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Post by Xenith on Jul 2, 2007 12:54:42 GMT -5
They're putting effort into Lex? Lex is yet another case of a lightswitched character, they keep flicking him back and forth between pure evil and good guy, very seldom showing any grey, and certainly not really doing a good job of showing his descent.
I think I know what you're talking about though, how they wasted the whole dam season with meaningless Lexana/Clana stuff instead of actually developing any of the characters themselves, or developing any kind of real main plot short of the last few rushed episodes.
Not really:
Like I could actually be stupid enough to think Lana is dead, that milk truck had to be one of the most obvious placed "distractions" in the history of TV. So yeah when it's that obvious that a character jumped onto a truck and is faking their own death...suspenseful I think not.
Not to mention the fact that Lana didn't even think it might possibly be a good idea to tell Clark of her plan. I mean she now knows he has all kinds of powers, so how could it possibly be a good idea to make him think that Lex killed her? Did the thought never cross her mind that he could seriously injure or kill Lex? Or could get himself killed going after the Luthors who Lana thought were so dangerous? AAAAAARGH!
Mama Kent seems like she has been all but written out of the show, just like Giles on Buffy the one character that I usually dislike the least gets sent away... Although her flip-flopping over Clark's feelings towards Lana, not to mention suggesting he go to the wedding, not really her best season.
Chloe, don't know where to start. Yes I do, that crappy ass power is what we've been waiting for this whole time? Draining her own life force to heal someone? Blah. (If I risk going into a big rant of anger)
Nois...already talked about that.
Lex...arrested AGAIN for a crime he didn't commit.
Phantom plot was probably the best part, glad to see Martian Manhunter back, although you know the whole waiting till you need me thing was a bit contrived...because seriously where was he during the events of Arrival? or any of the other near armageddons? Zod anyone? The phantom itself was interesting, the psychotic kid thing has been done before, but I still got a kick out of him dragging the doctor. Bizzarro Clark showing up should HOPEFULLY make for an entertaining premiere, although I am a little worried what with the writers thinking they had to hit the audience with a 1000lb anvil with the "I'm you only more bizzarre" line...ugh.
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Post by Vindictive Soul on Jul 3, 2007 10:15:27 GMT -5
Yeah I think you're right, I didn't like the finale except for the Bizarre Clark (Phantom) Plot, Chloe's powers I mean come on do you call this a power !!! What is it like you use this power and then die or end up in a coma for god knows when you will wakeup again.. People are saying that this was the best finale ever but I don't know, I expected more I guess.
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Post by Xenith on Jul 3, 2007 10:42:17 GMT -5
I don't think there's much chance of Chloe being dead to start the season, AlMiles have dropped WAY too many 500lb anvils about Chloe dying for Clark to let her instead die for Lois. Although on the one hand they could have really done something interesting and actually gone a semi Chlois route, but I doubt that they would ever have the guts or creativity to even try and pull that off... That would've taken too much time away from their time to plan more mindless Clana shipping.
I forgot to mention Lionel in peril...of DROWNING? Really? I'm pretty sure everyone knows that Lex is eventually going to end up killing his father to carry on the family tradition... If they would actually kill the MB in a way so mundane as an accidental drowning...there will be heck to pay.
Also the J-League had better show up in the premiere, what the heck was the point of all that Justice League related stuff with Ollie and company leading up to finale only to have them not appear at all?
For the life of me I can't even figure out why I still watch this show. It just leaves me really really bitter. I mean even Charmed or Buffy when they were bad was still somewhat fun, at least for the snark factor. Smallville I have trouble even snarking, all I can do is rant. If only Smallville would occassionally stop having a good episode such as a Justice or Nemesis every once in awhile I could probably be free... Then again since DeKnight left maybe that is a possibility. I mean to read some of his interviews the kind of thing that he had to speak up to stop from happening. Such as Clark INTENTIONALLY killing Titan...
Yeah, AlMile saw nothing wrong with making the future Superman a killer.
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Post by Vindictive Soul on Jul 3, 2007 10:51:54 GMT -5
You have a point there..
And I forgot to NAG about Lana's (Death), is Lionel really that stupid to believe that Lana is dead ?!?! And really why didn't Lana share this with Clark :S it was a weird episode..
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Post by Charmed Destiny on Jul 12, 2007 19:34:19 GMT -5
I didn't really like that finale, I want to see the next season premiere just to see what happened though lol.
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Post by Xenith on Jul 13, 2007 10:48:47 GMT -5
I think AlMiles would probably sooner end the show then let Kreuk walk, and yet apparently KK still doesn't have a contract for next season? Negotiations are still going on, and although one can dream about a Lana free season I just don't see it happening. OMG has anyone seen the title for the second episode of S7? Kara
Wonder if it's just a one shot or if they are adding her as a series regular, and possibly as a way to continue the show next year after Clark/Lex move on to Metropolis? Oh boy I'm getting another Billie flashback...AAAARGH!
Then again Smallville was drowning in its love triangles last season anyways, so if SG actually can add some fresh material, and an new protoganoist who's not an bitter grumpy asshat, then what the heck I'll give her a chance. Heck maybe it could even me that Martha can have an actual plot to be on the show again... |
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Post by Xenith on Sept 28, 2007 15:42:00 GMT -5
Michael Rosenbaum got second credit and Allison Mack 4th!!!! About dam time! Wonder if KK's contract holdout had anything to do with that?
Anyways, I'm not sure if it was the new credits, or like a glutton for punishment I just plain missed new Smallville over the summer, but I actually enjoyed the episode and didn't have a lot to nitpick. So far I' didn't mind Kara, although she hasn't spoken yet so I'm reserving judgement... Also got through the entire ep without missing Martha, although I really hope that AOT will guest star in at least a couple of eps this season. I didn't even miss JG whose only scene was to lie unconscious in water.
It will probably come as no surprise that I also didn't miss Lana for most of the ep. I found it sort of funny that she chose to hide out in China, since often I thought KK looked like she could pass for somewhat oriental, although I'm pretty sure the only people in China that wear blonde wigs like that are the hookers... *sigh* Oh and I was totally humming "Somewhere Out There" when she and Clark were looking at the moon. Made that scene a whole lot more bearable to think about Fievel rather than the threat of yet more inevitable Clana even though it would have totally been her fault if Clark had actually killed Lex.
Lois, didn't hate her either...it's been a while since I could say that. Some people dislike her leaving Chloe at the hospital, it made sense to me. She thought Lex's people did something to her, and that she might be able to find an answer to save her cousins life at the Luthor mansion. Trying to play an active role in saving her cousins life vs just sitting at her side crying till she died... She did the right thing.
My biggest complaint with the episode is that Bizzaro really seemed to lack the proper characterization, the butt grabbing scene seemed too much like RedK!Clark than twisted supervillain. Not to mention what self-respecting super powered fiend would get slapped and take no for an answer? That scene was unnecessary and junk in an otherwise decent episode.
Also grating on the Bizzaro front was the fact that even with all of Clark's memories he still chose to slowly walk away after he thought Clark down, but not dead. (I get that at that point he might have been supposed to realize his own sun weakness and so he couldn't go in for the kill, but he could have at least had the sense to superzip or fly his butt out of there before Clark woke up.
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Post by Charmed Destiny on Sept 29, 2007 1:48:25 GMT -5
Well KK is half Chinese and half Dutch.
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Post by Charmed Destiny on Sept 29, 2007 1:48:47 GMT -5
Just in case you didn't know I was referring to your comment about her hiding out in China.
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Post by Xenith on Oct 1, 2007 12:39:17 GMT -5
Okay despite the fact that we're going to have to deal with yet another season dealing with the dreck that is Clana, (revealed in an interview I sort of wish I didn't read in Sci-Fi channels magazine) and despite the fact that I know this show always manages to dissapoint me season after season since S4....I'm still getting excited. The latest casting spoiler definitely has something to do with that... James Marsters will be resuming his role as Braniac! |
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Post by Drama on Oct 1, 2007 12:50:33 GMT -5
Eww..well, if I had any interest of watching this show (which I don't), that would turn me off.
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Post by Fourever Charmed on Oct 9, 2007 1:48:17 GMT -5
The latest casting spoiler definitely has something to do with that... James Marsters will be resuming his role as Braniac! Really? Wow. I can't even imagine him in any role that's not got fangs! I didn't even know he was on Smallville. |
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Post by Xenith on Nov 15, 2007 23:59:24 GMT -5
Once again Clark jams a crystal into the Fortress, and once again he puts a strange ring on his finger. He never learns.
But the thing that REALLY has me pissed is that they messed with Julian. Is nothing sacred? "Memoria" and "Shattered". It's just so...there are no words. Either he never died, although he should be at most 17. Or he's another freaking clone, which when...and how..and Aaaaaaargh. I hate you show. &%#*&*
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Post by Xenith on Dec 14, 2007 1:45:09 GMT -5
So Julian is a clone. While I'm not a fan of clones it's certainly a major relief that they didn't retcon Julian's death and the impact on Lex & Lionel. I did really like that Lex did clone him to serve as family, and not just to be a minion. Overall a great ep for Lex, I loved the badass Lex that shot Adrian, and buying the Daily Planet...Awesome! Lana not only had Isis (which it looks like humanitarian that she is she abandoned since she was busted for spying)...but a secret lab, and people (Didn't she tell Chloe she was a 1 person operation?), and contacts, and is apparently a science prodigy...right we'll just go along with that... Although I have to say that the twist at the end of the episode...AWESOME! I'm completely blown away, and I have to admit I never ever saw that coming. That's partly because it was a good job by the writers, and partly because I dismissed what I did notice as off, as just being the writers typical lazy writing with weekly lightswitching and lack of distinct characterization. Happy to have been so wrong. Of course that does bring to question why Clark would ever go to the Fortress of Solitude to relax, and why he doesn't destroy that thing at the first chance he gets... Here's what the Jor-E AI has done to Clark so far: 1. Tried to force Clark to abandon everything he knew and loved, resorting to painfully branding him. (Exodus) 2. Tricked Clark into being completely mindraped by trying to kill Jonathan Kent to the point that he became comatose. (Covenant) 3. Did not warn Clark that failing to gather the stones in time would bring the 2nd Meteor shower or the ship with Zod's followers and the Brain Interactive Construct. (Commencement) 4. Attempted to intentionally kill Chloe. (Arrival) 5. Took away Clark's powers when it took Clark too long to stop the pair of Kryptonians from destroying Smallville, and to save the people he cared about. (Arrival) 6. Resurrected Clark, saying that now someone Clark loves needs to die, and it's all his fault and it was his choice, despite Clark's protests to the opposite and that he'd rather have stayed dead. (Hidden) 7. Refused to help Martha, or to even tell Clark that he (Jor-El) wasn't responsible for the disease killing her. This almost resulted in Zod being released.(Solitude) 8. Forced Clark to decide between saving Lana or having someone else die at some unspecified time in the future. (Retconning...sorry make that Reckoning) 9. Tries to convince Clark to murder Lex by stabbing him with a sharp crystal.(Vessel) 10. Tries to convince Clark that his cousin is evil. (Kara) 11. Seemingly mindwipes Kara and strands her in Detroit, and also punishes Clark by freezing him in a block of ice, and possibly sending the evil Bizzaro to replace him! (Blue & Gemini) In fact since the show began, I think the Jor-El AI has really only done one useful thing and that was resisting the urge to kill Martha & Lois when their plane crashed, and actually offering Martha advise about stopping Zod. That's it. (I'm not counting bringing Clark back to live because if he hadn't been a dick and taken Clark's powers in the first place he wouldn't have needed brought back...) Last but not least...it's time to talk(rant) about Lois again... Seriously, this show must really want people to hate Lois? Over the past couple weeks, I've rewatched my Smallville DVDs, including S4 earlier this week, and I forgot how much I liked Lois when she was first introduced. The meet cute with Clark, established flaws, a purpose with the investigation of Chloe's "death", and that confrontation with Lionel. Wow. I didn't really like the whole failed to graduate high school story, but I could of lived with that. I thought her getting her start in Journalism working at the Torch writing the Facade article was great. She actually did investigative reporting without stuff having to be handed to her or fall into her lap. It's a shame that the writers weren't able to write two characters that were similiar yet different (Lois & Chloe) working together, as I liked the two working together. Although even after leaving the Torch, Lois remained a likable, yet believable character in episodes like Recruit & Commencement. And then came S5 and it was all down hill from there. In S5 they seemingly decided that the three purpose of Lois Lane were for nonstop anvil comments, comedy relief, and for Erica's T&A. The character, and any true character development just seemed to be sacrificed week after week in either to either get her as little clothing as possible (i.e. Exposed), put her in a forced relationship with guest star of the week (i.e Aqua), or to force an unnatural development with the character. (i.e Fanatic) Things have only gotten worse since then, IMHO they have yet to have Lois actually earn any part of her journalism career. They have yet to let her work on a big story where she does her own freaking research, gets the facts, gets the actual evidence. And it's just pathetic. Even in this last episode we learn she's been put on the Luthorcorp "expose" (Which...entails an interview with Lex. So me thinks the writers need to be shown a new dictionary if that is their definition of "expose") An article she has seemingly been given because A) She is STILL having the ill advised affair with the boss. B) Lex doesn't view her as any kind of threat. (Per his convo with Julian this week. Which is the complete opposite of what he said during his convo with Julian last episode. Ah...sweet continuity.) And how does she get information on Luthorcorp? Chloe hands over her research and a nutjob clone tracks her down and gives her dirt. Seriously what the heck do Al Miles have against allowing Lois to actually do any of her own investigative reporting? Why couldn't she have been working on this expose a week earlier, and have found nutty clone guy herself? Why is that too much to ask... They couldn't even let Lois be the one to end the innapropriate relationship with Grant...instead she wanted to make it public? Seriously??? As if that wasn't bad enough they had to make her responsible for getting a poor random delivery guy killed, because she made the assumption that because he was one of a half dozen people looking at her...he was the bad guy. Wow, there just aren't enough words for how poorly the writers are handling the character of Lois Lane. |
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xrs
Innocent
Semper Charmed
Posts: 25
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Post by xrs on Dec 14, 2007 14:29:25 GMT -5
As i was passing by... (part 2); To XENITH:
Normally i don't deal with Smallville. Although i think this the most serious (as in not comical or laughable) attempt to present the "Superman" issue, Smallville falls sort in many things; but then, if it didn't it wouldn't be a "sitcom". It would be a movie (with a PG-13 rating at least).
Out of pure coincidence (personally, i think not) i read your post about Smallville, Xenith. My responce is this:
About Jor-El: His existence is not coincidencial. It is the product of a writing sheme, UNevolved through time. In "Smallville" Jor-El fulfils the same function as the Elders do on "Charmed": The quaint, purposeless former leading figure, constantly trying to get the heroes (the 4 Sisters in Charmed; Clark and Co. in Smallville) to do its bidding; they do not comply, so the archetypical, quaint, now purposeless former leader of events turns on them to punish them.
In the lexicon of "archetypical (biblical) figures" the Eldres and Jor-El can be found under the term "pharisaism". As the archaic, selfish interpritation of the Mosaic Law gave rise to pharisaism, which plagued, according to the Bible, Jesus, the Chosen One and his followers, (in our case, the Charmed or Clark Kent and Co.), so here the Elders and Jor-El fulfil the same function: Clark is the Son, the Chosen One, the Liberator of the World from Evil. Jor-El is the old Testament law, now nullified by events (Clark raised as human) beyond its scope (as, according to theologists is the case with Jesus and the Mosaic Law). Despite that, Jor-El (or his "intelligence"- i don't know, i only saw season 1, the rest i learn occasionaly from a friend) MUST continue his function, to convince his son to take over the world, because that is the logical thing to do in a world of primates (as Jor-El sees us) that only want power (the Pharisees accuse Jesus of not being the Messiah to lead the Jews to "take over the world" and turn on him, according to the Gospels). Without that the Pharisees/Elders/Jor-El would be without any purpose, any fuction. You see, Jor-El's attitude makes sence, if you interprit all this with the Biblical/post-Christian "archetype of basic ideas for plots". What makes no sence though, is that after all this, after all that Jor-El did against him and his friends, Clark wouldn't find a way to destroy this... essence (?). THAT is the unrealistic part. Why can't Clark get Jor-El (or Daddy "i want to take over the World through you") off his back? NOW can you understand my frustration about the Elders and my rant about them, Xenith? It doesn't make ANY sence! To paraphraze you, why don't the Charmed destroy the Elders the first chance they get? Hmm...
Think OUT of the box!
And about Lois:
As you descibe her Lois is an imbasile (i have no reason to think otherwise, my friend told me the exact same thing). Why? Writer's mistake? NO.
Think "achetypicaly": Clark is the Son (action). Lana is the Holy Spirit (emotion; but should i say better the "unholy tart"?) Chloe is the Father (logic); Pete (was) the 4th Element (for the 3+1=4 archetypical equation). And Lois? She can't be the Son/Action (Superwoman is out of the question; in the long run she -or anyone like Clark- would steal Clark's "thunder"); She can't be the Holy Spirit/Emotion; that spot is occupied by her royal highness, Lana Lang (this is disgusting, according to my friend; how or why Clark still loves "queen of tarts" Lana is beyond him, after going to bed with Lex!). She can't be the Father/Logic; we can't have TWO Chloes running around, can we? Wouldn't it cause friction among the stars? Or problems within the plot itself? After all wasn't Chloe invented by the writers of Smallville just to fill the spot of Lois, because according to the myth, Lois and Clark did not live at the same place? (Smallville). I think the writers would very much like to "kill" Chloe, but she's too popular among the Smallville fans (hey, she was MY favorite gal, not Lana, during season 1), to just kill her off the show. Lois on the other hand, for most young fans is just a picture in a comic book, so... "Dance little Lois, dance like a lapdog(and lapdancer/clutz/stupid), 'cause you're... the COMIC RELEF"
Of course they could try to "make" her the 4th Element, BUT that is not the way they introduced her and i quess they are too tired to change her ways (if i had the same near-death experiences that these people in the show have, well i'd think my life 100 times over). Good writing, as you know takes time and "consumes" brain shells. They're successful. Why should they bother? F... the fans! The Kern Epic (Seasons 5-8) all over again...
I hope i contributed to both answering your questions and giving you a "heads up" for possible future mistakes. Please don't hate me. Writing is my passion; so is finding the "whys" of plots. And, again, sorry for barging in this discussion, where i don't belong...
xrs
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