Episode 706 - Lara Review




"Lara" 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.

Mythology-driven episodes are always welcome on a show that's supposed to be about the journey of a young Clark Kent and his decision to take the Superman identity. However, these mythos episodes only work if they are centered on Clark. An episode told through the perspective of another character loses a lot of its impact, because the audience is not emotionally vested in Kara.

Viewers have been watching and rooting for Clark for over six years now, and want him to be the focus for important milestones. The first time Clark has a glimpse of his birth mother, Lara, should not be shared with obscure Kryptonian relatives. This episode put Clark on the sidelines again, in relation to his Kryptonian heritage. Thus, it was anticlimatic, which seems to be the theme for season seven so far! Hopefully, this is part one and "Blue" will be part two of this storyline.

The Good

Tom's Performance: The only scenes I enjoyed were the ones with Tom. He has a presence onscreen that can't be denied. It's a shame that this show is moving further and further away from Clark-centric episodes. It's a testament to Tom's professionalism that he still does his best in his scenes. And, of course, he looked gorgeous as usual.

Heroic Clark: It was good to watch Clark being more proactive in searching for Kara, risking his own life to save her, and then fighting through his own GreenK pain at the lab to free her. The pounding on Kara's chest to revive her was unexpected, but again served to demonstrate the different physiology of the Kryptonian race.

Proactive Clark/Blue Crystal: Clark was proactive and had the blue crystal at the end, but viewers were left guessing "how" and "when" Clark obtained it. Was the scene of Clark obtaining the crystal deleted, due to time constraints? Or, are we to assume it just happened in "offscreenville"? Either way, it was a big gaping plothole.

The long, boring scene with Kara and the "nerd" in the bar could have been edited, in order to include the scene of Clark obtaining the crystal, and to answer the question of whether Kara knows Clark has it. And, it would have made more sense for the last scene to be with Clark and Kara, rather than Clark and Lana. There was no reason for Clark to share that crystal with Lana at all, unless it's setting up an ongoing plotline. And, please, no more clones!

Favorite Quote: Clark made a profound statement in this episode. "Our parents don't define us. We shape our own destiny". That may not be the exact wording, but they are still words of wisdom, that this show should keep in mind. Hold adults accountable for their behaviors please!

Clark and Lionel: A semi-hug between Clark and Lionel was a strange sight to behold. And, then immediately, both started lying to the other. It's understandable that Clark would try to protect Kara, but Lionel didn't believe him. And, Clark also knew that Lionel had more info about the government lab. It's apparent that Clark doesn't fully trust Lionel (regardless of what MM told him earlier).

Lionel and Lex: Lionel knows Lex better than anyone, and this was again obvious in their scene together. Lionel really nailed it when he told Lex: "Don't you think it's time you gave up this fixation with Clark and everyone connected with him?" Both Kara and Lana are only interesting to Lex because they are connected to Clark. It was good to see this acknowledged so clearly.

Chloe and Lana scene: Chloe didn't believe Lana's lies, and it's apparent that Chloe will investigate further to find out Lana's plans. Once Chloe finds out, then she should tell Clark about it too.

Continuity: Somerholt Institute was mentioned as the source of the "flashback" technology (Memoria), and there was reference to Jor-El choosing the Kents to raise baby Kal-El (Relic).

Upcoming Plot Twist: The five second promo advertising an upcoming plot twist was intriguing. It showed Lex holding a vial, with something "growing and trying to get out". Could that be Brainiac? Or, even Zor-El? Let's hope it's Brainiac!

Mixed Reactions

Martha's Photograph: It was a nice touch to include a photo of Martha, but it would have been much, much better for Martha to be a guest star in this episode. When Clark was in Washington with Kara, why didn't they stop by to visit Martha? Or, why not include a scene where Clark calls Martha to tell her about Lara? It's a shame that both Kents are no longer on the show, especially Martha, since she plays an important role in Clark's adult life as well.

Clark and Kara: Finally, Kara apologized to Clark, and acknowledged that he had saved her life again. So far, Kara has been a headstrong brat, and many of her scenes have been irritating to watch. Even though she is Clark's cousin, she should just be a supporting character, and not take up the majority of screen time in the episodes she appears in.

The Bad

Kryptonian Romantic Triangle: It's time to demonstrate a complete lack of respect for the mythos Superman story, by suggesting a ridiculous angst triangle between Jor-El, Lara, and Zor-El. This is the only storyline the writers could come up with, regarding Clark's Kryptonian family? Will these boring triangles ever end? This show is a soap opera now, instead of a sci-fi show.

Zor-El/Lara Flashback Scene: The dialogue and the acting in this scene were so bad, that it was difficult to watch! That's the first time Clark sees Lara? What a total disappointment!

More Boring Triangles: Let's not forget the latest triangle with Chloe, Jimmy, and Kara too. The CW is really courting the teenage male demographic for a nerd like Jimmy to have both Chloe and Kara interested in him. Boys, come and live out your fantasy by watching Smallville! You can't compete with Clark, but you too can still have two blonde girlfriends.

Lionel Concerned about Lana: This also made no sense. Doesn't Lionel remember that Lana had kidnapped him, drugged him, and kept him in a cabin with a bear trap strapped to his wrist? And, when he tried to escape, she hit him on the head with a shovel? Did that hit cause temporary amnesia? A more plausible explanation is that Lionel was just messing with Lex's head, by mentioning Lana to him. That would be more worthy of Lionel, than for him to really be concerned about Lana, a non-player in the bigger scheme of things. If not, this takes the "blameless Lana" approach to an entirely new, sick level.

Computer Hacker Kara: All of a sudden, Kara is a super computer hacker, after being on Earth for a few weeks? But, yet she doesn't have enough common sense to keep from almost flying directly into a plane?

Kara Flying: It's beyond irritating to watch Kara fly in all her episodes, while the hero and star of the show, Clark, gazes upward. Clark should be the main character on the show, and he should be the only one flying. Period. I have absolutely no interest in watching a show about Kara.

Clark and Lana: The boring snore fest continues, as viewers had to endure yet another barn scene with them. There's absolutely no reason for Clark to still be stuck in the past in a dead-end relationship after six years. End this charade NOW, so Clark can move on to more important aspects of his life!

Agent Carter: What happened to Agent Carter? Did Lionel kill him? Did he live, knowing about both Clark and Kara? And, does anyone even care?

My rating? I give Lara 3 out of 5 stars, for another average, anticlimatic episode.

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