Episode 507 - Splinter Review




"Splinter" 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.

This was one of the best-written and best acted episodes so far this season. The theme was about trust, and contrasted imaginary betrayal with actual secrets and lies.

In order to effectively achieve this contrast, the realistic portrayal of Clark under the influence of a powerful, mind-altering drug was essential. The prevalent use of "windows" and "glass" and the blending of reality with delusion helped the audience to see things from Clark's perspective. It was a twist on "Alice through the looking glass", but an effective technique nonetheless.

Tom's Performance : Tom Welling was excellent. The teaming of Welling and Director James Marshall has helped to produce two wonderful episodes (Transference from last season and now Splinter), and two amazing performances by Tom in the process. It is difficult to portray someone under the influence of a powerful drug without overacting. The make-up and lighting helped to dramatize Clark's delusions, but Tom's performance was the key to making it believable. His performance was both subtle and complex.

The best acting can be found in the details, and even Tom's body language screamed desperation: his expressions, his raw emotion, his erratic hand and arm movements, his darting eyes, and profuse sweating were all indicative of a person under extreme duress. Yes, Tom Welling is a gorgeous man, but he is definitely more than just a pretty face. He is also a talented actor.

The Good:

Clark and Fine/Brainiac: The scenes with Clark and Fine/Brainiac were compelling. Brainiac was the mastermind behind the events, and he revealed his true intentions to Clark. Brainiac was the one who sent the stone to Lana, and he "cured" Clark as a way to earn his trust.

He is trying to turn Clark against humanity. It's interesting to watch an 18-year-old Clark Kent stand his ground against one of his most fierce future villains. Clark's speech in the loft scene where he defended humans was classic Superman. Finally, there is a worthy adversary for Clark. The Clark and Brainiac scenes are what the Clark and Lex scenes should be on this show. Kudos to James Marsters for his portrayal!

Lionel and Lex: The scenes between Lionel and Lex were also done well. Lionel's comment to Lex: "It doesn't matter even if you were President, son, the people closest to you will know what's in your heart" was astute. John Glover's Lionel delivered his lines in a cool, matter-of-fact way, knowing all too well the effect his words would have on Lex.

Foreshadowing : There were several examples of possible foreshadowing. I especially enjoyed Brainiac's college lecture about Jesus and Judas, and Caesar and Brutus, in reference to Clark and Lex. Chloe's comment to Clark about how she would rather die before she would betray Clark and reveal his secret was another example, and also continued the theme of trust for this episode.

Each of the actors played their parts well. The episode flowed, and the editing was in sync with the storyline. Splinter was an episode that advanced the main plotline, and set things in motion for subsequent episodes. The dynamics were put in place for several key relationships.

The Bad:

Secrets and Lies: How long can the writers continue this theme on the show? The secrets and lies among Clark, Lana, and Lex are going to blow up in their faces. It's just a matter of time. Clark, of course, is continuing to keep his heritage and his powers a secret. Lana is keeping the murder of Mrs. Teague, the cryptic note in the newspaper from "arrival", and now the spaceship a secret from Clark. Lex is keeping the LuthorCorp experiments secret, and is still investigating Clark.

All three will be impacted by what happens regarding these secrets. And all three of their lives and their relationships with each other will be affected in some way. It will be interesting to watch all three characters' decisions in the ongoing depiction of these central themes of secrets and lies, loyalty, trust, and betrayal.

My rating? I give "Splinter" 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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