Episode 804 - Instinct Review




"Instinct" 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.

Instinct was a fun episode that introduced viewers to another comics character, Maxima, and featured some good special effects. This episode brought closure to the possibility of one romantic relationship for Clark, while foreshadowing the beginning of another relationship for him. Clark was proactive and heroic, and at the center of the storyline, which made this episode enjoyable!

The Good

Tom Welling: Tom looks more and more like Superman with every passing episode. He did a great job, portraying Clark with just the right combination of larger-than-life hero, who also has compassion for the people surrounding him. Tom is definitely perfect for a leading man role, and many Tom fans are ready for him to make the transition to movies now, following the end of this season of Smallville. And, Tom was absolutely gorgeous in those Daily Planet clothes!

Clark Kent: It's always great when Clark is the proactive, primary hero on his own show! He investigated Maxima on his own, and was even working at the Daily Plant, doing more research on finding her. In addition, Clark saved both Lois and Jimmy from being Maxima's victims. And, he did this, without really harming Maxima. It was an effective technique to have Clark activate Maxima'sbracelet as a way to reopen the portal to send her back to her Planet. Plus, this means that Maxima could possibly return for a future episode too.

Heroic Clark Using His Powers: It's always a big plus to see a proactive, heroic Clark, and to watch him use his superpowers. This time, he used super-speed, X-ray vision, and super hearing too.

Superman references: Maxima calls Clark the "last son of Krypton" and Clark tells Maxima: "My destiny is here". When Lois calls Clark to ask when he will arrive at work, Clark responds: "I'm flying into the building right now. I'll be there in a second".

Clark and Maxima: Many Tom/Clark Kent fan girls squealed with delight at finally having some hot Tommy kisses on the show again. No actor kisses like Tom Welling, and Clark's onscreen chemistry with Maxima was hot! And Clark's shirt ripped open is always welcome! The make-out scene was sexy, although short, and was well done by both actors. Guest star Charlotte Sullivan did a good job as Maxima, and she looked her like her comics counterpart too.

Clark and Chloe: The scene where Chloe called Clark her BFF, and where she asked Clark to walk her down the aisle at her wedding was very sweet. But, where's Chloe's father, Gabe Sullivan? All it takes is a couple of sentences to explain his whereabouts, and why he can't attend his own daughter's wedding. It's unclear how much Brainiac is controlling Chloe, but it's understandable that Clark is still worried about her. After all, Clark knows what Brainic is capable of, and he is not sure how this latest ability may negative impact Chloe too.

Clark and Lois: This episode clearly showed that Lois has deep feelings for Clark, but she is trying to deny them. Her jealousy was apparent, when she caught Clark making out with Maxima in the elevator. It's refreshing to have a version where Lois falls for Clark first! There were some funny moments, such as when Lois was describing the effects of endorphins to Clark. And, Lois was clearly flirting with Clark more than once in this episode, including winking at him too. Plus, of course, Lois saw the "red and blue blur" for the first time, when Clark was saving her from Maxima.

Clark and Shelby: Yay for the return of Shelby: It was so cute when Clark was talking to him, and when he fed Shelby too!

Continuity: The letter written to Clark by Chloe from the earlier season two "Fever" episode was addressed, the FOS crystal was part of the storyline, there was the return of a former LuthorCorp scientist, Dr. Groll, and Lana's necklace was shown at the Kent farm.

Special Effects: In addition to Clark's superpowers, the special effects for the arrival and departure of Maxima were done well. And, the car toss was a nice effect too.

Cliffhanger Ending: Tess received an anonymous e-mail from "X" on her computer at the end of the episode, specifying that he had the FOS crystal. More than likely, it was sent by Lex. Isn't the red X the symbol that LexCorp uses in some comics versions?

Mixed Reactions

Clark and Chloe: Obviously, the writers used the "Fever" letter to reach closure on any possible romantic relationship with Clark and Chloe. It is time for both of them to move forward in their lives! However, the scene was not really a satisfactory exploration of their feelings either. It somehow seemed incomplete, because both Clark and Chloe dismissed the letter so easily. It would have been better to let both character talk more about their feelings for each other: how they love each other as friends, but why a romantic relationship won't work between them, etc.

Clark and Jimmy: The hospital scene helped to illustrate the beginning of their friendship, which is good since they are good friends in many comics versions. However, it seemed strange that Clark would not encourage Jimmy to tell Chloe about Maxima though. Jimmy and Chloe are engaged, and Jimmy did flirt with Maxima, dance with her, etc., all before Maxima kissed him. Since Chloe knew about Maxima, she would understand, so that scene seemed a little odd. And, Jimmy should have done the right thing by telling Chloe about it anyway.

Tess Mercer: Cassidy Freeman did a good job in this episode, but hopefully, the writers will give her a different storyline, in addition to just looking for Lex. In Plastique, it was hinted that Tess may be forming her own Injustice League, and that's one possible storyline for her.

Lois and Maxima: It really wasn't common sense on Lois' part to try to fight a super-powered being in their confrontation scene, but the scene was used to set up Lois seeing the red-and-blue blur for the first time.

The Bad

Pacing: Although the storyline was okay, this episode seemed disjointed at times, as it transitioned from one scene to the next. It's unclear if this was an editing issue or a directing issue.

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

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