Episode 801 - Odyssey Review




"Odyssey" 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.

Odyssey's theme seemed to be about moving forward with one's life and letting go of the past. This is especially important for Clark Kent, since his character's progression has been virtually ignored for the past two seasons. So, it's no surprise that the best scene and the best lines in this episode happened in Clark's loft between Clark and the Martian Manhunter (MM).

Clark: I've been holding on to a life on this farm that hasn't existed for years.

MM: What are you going to do?

Clark: Let it go! It's the only chance I have of finding a new one.

This one scene makes the entire season premiere worthwhile. It's so good to see Clark begin to make some important decisions about his destiny and his future, including his iconic decision to take a job at the Daily Planet.

The Good

Tom Welling: Tom was clearly the star of this episode and rightfully so! The storyline centered on him, with the other characters in supporting storylines. Tom embodies this Clark Kent character so much now, that it's almost impossible to imagine another actor in this role. His stance was more assertive, he seemed more confident and in control, and even his masculine voice sounded lower. Tom has never looked better, and he delivered in this episode! And, of course, a wet, sexy Tom is always a pleasure to watch as a bonus!

Clark Kent: Finally, a more proactive, heroic Clark! Clark is getting closer to taking the Superman identity now, and was proactive, brave, and clearly cared about his friends and his fellow colleagues. He was willing to risk his life to save others, and this episode illustrated once again that Clark's powers are not what makes him a hero: it's his true nature!

Clark Kent at the Daily Planet: Finally, journalist Clark Kent takes a job at the Daily Planet. Clark stating that he wanted to be "in the middle of the action" is very much in line with mythos Clark. And, the fact that Clark is also looking for Lex Luthor now is another reason for him to be at the DP. It was great to see his nameplate there on his desk, and for Clark to make that decision about his career too.

Clark and Martian Manhunter: This was the best scene of the episode, due to Clark's near-death epiphany about his life. Sometimes a near-death experience can help people to reassess their lives, so it's a believable storyline. It's great that Clark is finally choosing his destiny, and that he is going to voluntarily leave the past behind. It's also interesting that Clark will need to go it alone since MM has lost his powers and the FOS has been destroyed.

Superman References: Clark to MM in the loft scene: "Sometimes, I feel like I need to be two separate people". Oliver tells Clark in the alley: "Pretty soon you'll be sporting a homemade costume and leading a double identity just like the rest of us." To which Dinah adds that Clark might want to consider something a "little more form-fitting".

Religious References: MM tells Clark in the loft scene: "Jor-El knew he was sending you on an impossible Odyssey, to be given the power of a God and to exist among humans."

Clark and Chloe: Their friendship has always been one of the highlights of this show. Clark risked his life to save Chloe, and Chloe was willing to risk hers to try to "heal" Clark. The hug between them was heartfelt and felt genuine. Tom and Allison Mack have a natural onscreen chemistry together.

Clark and Lois: There was a lot of bantering between Clark and Lois in their scenes. And, that's fine, as long as it's done right. The scene in the DP between them was written well, and both Tom and Erica Durance did a good job! The scene was iconic and was cute, sexy and funny! Please keep writing the interaction between Clark and Lois in this manner. There's a thin line between playful, respectful bantering and being belittling and criticizing to a person. Please don't cross that line, and write Lois as too abrasive, so Clark fans will be able to enjoy the scenes between Clark and Lois also. Again, the DP scene was well-done, with the right amount of mutual teasing, respect, and even some mutual compliments too.

Tess Mercer: Cassidy Freeman did a good job as Tess. Lex will be missed by his fans this season, and Freeman has a tough job being one of the primary villains on the show. As long as she is developed as her own character, and not try to be a replacement for Lex, it should work. And, Tess now has the crystal that formed the FOS in an earlier season, so that should be interesting too.

Continuity: Lex Luthor was mentioned, along with the destruction of the FOS and the events from Arctic. Clark's memories included past cast members Jonathan, Martha, and Lana Lang-Luthor. Chloe's mother was mentioned in a scene, and it was also explained that the orb from Arctic basically took away Clark's powers as a way to control him too.

Special Effects: The special effects of Clark being shot by Oliver's arrow was done in slow motion and was effective. And, the scene with MM carrying Clark up into the sun to be healed was done well too.

Mixed Reactions

MM Flying Clark into the Sun: It was good to see MM again, and the scenes between Tom and Phil Morris were good. However, there were some plot holes too: How did Clark return to Earth? Did he fly back, taking MM with him, since MM had lost his powers? Did Clark "fall to Earth", in line with the recent Superman movie? It was a little odd for the next scene to show Clark lying on the couch in his loft. Even though this MM flying scene was okay, the only character I want to fly in season eight from now on is Clark Kent!

Chloe's New Power: Did Brainiac download some type of computer intelligence into Chloe, when he did the mind probe last season? It sounds as though she has "graduated" from being a search engine to becoming a virtual computer herself. Will she now become the interface with the AI Jor-El program at some point in the future, much like Lionel did in the past? Or, are the writers setting Chloe up to be Oracle for the Justice League (JL)? And, is it really necessary for Chloe to have any powers at all? Why does every character on this show have to have some type of powers?

Oliver Finding Clark: The scene between Clark and Oliver was done well by both actors. But, how did Oliver find Clark? A one sentence explanation would have been sufficient to explain this. And, it's fine to see both Oliver and the rest of the JL members, as long as they remain supporting characters and/or guest stars. Please remember this is Clark Kent's story, not the JL show or the Green Arrow (GA) show. Let's keep it that way! If the writers want to tell the GA story, do a spin-off show.

The Bad

Episode Overload: This season premiere could have easily been a two-part episode. Why doesn't Smallville do this more often? There was a lot going on in this episode, and it would have been nice to have more scenes with Clark talking about his decisions, how he felt during his month-long imprisonment at the Russian camp, a scene between Clark and Chloe when Clark tells her about his decision to work at the DP, etc. It felt rushed at different points throughout the episode.

Even with some plot holes and some rushed storylines, overall the season premiere was enjoyable! Viewers finally have a more proactive Clark again, who is progressing in his journey.

My rating? I give Odyssey 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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