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As a devoted fan of Smallville over the years, I can’t help but applaud its remarkable journey, yet there are episodes that I find challenging to endure. Smallville, by taking on the task of reinterpreting Superman’s origins within the framework of a teen drama, generally managed to captivate audiences. However, certain episodes were marred by sudden shifts in tone or perplexing narrative choices that significantly hampered character growth and plot progression. These instances, whether they are filler, awkward moments, or missed opportunities, are the weak links in an otherwise extraordinary legacy.

Smallville stood out in the superhero genre by combining the adolescent drama of Dawson’s Creek with the intriguing enigma of The X-Files. This resulted in a setting where characters grappled with their alien roots amidst typical teenage emotions. Over time, it moved away from its initial “monster of the week” format to a more complex narrative that hinted at Justice League elements, delved into Kryptonian history, and posed ethical dilemmas. However, not all attempts at innovation were successful due to budget limitations, frequent changes in management, and occasional efforts to cater to teenage pop culture trends, which occasionally resulted in misses.

10. Season 6, Episode 20 “Noir”

Smallville’s Film Noir Episodes

The “Noir” episode of Smallville had the capability to stand out visually among others due to its film noir-style black and white look and 1940s crime thriller atmosphere, offering a new and thrilling departure from the typical storyline. Regrettably, it fell short and moved at a glacial pace. Instead of immersing itself fully in the genre with quick-witted dialogue or inventive plot twists, it got bogged down in a laborious alternate reality dream sequence that didn’t deliver on its promise.

Jimmy Olsen’s dream sequence served as an unexpected turn towards noir, yet it underscored the lack of impact the character was having during Smallville at that time. The device overshadowed the plot, leaving minimal depth for the main characters. It wasn’t engaging or thrilling – just dull. This stylish deviation should have been a memorable moment but instead became a forgettable task.

9. Season 4, Episode 8 “Spell”

Smallville’s Witch Episode

The ‘Spell’ episode of Smallville seems to be a clear case of jumping on bandwagons at inopportune times. The storyline plunges into supernatural realms, as Lana, Lois, and Chloe are possessed by 17th-century witches, donning dark, gothic outfits. It felt more like an episode of Charmed than a genuine Smallville installment. The integration of witchcraft lore with Kryptonian mythology seemed illogical, and the mood fluctuated between being overly playful and excessively dramatic.

The camp factor might have been effective if the dialogue had been more concise, but the script relied heavily on tired stereotypes and excessive sexual undertones. Even actors like Kristin Kreuk, Allison Mack, and Erica Durance appeared uneasy in their magical girl roles. To add insult to injury, the episode complicated Lana’s narrative further, reinforcing the overused “chosen one” motif. The “Spell” episode was an odd deviation that seemed excessively dramatic, even for the fourth season of Smallville.

8. Season 5, Episode 5 “Thirst”

Smallville’s Vampire Episodes

In “Thirst,” Smallville’s depiction of vampires seems to have been strongly influenced by the success of shows like Buffy and teenage vampire series. The storyline revolves around Lana’s peculiar induction into a coven of actual blood-drinkers. Although the idea is already far-fetched, the execution leaves much to be desired – it’s filled with overused horror clichés and an excessive emphasis on female characters that borders on exploitation.

This episode misses out on developing a substantial storyline for Chloe, instead casting her as a humorous Daily Planet intern. It’s challenging not to perceive “Thirst” as somewhat sexist, given its portrayal of overly sexualized vampire women and Lana being placed in another illogical situation. Instead of delving into profound themes, the episode slips into awkward territory, making it one of the few Smallville episodes that’s both dull and uncomfortable to view.

7. Season 5, Episode 16 “Hypnotic”

Smallville’s Hypnosis Episode

This “Smallville” episode is painfully slow and primarily serves to delay the consequences of Clark and Lana’s relationship breakdown. Simone, a rather forgettable antagonist with mind-control abilities, deceives Clark into ending things with Lana in the most unconvincing and hasty manner. It seems the writers are milking the love triangle involving Clark, Lana, and Lex long after its sell-by date.

Instead of allowing the characters to develop naturally, “Hypnotic” artificially resets their emotional journeys using underhanded methods. The episode also attempts to forcefully add more alien-related action involving Dr. Fine (Brainiac), but these scenes seem unrelated to the main storyline. Essentially, “Hypnotic” is filler content in every aspect – plot, character development, and thematic depth – making it one of the least engaging episodes in season 5 of Smallville.

6. Season 6, Episode 9 “Subterranean”

Smallville’s Illegal Immigrant Episode

This mid-season ‘Smallville’ episode, titled ‘Subterranean’, seems to have missed its mark in terms of flow and significance, given the intense developments and escalating tensions in season 6 – particularly surrounding Lex, Lana, and the emergence of other meteor-affected individuals. Instead of furthering the main storyline, it focuses on Clark uncovering an illegal immigrant boy hidden in a network of underground tunnels, which appears to halt the season’s momentum.

The social message could have been impactful, but due to its overly simplistic and single-dimensional presentation, it lacks depth. The antagonist is unengaging, the visuals are dull, and the emotional moments fail to resonate. On its own, it’s just okay, but within the context of the Smallville season plotline, it seems entirely unnecessary.

5. Season 4, Episode 20 “Ageless”

Smallville’s Rapidly Aging Baby Episode

In “Smallville,” the episode titled “Ageless” attempts to evoke emotional responses through a separate character, but fails due to an overly dramatic execution that borders on comedy. The narrative revolves around an infant who ages rapidly, which Clark and Lana adopt, yet despite its efforts to tug at heartstrings, it becomes excessively melodramatic. The storytelling is uneven, the sci-fi concept lacks clarity, and it adds no value to the season’s main plot, which was already delving into witchcraft, ancient artifacts, and Lex’s descent into darkness at that time.

Instead of moving forward with any of it, “Ageless” abruptly halts a narrative that seems mismatched and excessively dramatic. The emotional climax appears unmerited as well. Essentially, it’s filler content, and among the numerous Smallville season 4 episodes grappling with consistency and significance.

4. Season 1, Episode 7 “Craving”

Smallville’s Body Image Episode

The original “Craving” episode from Smallville feels quite outdated now, particularly when observed from a contemporary perspective. This early installment showcases an overweight character who sheds weight miraculously by consuming vegetables treated with meteor rock essence and eventually starts feeding on people to maintain her transformation. In theory, it’s typical Smallville “monster-of-the-week” content, but in practice, it comes off as insensitive and out of touch when addressing body image concerns.

In this particular episode, the character appears less sympathetic and more like a chilling antagonist from a horror movie. The computer-generated imagery used was quite raw even by the standards of 2001. Lana’s subplot at Lex’s mansion further slows down the story’s pace. “Craving” illustrates that Smallville was still grappling with its identity, attempting to blend horror, teen drama, and sci-fi elements, but unfortunately, it lacked the necessary refinement to make these diverse genres coalesce convincingly.

3. Season 4, Episode 21 “Forever”

Smallville’s School Kidnapping Episode

Just prior to the season 4 finale of “Smallville”, the episode titled “Forever” could have heightened anticipation for the climactic encounter involving ancient Kryptonian relics and ominous predictions. However, it veered off into an unusual kidnapping storyline where a troubled high school student confines classmates in a replica of Smallville High, aiming to preserve their youth. While “Smallville” is known for embracing comic book eccentricity, this episode falls short with its oddly insensitive villain and clumsy execution.

From a devoted fan’s perspective, this spin-off episode seems to be on a different wavelength compared to the main season. The impending danger of the Teagues, the enigmatic Stones of Power, and Clark’s destiny are conspicuously absent, leaving a sense of disconnection. Beneath the surface, it’s essentially another “Clark saves Lana” storyline, but with an intricate and strangely confining setting that feels more suffocating than thrilling. The title “Forever” fails to evoke excitement or fear – instead, it merely serves as a distraction. This episode dampens the building anticipation when we should’ve been gearing up for something truly epic.

2. Season 3, Episode 7 “Magnetic”

Smallville’s Lana Is In Trouble Again

In the third season of “Smallville,” the episode titled “Magnetic” is often considered forgettable and lackluster. The story revolves around another teenager infected by a meteor, who this time gains magnetic powers. Unfortunately, these abilities are used to manipulate Lana into a romantic relationship, which is an overused plot device that the show leaned on excessively. In essence, it’s a worn-out trope of a character being overly persistent and somewhat creepy.

This episode, unfortunately, lacks depth and originality. It doesn’t advance the main characters or provide enjoyable entertainment, instead dragging on without much purpose. While it attempts to delve into themes of control and obsession, it does so in a bland manner that fails to add nuance. In comparison to the more impactful storylines involving Lionel, Lex, and Clark’s personal struggles this season, “Magnetic” stands out for offering nothing substantial.

1. Season 2, Episode 14 “Rush”

Smallville’s “Teenagers At Risk” Episode

I found “Rush” to be an attempt at being bold and thrilling, but unfortunately, it fell flat and became quite awkward. The plot revolves around a parasite that infects students at Smallville High, making them act recklessly and disregard safety – essentially transforming everyone into extreme sports enthusiasts. Initially, the concept might have seemed appealing in the writers’ brainstorming sessions, but it was carried out with cheesy dialogue, unnecessary party sequences, and cringeworthy character moments – particularly for Pete, who rarely received well-crafted storylines.

The effort to inject some sensuality and disorder comes across as desperate, and the visual effects don’t make things any better. It’s challenging to treat the situation with gravity when characters act like caricatures of rebellious adolescents instead of fully-developed individuals. Even Clark’s ethical quandaries seem inadequately explored in this instance. “Rush” may stand out due to its wild antics, but it feels more draining than enjoyable, resembling a version of Smallville that’s less engaging and more tiresome.

2025-05-21 23:09