Episode 717 - Sleeper Review




"Sleeper" Review

Written by Cherry

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.

Sleeper, although a filler episode, was rich with amazing gold nuggets, intrigue and fun. Clark had more screen time than I thought he would since this is the episode prior to his directing one. I liked the episode and thought it had some great comedic moments that actually made me laugh out loud...and no, I am not talking about Clark's comments about Lana! I don't know about specific screen time, but the time Clark did have, most of the scenes had substance.

The Good

Clark and Jimmy: I really enjoyed the scene between Clark and Jimmy. I thought Clark was adorable when he thought Jimmy was talking about him until he stated 'she'. Clark's response of trusting the person because you know what's in their heart was ironic as Lana never did that for him. I was glad to see Jimmy follow Clark's advice. To me, Clark was Superman in this scene.

Clark and Chloe: These two are always a joy to watch together. They are so comfortable around each other. I loved the scene in the Talon when Clark shows Chloe the journal with the additional page. Chloe's comment about not being able to resist anything Clark tells her is classic. Clark's realization that the book is talking about Lana was nicely revealed in both Clark's expression and the music. Well done!

Clark and the FOS: I was glad to see the fortress again. It looks like there are some technical difficulties though since Kara tampered with the timeline. I wonder if this is how Jor-El will be restored as he should be.

James Bond Theme: I love James Bond and I thought Smallville's take on this was both refreshing and comic. It had everything from the gorgeous, sexy, bad girl to the fun gadgets. Jimmy was delightful as James...James Olson. Aaron did a wonderful job at showing a mixture of debonair and uncertainty.

Spy Toys: I loved the deadly cuff links! So many cool gadgets. I was expecting Q to appear at any moment.

Zurich's scenery: The shot of Zurich, Switzerland was breathtaking! It was also a nice touch for the item in the box to have the Veritas symbol. Not sure who the guy was who tried to kill Lex, but I'm hoping we learn more about him soon.

Jimmy and Chloe: These two had great chemistry in this episode. Their interaction made the episode a good one. Their dialog was well written and helped to move along their previously stagnate relationship.

Jimmy and Lex: Jimmy's face told the story on this one. Jimmy knows he has made a mistake trusting Lex, but doesn't know how to get out of it. Lex's comment about doing something for him when the time comes, brought me back to the scene between Jonathan and Lionel back in season 1 concerning Clark's adoption. Lex is definitely his father.

The Dance: This was a delight to watch. Chloe at the time already knows Jimmy is up to something and plays along with the dance. They were just too cute in the 'True Lies' tango.

Loft scene: I thought this was the best scene of the night. Clark and Chloe brainstorming about what is going on and no mention of Lana in sight. I got chills when they realized that Brainiac was trying to kill Clark in the past so he wouldn't exist in his current timeline. Chloe's delivery of "It looks like it's finally time for Kal-El to go home" was worthy to remain in the history books along with Rhett Butler's immortal words, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" from Gone with the Wind. What a way to end the episode along with it being a great segue into the next episode, Apocalypse.

Starhawk: The nasty spy chick, Vanessa Webber, mentioned Starhawk and I believe Lionel also mentioned it in the episode, Lara this season. My guess is this chick isn't on the up and up. I wonder if we might see her again. Nice continuity.

Cinematography: This episode was beautifully shot...the party at the Ace of Clubs, the Talon apartment, the loft...even Isis. It was colorful and pleasant to watch.

Music: All the music was great. I loved the Italian music playing when Chloe and Jimmy were sitting on the bed and the song playing when they danced. Every note enhanced whichever scene it was played in.

The Bad

Lana, Lana, Lana: Well, she was only mentioned twice. The first time was such a slam to Clark's character that I wanted to slap someone. Clark sitting with Lana isn't going to make her better, finding Brainiac will...and Clark knows this...at least he did last episode. This dialog seemed so out of character to me.

I don't care about Lex: WHAT!! Now, I really want to slap someone! Clark sounded like a petulant child at the time he made this statement. The only thing I can think of is the writers are trying to keep Lana 'alive' in the last few episodes so that we won't forget that she does exist. My question is, how can we forget? We want to forget...but they won't let us.

Clark text messaging Chloe at Isis foundation : Clark was waiting for her at the Talon: This was strange to me. With the outrageous price of gas, Clark makes Chloe drive all the way from the Isis foundation to the Talon when he could just super speed for nothing? I'm not buying it.

Clark's motivation comes from Chloe: Either Clark is on automatic pilot and not thinking, or the writer's have just lost it. The last few episodes Chloe has turned into a mother figure and Clark the obedient son. This better change and soon, or I will be traveling to Vancouver and slapping someone!

(Seriously folks, I'm really not a violent person. Honest!)

No mention of Lois: I found no mention of Lois at all rather strange. All they had to do was say she was recuperating in the hospital. Don't want us to forget Lana, but to forget Lois....Mmmm.

I give 'Sleeper 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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