Smallville 10.14 "Masquerade"

[emeraldstag]

After having two consecutive spectacular episodes coming back from hiatus, I have to say I was disappointed with the quality of this episode. I don't think it is a coincidence that some of the less interesting villains have been Godfrey, Granny and Desaad. The entire Darkseid storyline has underwhelmed me severely, and while the reveal at the end that Ollie has been infected is a nice touch (like I expected when he gave in to his hate at Desaad's provoking) I really hope that Lex's return has nothing to do with Darkseid (outside of maybe being brought back to life).

Another downfall for this episode was the fact that Clark's storyline on the show felt too much like the "B" plot for the show, and when he isn't the main story (like another Ollie-centric episode S9's "Roulette") the episode just falls flat for me and doesn't feel like Smallville. The idea that Oliver and Chloe would go investigate Desaad's club (a questionable place containing the darkness) with not only not informing Watchtower/Clark but also Oliver going in without his Green Arrow gear was just idiotic.

And look, I love Chloe but she's not a Sarah Walker/Chuck hybrid. She could do what she did in "Collateral" because that was a fake reality, so she shouldn't be able to fight off Federal agents with Oliver. That scene just felt too much that they wanted a fight fight fight, oh god lets make out, scene ala Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Sure she should be able to get a good punch or two in on someone unsuspecting and maybe keep a person busy till a hero can make a save but this felt too much like S8 Ninja Lana.

A nitpick I have is that Lois is already being treated like the best reporter in Metropolis. It feels too much too soon. Didn't care at all for that underling they had getting her and Clark stuff. I also didn't like the whole conversation Clark and Lois had to get around to him saying that Clark Kent is going to be the mask. The problem I have with this is that it doesn't work in Smallville and honestly not in his legacy continuity either. I mean he grew up as Clark Kent, and everything he did was Clark .. the logic in the whole Clark is the disguise just doesn't work.

The few positive moments in that episode for me was when Clark tried on Lois' alteration to his jacket. That was hilarious, and his moping with the hood and glasses, he reminded me of a mix between Bart and Oliver. Oh and also how Lois "wooshed" her exit, HILARIOUS. Oh! and the opening sequence with Clark on Big Ben in London was great too. And some of the Clois banter about the wedding and Clark's powers. But not enough of the good to outweigh the blah.