for 4 mins.
Thankyou Natasha for you help and information.
It works a lot better here
Well I’ve got one little question.
What were the things that were coming after Oliver if they weren’t Kandorians. So this leaves only two possibilities:
1. Female Furies
2. Parademons (Darkseid’s green/gold soilders).
Or is it something else?
I would say Parademons. they would have to be a whole load of wrestlers in make up to get away with it or MOLE
this is my biggest worry this season how the heck can they pull off the New Gods, with a tv budget I just cant see it. you cant have Darkseid as twenty year old in the ace of club. there is only one man who can play Darkseid. Michael Ironside.
@Ben But Michael Ironside has already been established on Smallville as General Sam Lane.
If they do in fact bring Darkseid on though, can we really call it Smallville anymore?
If they do try to do Darkseid I hope that they dont try to bring on as many new gods as possible.
They don’t have to bring in a hundred New Gods, but I think they kind of HAVE to establish Orion and Mister Miracle if nothing else.
uber awesome season 10 fanmade trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzsAWOnqowM&playnext_from=TL&videos=1LC1_p5FLQ4
I have one more point that I would like to make. How are they going to brink back Zod. Or are they?
I’ve been trying to figure this out since Callum Blue has been signed for a two year contract.
Any suggestions?
@Ian
It would be nice to see Zod return as Callum made the character enjoyable to watch. Maybe the main villian for the 10th season will enlist Zod’s help to take on Clark and his group.
Another possibility is that if the villian is indeed Darkseid then Clark will have no choice than to bring Zod back to Earth to help fight against him. That’s unlikely to happen though.
Time will tell if Zod returns but I wouldn’t be surprise if the character is only mentioned next season but doesn’t return.
Keep in mind that Sam Witwer was supposed to be in Season 9 as well, but we got Callum.
@Anthony Pa.
Well Zod wouldn’t necessarily have to help Clark. He could side with Darkseid against Clark.But then the two would probably turn against each other in the end.
And if he does come back i hope its just till the mid season finale. And I could see that happening.
I know that the ideas I gave for the way that Zod could probably be brought back for season 10 but even I’m doubtful that either of them would be used.
One thing I would be surprised about but at the same time happy if it were to happen is that Darksheid somehow brings Lex back to life. Then he could have Lex help him conquer the Earth and threaten to take away his new life if he doesn’t cooperate.
It’s an idea that’s likely won’t be happening. However, it would be an interesting way to bring back Lex and the show couldn’t hold it off for the last few episodes or maybe even having it be set up for a mid season cliffhanger.
Whatever happens I just hope that Lex, played by Michael, at least returns in some type of cameo at the end of the series. Wouldn’t feel right if he wasn’t seen in some fashion before Smallville ends.
I imagine that he will be back before the end of the series. And yes along with a glimpse of Clark hovering at the end of the season finale cliffhanger it would be awesome to see a glimpse of Lex.
If they do bring him back I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see a few certain “things” happen to Clark because of Lex.
Now that Tess Mercer is most likely going to join the Female Furries somebody will have to come back to headup Luthorcorp even though Queen Industries and Luthorcorp are combined for the time being.
Also since we have mentioned Lex I wouldn’t be surprised if we do see Clark endup in the Kawatche Caves since the Good VS. Evil is in that cave and the symbol is meant for Clark VS. Lex. At least I hope he ends up there again at somepoint.
@woo in DC Final crisis Darksied was using a vessel Dan Turpin and slowly took over his body and picked Dan to piss Clark off.
I would think he would pick lois Dad
a) really get at Clark how could he attack Darkseid without loseing Lois.
b) a man incharge of a army base with nukes maybe so he could create his firepits
The end could be lex and Clark stopping Darkseid and then Lex loses all memory of the past three years
@Ben To be frank with you, if they did that I would have a real difficult time buying that because that sounds like Zod taking over Lex in the fifth season going into the sixth. As far as Zod goes it wouldn’t stun me at all. If we SHoEligans saw like a “Bloodline” type ep. in the tenth season where Kal-El accidentally goes to “New Krypton” (I am referring to it as that because I’m just assuming that is what Kal-El made it sound like in “Salvation.”) Reason being something goes wrong with The Book of Rao.
I am going to hold off on my Darkseid thoughts until after San Diego Comic Con. Reason being too tough to call what they were going to do with him (if we Smallville/SHoEligans get Darkseid). Reason being it just like @Natasha pointed out. Going into the ninth season we all that Sam Witwer was going to be Zod, but oh did they go a different route that.
Speaking of which… New Topic: How different would it have been if Witwer did play Zod instead of Callum Blue? Could the ninth season remain more or less as it turned out? Fellow Zune, iPod, and Android SHoEligans opinions please?
All this talk about Lex coming back, what about frickin JONATHAN KENT being confirmed as being in the Season premiere and possibly another episode later in the season. Now THAT’S Epic, people.
@Natasha I know, how cool is it going to be to have JONATHAN KENT back. Maybe they’ll some how get him and Martha in the same scene.
I’m thinking Clark is going to see a vision of Jonathan as he’s falling to his death and maybe that’ll be his inspiration to at least hover before he goes splat all over the pavement.
@Natasha
That would be a good way to have Jonathan to somewhat reappear but you got to remember that the dagger of Blue K is still stabbed in Clark’s gut. Unless it’s removed beforehand then the whole hover thing wouldn’t work.
Another way they could bring Jonathan “back” is by Jor-El bringing him back to life just long enough to tell Clark how proud he is of his son. If they wanted to add to the emotion have Martha there as well.
@Anthony, well yeah, I mean of course he would have to pull the dagger out. I was thinking that Jonathan appearing to him would be enough to snap him out of it, he pulls the dagger out and throws it away and then hovers. I didn’t explain myself well the first time around.
I wouldn’t want Jor-El to bring Jonathan back to life because it would suck major b*lls for Clark to lose Jonathan all over again, even if it is to tell Clark how proud he is of him. Plus I don’t think it would improve relations between Clark and Big Daddy J since Jonathan’s heart and then the whole “balancing act” of taking the life of someone he loves to counteract Clark being brought back to life in the first place. And Martha really REALLY doesn’t need to have Jonathan standing in front of her only to be snatched away yet again. She was barely holding on in Hostage to begin with.