Smallville 9.13 "Warrior" Real-Time

[emeraldstag]

It's a shame that the first Chloe-centric episode (along with being AM's S9 directing debut) is premiering alongside the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies. Because of the busy evening, I'm changing things up and taking my macbook with me as I watch tonight's Smallville and will post my comments in a steady stream of consciousness instead this week.

• Yes, thank you! Finally saw Chlo-Lo action! This was one of my hopes for the episode and they knock it out of the park in the first few minutes. I can't remember the last time I saw these two together just for fun and not in danger or on a mission. That's what I liked about the early seasons, the cast members congregating for fun stuff not just crime-fighting. If only Chloe dressed up too, I think that would've been hilarious if they had similar outfits. Both Stormtroopers = "Aren't you a little short for a Stormtrooper?" Would have been funny.
• Warrior Angel = Shazam? Kid becoming an adult superhero. Probably the closest we'll see to a Captain Marvel/Shazam reference. Not to mention he was created from magic, which is what CM/Shazam's powers are.
• Any save in Metropolis that Clark doesn't do makes me roll my eyes, especially at a place where his two favorite girls are. Guess he's too busy leading the Kandorians OFF SCREEN.
• The can throw by Clark was awesome, but really, those two guys kept him busy? No wonder Zod seems to have no trouble doing things behind Clark's back. I did enjoy the nods to previous episodes when Clark went through Lois' closet: the red leather from S6 "Combat", the stars & stripes outfit from S5 "Exposed", and the maid outfit from S8 "Odyssey".
• "I'm in the business of helping super-hereos" Nice job keeping a secret Chloe! Seemed very out-of-character for her to just spill the truth out like it's no big deal. I know she's been in the Watchtower for a long time but you can't tell me she can't keep a secret anymore. Felt like someone trying to be smooth or impress in the presence of apparent greatness and letting something slip - all that isn't Chloe's style.
• The Boy/Man Hero agrees to have coffee with Chloe? Why? Sounds too eager for what a 10 year old? Hasn't even hit puberty.
• I Love that Lois is willing to dress up and have fun while being serious. Loosen up Clark, I'm so glad Lois pointed out that Clark and Chloe seem to be suffering from the same grumpy person disease. Live a little!
• Zatanna! :3 It's great to see her again, I had forgotten that she was due to make a return in S9, and she's definitely another character I'd like to see around a bit more. Especially with such an true to source material outfit. lol. Too bad there was no Oliver/Zatanna interaction, they seemed to clash last time around.
• I don't think Chloe needs that much caffeine. 3 shots jeez. Again, why would Chloe be so talkative about what she does. Especially for someone who doesn't even tell Clark things these days. Wouldn't she be more curious/questioning about his powers/existence? And not take things at face value? Unlike her not to want to know more before letting things out about herself.
• Zatanna you seducer you! I was surprised there wasn't a Lois walk-in, everything was set for one. Guess they didn't want to have to deal with that drama. Clark would be relying on his i'm defenseless to magic stance if he had to defend himself. lol.
• Why would Chloe take him home after a few hours? "Not what I imagined doing when you said you wanted to come upstairs" - And Chloe thought they were going to do it? Nice preview at Xbox Natal. Definitely look silly playing it, probably even worse than the Wii in that aspect. Looked like Chloe was trying to shake a squirrel off her leg.
• Warrior Angel/boy barely discovers his ability to fly and Chloe is going to go with him right away? Crazy. If this was Clark maybe she'd do that, but really, not even going to let him get used to the ability? This is like a Superman light/replacement for Chloe.
• And now I bet Chloe is not going to mention anything to Clark. Knew it! Sigh. Oh god.. Chloe is infatuated with another villain that doesn't realize he is one and she tries to protect him. This is S8 all over again. WTF. Boo.
• Yeah. Didn't see this happening (Warrior Angel turning on Chloe). [/sarcasm].. Lame that Chloe would try to do this by herself and not mention anything to Clark. (I would think if Chloe asked Clark to let her try first he'd let her ... while he watched at a distance. lol.) At least Clark still knows Chloe even in this poorly written state, and that he can hear her so quickly.
• if Clark blurred away like that, he would've gotten there way before Zatanna started her counter curse. At least he still saved Chloe, a nice little catch moment between the two with Clark giving her a knowing scolding look would have been nice. And why is Chloe crying? She's known the kid like 1 day? a few hours? I'm confused.
• Taking the kid back to the Kent Farm on Smallville? WTF!!!! Apparently keeping a secret identity has no meaning unless it concerns Lois Lane. Lame. Do this at a park or something. Lazy, just using the barn set.
• Of course Clark would confess about the kiss. Smooth handles by Lois though. Figured Clark would agree to go costuming too bad they don't show it. I think that would've been a fun way to end it. Maybe him dressing up as Batman? Batman/WW would have been funny.
• So now Chloe is going to have fun with Oliver? ... This doesn't seem obvious/pushed. [/sarcasm]. What with all the caressing hands and soft talking. Wow.. From locked up in the watch tower to going after every guy not Clark cuz he's unavailable. And Oliver, well he's a bit of a man-whore so I'm not surprised between sending emails to Canary, still got the unresolved past with Tess and now poaching on Chloe. Smallville castcest.

So a pretty average episode, some great moments but the naivety of Chloe, and Oliver's roaming hands brought me down. And wow, next week's episode looks stupid/pointless. This is what, going to be now 4 straight episodes with no real focus/movement concerning Zod/Kandorians? Strange time to do this after that ending in "Pandora" where it seemed like things were about to jump a level in intensity. I almost wish that episode had aired this week because I'm sure this episode will get beaten up in ratings by the Olympics and it will get all the stupid shipping/character wars that the fandom is having going again I'm sure.