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Smallville 7.03 "Fierce"
I was skeptical going into this episode, but damn. I'm going to LOVE this season.
I really don't think there is a single thing I didn't like about this episode.
I know I was kind of skeptical about the whole "Clark mentoring Kara" last week, but I completely and totally retract that. Those opening Kara-Clark scenes were PURE COMEDY GOLD. First of all, he’s dressing her in plaid flannel? Hahahahahaha. I about fell out of my chair as ten thousand fanfic clichés about Kents and plaid flannel got canonized. Second, I just love Clark in exasperated olderbrothercousin mode, or helpful older cousin mode, or in general just channeling his inner Jonathan Kent while she channels Clark at his most exasperating. Bop, I took that whole slam at Clark-the-football-captain as a shoutout to you.
Oh, and if Kara’s comment is anything to go on, Jonathan Kent and Jor-El have a lot in common. Hee!
And OMG. That mutual masturbation thing was simultaneously disturbing and even more hilarious than the Jonathan-training-Clark scene from “Heat.” I mean, a smiley face? Oh, Clark. And does the fact that Kara exploded her melon just prove that women’s orgasms are better, or what?
[And should we all start leaving “you totally made my watermelon explode” as feedback on erotic stories now?]
Honestly, though, I feel like Kara just recapitulated Clark's entire season 4 arc in one episode. (Which just goes to show the girls really do mature faster than boys). But to be fair to Clark, he seems to be overcoming the Jonathan Kent party line a little faster than Jonathan ever did. And he's right that she needs to learn to blend in and hide her powers--thank goodness she seemed to have learned that before her conversation with Lex.
I think what I liked most, though, was the learning goes both ways--I really liked what Kara reminded Clark about how his immortality, if nothing else, makes him different than humans.
That awareness of his difference--that they would grow old and he never would--really made that last scene with Lana, where he seems to finally be getting every single thing he's ever wanted, wonderfully bittersweet. Oh, wow. I am totally on *this* Clana train, if they're going to let the true, organic things that keep them apart be what breaks apart the relationship. And in the meantime, I am really enjoying their scenes together. I actually was a little verklempt at that opening scene where they reconnected and said so much to each other with very few words.
Yet interestingly--ironically--the Lexana relationship is actually more interesting now that it's over. I know it was anvilly, but I really loved that shot of Lana in the sun facing off to Lex in the shadows, and I continue to enjoy the Luthorian steel in her spine now, refusing to let Lex apologize and standing up to protect Clark and Kara. They actually seem to be continuing the parallel they introduced last season, where Lex is to Lana what season 1 Lionel was to season 1 Lex: a kind of twisted combination of love, challenge, threat, and mentor in the ways of evil. And that’s reinforced by the fact that Lana has moved herself firmly into Clark’s space, just as Lex repeatedly tried to do in season 1.
And Lex! OMG, writers, I was beginning to think you were incapable of writing Lex as subtlely and effectively evil, but tonight you really proved me wrong. First of all, I thought he was masterfully manipulative in his interactions with Lana. He seems like he's making concessions--coming into "her" space, assisting her with the D.A., even attempting once again to fauxpologize--and yet he's clearly the one in control, pulling the strings, making the subtle threats (Clark wouldn't be happy to hear about the $10 million Lana stole). Rowr! THAT'S Lex Luthor--even when obsessed, he's the one in control.
The Kara subplot was another masterful example of that. My god, the way he deflected Agent Carter by suggesting that his obsession with that girl he drew was some sort of whacked-out religious experience was fucking brilliant--and yet at the same time, I'm sure every single thing he said in that scene was absolutely true. He does think she saved his soul, he does know that she was more than human. And then the scene with Kara herself? I have to give kudos to whoever wrote this episode, because that was essence of Lex, distilled into one scene: I deserve the truth because I protected you; tell me the truth because I'll find out anyway; there must be meaning in the fact that the Kents saved my life; are you a savior or are you a warning.
I also love that we finally got textual confirmation that Lex fears an alien invasion and really thinks the country needs to be prepared for it. It's also cool that he's finally teaming up with the government to do so.
I really, really loved this episode. Even the dippy beauty queen subplot turned out to be more complex and less intrusive than I was expected. (It felt, tonally, like an homage to season 4 --like an awful lot of this episode, actually).
I really don't think there is a single thing I didn't like about this episode.
I know I was kind of skeptical about the whole "Clark mentoring Kara" last week, but I completely and totally retract that. Those opening Kara-Clark scenes were PURE COMEDY GOLD. First of all, he’s dressing her in plaid flannel? Hahahahahaha. I about fell out of my chair as ten thousand fanfic clichés about Kents and plaid flannel got canonized. Second, I just love Clark in exasperated older
Oh, and if Kara’s comment is anything to go on, Jonathan Kent and Jor-El have a lot in common. Hee!
And OMG. That mutual masturbation thing was simultaneously disturbing and even more hilarious than the Jonathan-training-Clark scene from “Heat.” I mean, a smiley face? Oh, Clark. And does the fact that Kara exploded her melon just prove that women’s orgasms are better, or what?
[And should we all start leaving “you totally made my watermelon explode” as feedback on erotic stories now?]
Honestly, though, I feel like Kara just recapitulated Clark's entire season 4 arc in one episode. (Which just goes to show the girls really do mature faster than boys). But to be fair to Clark, he seems to be overcoming the Jonathan Kent party line a little faster than Jonathan ever did. And he's right that she needs to learn to blend in and hide her powers--thank goodness she seemed to have learned that before her conversation with Lex.
I think what I liked most, though, was the learning goes both ways--I really liked what Kara reminded Clark about how his immortality, if nothing else, makes him different than humans.
That awareness of his difference--that they would grow old and he never would--really made that last scene with Lana, where he seems to finally be getting every single thing he's ever wanted, wonderfully bittersweet. Oh, wow. I am totally on *this* Clana train, if they're going to let the true, organic things that keep them apart be what breaks apart the relationship. And in the meantime, I am really enjoying their scenes together. I actually was a little verklempt at that opening scene where they reconnected and said so much to each other with very few words.
Yet interestingly--ironically--the Lexana relationship is actually more interesting now that it's over. I know it was anvilly, but I really loved that shot of Lana in the sun facing off to Lex in the shadows, and I continue to enjoy the Luthorian steel in her spine now, refusing to let Lex apologize and standing up to protect Clark and Kara. They actually seem to be continuing the parallel they introduced last season, where Lex is to Lana what season 1 Lionel was to season 1 Lex: a kind of twisted combination of love, challenge, threat, and mentor in the ways of evil. And that’s reinforced by the fact that Lana has moved herself firmly into Clark’s space, just as Lex repeatedly tried to do in season 1.
And Lex! OMG, writers, I was beginning to think you were incapable of writing Lex as subtlely and effectively evil, but tonight you really proved me wrong. First of all, I thought he was masterfully manipulative in his interactions with Lana. He seems like he's making concessions--coming into "her" space, assisting her with the D.A., even attempting once again to fauxpologize--and yet he's clearly the one in control, pulling the strings, making the subtle threats (Clark wouldn't be happy to hear about the $10 million Lana stole). Rowr! THAT'S Lex Luthor--even when obsessed, he's the one in control.
The Kara subplot was another masterful example of that. My god, the way he deflected Agent Carter by suggesting that his obsession with that girl he drew was some sort of whacked-out religious experience was fucking brilliant--and yet at the same time, I'm sure every single thing he said in that scene was absolutely true. He does think she saved his soul, he does know that she was more than human. And then the scene with Kara herself? I have to give kudos to whoever wrote this episode, because that was essence of Lex, distilled into one scene: I deserve the truth because I protected you; tell me the truth because I'll find out anyway; there must be meaning in the fact that the Kents saved my life; are you a savior or are you a warning.
I also love that we finally got textual confirmation that Lex fears an alien invasion and really thinks the country needs to be prepared for it. It's also cool that he's finally teaming up with the government to do so.
I really, really loved this episode. Even the dippy beauty queen subplot turned out to be more complex and less intrusive than I was expected. (It felt, tonally, like an homage to season 4 --like an awful lot of this episode, actually).
*dies laughing*
I vote yes! :D
Re: *dies laughing*
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It goes without saying that Thomas really sold the big brother to Kara bit. He continues to amaze and please me, and I expect nothing less than the best from MR--I don't think he gave it throughout the ep--but when he was there he was all the way there.
I wanted to love the ep, but I ended up just being friends with it. My watermelon did not explode.
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I wanted to love the ep, but I ended up just being friends with it. My watermelon did not explode.
*Giggles*
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I think this is the first time in the entire series where we saw Clark go "UGH" and turn around all annoyed (jail house scene when she says she lost the map). They are hilarious together, and still really sweet at times.
And yet interestingly--ironically--the Lexana relationship is actually more interesting now that it's over.
It's amazing isn't it? And that's a good point about the parallel to
Lex:Lionel.
My god, the way he deflected Agent Carter by suggesting that his obsession with that girl he drew was some sort of whacked-out religious experience was fucking brilliant
I LOVED that. And you're right, he let the Agent reach his own "angel" conclusion. He doesn't have to know what Lex means by "no Mortal woman" exactly. I'm interested in what kind of research Lex really gave him or if it's an honest team up.
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Oh, I'm sure he has an agenda, and that part of his motive for giving the research is to deflect government attention from the shady projects he was doing at the dam. It is interesting that he's willing to share any info, though.
And like you, I'm loving the Kara-Clark vibe. It's good that he has family, and someone he can really connect to.
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OMG! That is about the funniest comment I have ever read about a Smallville Scene. Too, too funny!!!
I just about burst into tears during that scene. Such a sad thing for Clark and for the people that he loves in his life. It was such a great callback to Season One's Hourglass.
I enjoyed reading your review, because for the most part, this episode didnt go down to well in the fandom, from what I can tell so far. I enjoyed our regular cast moments, but I wish they would have dropped the beauty pageant storyline. It just got in the way and made an otherwise good episode feel really choppy and out of sorts.
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I just about burst into tears during that scene. Such a sad thing for Clark and for the people that he loves in his life. It was such a great callback to Season One's Hourglass.
I know. Poor Clark! Now I have that Queen song from Highlander running my head, you know, the one that goes "Who wants to live forever when love must die."
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ROTFLMAO!!! We totally should!!
I did enjoy the ep ... there were parts that could have been better, but all in all a good ep!
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*giggles*
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Of course, I was really tired when I saw it, so it didn't really register enough for me to have cogent thoughts about it. But I'm extremely intrigued by what's happening with Lex and Kara and Evil Government Guy. And also with Chloe/Jimmy, and how Jimmy is now all gung-ho with the "Let's get those meteor freaks!" And I'm really impatient to see Clark and Lex share a little screen time one of these weeks.
And does the fact that Kara exploded her melon just prove that women’s orgasms are better, or what? [And should we all start leaving “you totally made my watermelon explode” as feedback on erotic stories now?]
This just made me laugh and laugh. I would LOVE to see this become a common catchphrase. In the interest of which, I have found you this (and I'm hoping I coded this right, so the image will show up) --
-- which if I knew how to work with an animated gif, I would turn into icons with appropriate text. But I don't. So I'm hoping somebody else here does, and that they will then let me share one of said icons.
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http://pics.livejournal.com/slinkling/pic/0000a9ax/g4
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I know I figured out how to make animated icons at one point, so if I can remember sometime soon I will show you the finished product.
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I will say, when Lex confidently strode into the farmhouse, I perked up and thought yay! Finally a Clex scene! And then I was disappointed. Not that I didn't love the Lexana, but that almost felt like they were taunting us.
It's exciting that you got to watch on the night it aired! (Next you will be seducing
And thanks for the image! How nice of you!
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Still, though -- sooner or later, Lex and Clark are going to have to face off over Kara, and that will be AWESOME.
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Yes, yes, yes!! Who are they, so I may write gushing letters of love and thanks to them? This was the best written Lex we've had since... I don't know season four? Season three even?
And after being on the fence about last week, I'm totally on board with this week's Lana. I loved so much how innocent and guileless Clark seems next to her calculated and in control demeanour now, you're right, it really is a bit as if we're having early season Clex on our screens. (Only Lana has no woobie factor.)
This episode made my watermelon explode multiple times :D
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And yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing Lana Luthor in action this season. (GREAT icon, btw)
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Love. Fire. A thousand suns. YOU GET THE PICTURE.
And does the fact that Kara exploded her melon just prove that women’s orgasms are better, or what?
Hahaahaha YES.
That awareness of his difference--that they would grow old and he never would--really made that last scene with Lana, where he seems to finally be getting every single thing he's ever wanted, wonderfully bittersweet. Oh, wow. I am totally on *this* Clana train, if they're going to let the true, organic things that keep them apart be what breaks apart the relationship. And in the meantime, I am really enjoying their scenes together. I actually was a little verklempt at that opening scene where they reconnected and said so much to each other with very few words.
I am also on this Clana train. It's really smart because it feels genuinely tragic now. They are such a fragile couple; no matter how much they love each other they will never be able to make it work.
Lana knowing Clark's secret works so well and is long overdue. it makes their scenes together feel fresh and original and *new*. It's fascinating! (I want them to have sex though. Really badly. I may have to write some more Clana porn.)
And Lex! OMG, writers, I was beginning to think you were incapable of writing Lex as subtlely and effectively evil, but tonight you really proved me wrong.
Totally. He was brilliant in every scene, and I particularly loved the bit when he says, "why do you care about this girl?" and Carter says, "Because you do."
THAT'S HOW IMPORTANT LEX IS.
And then the scene with Kara herself? I have to give kudos to whoever wrote this episode, because that was essence of Lex, distilled into one scene: I deserve the truth because I protected you; tell me the truth because I'll find out anyway; there must be meaning in the fact that the Kents saved my life; are you a savior or are you a warning.
Favourite scene. I can't even really express quite how much I loved that scene. Iconic Lex Luthor FTMFW.
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Love. Fire. A thousand suns. YOU GET THE PICTURE.
I DO! *Twirls you around madly* I started watching thinking I'd hate it--I think I very rarely like ep 3 in any season; the energy from the premiere has usually given way to stupid meteor plots, and that's what the previews made this look like, and I was first stunned, then pleased, and then just jumping up and down with glee. It was the heat vision that really did it for me--that never gets old--but I also really loved the whole Kara-Clark banter, *because* it is non-sexual. Lois also had a great sibling vibe with Clark early on, but we always knew that was going to change. I love the idea of Clark having a real sibling he can bicker with, who can needle him and still be there for him, without any romantic overtones.
am also on this Clana train. It's really smart because it feels genuinely tragic now. They are such a fragile couple; no matter how much they love each other they will never be able to make it work.
Lana knowing Clark's secret works so well and is long overdue. it makes their scenes together feel fresh and original and *new*. It's fascinating!
YES. They really did feel different: Lana has changed, Clark has changed, and the whole relationship has changed because she knows now. (I love how calm she was when a half-naked Kara walked in--now that she knows his secrets, she trusts him. It's refreshing).
(I want them to have sex though. Really badly. I may have to write some more Clana porn.)
YES. They should have lots and lots of sex, for at least six episodes, before they break up this time. Because seriously, this show needs more half-naked TW sexing up people.
Actually, though I didn't create a wishlist for season 7, here is my one wish: Clark and Lana having sex somewhere semi-public (the barn) and Lex walks in and watches. I suppose it's too risque for the CW, but wouldn't that complete rock?
Iconic Lex Luthor FTMFW. This? Needs to be iconized ASAP. Because YES.
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It would be fun if it actually turned into a fandom catchphrase.
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Yet interestingly--ironically--the Lexana relationship is actually more interesting now that it's over. I know it was anvilly, but I really loved that shot of Lana in the sun facing off to Lex in the shadows, and I continue to enjoy the Luthorian steel in her spine now, refusing to let Lex apologize and standing up to protect Clark and Kara. They actually seem to be continuing the parallel they introduced last season, where Lex is to Lana what season 1 Lionel was to season 1 Lex: a kind of twisted combination of love, challenge, threat, and mentor in the ways of evil. And that’s reinforced by the fact that Lana has moved herself firmly into Clark’s space, just as Lex repeatedly tried to do in season 1.
And Lex! OMG, writers, I was beginning to think you were incapable of writing Lex as subtlely and effectively evil, but tonight you really proved me wrong. First of all, I thought he was masterfully manipulative in his interactions with Lana. He seems like he's making concessions--coming into "her" space, assisting her with the D.A., even attempting once again to fauxpologize--and yet he's clearly the one in control, pulling the strings, making the subtle threats (Clark wouldn't be happy to hear about the $10 million Lana stole). Rowr! THAT'S Lex Luthor--even when obsessed, he's the one in control.
I think what I most loved about both this week and last week's Lexana scenes is that the creative team -- so far -- seems to be taking care to remember that for all Lana's gotten stronger and tougher because of what she's been through with Lex, she still should not be able to best him. Because he's still Lex Luthor and he's still more powerful than anyone else on the show except Clark and arguably Lionel. On the surface, Lana got the upper-hand because she secured her freedom and she's firmly moved herself into Clark's space, but it's been iterated twice now that she's really back in Smallville at Lex's sufferance. He had to smooth things over with the D.A. and he's holding that significant truth about her embezzlement.
One of the reasons Lex/Lana made me so nervous when it was first clear the show was headed in that direction was because I wasn't certain of the show's ability to get us through the relationship without significantly weakening Lex as a character. But they're handling it well. Lana's gotten wonderfully Luthorian over the past few episodes, but she's not a Luthor at her core. He is. And the show isn't letting us forget that.
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Yes. I like Lana being Luthorian, but I really agree that they need to show that Lex can still outmaneuver her, which they definitely did this week.
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And Lex! OMG, writers, I was beginning to think you were incapable of writing Lex as subtlely and effectively evil, but tonight you really proved me wrong.
Last season, after "Freak", I'd worried that Lex was becoming the Johnny One-Note of evil. But this season, he's just fascinating, compelling and oddly sympathetic. Bravo, show!
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I entirely agree with this comment!
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*beams* I was pleased with it!
I also love that we finally got textual confirmation that Lex fears an alien invasion and really thinks the country needs to be prepared for it.
Also very pleased with that!
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She did a fabulous job of calling him on his own hypocrisy (and also maybe showing it was a Kryptonian developmental stage, or something).
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Jor-el might have been a leader and Jonathan might have been a mere farmer but, they both seem to have high expectations for their children — Jor-el expecting high leadership skills and Jonathan having high expectations for keeping principles. That’s actually a good combo for the future Superman, I think.
And does the fact that Kara exploded her melon just prove that women’s orgasms are better, or what?
That smiley face, how adorkable. It just means that, like in all things, Clark likes things controlled while Kara isn’t afraid to let loose and let fireworks (or watermelon seeds) fly. O:-)
And should we all start leaving “you totally made my watermelon explode” as feedback on erotic stories now?
Yes. it’s a whole lot more exciting than “popped popcorn” and “toasted bread.”
And Lex!
Word. He is masterful the way he insinuates he is the best harbor or worst snitch that anyone will ever encounter. One clearly needs/wants this man on their side — even if for the wrong reasons.
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That smiley face, how adorkable. It just means that, like in all things, Clark likes things controlled while Kara isn’t afraid to let loose and let fireworks (or watermelon seeds) fly. O:-)
It was tremendously adorkable, wasn't it? But good point about Clark's control and Kara's current lack of control.
And I really agree with you about Lex's mastery.
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*dies* oh man, i will if you will!
and i really enjoyed your analysis. lex kind of pissed me off with all the "you're so brilliant" remarks but i LOVED the subtle threat. lana KNOWS clark wouldn't be happy with what she did.
but one of my favorite parts was when lana met kara. did you SEE her face before she realized kara was clark's cousin? oh man. i loved it. :D
lex teaming up with the government was pretty awesome. and his protecting kara was cool too. it makes you think what would've happen if clark had told lex his secret. :\
i really felt for him in the last scene. he just wants to be trusted.
as for the clana . . . *cringes* but i think kara's statement was some serious foreshadowing as was lex's.
i enjoyed this episode and so i'm glad to find more people who did too.
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Glad you liked the review--though you should be warned, I am a Lana fan so it sounds like you may not like large chunks of my reviews.
I agree with you that Lex's biggest desire is to be trusted, and it's part of the tragedy that Clark never trusted him.