Thursday, August 6, 2020

Smallville Retrospective Season 3

Smallville

The Best Superhero TV Show Ever

Having a TV show explain a complicated origin story, especially in this case, is a better format than trying to describe all the little nuances that come with growing up into a 2-hour movie. Sure, Superman with Christopher Reeve is still probably the best interpretation, but it can’t compare to Smallville. We dove into all the details here that make Clark who he is. Not only that, we learn why the other characters are who they are. You can’t get that in a movie. I’m really not a fan of Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Superman. In fact, it might be the worst I have seen. In the movies we see Clark’s transformation briefly, but we do not see everyone else and their transformations. This development isn’t limited to their superpowers, or criminal activities. It is steeped with relationship issues, school, money, and time; things all of us can relate to. This places it above everything that has come before or after it to this day.

Season 3

Clark starts this season in Metropolis after Jor El’s warning. With the red Kryptonite he becomes involved in living the life through stealing to get what he needs. When Morgan Edge gives him an offer he can’t refuse – to steal from Lionel Luthor – he gets in a little too deep. This is brilliant in the way that Clark gets to see the other side of life, the darker side. Jonathan is able to free him with the help of Jor El, but at a cost. That cost, as we know won’t be realized until season 5.

When he returns from the big city, Clark is forever changed. Meanwhile Lex, having survived an assassination attempt by his wife, also returns to Smallville. In the coolest move he could ever do, he buys the Kent farm and puts it in Jonathan’s name. I liked that. While Clark Explores his dark side (no pun intended), Lex is embracing his light side. Will it be his last embrace?

Smallville Season 3 Review - YouTube

Lana is now pining for Clark, but, of course, Clark thinks of her well being before his own happiness and shuts her down until she finally gives up, and although she is still interested, she begins seeing other people. Adam, played by 1st runner up to play Clark on this series, Ian Somerhalder, doesn’t exactly sweep her off her feet, but manages to form a relationship with her. Little does she know about his backstory, or that he was assigned by Lionel Luthor to track Clark. I love this storyline and it’s continuity through the season.

Adam isn’t the only one Lionel coerces for information on the Kent boy, Chloe gets so wrapped in her jealousy of the Clana romance that she agrees to report back as well. When Chloe uses her only chip to break free of Lionel’s grip, she requires Lex’s protection. Lex has his own preoccupation is with Clark and his investigating goes too far by the end of the season, and Clark ends their friendship. This was kind of a heartbreaking moment. I always like it when people get along, and on this show to see their friendship deteriorate was sad. Thankfully, it takes a couple of seasons to completely wither.

Overall, Clark not being so squeaky clean anymore, Lex’s dive into his own psychosis, Lana growing up and leaving to find herself, Chloe struggling with being the 3rd wheel, Jonathan sacrificing himself for his son, and Pete leaving town as well to protect Clark’s secret, this ranks as one of my favorite seasons. Oh, and I totally forgot to mention Lex begins to drive a wedge between Clark and Lana! It’s exciting watching it back to see the subtle beginnings of what is to come and just how subtle the beginnings were!

I'd love to hear any other Smallville lover's opinions, please comment below if you wish.


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