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Smallville: Veritas
Wow, they wrote that one as if they might not have been coming back after the writer's strike, didn't they? I mean, it felt very much like a season finale to me.
I don't know who directed this episode (and my internet is being PAINFULLY slow tonight, so I'm not going to imdb to look it up), but I thought they made some interesting choices. The look of the opening, in particular, was really different and creepy--it didn't, at first, seem like I was watching SV at all. And they really ramped up the feeling of horror in the teaser, which seemed very appropriate to this episode.
Continuity porn
Holy, holy crap this episode was wonderful for the continuity. Even if it is retroactive, it works. How amazing of them to make that headline about the Queen's death have so much resonance. Someone (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
latxcvi, maybe?) called this in their review last week, and this episode confirmed it: the paper he was reading in the Pilot was more than just a throwaway to comics fans; it indicates that Lionel not only had the Queens killed, he knew precisely when the traveller was coming.
I am very squeeful about what this could potentially do for fanfic, because suddenly season 4 has been redeemed in a pretty amazing way, at least in my perspective. In fact, I think I want to sit down and rewatch season 4 again in the light of this new knowledge, especially that Jason and Lex used to play together as boys. I wonder what Jason thinks about Lex not remembering him? And this also really complicates the Oliver/Lex backstory in interesting ways.
And while I remain furious that they killed off Patricia last week, at least they made her death meaningful this week. Not only does it set off a fascinating chain of events--if anything, isolating Lionel more than he's ever been isolated before, as I'll discuss below--but it makes so much more sense now that we know about Lex recovering his memories.
And DAMN. How much do I love it that the events in "Fracture" weren't just a way of ensuring that Clex is forever explaining why Clark will always hold out a little hope for Lex, but that they actually led to Lex recovering dangerous memories that are actually going to lead him to cementing his destiny? SO MUCH LOVE for this plotline--not the least because that actor playing little boy Lex is so damn cute I just want to squish him. And yet his memories are going to be the ultimate spur for patricide. DAMN.
Lionel
I had to use my Lionel icon today, because it's clear (even if I hadn't seen the preview for the next episode) that Lionel is not long for this world. And I am just flabbergasted by the marvellousness of this storyline, because watching him unravelling onscreen is a wonder to behold. He's been the master of lies all his life, and now in the end, he can't get anyone to listen to his truths. Maybe because he's always been the wolf before, he ignored the story about the boy who cried wolf?
And watching him reduced to begging, even knowing that he was telling the truth and that Clark and Chloe are probably going to regret not listening to his warnings--watching him actually FALL TO HIS KNEES to get Chloe to listen to him, and her complete dismissal of him? Damn. Just DAMN. Emotionally? One of the most satisfying scenes of the show for me, EVER. That's called KARMA, Mr. Luthor. Something not even the mighty can escape.
I will miss your magnificent bastardness when you're gone, but it's such a pleasure to see you fall.
Lex
You've come a long way from that cuddly apple-cheeked little boy, haven't you baby? Look at you, with your competent sexy minions (hinting they want to have sex with you, even--and who wouldn't?) and your complex problem solving skills, all ready to access that superweapon Swann hid, whatever it was.
And what else have you remembered? I'm dying to know.
Lois and Jimmy
LOIS! I missed you! And you and Jimmy are absolutely adorable, sleuthing around in your little green polo shirts. I'm just sad that you're probably not going to be able to break this front page story about Lex ordering Patricia Swann's hit while working at the paper he owns. Does this mean you'll get booted from the Planet? Will you care, when you're busy covering Lionel's inevitable murder?
Kara
Kara, I've sort of hated most of your storylines this season, but I really liked where they took you tonight. It's kind of sweet to see that you've inherited the El family guilt complex, blaming yourself for what Brainiac did to Lana and sacrificing yourself and all. Just as dumbly (yet sweetly) heroic as Clark--I really hope Fine's plans for you don't involve, you know, the destruction of Earth or anything. Still, it was absolutely adorable watching you try to give Clark flying lessons. And I really liked the cowgirl look you had going on in the beginning of the episode.
Clark and Lana
OUCH. If all the rumors about KK's reduced appearances this season and next are true, and this is Lana's ultimate fate? How heartbreaking for Clark. I have to say, again the art direction is beautiful--that final scene with Clark and Lana was so beautifully shot. I loved the angel looming over their farewell which echoed the similar angel that presided over their first real conversation in the graveyard in the Pilot. Oh, Lana, I really hope this isn't the end for your character.
I don't know who directed this episode (and my internet is being PAINFULLY slow tonight, so I'm not going to imdb to look it up), but I thought they made some interesting choices. The look of the opening, in particular, was really different and creepy--it didn't, at first, seem like I was watching SV at all. And they really ramped up the feeling of horror in the teaser, which seemed very appropriate to this episode.
Continuity porn
Holy, holy crap this episode was wonderful for the continuity. Even if it is retroactive, it works. How amazing of them to make that headline about the Queen's death have so much resonance. Someone (
latxcvi, maybe?) called this in their review last week, and this episode confirmed it: the paper he was reading in the Pilot was more than just a throwaway to comics fans; it indicates that Lionel not only had the Queens killed, he knew precisely when the traveller was coming.I am very squeeful about what this could potentially do for fanfic, because suddenly season 4 has been redeemed in a pretty amazing way, at least in my perspective. In fact, I think I want to sit down and rewatch season 4 again in the light of this new knowledge, especially that Jason and Lex used to play together as boys. I wonder what Jason thinks about Lex not remembering him? And this also really complicates the Oliver/Lex backstory in interesting ways.
And while I remain furious that they killed off Patricia last week, at least they made her death meaningful this week. Not only does it set off a fascinating chain of events--if anything, isolating Lionel more than he's ever been isolated before, as I'll discuss below--but it makes so much more sense now that we know about Lex recovering his memories.
And DAMN. How much do I love it that the events in "Fracture" weren't just a way of
Lionel
I had to use my Lionel icon today, because it's clear (even if I hadn't seen the preview for the next episode) that Lionel is not long for this world. And I am just flabbergasted by the marvellousness of this storyline, because watching him unravelling onscreen is a wonder to behold. He's been the master of lies all his life, and now in the end, he can't get anyone to listen to his truths. Maybe because he's always been the wolf before, he ignored the story about the boy who cried wolf?
And watching him reduced to begging, even knowing that he was telling the truth and that Clark and Chloe are probably going to regret not listening to his warnings--watching him actually FALL TO HIS KNEES to get Chloe to listen to him, and her complete dismissal of him? Damn. Just DAMN. Emotionally? One of the most satisfying scenes of the show for me, EVER. That's called KARMA, Mr. Luthor. Something not even the mighty can escape.
I will miss your magnificent bastardness when you're gone, but it's such a pleasure to see you fall.
Lex
You've come a long way from that cuddly apple-cheeked little boy, haven't you baby? Look at you, with your competent sexy minions (hinting they want to have sex with you, even--and who wouldn't?) and your complex problem solving skills, all ready to access that superweapon Swann hid, whatever it was.
And what else have you remembered? I'm dying to know.
Lois and Jimmy
LOIS! I missed you! And you and Jimmy are absolutely adorable, sleuthing around in your little green polo shirts. I'm just sad that you're probably not going to be able to break this front page story about Lex ordering Patricia Swann's hit while working at the paper he owns. Does this mean you'll get booted from the Planet? Will you care, when you're busy covering Lionel's inevitable murder?
Kara
Kara, I've sort of hated most of your storylines this season, but I really liked where they took you tonight. It's kind of sweet to see that you've inherited the El family guilt complex, blaming yourself for what Brainiac did to Lana and sacrificing yourself and all. Just as dumbly (yet sweetly) heroic as Clark--I really hope Fine's plans for you don't involve, you know, the destruction of Earth or anything. Still, it was absolutely adorable watching you try to give Clark flying lessons. And I really liked the cowgirl look you had going on in the beginning of the episode.
Clark and Lana
OUCH. If all the rumors about KK's reduced appearances this season and next are true, and this is Lana's ultimate fate? How heartbreaking for Clark. I have to say, again the art direction is beautiful--that final scene with Clark and Lana was so beautifully shot. I loved the angel looming over their farewell which echoed the similar angel that presided over their first real conversation in the graveyard in the Pilot. Oh, Lana, I really hope this isn't the end for your character.