Episode 807 - Identity Review




"Identity" 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.

Identity took Clark Kent one step further in his journey to taking the famous dual identity of Superman. Perhaps the most important part of this episode was Clark's realization that he is meant to be more than a hero saving people in secret. This realization was effectively shown in Clark's observation of the Metropolis citizens' reactions to Oliver, pretending to be Clark, on the Metropolis building rooftop. Tom Welling did an excellent job in that scene, in conveying Clark's amazement at their reactions to the mysterious hero. It was great that Clark was able to witness this reaction and realize he can help people publicly, while still finding a way to hide his identity. And, thank goodness this realization was not the result of anyone else trying to make these decisions for him about his own life. Identity left this viewer wanting more episodes focused on Clark's thoughts and decisions about his dual identity, which is the main purpose of the show.

The Good

Tom Welling: Tom Welling seemed very much at ease throughout this episode. As usual, he looked absolutely gorgeous, especially in that tight gray shirt. And that was a cute scene at the Kent farm, with Clark going through his laundry, looking at all of his red and blue clothes! Tom now plays this role so effortlessly, that it just seems as though we are watching a real person at times, instead of a fictional character.

Clark Kent: Clark Kent was heroic and once again, used his powers to save people. He was portrayed as proactive, and held his own in scenes with the other characters, including Tess, Lois, and Oliver. The slow motion super-speed special effects in the beginning mugging sequence were done well, especially when Jimmy took Clark's picture as the red-and-blue blur.

Clark Watching Metropolis Citizens React to Red and Blue "Hero": This was one of the best scenes and really captured the main point of the entire episode. Tom effectively portrayed Clark's feelings of surprise and amazement as he watched the citizens react positively to the red and blue mysterious hero. Clark didn't expect people to show such admiration and such acceptance of the hero. And, this public reaction was also repeated at the Daily Planet, with other reporters reading the story about the hero. This was an important moment for Clark, since he has always tried to fit in by "being Human", concerned how others would react to him and to his abilities. The acceptance of his Kryptonian side by others will help Clark in accepting this side of him, and is foreshadowing of his future dual identity.

Superman References: There were several foreshadowing references. Clark made a comment about his future: "Maybe my destiny is more than just secretly saving people. Maybe it's also to give people hope... someone to believe in". A Metropolis citizen expressed an iconic comment on seeing the red-and-blue hero: "Look…up in the sky". There was an American flag behind Oliver on the roof. The DP headline read: "Faster than a speeding bullet". Clark's discussion about the red cape, and ironically telling Oliver he won't wear one "not in this lifetime". Oliver's curtains on his plane were red, which seems to suggest that's where Oliver got the red cape. Lois said her new mission is to "find the reluctant red and blue super dude" and to get the "first worldwide exclusive interview with him". Lois also mentioned that a fortune teller once told her she's "destined to fall for someone who flies a lot and likes to wear tights".

Continuity: Kudos to writers Slavkin & Swimmer for several continuity references, including: Oliver apologized about an earlier argument with Clark for Clark not telling him that Lionel killed his parents; Jimmy used Torch articles and a Smallville High Yearbook to do research; a picture of Clark with his parents at the Kent farm was shown; Tess mentioned the FOS crystal again; and the thumb drive that Lois stole from Luthor mansion earlier in the season was part of the storyline.

Clark and Jimmy: Finally, viewers witnessed the beginning of their iconic friendship. Mythos Jimmy Olsen very much admires Clark Kent, and this was shown in a couple of scenes in this episode.

Clark, Chloe, and Jimmy: There was an interesting dynamic among these three friends. Clark was clearly protective about Jimmy learning his secret. Clark: "People have died because they know my secret. Lives have been turned upside down. I can't mind-wipe the people who already know my secret. I can only do my best to protect people like Jimmy." Chloe was protective of Clark, even lying to Jimmy, her fiancé, to protect Clark's secret. And, Jimmy expressed his desire to be a friend to Clark, stating that Clark would still be the "same CK" to him, even if Clark was the mysterious hero.

Oliver Finally Apologizing to Clark: Oliver has made many derisive, belittling remarks to Clark in the past. Now that he knows Clark's secret, there is no excuse for those types of remarks. So, it was nice to see Olive finally apologize to Clark for his latest comments, in regards to Clark not telling him about Lionel killing his father. Oliver: "Clark, I understand why you didn't tell me about my parents' murder. You were afraid of how I would take it. And, it's fine... you were right!" Clark is finally being shown as the ultimate hero on his own show, and it's about time! Again, it's fine to show Clark's friendship with Oliver, but please keep Oliver as only a supporting character.

Chloe/Brainiac Influence & Surprise Ending: There were scenes that seemed very much like Chloe in this episode, and other scenes which seemed to indicate that Brainiac was in control. It was in character for Chloe to protect Clark's secret with Jimmy, and for her to apologize to Clark for refusing to help him by deleting Jimmy's picture in the first place. However, it seemed like Brainiac was overloading the ISIS computer with too much info, causing it to shut down. And, in a similar fashion, Brainiac seemed to be in control of Chloe, when she killed Sebastian at the end of the episode, by shutting down Sebastian's brain. There were parallels between these two scenes. Maybe Brainiac didn't kill Sebastian to protect Clark. Maybe Brainiac wants access to the FOS, and he needs Clark to create the FOS again, using the crystal. Maybe Sebastian was just a roadblock to Brainiac's overall plan, and needed to be eliminated.

Mixed Reactions:

Clark Not Writing Front Page Story: It was understandable for Clark to not want his name associated with the red and blue hero in any way, but this was an opportunity for him to get a front page news story. And, for him to also write about this mysterious hero the way he wanted to write the story. I'm looking forward to Clark's first front-page news story, on his own terms.

Clark and Lois: Some aspects of the Clark and Lois scenes were enjoyable, while other parts were annoying. As noted in prior reviews, cute and funny banter is welcome between these two, but mean, belittling comments are not needed. Sure, it's sometimes difficult to maintain that fine line, but it's necessary in order to effectively portray Clark and Lois' developing friendship, and for viewers to believe they will be a couple in the future.

Clark/Lois aspects that worked: Lois asking Clark to zip her dress was cute and sexy. The way Clark looked Lois up and down, and then hesitated, was pure sexual tension. And, it was also a nice touch to do a flashback showing Lois' smile and her reaction to Clark zipping her dress too. Clark and Lois teasing each other in the DP scene worked well. Plus, Lois stating that she had a "new mission", to find the reluctant "red and blue super dude" worked too.

Clark/Lois aspects that didn't work: There were a few comments that just seemed mean-spirited. It wasn't necessary for Clark to ask: "Who's the unlucky guy?", when he asked about Lois' date. And, it wasn't necessary for Lois to demean Clark by introducing him as a DP errand boy to Sebastian, and then physically pushing Clark out of the room. Lois' comment to Clark about Sebastian was unnecessary: "Unlike some new hires, he (Sebastian) is a serious journalist". Again, there's a fine line between cute bantering and being disrespectful of someone, and some of the comments in this episode just went too far. This banter would have worked better in season four, but it seemed a little too caustic for this stage in their friendship. Respectful banter is much more enjoyable and also goes a long way to illustrating the underlying mutual respect and feelings between these two people.

Lois Giving Sebastian Her Hand, And Her "Protecting" Clark: Lois contradicted herself twice in this episode. It was good that Lois investigated Sebastian. But, if Lois knew about him and his powers, why would she give Sebastian her hand, so that he could find out she knew all about him? That didn't make sense. It was interesting that Lois called Clark for help on her cell phone, but she later made a comment to Clark at the DP that she didn't tell him about her suspicions about Sebastian, because she didn't want to put Clark in danger. Huh? Calling Clark to help her and to save her is definitely putting Clark in the middle of danger. Which is it Lois?

The Bad:

Jimmy Arriving at ISIS: If it's a three-hour trip between Smallville and Metropolis, so how did Jimmy arrive at ISIS so quickly? Clark should have been there for quite some time, and already left, by the time Jimmy arrived.

My rating? I give "Identity" a 4.5 out of 5 stars, primarily because of progress in Clark's journey, and the scene where Clark watched the reactions of Metropolis citizens to the mysterious hero.

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