Episode 808 - Bloodline Review




"Bloodline" Review

Written by Babaluwee

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.

"Bloodline" was not a Clark-centric episode, but it provided a lot of important background information on Davis Bloome and an honorable departure for Kara. It also served to showcase Erica Durance's acting talent, and it moved the storylines forward.

Overall, "Bloodline" was an example, once again, of what makes Smallville an exceptional series: its emphasis on good relationships, heroism, and great acting. All the show's principals gave strong performances in this episode which was about a circle of rescues and of willing self-sacrifice; it was a depiction of how the everyday heroes of Clark, Chloe, Kara, Oliver and to a less witting extent, Lois, rescue and help each other, how they inspire and support and carry each other.

The Good

Friends and Heroes: I found the characters' willingness to sacrifice themselves or put themselves at risk for one another, or even for complete strangers, terribly inspiring. Kara chose to remain in the Phantom Zone rather than risk any wraith escaping with her. She would sacrifice herself in that absolute hellhole in order to protect humankind. Clark chose to stay behind in the PZ to fight off wraiths at the portal so that Kara and Lois could escape. Clark refused to abandon a trapped Kara, even though he could escape. Kara had to physically push Lois through the portal because she wouldn't leave without Clark. Chloe willingly put herself at risk by mentally hacking into an alien super-computer in order to rescue Clark and Lois (and Kara). Oliver took a risk in stealing the Kryptonian blue crystal in order to save Clark and Lois (and Kara). Oliver and Clark were both concerned about Chloe's well being because she had been infected by Brainiac and was knee deep in Kryptonian situations.

Tom Welling: Tom graced us once again with a compelling performance of the courageous hero. Whether it was the way he faced the fact that he and Lois were stranded in the PZ, or the way he gave Lois courage, or the way he was willing to stay behind to fight off wraiths while Lois and Kara escaped, Tom's portrayal of courage, fortitude, and determination was impeccable and satisfying. This was especially noteworthy when a trapped Kara begged him to escape. "I'm not going anywhere," he replied with fearless conviction and determination. "You are my home. You're my family. You make me feel like I actually belong."

Erica Durance: Erica's performance as Lois possessed by Faora was wonderful and riveting, even chilling at times. It was a totally different persona; even her aspect seemed to have changed. She even moved her lips in a different way when she talked.

Heroic Kara: Laura Vandervoort gave a very fine and convincing performance of a heroic Kara who chose to remain in the PZ to protect the earth from wraiths. The episode closed the book on Kara's storyline in a very good and admirable way, but still allowed for the possibility of a return.

Inspiration: Before Kara departed to pursue her own journey, she left Clark with an important reminder: "There is a reason that you were sent to earth and raised as a member of the Kent family. Your path is on earth, living among the humans and inspiring mankind..." Clark's destiny as Superman will not be only a utilitarian one of rescuing people from physical harm and bringing criminals to justice, however indisputably important that is. Very much a culmination of the kind of self-giving relationships depicted in this episode, Clark's life (as Superman) will become a symbol of authentic goodness to all people. As Jonathan had predicted seasons ago, Clark's journey will lead him to be an inspiration to mankind. Saving human lives is the most important thing, but Clark's shining example will also call people to moral and spiritual transformation-the genuine desire of people to become better people and to have hope.

Davis Bloome: "Bloodline" gave us considerable information on Davis' origins, as well as unique questions on the nature of good and evil as they pertain to him. Faora explained that before she and Zod became phantoms, they could not have children. So they "created genetic matter" which they "attached to baby Kal-el's spaceship," so that, upon arrival, their "creation" might evolve to become "earth's ultimate destruction." Faora and Zod did not create a child for any of the obvious reasons: so that they may raise and love him. He was no more than an instrument to them, a genetic extension of their evil plans for earth's destruction and conquest, not a child. Faora never knew him as a son at all, and only recognized him from his picture because he was genetically "the spit and image of his father." And she had the audacity to say that Lara didn't love Clark like she loved "her son!" Lara put Clark in that spaceship to save him. Faora called Davis "son," but she only made and sent him to earth to use him as a thing for evil purposes. Faora called that "love."

Interestingly, Davis, who had been completely unaware of the fact that he was created evil in order to do evil, grew up to do good. Even though he had no stable, loving family on earth, and had a sad childhood in several foster homes, he became an EMT to help and save people. He freely and decisively made choices that were good when he was conscious (and not having a black out). Even Faora was surprised to have finally found Davis only to discover that he was helping a little boy. She sounded disappointed that "all that human carnage" wasn't due to him (at least not consciously). Davis is already such a heartbreakingly tragic figure.

C.S.I. Mercer: It was brilliant, and a little funny, for Tess Mercer to match a boot print found in the snow of the arctic to one found in the mud of the Kent farm. "A lot of people have work boots," responded Clark. But not a lot wear a size 14.

The Bad

Why didn't Kara recognize Clark in the PZ? Kara was the one whose head was entirely covered, not Clark. He had to identify her from her bracelet. What could possibly be her reason for not recognizing him, especially when she got close enough to fight him? She could have recognized him from a mile away by his red jacket, even if it was a little dusty.

I give "Bloodline" 5 out of 5 stars (even if it wasn't a Clark-centric episode).

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