Smallville 9.02 "Metallo"

[emeraldstag]

I don't really get the chatter around the ratings of the premiere. Friday is usually a dead day anyway, and Smallville still had a higher rating than some of CW's more publicized premieres. I thought it did solid and hopefully can grow as they get deeper into the season. Now, in regards to "Metallo":

• Tess. I don't really understand the total 180 they've done with her character. The evil vibes were flowing off her in this episode with wanting to know if Metallo could be repaired, and the closeness she had commanded of Clark near the end of last season is non-existent. After becoming enamored with Tess last season I am less than fond of the direction she seems to be heading in Season 9. Also who the hell is that Stuart guy who suddenly is helping her out, he came like out of nowhere.
• John Corben/Metallo. I really wish they had given the character a bit more time in the premiere episode so that the whole storyline of his wouldn't feel rushed at all. They could have touched a bit more on his sister in the "Savior" and that being the corner stone for his dislike of the Blur. I didn't understand why he'd have Lois' number that quickly or at all, but I do have to say his transformation into Metallo was gruesome.
• Dr. Hamilton. Is he going to be a recurring character throughout the season? I don't really get the point of bringing him into the fold but that probably has more to do with the fact he's just another person that has come in after Lois and knows Clark's identity before her.
• Martha Kent. She got a few mentions in the episode! We didn't have to wait that long into the season this time unlike last year. Is a guest star spot for one episode too much to ask?

Could next week's episode preview be more vague? All I could get is that Clark takes Lois out for a "not date" and the night goes to hell. Don't know against what or why but I'll still watch. Hope it's a good one.