Episode 522 - Vessel Review




"Vessel" 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.

Overall, this was a disappointing season finale that used recycled dialogue, and lacked any real character progression. Although the direction and the special effects were awesome, the writing was disjointed and uneven. Peterson and Souders, who wrote the convoluted mess that was Reckoning, also wrote Vessel. They should stick to filler episodes, and leave mythos-related episodes to others. This episode could have been a turning point in Clark Kent's life, but overall it was just anti-climatic.

The Good:

The premise of the episode was good. Clark is faced with an enormous moral dilemma: in order to save humanity, he must kill a human vessel. But Clark does not kill. This is the kind of complex decision that we need to see Clark examine, as part of his journey to the world's greatest superhero. If the episode had focused on Clark and his decision, maybe the episode could have been worthwhile.

Marshall is undoubtedly the best Smallville director, and always elicits good performances from the actors. The special effects were awesome. Clark stopping the car coming through the Daily Planet window in slow motion was done very well, in addition to the shot of Clark being trapped in the Phantom Zone.

The brief confrontation between Clark and Lex provided a glance at Lex's true nature and his abnormal obsession with Clark. Lex taunted Clark about the bridge accident from the premiere, and finally admitted that he just basically wants Clark's life. One of these aspects was Clark's loyal girlfriend, which explains Lex's attitude in winning Lana as some kind of trophy.

The Bad:

The Zod possession storyline was not necessary. Why wasn't the showdown focused on Clark vs. Lex and Brainiac? Lionel as Jor-El could have helped also. This could have been the perfect opportunity to contrast Clark and Lex's basic morals, values, and beliefs. Illustrate that while Clark uses his abilities unselfishly, Lex uses his to pursue power. It could have been a powerful examination of these two very different men, and help viewers to understand why they become enemies. It would also explain that once Lex gets a taste of power, how it becomes his ultimate goal in life. We need to see both of these men voluntarily choose their own paths in life.

Clark: Clark can't save everyone, but is it really necessary to continually put him in situations where others have to save him? Since Jor-El designed the Phantom Zone, does it mean that Lionel as Jor-El will have to help Clark escape? Let Clark take control and be more assertive. Clark is a hero, but viewers have been waiting to see the birth of the superhero. This is not progression, its character regression.

Lex: Making Lex a vessel for Zod once again makes him a victim, delays his growth, and enables the writers to go to extremes to blame everyone around him for his behavior. Lex is the sociopathic villain in this story, and he needs to be held accountable for his actions. This is not progression, its character stagnation.

Lana: It's time to transition Clark and Lana from romance to friendship, but at what cost? Are we to believe that Lana would so quickly disregard Clark, someone who she has known all her life, whom she has professed to love with all her heart? Isn't Lana Clark's loyal, lifelong friend? The world is ending, and all Lana wants to talk about is her relationship with her latest boyfriend Lex. That is taking self-centeredness to a record high. This is not progression, its character assassination.

Why didn't Zod, who despises humans, just kill Lana? Zod's body was destroyed? This is in opposition to Superman II of course, but who cares about the mythos?

There was some foreshadowing that Jor-El may not be a bad guy after all. How does this change the way he has been depicted so far?

The Clark and Chloe kiss was left open-ended. Please writers, if you explore this further, don't destroy their friendship in the process.

There was recycled dialogue from Commencement used in this episode. There is no excuse for this type of poor writing.

It's not really a cliffhanger, when iconic characters are put in a life and death situation. It's a guarantee that Martha and Lois will survive the plane scenario.

My rating? I give "Vessel" a 2.5 out of 5 stars.

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