Episode 515 - Cyborg Review




"Cyborg" 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.

Cyborg introduced another comics character to Smallville. Hopefully, there will be a reunion with Clark, Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, and Angel of Vengeance in an episode in the final season. As a Superman fan, I would like to see the Big Three: Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, and Diana Prince. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen.

The Good:

Overall, this was an entertaining episode, thanks in part to the guest star, Lee Thompson Young, who did a solid job as Victor. And there was good interaction between Clark and Victor.

There was finally some progress in the deteriorating friendship between Clark and Lex. It was so satisfying to see a heroic Clark and a villainous Lex onscreen, making voluntary choices. There was no blaming other people and no overly ambiguous questions left unanswered. Lex hunted Victor down, had him shot, captured and taken back to the lab, where he was planning to wipe his emotions and conduct more experiments on him. The scene with Lex emerging from the shadows was symbolic of Lex's true nature finally starting to emerge. There have also been subtle differences in Clark since Jonathan's death. Clark is more assertive and more decisive in his actions now.

Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum both did a good job in their scenes together. The underlying mistrust and animosity came across in every glance. The exploration of good vs. evil is the crux of this story, and an integral part of Clark's journey to becoming the world's greatest superhero. It's time to move this storyline forward for both Clark and Lex, and let them take their rightful places. Plus, it opens up all kinds of storylines in contrasting the motivation, morals, values, beliefs, and behaviors of both Clark and Lex. This is where the real rift should lie between these two very different men. Bring it on!

The ending scene with Lionel was intriguing, and has resulted in all kinds of speculation about him and his motives. Was he the one blackmailing Martha all along, in order to gain her trust? He was blackmailing Jonathan in "Reckoning". Does Lionel retain any knowledge from being "inhabited" by Jor-El? Or, has Lionel just been very thorough in his research about Clark? Or, is Brainiac somehow involved?

Now that Lionel knows about Clark, his feelings for Martha are becoming clearer. With Jonathan out of the picture, Lionel can pursue Martha, and in the process, he also gets Clark. Imagine someone like Lionel having a son with Clark's abilities. The possibilities for power are endless.

The special effects were good, including: the "double-jump" by Clark and Victor off the building; Clark using his x-ray vision to see the results of Victor's "bionic implants"; and Victor ripping off pieces of "flesh" from his injured arm in the Talon.

The loft scene foreshadowed the end of romantic Clark and Lana. It's clear that Clark has realized their relationship can not work, even while confessing his feelings to Lana. Tom Welling delivered his lines perfectly, and his eyes clearly reflected the emotions of sadness, hesitation, and loss. It was a classic example of saying one thing, but meaning something else. His steely Superman delivery of such an intimate line gave me chills. The look in his eyes said what his words did not say.

Kristin Kreuk was also convincing in portraying Lana's love for Clark. Her admission of their relationship "going around in circles" and her obvious emotional reaction to Clark's words illustrated that she also realizes their relationship won't last. It was a different type of loft scene, and both Tom and Kristin did a good job.

The Bad:

Senator Martha Kent should have some type of security for her protection. Yet, Lex's henchmen were able to barge into the Kent barn to try to capture Victor.

Why didn't Martha talk to Clark about the blackmail? If Clark had seen the video, he would have known when and where the rescue happened. Showing Jonathan's picture was a nice touch, but it seemed unrealistic for Martha to not confide in Clark.

My rating? I give "Cyborg" a 4 out of 5 stars.

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