Episode 613 - Crimson Review




"Crimson" 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.

"Crimson" was entertainment drivel geared to the soap opera lover. The first half was a fun look at the Clark and Lois relationship, with foreshadowing of Clark's future. And the second half was darker, with more focus on the latest angst triangle and a bitter reminder of Clark's past. While it's reassuring to know that the writers understand this distinction, unfortunately, Clark's story is stuck somewhere in limbo between the two. Clark is unable to focus on his present life, because he is still stuck in the past. Clark needs to reach closure on his failed romantic relationship with Lana and to move forward with his life.

Although Crimson did help to move this triangle storyline forward, it just feels like the wrong storyline. Clark-Lana-Lex doesn't work as any type of romantic angst triangle. Clark should have already moved on from Lana romantically, and it's difficult to believe that Lex Luthor could really love anyone. It's forced and demeaning to all three characters. It would work better to connect these three characters through Clark's secret instead: Clark trying to protect his secret, while fighting Lex's latest evil plans; Lana as a loyal friend, trying to protect Clark and his secret; and Lex seeking power while being obsessed with learning the truth about Clark. If this result is the real purpose of the Clark, Lana, and Lex triangle, then perhaps this soap opera will have been worthwhile.

However, instead of focusing on the present, along with Clark's progress to date, the writers seem determined to revisit Clark's past in order to accomplish this goal: another ride on the overdone, dead-end Clark and Lana romantic merry-go-round. It's difficult to care about this romantic sub-plot, when there are so many more important milestones in Clark's journey that have been glossed over or simply ignored along the way.

The Good:

Tom's Performance: Tom Welling's performance as Red!K Kal was even better this time, because he brought an intuitive understanding of his character to the role. It's apparent that Tom has become so comfortable in Clark's skin, that it's easy to forget he is acting a part. Playing Red!K Kal is a nice change of pace for the actor, and is also a nice reminder to the audience of Tom's acting range. Tom excelled in the engagement party scene, and his anger was palpable. And, he easily made the transition between shy, awkward Clark to overly confident, assertive Kal!

Mythos References: There were several iconic references in this episode, and most of them centered on Clark and Lois. The best one was Clark and Lois on the roof of the Daily Planet, and then Clark super jumping with Lois in the Metropolis sky to Oliver's penthouse. It was a nod to the first Superman movie, and Lois' comment that Clark was "able to leap tall buildings in a single bound" was nice. It was cute when Jimmy played matchmaker at the Valentine's party, and he said: "Then it came to me...Lois and Clark!" I was also amused by a line that Kal said to Lois about the Green Arrow: "Oliver is not even in the same league as me", since I also said the same thing in my earlier review of "Justice".

Clark and Martha: Tom and Annette O'Toole are always believable in their scenes together. Martha gave good advice to Clark, about not keeping his feelings bottled up while not on Red!K, and also advised him to leave Lana alone. Martha did the right thing, because her son should not be involved with an engaged girl who may be pregnant with another man's baby. However, its times like these when this viewer still misses the guidance of Jonathan Kent in Clark's life.

Clark and Lois: Tom and Erica Durance were good in their scenes together. It felt as though they had underlying feelings for each other, that neither was quite sure of how to interpret. This is appropriate during this stage of their relationship, and their developing friendship is essential to laying the foundation for their future romance. The Kal/Lois scenes were cute and sexy, but their best scene was the last Clark and Lois one in the loft. It's nice to see a less abrasive Lois, and the viewers got a peek at her inner feelings and insecurities. Clark was teasing Lois; until he saw her reaction to the mixed CD she had made for him. At that point, they both realized that Lois cared for Clark even more than she herself had realized, and the change on their faces reflected their realization of this fact.

Kal and the Engagement Party: This is a good/bad scenario. It was satisfying to watch Kal finally tell the people in his life what he really thinks of their recent behaviors. But, why can't Clark express his feelings without being under the influence of Red!K? It's true that Clark loses his inhibitions under the influence of Red!K, and it's a powerful drug for him. But, the writers went too far by having the future Superman manhandle, kidnap, and kiss a pregnant, engaged woman.

Clark, Chloe, and Jimmy: Chloe is going to have to make some decisions soon regarding her friendship with Clark and her relationship with Jimmy. Hopefully, Clark and Chloe will remain good friends, but it's also time for Clark to do more on his own too. No version of Superman needs a sidekick.

The Luthor baby: It's an interesting twist to have Lex directly involved regarding a secret plot about Lana's pregnancy. It was described as not being the "most typical pregnancy", but that "everything is on schedule". It's possible that Lex and Lana's baby is a human meteor freak, and is part of Lex's level 33.1 experiments. Lex also gave Lana a thinly veiled threat in this episode too, should she ever try to leave him.

Lana and the Secret: Lana finally discovered Clark is different! This is a relief, because this knowledge can finally help to bring Clark and Lana full circle to just being friends. However, after several years of hyping this storyline, her discovery was written in an anti-climatic way, almost as an afterthought. Hopefully, at least the viewers won't have to suffer through anymore "secret and lies" speeches from Lana anymore.

The Bad:

Martha at the Engagement Party: Why would Martha attend the engagement party of her son's enemy? Why would Senator Kent want to be associated with Lex? She didn't even go with Lionel, which could have been used as an excuse. It has not been shown that she and Lana have any type of close relationship either. This seemed totally out of character for Martha Kent, and was simply a plot device to have her at the party, so Kal could also unload on her too. In past seasons, Martha would have offered support to her son at a time like this instead.

Clark and Lana: It's unfortunate that this relationship has become a circus. It could have been portrayed as a bittersweet, first love. But instead, it has deteriorated into a ridiculous soap opera, and there will be many fans who will be cheering when Clark finally leaves Lana behind. Once the integrity of a relationship has been destroyed, it's difficult to take it serious any longer. The most intriguing line in this episode came from Lana: "You don't love me Clark. You just can't stand the idea that I love someone else". This is not a healthy relationship. There's a difference between love and obsession, and it's time for Clark to move past this unhealthy obsession. It's time for them to reach closure on their failed romantic relationship and just be good friends.

My rating? I give Crimson 3 out of 5 stars.

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