Episode 915 - Conspiracy Review




"Conspiracy" 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.

Conspiracy advanced the main storyline of Clark vs. Zod, and helped to set up the remaining episodes of season nine. Clark was the hero, striving to help both the Humans and the Kandorians equally. In true Superman fashion, he tried to see the good in everyone, including his enemy, Zod. Some viewers may feel that Clark made a mistake in saving Zod, but there's a reason why Superman will be the moral compass for the future Justice League. His unwavering belief in the goodness of people, and his willingness to give them a second chance (even if they don't deserve it), is the basic embodiment of this enduring superhero. Perhaps Batman said it best. Batman (about Superman): "And in a single moment, he shows us again why he sets the standard for so many. There are those who think of him as outdated, the "boy scout" whipped by his selflessness. They do not, and cannot, see him for what he is: a hero."

However, in this instance, the writers took it too far, because Zod was already dead. There's a big difference between saving people's lives and bringing them back from the dead. Why couldn't Zod have gained his powers by using the Book of Rao? Why did the writers go this route instead? Didn't the Smallville writers learn from the Doomsday fiasco from last season? Are they yet again setting up Clark to "take the blame" for another villain's actions? Viewers want to see the hero of the show do the right thing, and to be rewarded for it, not to be blamed for everything the villains do on the show. And, why would any Superman fan want Clark to work with either Chloe or Oliver again? Both of them have betrayed Clark more than once, and have not been held accountable for their actions yet.

Tom's Performance: As usual, Tom did a great job in this episode. It's amazing how even his presence screams "Superman" now. He expressed a range of emotions, including compassion for the Kandorians, affection for Lois, and an assertive, firm stance with Zod.

The Good:

Clark Kent: Clark was proactive and heroic in this episode. He investigated the disappearance of Vala, wearing his Daily Planet badge, and using reporter methods. Clark saved Vala from being killed. He believed in the Kandorians, and tried to help integrate them into society. He tried to help both Humans and Kandorians equally. It reminded me of what the Legion told Clark in an earlier episode: that Clark would have a great impact on both the world and the galaxy, as well as pave the way for other aliens to come to Earth. Rokk to Clark: "Your influence will reach far beyond this galaxy."

Superman References: Lois said to Clark: "Go win a Pulitzer". And, in fact, Clark does become a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist in the future. And, Zod said to Clark on the DP roof: "Unlike you, I'm not made of steel".

Continuity: There was a newspaper article and discussion between Clark and Zod about the twin towers being destroyed. There was a reference to cybernetic engineering and to John Corben, aka Metallo. Lois received several phone messages from the WALL, referring to Amanda Waller from Checkmate, and also received a white pawn chess piece from her. In addition, Waller took the blood sample that Lois sent to the lab for analysis.

Vala Having a Crush on Clark: This was cute, and it's certainly understandable also. Many women will have a crush on heroic Superman in the future, and it's not uncommon for women to throw themselves at him either.

Clark and Lois: It was great to see that both Clark and Lois supported each other's careers. And that there was no double standard in regards to both of them working on stories independently, or regarding the confidentiality of their news sources. The issue of secrets is being managed much, much better than it was in Clark's prior relationship with Lana. When Lois asked Clark about his sources, Clark said: "You want full disclosure? It's a two-way street." Rather than try to pressure Clark into telling her everything, Lois understood this, and replied: "A little mystery is good for the romance".

Lois Lane: Lois needs to be on Clark's side, so that viewers can understand why Clark marries her in the future. In this episode, Lois mirrored Clark's beliefs, when she tried to help save Zod. When Zod asked her why, she replied: "It's what Clark would do". This simple statement speaks volumes about the respect and admiration she has for Clark.

Mixed Reactions:

Clark saving Zod: It was very Superman-like of Clark to try to save Zod. It's no different than what he has done in the past regarding Lex Luthor, Lionel Luthor, and other assorted villains on the show. Superman saves everyone, including both law-abiding citizens and criminals. He doesn't pass judgment; he saves people's lives on an equal basis. His birth father, Jor-El, had asked Clark to try to save Zod with his last breath. Faora talked about Zod's actions defending his own people in the battle on Kandor. Clark tried to see some good in Zod. The future from "Pandora" had already been changed, because Clark had destroyed the towers. Clark didn't know that Zod would obtain his powers from his blood.

However, Clark saving Zod after he was already dead is going too far! There's a big difference between saving people's lives and bringing them back from the dead. Clark can't play God with people's lives in this manner, and that has been shown countless times on this show: "Reckoning" for example. When someone is brought back to life, in Smallville's sci-fi reality, someone dies in return, in order to set the Universe in balance again. Therefore, it really didn't make any sense for Clark to try to save Zod in this scenario. As Clark said in an earlier episode: "Just because I can do something, doesn't mean I should". In addition, this brings up all kinds of ethical questions regarding the use of Clark's blood as a healing substance. Where would it end? Who would make that decision, if Clark's blood has that type of restorative powers?

And, the plotline of Clark's blood giving Zod his powers really sucks! Is this to put Clark in yet another no-win situation, which the Smallville writers seem to really enjoy? Why couldn't Zod have regained his powers through using the Book of Rao? While Zod needed to regain his powers in order for Clark and Zod to be able to have their battle confrontation on more equal terms, this approach was unnecessary. But, Clark can't be held responsible for Zod's future actions. Didn't the Smallville writers learn from the Doomsday fiasco from last season? Are they yet again setting up Clark to "take the blame" for another villain's actions? Do they really believe that viewers want to see Clark in another no-win situation like that? Viewers want to see the hero of the show do the right thing, and to be rewarded for it, not to be blamed for everything the villains do on the show. Enough already!

Chisholm's Research: What happened to his book with his notes on aliens? Does Lois now have his book? Amanda Waller? What about the body part samples that he sent to medical experts all over the world? Will this be addressed in future episodes?

The Bad:

The Descent of Chloe Sullivan: Why do the Smallville writers want to destroy this character, who has been a close friend to Clark for years? Chloe is going behind Clark's back once again, as she did in the "Doomsday" storyline from last season. She has now stolen from Oliver and stockpiled Kryptonite weapons. She has implanted computer tracking chips in the ID's of the Kandorians that Clark is trying to help, so she can monitor and track them. Even more disturbing, Chloe no longer respects Clark or trusts him. Chloe: "Our friend's moral compass has gotten us lost more than once. I'm not okay with just sitting back and trusting Clark again." But, this doesn't make any sense, since Chloe was the reason for Doomsday killing Jimmy, and wreaking havoc in Metropolis. She is the one who interfered with Clark sending him to the Phantom Zone, which would have prevented all of that from happening in the first place.

Chloe and Oliver Betraying Clark: Neither Chloe nor Oliver is a hero on this show. Both have killed, and both of them have betrayed Clark. Why would any Superman fan want Clark to work with either Chloe or Oliver again? Oliver literally stabbed Clark in the back with a Kryptonite arrow in "Doomsday". Will Clark now be stabbed by a Kryptonite sword that Chloe has purchased when he battles Zod? With friends like them, who needs enemies? Both of them have betrayed Clark more than once, and have not been held accountable for their actions yet. It looks like the lessons from Absolute Justice were totally lost on both of them.

Zod at the DP: It was boring to watch Zod wearing glasses in the DP and acting like Clark Kent. Was that really necessary? Couldn't Zod have accessed the files without doing this cheap impersonation?

Zod Flying: Yet another character flies on the show, other than Clark Kent! Again, enough already!

Rating: I give "Conspiracy" 3 out of 5 stars.

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