Episode 922 - Salvation Review




"Salvation" 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.

Salvation was one of the best season finales of the entire series. It worked because it was Clark-centric, and Clark was the embodiment of a true, inspirational hero. Clark saved both Earth and the Kandorians in a peaceful manner. This episode was beautifully acted, written, and directed. Smallville works best when the writers remember that Clark's journey is the purpose of this show. Kudos to all the actors, Director Greg Beeman, and writers Turi Meyer & Al Septien for giving us an iconic season finale.

Tom's Performance: Tom Welling was amazing in this episode. As a Superman fan, I got chills when Clark opened the box from Martha, and the iconic red and yellow symbol was reflected in his eyes. Salvation was like a comic book come to life, and Tom totally embraced this fictional superhero. On a shallow note, Tom was so sexy and gorgeous fighting in the rain in that tight, ripped black t-shirt, with his muscles bulging, and that determined look on his face!

The Good:

Clark Kent: Clark was Superman in this episode. The only thing missing was him flying and wearing the Superman costume. But, the costume wasn't even necessary, because it doesn't make the man. Zod was wearing a BLUR costume, and he was no hero. What matters are Clark's core values and beliefs, his selflessness, his heroic deeds, and his compassion for the people of Earth. Clark embodied all of those qualities in this episode, as he strove to find a peaceful solution to the Zod threat. Now, this is the way that Clark Kent should be written! Clark did the right thing, and his moral compass is why Superman is the leader of all the other heroes. Viewers finally got to hear Clark's thoughts and feelings regarding his destiny and his place on Earth; his reaction to the AI Jor-El; his feelings for Lois; and his thoughts about the Kandorians and Zod.

Clark as Leader of the Justice League and the Justice Society: It was great to see members of both of these teams look to Clark for guidance. Cameos worked well for the JLA and JSA members. This is Clark's story and his show, and the focus should be on him. Clark made the decision and all of them followed his lead. It was exciting to see all of them pledge an allegiance to him.

Clark Saving Earth AND the Kandorians: Clark stood by his ideals, and he didn't give up on the Kandorian people. He refused to declare war on them and to use the Kryptonite weapons against them. Clark showed compassion for both Earth's people and the Kandorians. As a result, he prevented many people from being killed. Clark made sure the Kandorians had a new home, and he was willing to sacrifice himself, in order to save Earth. It was great to see Clark do the right thing, and to be validated for his behavior. Vala: "Kal-El, take us home!"

Clark vs. Zod/Clark Outsmarting Zod: The battle between Clark and Zod has been both physical and intellectual. The best part of their showdown is that Clark defeated him by using both his brains and his physical strength. Clark effectively used Zod's arrogance against him, in order to get Zod to confess to killing Faora. The non-powered fight between them worked well, and it was truly a battle for Earth. The different viewpoints of these two men were obvious: Clark, trying to find a peaceful solution, and Zod, declaring "Might Makes Right" (a line from Camelot). It was a nice twist that Blue Kryptonite prevented them from ascending to the new world. And the scenes with the Kandorians destroying landmarks all over Earth were a nice touch.

Clark's Cliffhanger/Religious Symbolism: Clark was willing to sacrifice himself to save Earth. This is pure Superman. Clark to Zod: "You already destroyed my first home; I won't let you take this one." Some fans may be uncomfortable with the religious symbolism in relation to Clark, but it has always been a part of the Superman story. In "Salvation", it was clear that Clark was the "Savior" of Earth. When he sacrificed his life for humanity, he spread his arms symbolizing the cross, as he willingly fell to his "death", with a stab wound in his side.

Superman/Mythos References: This finale contained several, including: Martha sending Clark the Superman suit; the red and yellow Supes symbol reflected in Clark's eye while he saw the suit; Clark's vision that showed an actual glimpse of Superman flying in the traditional suit saving an out-of-control helicopter and a bystander exclaiming: "Look! Up in the Sky!"; Clark's glasses on his desk at the Daily Planet and his chair spinning to indicate he was in Superman mode; Perry White as editor and Jimmy Olsen at the DP, along with Lois as a reporter; Lois wearing an engagement or wedding ring; and Dr. Fate speaking to Clark at the beginning of Clark's vision. There was a mention of Lex Luthor running for President in a newspaper article. In addition, the Supes symbol was illuminated as the BLUR stood in the shadows. There were references to New Krypton for the Kandorians, and a foreshadowing of perhaps Granny Goodness and Darkseid as the next villains.

Clark Saving Lois from Zod/Kissing Scene: This scene was very well done, with Clark super speeding to save Lois' life, punching Zod up into the air, and catching Lois before she crashed through a nearby phone booth. Clark is getting faster and stronger. Lois apologized to the BLUR for trusting Zod, and offered him the Book of Rao. The kiss between them was passionate, and Clark's capacity for forgiveness and compassion was illustrated yet again. Lois finally realizes Clark is the BLUR by his kiss, aka much like the Spiderman movie.

Clark and Lois in Barn Scene: The conversation between them was heartfelt and emotional. Clark thought he was leaving Earth for good, so he tried to do what was best for Lois. It was great to hear Clark's thoughts, as he talked about how he felt when Lois had hugged him in the DP in Metallo. Clark: "Your career is so important to you. What would make you stay?" Lois: "You! I would stay for you! Clark, as important as my career is to me, you are more important."

Clark and Chloe: Their friendship is back on track. Chloe to Clark: "I can't imagine being in this world without you." And, Chloe supported Clark later, by saying: "The Kandorians are Clark's people, so we're not going to take any sort of action until he's with us". However, there should have been a hug between them, since Chloe thought Clark may be leaving Earth forever.

Clark and Tess: Clark tried to help Tess, and Tess tried to redeem herself before she died. Martha as Red Queen had helped Tess realize she had to try to protect Clark from Zod.

Continuity: Martha knew about the Book of Rao because she had inherited the Kryptonian library from Lionel. Tess mentioned she knew about the Fortress by having Corben find it. Martha had also mentioned the coming Apokolips in "Hostage".

Special Effects: All of Clark's super powered scenes were very good. The Book of Rao activating, and the Kandorians being teleported away was nicely done. Plus, the fight between Clark and Zod contained some good slow motion aspects. Tess' burn injury was effective and gruesome.

Direction and Writing: Kudos to Director Greg Beeman and to writers Turi Meyer & Al Septien, for finally doing justice to the iconic character of Clark Kent. Salvation felt like a season finale. It was visually stunning, with great direction and interesting camera angles.

Mixed Reactions:

Lois Choosing BLUR Over Clark: Why did Lois doubt Clark? Lois did defend Clark when she met Zod. But, it was disconcerting to see her snoop in Clark's computer, and to search through his personal property at the Kent farm. Why steal from Clark, the man she loves, and give the Book of Rao to the BLUR? What if Clark was not the BLUR?

Lois is very lucky that Zod touched her, and she realized he was a fake. Otherwise, she would have been responsible for Earth's destruction. Lois did apologize to the BLUR, but that was before she knew he was Clark. Will Lois now apologize to Clark for doubting him, and for stealing the Book of Rao from him? Since this is part one, this needs to happen in part two.

Darkseid and Granny Goodness?: Was the woman who went to visit Tess Granny Goodness? Is she looking for potential warriors for Darkseid, and wants Tess as one of her Female Furies? Is Tess brought back to life because Granny brings her to Darkseid? And, did the parademons kidnap Oliver?

The Bad:

Clark Saying He "Killed Jonathan": This is simply not true! Jonathan had a pre-existing heart condition, and Jonathan made his own choices. Clark is not to blame for Jonathan's death.

My rating? I give Salvation 5 out of 5 stars, primarily for one reason: It was a well-written, Clark-centric episode and Clark Kent was Superman.

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