Smallville Season 10, Episode 17: Kent

Finally Smallville is back from its super long hiatus! While I haven't gotten back to my season 1 rewatch yet (because of a show called Dexter) I have decided to begin my season 10 reviews as they air. With only six episodes left Smallville delves into the alternate universe with Ultraman/Clark Luthor transporting himself to earth 1.

KENT

Its so nice to get back into the swing of things and this episode delivers a great insight into Clark's relationship with his father Jonathan Kent. The last time we saw Jonathan was in Clark's in-between-death-and-life vision during Lazarus. This time however it isn't the same Jonathan Kent that we know and love. This Jonathan has been screwed over by life and the meteor shower in particular. The scenes between this bitter Jonathan and Clark (who is sent to earth 2 by Clark Luthor) are the best parts of the episode. Clark looks at this man with longing for the father he lost while earth 2 Jonathan sees the man responsible for part of his misery (the other being Oliver Queen). There scenes remind us of how important Jonathan was in Clark's life and how much we (and Clark) miss him. The rest of the episode deals with Lois, Tess and Dr. Hamilton's attempts to send Clark Luthor home and get real Clark back. The stuff with CL and Tess was interesting. I've often wondered since the season started whether Tess had feelings for Clark or not and this confirmed that she did.

Final Thoughts: Loved this episode but I am looking forward to next weeks Booster even more!

Smallville Rewatch Season 1, Episode 3: Hothead

Ok I got back to it and just finished episode 3 of season 1 titled Hothead

The Good: There was a lot to like in this episode mainly the scenes between Clark and his father. Every scene they were in was well written and acted by Welling and Schneider who make an awesome father/son duo. I especially loved the scene early on when Jonathan told Clark that he was meant for something greater than throwing a football. Lex finally gets a story in this episode and its a nice one. This episode sets up the relationship between Lex and his father Lionel brilliantly played by the incomparable John Glover. A big contrast is shown between the Kents and the Luthors in this episode. You see just how different Clark and Lex have been brought up, which is even more intriguing considering the wonderful season 10 episode Luthor which shows how Clark would have been if raised by Lionel. Chloe also starts to have more focus and this is the happy Chloe I know and love from earlier seasons. The lack of Whitney was a breath of fresh air (still annoyed that he is even a series regular).

The Bad: I didn't dislike much in this episode but the one thing that stands out is the cheesy villain. A football coach who wants to win a game? Worst motivation for being evil ever. The character was insufferable so it was gratifying to see him go up in flames at the end. The villain wasn't as good as Bug Boy but was better than Jeremy.

Fond Memories: I always look back at this episode as the one that set the characters on the paths to becoming who they ultimately became. It was definitely a beginning for the Chloe and Lex characters

Final Random Thoughts: A pretty good episode, so far all the episodes have done a good job with the storylines and characters despite the weak villains.