Episode 817 - Hex Review




"Hex" 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.

I was a bit apprehensive when "Hex" reintroduced magic into the Smallville storyline. The subplot of the Countess Isobel's magic was a ridiculous diversion in Season Four, and even though Zatanna was a member of the DC Comics characters, I didn't think it boded well when Zatanna showed up magically granting wishes. On the contrary, "Hex" proved to be a pleasant, lighthearted episode about the difference between our momentary wishes and our hearts' deepest desires. It also showcased Tom's ability to play the sweet, irresistible male ingenue.

The Good:

Tom: We've seen Tom give us thoroughly convincing performances in every episode; many were emotionally powerful. We've seen some of his best acting when he played a Clark who wasn't himself (e.g., "Transference," "Splinter," and all his mind-altered red k performances). In "Hex" Tom demonstrated that he can do traditional screwball comedies or modern romantic comedies with the best of them, like Cary Grant or Tom Hanks. It takes a strong and special kind of guy to be Lois' professional partner. A good sense of humor is essential in order to keep up his end of the repartee. Tom does not disappoint in this role; he and Erica have genuine chemistry as the "Dynamic Duo" (as Chloe called them). And it was just lovely - and a welcomed change - to see Tom smile throughout an episode.

One of the cutest moments of the episode was Clark's remark about a dress code at the Daily Planet when he noticed how tight Lois/Chloe's shirt was. It didn't take him long to notice - less than nine seconds after his appearance in the scene. And he was so decent about it, when lesser men would have been real jerks.

Reaffirmations: The episode presented some insights many of us share. Occasionally we may want to have some other life, but that feeling is normal and fleeting. Through his wish to be a "normal guy," Clark ultimately reaffirmed who he really was, and was confident about the good that he does every day. He accepted the responsibilities that accompany his superpowers, and rediscovered a sense of purpose in his life. Chloe stated it so well when she articulated Clark's deepest desire: "I know that deep inside, you don't just want to be a normal guy sitting at a desk reporting on disasters when you can be out there stopping them." Clark also paid tribute to Jonathan in reaffirming that he had become the kind of man his father would have wanted him to be.

Chloe: It was a little sad to see Chloe giving up her potential to become a really great journalist, but it was wonderful to see her discover her calling as Watchtower, and collaborate with the nascent Justice League. Pretty cool. Her well-honed investigative and computer skills will be a tremendous asset to the League.

The Bad:

Knock, Knock: In all the episodes in which Chloe resides at the Talon, Clark has repeatedly walked into her apartment without knocking! I can't believe he does that; it's rude, unacceptable, and potentially a huge violation of privacy. At the end of the "Hex" episode, he does knock, but immediately walks in without being admitted. This is no better. Chloe had just gotten out of bed, does she actually sleep with her door unlocked?? I know this is Kansas, but as girl from The Bronx, I ask, why have any locks at all? Besides, Smallville has had more than its share of meteor freaks, the criminally insane, evil villains, evil aliens, PZ wraiths, evil witches, the weird and unexplained.

Chloe: Chloe seemed to take the implosion of her marriage a little too well, almost as if it didn't matter. In the episode "Commitment," they convinced us that Chloe truly loves Jimmy. Shouldn't she be more devastated at the failure of her marriage and at the loss of Jimmy? Someone like Chloe wouldn't give up the fight to save her marriage and to reconcile with her beloved.

At this time of personal crisis, instead of wishing she were someone else, wouldn't her wish be to restore her marriage? Or for Jimmy to be more supportive, understanding, clear-thinking and reasonable?

Why would Chloe wish for Lois' life? If she wanted to be a reporter, she has all the promise, skills, experience, passion, and intelligence to be an exceptional reporter all on her own, any time she wants to. Chloe also hinted at wanting to be with Clark, but she's in love with Jimmy. Why wouldn't her wish be directed toward him? Furthermore, it was never explained what caused Chloe to completely lose interest in journalism. That happened well before she became Watchtower.

Clark: Chloe was right about chastising Clark when he had time to take six calls from Lois, but couldn't find literally three minutes to call Chloe on her birthday. She was very understanding that he couldn't be with her in person, because he was on hero duty, but Clark was taking his best friend for granted. She deserved better.

I give "Hex" 4.5 stars out of 5.

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