Episode 606 - Fallout Review




"Fallout" 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 episode had such potential, but it felt rushed and had uneven direction. More importantly, there weren't enough scenes that focused on the primary storyline with Clark and Raya. However, the final scene between Clark and Martha did provide a pivotal moment for Clark, and basically redeemed the episode. It will be remembered as one of the most important scenes of the show!

The Good

Clark Kent: With a simple, yet profound statement, Clark finally gains self-acceptance of himself and his heritage. "For the first time, I'm ready to stop running from who I really am, from my destiny." The determination and understanding that Tom Welling portrayed in that scene gave this viewer chills. Tom always does a great job, and over the past six seasons, Tom has rightfully secured his place in the Superman story.

It's a powerful and significant quote that reflects a turning point in Clark's journey. Although previously too modest to even think of himself as a hero, Clark realizes that he is meant for great things. Clark's destiny is to save Earth from self-destruction. This realization, plus the use of the Superman symbol, cemented this scene as one of the most important scenes of the show. The viewers actually witness the symbolic birth of a young Superman!

Although, of course, Clark has always known he is different, this time he feels a sense of loss and also pride about his race and his planet. He no longer views Krypton from an outsider's perspective. It was his true home, his heritage. Raya provides Clark's first encounter with a fellow good Kryptonian. She was direct and honest with him, instead of providing cryptic messages, as he experienced with Jor-El. It is appropriate that this knowledge comes from a fellow Kryptonian, since no human could possibly understand, or help Clark in his journey in this manner.

In addition, the mystique surrounding the future superhero was also referenced, and sets up the bigger than life aspect of Clark's future. Raya told Clark he is already a myth and a legend among intergalactic Phantom Zone prisoners, as the last Son of Krypton and of the House of El.

Clark even learns more about Jor-El, and how much he is like him, in spite of being raised on an entirely different planet and never even meeting him. Although Clark still loves Jonathan, the bond he shares with Jor-El is equally strong. Like father, like son. Finally, there's an acknowledgement of the importance of one's nature as well as one's environment (nurture). Clark is basically a good, selfless hero, regardless of his environment, and his realization of that fact is a powerful moment.

It is essential that Clark accept both parts of himself (Earth and Kryptonian) before he can voluntarily choose his destiny. This self-acceptance is a universal theme for everyone, and is so poignantly illustrated in the Superman story. It was also very symbolic that a young Superman was born, at the same time as the FOS was reborn. Obviously, Clark recharged the FOS and this was depicted by the lighting in the end scene. And, Clark was proactive in his stance to capture and defeat the remaining escaped Zoners.

Chloe and Jimmy: Jimmy's purpose seems to be one of comic relief, as he earnestly stumbles along, in his stuttering and well-meaning manner. Both Allison and Aaron did a good job in their scenes together. Chloe can now relate to Clark's situation with his relationships, as she is now lying to Jimmy, in order to protect Clark's secret. It would be nice to have a future scene between Clark and Chloe about this topic.

Lex and Lana: It's obvious that Lex and Lana are not involved in a loving, healthy relationship. It has already deteriorated into a sick game of one-upmanship with each trying to outdo the other in their sneaky investigations. There are parallels between both of them in their almost desperate need to prove they are worthy of love. Lex resorts to investigating Lana behind her back, and Lana resorts to ultimatums, in order to obtain proof of their self-worth. This relationship is eerily reminiscent of the one between Lionel and Lillian. And, it is even more disturbing, because Lana looks so much like Lillian, too. Both Kristin and Michael did a good job in their portrayals as two people involved in an increasingly perverted, disturbing relationship.

The Bad

Although all the actors did a good job, this episode was basically rushed, with uneven direction. Raya was an important supporting character, and she could have been successfully utilized in a few episodes, to provide more background information about Krypton, Clark's birth parents, and his heritage.

There were too many unnecessary scenes that focused on the sub-plots with Lex and Lana, Chloe and Jimmy, and on the guest star Bow-Wow. The first basketball scene was too long, and wasted precious screen time.

This episode could have been very powerful overall, instead of providing just one important scene with Clark and Martha. But it was crammed with too many peripheral characters. There seems to be some type of attempt to split up screen time among the actors, instead of doing what makes sense for a particular episode.

It is the same mistake that was made in "Reckoning" with the death of Jonathan Kent. There are important milestones in Clark's journey that deserve to be the main focus of an episode. This series is long overdue on an episode that is entirely Clark-centric, and mythos-focused. However, the episode was still worthwhile, because of the important progression for Clark.

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

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