Smallville 9.03 "Rabid"

[emeraldstag]

Being on the west coast, sometimes I feel left out in the episode discussion, especially any of the live blogging that goes on. And usually I end up having to get off twitter to make sure not to be spoiled about the episode. But then I occasionally go to episode threads after I see the episode to share my thoughts and get in the discussion, so what happens when I went to a place after "Metallo"? Someone wonders about a mystery that's been building throughout the first episodes and the very last commenter (just before I was to post) goes "Oh that's _____, it was posted over on Kryptonsite." .... And there I get spoiled on a big plot point. Seriously I don't know why I try anymore.

• Clark. I really hope this whole dark period in his life doesn't last throughout the entire season because I miss the red and blue colors about as much as I miss the flannel shirts he used to wear. It's nice that he has the House of El crest on his chest but I hope they slowly bring color back into his life as the season goes, I think that would be a clever use of wardrobe, his current ensemble reminds me too much of Zod!Lex from S5/6.
• Chloe. The start to this season has done nothing but reinforce my opinion that they don't know how to write Chloe & Lois together in the same episode. As much as they want to deny it, their actions really make it feel like Chloe & Lois do the same role/purpose. I don't understand why there's so much of Dr. Hamilton because it feels like he's taking a lot of the things Chloe could be doing/working on in the episode. It really feels like she's not being used right at all. And with Lois' visions having Chloe either running or knocked out on the ground, I just fear what they're planning for Miss Sullivan.
• Oliver. I'm guessing this is his downfall we are watching when it comes to drinking and not being the hero he can be. What I don't understand is why Jimmy's death is affecting him this much, they never seemed to be that close and I'm sure this isn't the first time Oliver had someone die on him. Also the fact that he did everything in his power to beat Doomsday with or without Clark's help, it just feels like a convenient reason to put Oliver through the ringer. It's not that fun to watch and I was hoping with the watchtower around that they would've at least brought in Black Canary in to be a recurring role (at least as much as Dr. Hamilton is).
• Kandorians. Clearly they are going to be the villains behind most episodes, as we saw that they build Metallo as an experiment to see if they could regain their powers, and then one of them set the Doomsday virus upon the human population in "Rabid". I expect more of the same throughout the rest of the season, although it looks like Zod has other ideas than his army knows about. I'm still interested in the future girl, and who was on the House of El crest. Also why has Tess not informed Clark about the Kandorians? I don't understand her character's sudden turnabout, she seemed all about helping Clark last season and now doesn't even think about talking to him?

I have no idea what to expect with "Echo" but I do recognize the Toyman in it. It seems like they put together a blur of scenes to amp up the anticipation of the episode and not give away anything. I couldn't stand how many people were talking about "zombies" before this last episode, and I'm glad they were wrong about that.