Episode 701 - Bizarro Episode Review




"Bizarro" 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.

Bizarro was the right season premiere to draw viewers into watching a seventh season of Smallville. It was focused on Clark and the mythos, which was a welcome change after so many soap opera episodes in season six. Clark was more like Superman in this episode that he has been for awhile, and Tom Welling delivered an amazing performance as both Clark Kent and Bizarro. All the other characters were in supporting roles, and the episode was fast-paced, with good special effects.

The Good

Tom's Performance: Tom Welling is this generation's Superman. It doesn't matter how many movies with other actors that Hollywood churns out. Tom has defined this role, and has made it his own. He has the look, the physique, and the demeanor to play this hero. Even his hair parted on the side, with the hint of a curl, was in character. In Bizarro, Tom proves once again, that if he has the right script, he takes command of the show. He did an awesome job as both Clark and Bizarro, and carried the weight of this episode squarely and effortlessly on his shoulders. His reactions and his acting were top-notch throughout the episode.

One of the scenes that really stood out was Clark's reaction to Chloe's "death" in the hospital. Clark literally staggered down the hall, and seemed disoriented with this latest news. His super hearing was out of control, and the surrounding noises were adding to his confusion. It was a poignant moment, when he was able to zoom into Chloe's voice, calling out for help. It illustrated a real bond between these two close friends.

As a devoted Tom fan, I also have to state the obvious about Tom's appearance too. Tom must be working out again, because his physique is unbelievable. He is getting more defined, bigger, more leading man, heroic-looking, if that's possible! His face was absolutely beautiful in the close-up in the sun. And his deep, masculine voice as Bizarro was almost a growl! He was very sexy, when he ripped off his shirt with one hand, in order to apply GreenK to heal his wounds! *Sigh* Tom is just a gorgeous man as well as a talented actor, and there's no way to review any performance of his without also acknowledging his charisma.

Supermanly Scenes/References: Clark was Superman in this episode, even without wearing the costume. This was so obvious in the very first scene, when he saved the little boy and his father from the rushing dam waters using his heat vision to vaporize the water. The nod to the little boy as he super sped off was a very nice moment! It is these types of understated gestures that add depth to his portrayal of this iconic figure. And, of course, Clark crashing thru the dam wall to save Lois, Chloe, and the little boy was also just like something from a Superman movie. In fact, didn't the little boy from "Phantom" look a little like Jason from Superman Returns in that scene with Clark and Lois? And, didn't Superman save Lois and Jimmy from a dam burst in the first Superman movie also?

Exploration of Clark's humanity: Martian Manhunter (MM) points out that Clark caring about humans is his greatest strength, as well as one of his greatest weaknesses, and finally acknowledges Clark's bravery. And, Clark assertively states he won't apologize any longer about his compassion for humanity. The scene was well done, and there needs to be more scenes like this, so viewers can understand Clark's perspective. It was also interesting that Clark contemplated his feelings towards Lex, and his actions in last season's finale, "Phantom". Clark is learning that he needs to control his very human emotions too.

The topic of human mortality was another theme. Clark stated that no matter how close he gets to humans, those he loves will not always be there. He realizes he will outlive everyone he loves, so he will always be an outsider to some extent. Clark faced the potential loss of both Chloe and Lana, and of course, Martha has moved away. Exploring this theme again was nice continuity, since it had also been explored in a season one episode, "Hourglass".

Fight Scenes/Special Effects: The Clark vs. Bizarro scenes were well done. The fight was an "even match", with both sides taking their strengths from different sources: Clark from the sun and Bizarro from GreenK. It was a nice touch to show Bizarro's face cracking once in awhile, and to have Bizarro's voice be significantly lower than Clark's voice, to distinguish the two characters. I also enjoyed the expression in Bizarro's eyes, and the half-smile that just screamed "trouble"!

Tom did a great job in his portrayal of Bizarro, as an efficient, powerful, ruthless killer, who had a plan and was going to make it happen! It's good that Bizarro is not just a one-shot villain, and will be back again. The scene with the rushing waters from the dam was also well done, as was the scene with Bizarro regaining his strength through the use of GreenK. Also, did MM get Bizarro, and take him into outer space, when Clark punched him skywards at the end? There was a red streak in the sky, and this was unclear.

Clark and Chloe: Their scenes are usually enjoyable, since they share such a close friendship. It was a sweet, caring moment when Clark silently removed Chloe's toe tag in the morgue. However, it was a little surprising that they didn't at least hug each other in that scene. And, it's interesting that Chloe is not ready to talk to Clark about her meteor powers yet.

New Opening Credits: It was time for an update! It was good to see Michael finally in second place, and that Allison was moved to fourth place too. Finally, all the outdated "romantic" scenes were removed, and the emphasis is now on the individual characters instead. Hopefully, these improved changes will remain.

Mixed Reactions:

Script: Overall, the script was good, because the focus was finally on Clark, with all the other characters acting in supporting roles. The storyline had some mythos, because of Bizarro and MM, even Kara. But, on the negative side, there was too much mention of Lana in this episode. It was simply not needed, and really did nothing to progress the storyline.

Bizarro and Lois scene: Although the scene between Bizarro and Lois was very cute and funny, it just wasn't needed within the context of the episode overall. Yes, it was good to see Lois show her attraction for whom she thought was Clark, even though she denies it. Yes, there was chemistry between Clark and Lois, and definite foreshadowing of things to come. But, was it necessary for this episode? Several other scenes could have been used instead.

Kara: It's hard to remain open-minded, when a character has been added to a show that's just not needed. The scenes were all right, but is she really necessary, other than to try again to get a spin-off show? Jor-El and MM could really fulfill the role of sharing info with Clark about his Kryptonian heritage.

Lionel's disappearing act: Who dragged Lionel away? Please don't let it be the dreaded rumor of a Lana clone. If it is, hopefully that storyline will be over quickly.

The Bad:

Direction: The direction in this episode seemed uneven, and was rushed at times. This is an episode that really needed to be two hours, because some of the scenes could have been explored more in-depth, along with the accompanying emotions.

Lex/Kara Underwater Scene: This was just a rehash of the series premiere between Clark and Lex. If this was an excuse to give Lex one more chance to change his life and to redeem himself, then my question is: "why"? Michael's best scenes are those where Lex is embracing his destiny, not reverting back to a passive victim due to his latest experience. This viewer is tired of pathetic Lex. MR deserves better than this; let Lex progress in his journey to evil. Why the back peddling, when this may be his last season on the show?

Lack of Chloe/Lois scene: Why wasn't there some type of "reunion" scene between Chloe and Lois, once Lois found out that Chloe was okay? This seemed odd.

Lana's "disguise": Who would wear a blonde wig to try to hide in China? This made no sense at all, and was the real comic relief of the episode. This scene was superfluous, and could have been saved for the next episode instead.

My rating? I give "Bizarro" a 4.5 out of 5 stars, mostly for Tom's performance and the focus on Clark!

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