Episode 10.22- Finale, Part 2 Review




"Finale, Part 2" Review

Written by Scarlett

DISCLAIMER - Please remember that this review does not represent the opinions/viewpoints of everyone; it is the personal opinions of the reviewer only. Thank you.

Smallville ended its record breaking ten year run with a satisfying conclusion to Clark Kent taking the Superman identity. Clark finally accepted both sides of himself: his Human upbringing and his Kryptonian heritage. There was closure to Clark's past in Smallville, and also a glimpse of his future life in Metropolis as Superman. Clark's journey to Superman ended with Clark flying, wearing the Superman suit, and saving Earth from destruction. There were numerous Superman references, and several returning guest stars.

One of the highlights was a classic Smallville scene of Clark, Jonathan (in spirit), and Martha in the loft at the Kent farm. Another highlight was the Clark vs. (Lionel possessed) Darkseid scene, where Clark flew for the first time. The montage with Clark watching some main events of his life was a shout-out to long-term Smallville fans. The final scene of Clark Kent on the Daily Planet rooftop with the American flag in the background and the classic Superman shirt rip was a perfect ending to this show. To reiterate what Jonathan told Clark when he handed him the Superman suit in the Fortress of Solitude: "Always hold on to Smallville!"

Tom's Performance: Tom Welling embodied both Clark Kent and Superman effortlessly. He portrayed compassion, heroism, and an inner strength. Tom has brought this character to life for a new generation for the past decade, and he has earned his place in the history of the Superman story. Tom Welling will always be my Superman!

The Good:

Clark Kent: Clark was heroic, strong, and a natural leader. He proactively investigated Tess' disappearance at the Daily Planet, figured out that there was a lab with corridors under the Luthor mansion, and saved Earth. He used almost all of his superpowers in this episode, including: super hearing, super speed, x-ray vision, super strength, and flight! But, it was his unwavering belief in humanity that illustrated why he is the leader, and the hero of heroes.

Superman References and Classic Superman Scenes: Clark wearing glasses at the Daily Planet; Clark flying and changing into the Superman suit in the Fortress of Solitude; Superman saving the Air Force One plane from crashing; Superman stopping Darkseid's Apokolips; Superman theme music from Chris Reeve Superman movies; Lois called Clark the "Man of Steel" at Daily Planet; Lionel referred to Clark as "the savior in red"; Oliver called Clark a "friend with a cool leather jacket that blurs faster than a speeding bullet; Perry White at Daily Planet; Jimmy Olsen with bow tie at Daily Planet; Chloe calling him Superman; Superman featured in the comic book and Chloe telling Clark: "See you in the funny pages"; Lex Luthor wearing a black glove; Lexcorp on Luthorcorp building; and Lex being elected President in the future, while wearing a white suit.

Final Smallville Scene: The final scene with Clark Kent on the Daily Planet rooftop with the American flag in the background and the classic Superman shirt rip was a perfect ending to this show!

Clark, Jonathan (in spirit), and Martha: Their scenes together have always been such an integral part of the show. Kudos to both Annette O'Toole and John Schneider for their performances! The scene with all three together in the barn was one of the most poignant, heart touching scenes of the entire finale. Martha: "The day you found us in that field - you were the miracle we prayed for. Now, the world needs that same miracle". The Kent family hug was a satisfying way to bring closure to this aspect of the story, including Clark thanking his parents. In that moment, viewers knew that Clark would never forget everything his parents taught him. Clark would carry these loved ones with him always. It was also very appropriate that it was Jonathan who gave Clark the Superman suit in the Fortress.

Clark vs. (Lionel possessed) Darkseid, Clark Flying, and the Montage Scene: Even though the fight was anticlimactic, Clark's speech to Darkseid was pure Superman. Clark: "I believe that even in the darkest soul, there is always hope. People want to believe in something greater." This confrontation resulted in Clark hovering in the air, and then flying for the first time, with the classic arms-out Superman pose as he flew towards Darkseid. And it featured a montage of some of the people Clark has saved in his past, set to the Superman theme music from the movies. This montage was done very well, and was a nice shout-out to the long-term fans of the show.

Religious Symbolism: Darkseid was referred to as the "darkness"; "ultimate evil in pure form"; a villain who could take souls and did take Lionel's soul; someone who could bring about the Apocalypse. Clark was referred to as the light who could drive out the darkness, and who could inspire people to be saved from the darkness. Lex told Clark: "You were born to be the chosen one" and Lex said the Veritas journals foretold of a chosen savior, the light that would inspire this world out of darkness. Lex: "You're the light Clark".

Clark and Lex: It was good to see Tom, and Michael Rosenbaum onscreen together again. The confrontation between Clark and Lex illustrated the ongoing battle between good and evil. Both men chose their own destinies, and each chose a different side. Clone Lex could have started a new life, but instead he chose to kill his sister Tess, just like pre-clone Lex had killed Lionel in the past. Lex was still motivated by power and greed, while Clark was motivated to serve humanity. Lex had literally rebuilt his own body by taking clone body parts from his genetic engineering experiments. Darkseid gave him AU Lionel's heart to complete the process, so Lex could emerge from life support and live again.

Lois as Reporter and Damsel In Distress: Lois stealing a fellow reporter's badge and stowing away on Air Force One was typical Lois Lane. However, Lois' speech to the government officials on board went on for too long. Her scenes at the Daily Planet with both Clark and Jimmy Olsen were better.

Lex and Tess: The confrontation between Lex and Tess resulted in Lex killing Tess, but her final act was to remove all of Lex's memories, including his memory of Clark's secret. With her dying breath, Tess told Lex that Clark had saved her from the darkness. Lex's memory wipe helps to align his and Clark's relationship with some mythos versions. Smallville Clark will always look for some good in Lex, based on their past. But, those memories are no longer there for Lex. There was also a montage of Lex's past experiences, as Lex lost his memories of his time in Smallville. This was in stark contrast to Clark vowing to remember his past. Lex's past in Smallville is gone, including even the Luthor mansion.

Lionel and Tess: John Glover was scary in his role as AU Lionel as he tried to take Tess' heart in order to resuscitate Lex. The AU Lionel was willing to do anything for Lex, even kill his own daughter.

Jimmy Olsen cameo: It was so good to see Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olsen again, even if he was supposed to be his own little brother.

Director Greg Beeman: Beeman is definitely a gifted Director, and under his guidance, part two was like watching a Superman movie. The special effects were good, the pacing was good, and Beeman did a great job overall.

Mixed Reactions:

Clark and Superman name: Although it was great that Clark took the Superman identity, flew and wore the suit, he wasn't publicly acknowledged as Superman. Chloe did refer to him as Superman, but that was seven years in the future. Why wasn't there a Daily Planet headline calling him Superman? Lois could have named him on the plane, when she did her news report aboard Air Force One. Perhaps there were DC restrictions for this, but it was a missed opportunity for the series finale.

Chloe reading the Comic Book: Again, what was the purpose of this scene? And, who was the little boy? Was he Oliver's son, perhaps even Connor Hawke, because of the toy arrows? Were Chloe and Oliver divorced, since Oliver wasn't in the scene? Was the comic book just meant to be a tribute to the origins of Superman? Or, was the scene included to promote an upcoming Smallville comic book?

The Bad:

AI Jor-El's "Guidance": It made no sense (within the Smallville continuity) for Jonathan to tell Clark to let the AI Jor-El "guide him" and that the AI is Clark's father. The AI has been a twisted, sadistic murderer on this show. Jonathan has been Clark's father on this show, regardless of Clark's Kryptonian roots.

My rating? I give "Finale, Part Two" 5 out of 5 stars. The scenes with Clark Kent were excellent!

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