I’ll admit that when I saw that the 200th episode of Smallville was called “Homecoming” and would involve James Marsters as Brainiac 5 taking Clark Kent on trips into both the past and the future, I sighed, rolled my eyes, and prepared myself for some mushy tedium. After all, not many TV shows, let alone one as freighted with mythology as Smallville is, can pull off time-jumping without becoming absurd, or a mere clip-job-with-some-new-bits.
What a pleasant surprise, therefore, to see that “Homecoming” was a lot of fun and another example of how deftly the final season of Smallville is juggling so many story-lines and characters. The key one this week was James Marsters’ Brainiac, now Brainiac 5, a Legion member who traveled back from the future to help Clark out of what’s become the thing that’s preventing him from fulfilling his promise. That would that darned “darkness” the season has been invoking so frequently.
Brainiac 5 took Clark through glimpses of his past, particularly the death of his father, Jonathan. “The darkness is the past,” Brainiac 5 told Clark — that is, it’s Clark’s dwelling on the past, his feelings of unworthiness, that are sabotaging him. Later in the hour, Brainiac 5 added that “fearing the future” was the other part of the “darkness,” and that Clark didn’t need to be afraid of that.
Why? Because, Brainiac 5 showed Clark and us, Kent would grow up to become Superman and the “nerdy,” bespectacled adult Clark Kent, who, we also saw, shared a wonderful future with a radiant Lois Lane. And the exchanges between Clark and Future Clark were pretty delightful.
Speaking of delightful, Erica Durance continues to give one of the most charming performances on TV these days. She pulled off the extended joke about no one remembering Lois at the high-school reunion, a running gag that could have been a groaner but was saved by Durance’s various reactions to being snubbed. And her final dance with Clark conveyed the appropriate dreaminess necessary, complete with their mutual declarations of “I love you.” (Durance has begun to remind me of what I think of as the ideal Lois Lane — the one drawn in the comics by the great Kurt Schaffenberger.)
This week’s Smallville didn’t abandon last week’s Oliver Queen coming out as Green Arrow plot. Ollie gave his first media interview, a jarring one in which he lashed out at “arm-chair bloggers [who become] critics instead of leaders.” Well, I guess billionaires are sensitive to the press they receive.
The key point Smallville wanted you to come away with this week was that Clark has now made peace with his past (depicted this night in the scene at his father’s grave site) and can shake off his adolescent insecurities and grow into the man he’s destined to be. On that level, it was a success.
What did you think?
I’ve long found Erica’s take on Lois charming, but I think she’s taken it to a new level this season, and especially this episode, so I’m glad it was noted.
“Homecoming” was a touching and fitting 200th episode for Smallville. I’m very happy about that.
very inspired critique… how’s life as a troll?
Thats your problem, the show is not about “Superman” but the man who becomes “Superman”. Get a clue.
oh amazing , i love this !
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C’mon with the spam posts from a Lawyer who can’t spell!
I need to stop reading the comments section. People like you ruin everything good and decent on television. Go watch Dancing with the Stars -surely that is more your speed.
If your going to impersonate me at least be funny. I personally love Smallville and just want MR to return already.
Larry David you comment on everything …. no one likes you
You are an idiot my friend whats wrong daddy not give you enough attention when you was little or was it too much? Either way Don’t knock it cuz you don’t like it some of us enjoy the hell out of it!! I wish it was on for another 10 seasons!
Get a life!
Yeah, this was a really great episode. I am really liking this season; I think they are wrapping up the show’s ten years quite deftly.
I think you’re one of those “arm chair bloggers” Oliver Queen was talking about.
Perfect episode! Durance is just amazing as Lois, she literally gets better ever week.
I think Welling and her have the best chemistry on tv. I know it would be weird but I can’t imagine a better Lois n Clark for the new Superman movies.
I’ve always been a fan of the early comic book heroes and enjoyed watching “superfriends”, on saturday morning as a kid. I never was a huge “Superman” fan. I always thought they made him too invincible, almost Godly. I didn’t start watching Smallville till the 4th season, and wouldn’t have then if it wasn’t for a co-worker and working 2nd shift on thursdays. I really enjoyed it. I went out and bought the first few seasons and spent an entire summer catching up for the premiere of season 5. I think the show has done a tremendous job placing a history behind the “cape”. I’m still not a fan of what “Superman” was, but am a “SuperFan” of the show, and would love to see a motion picture ending. Thanks to WB for creating a great run.
Tom Welling did a fantastic job! It’s always a treat to watch a Clark-centric episode! Tom gave an excellent performance, and he portrayed a range of emotions, from sadness and self-doubt at the beginning to a confident, self-assured man at the end. The gravesite goodbye scene to Jonathan was heart wrenching, and the deadpan exasperated look as Homecoming King was hilarious. Tom’s depiction of the differences between Present Clark and Future Clark was multi-layered. Future Clark was more in control, more confident, and even his tone of voice was different.
To the Larry David Fake,
You are truly a critic, and you know what I dislike about critics?
They can’t do any better, but yet they want to voice an opinion and judge those willing to try and put forth the effort. If Tom Welling has butchered his role so bad as Clark Kent then why has Smallville lasted for 10 seasons?
Tom Welling has brought more inspiration to the Superman Saga acting as Clark Kent on Smallville than you can possibly imagine. If you think you can do a better job then why aren’t you acting?
I can already see by the other replies on here from other people that you have an opinion on everything. I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinions, but if you can’t do better or have a better solution to the problem then just shut up. It’s that plain and simple.
Tom Welling and the rest of the cast of Smallville have done a great job in making this show come to life for those fans of the DC Comic Books. The writers and everyone involved with the show have more than brought to life the story of a boy becoming a man and a man becoming Superman.
Thank you,
CliffShep
You are obviously NOT a Superman fan, let alone a Smallville fan. I suggest you watch the cartoon versions on the Cartoon Network. Welling will make an excellent Superman, speaking as a fan who has followed the comic book since the early 1960s.
I could understand that Smallville has its dull moments, but what show doesn’t. Larry, I don’t think you’re mother told you when you were younger that “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then you shouldn’t say anything at all.” It doesn’t even make sense you commented on this article. You must somehow like Smallville, unless of course you were bored. Smallville is one of the best shows out there…
What the hell are you talking about? I am a Smallville fan all the way from Malaysia and I have loved every minute of Smallville. Tom Welling has improved tremendously and has lived up to monumental role as Clark Kent AKA Superman. He was amazing in this episode and many others and was able to display such a colourful display of emotions which can be seen in several scenes: his love for Lois at the barn, the painful act of letting go of his father and forgiving himself, and the more dignified and assertive Future Clark Kent. The cast, writers and crew have done a fantastic job in the past years and once again have proved their worth in this episode. I don’t know what miserable and pathetic life you have, Larry David but don’t take it out on Smallville and TOM WELLING. Instead of critiquing him, why don’t you take a look in the mirror and start there.
Troll Alert!!!
Larry, if you don’t like the show why in the world are you still watching after 10 seasons? Why search out a story regarding the 200th episode? And why bother to post?
This was a terrific episode. I am sorry that you could not enjoy it.
PS don’t watch any of the Harry Potter films, I am sure they will disappoint you too.
loved it!
Why do grown people watch this kids show?
The same reason why you stop to read this article…
Because we grew up with Superman. And, actually, this season has been, well, not quite completely grown up, but a great combination of fun, smart and human… which all the previous seasons just hinted at.
WAIT A MINUTE…. this was a great review but why on earth was there no talk about the END?! I understand if Tucker didn’t want to spoil it, but that was EPIC and a HUUUUGE part about Smallville and Clark becoming Superman….
[SPOILER WARNING]
FINALLY!!! He can fly!!
He floated, he didn’t fly
floating is a form of flying. sure, obviously he has work but i’d say it’s a pretty pivotal point in the episode and series…
You guys are funny.
I will agree that it was cool but this isn’t the first time he has floated. He floated in season 1 when he had is dream about Lana and was floating above the bed before he woke up and fell. So to be honest he still has a long way to go and I still don’t think he can fly. But it is indeed a start.
That was what I was thinking. Last week we learned that when Kal clears his mind he can’t focus. Kara told him to focus on one thing. That butterfly, amazingly enough, wasn’t quite it. Lois, however, is something else. It fits, too. The one person who can give Superman his wings is one Ms Lois Lane. Awwww.
IMO, Lois can’t be credited with Clark floating! Once Clark let go of the past that was weighing him down, he felt free! It was almost as though some of the weight of the world had been removed from his shoulders. He was able to enjoy the present, and to live in the moment.
It was nice that he could share this moment with Lois, but Lois was not the reason that Clark floated. This ability and this freedom came from within him.
Clark was clearly in control, even instructing Lois to stand on the top of his feet for the dance. Clark was at peace in that moment, and he floated upward.
But I wasn’t sure he actually KNEW he was floating. His eyes were closed and it was so smooth. Did he even realize it himself? She didn’t seem to either. But it was a fantastic way to finally make that leap!
The ending just had me dissappointed a bit. Not for the scene, just way to predictable. It’s happen in most Superman-based shows, others like Kyle XY, etc. As soon as I saw the disco ball in the farm, I knew what was going to happen. I’m not saying it was bad, frankly I can’t imagine it done any way other than that, just predictable.
Wasn’t there an early episode when Clark was dreaming about Lana and floating above his bed?
Yes.
yeah i thought about that, but i feel like we are supposed to pretend that doesn’t exist or excuse it because he was sleeping lol
Definitely excuse it because he was sleeping. That was all subconscious.
Not exactly. I mean, Clark was floating in the very first episode. Sleeping in bed as a teen and dreaming, he floated above his bed. So still not really flying yet.
He pulled a Mindfreak. Levitation.
Very good…summed up what Smallville is all about…even the ending was a classic Smallville ending with a soft song fading into black that have been lost for quite sometime now. Loved the bright colors, again a classic Smallville episode.
I hate lois in home coming and i wish we got more info on chloe in home coming. i like clark remembering lana and chloe. Smallville sucks without chloe on it now.
I liked it, but I really want to know what happened to Chloe. Remember the Legion stated they never heard of the name Chloe. but had heard of everyone else. But she sent a message telling the kids to keep up the torch. (If it was her). I think the show said she was going to morph into something. So what happened to her? Is she gone or just off somewhere and they will close the storyline at the end. Hope so. The flying part, the first episode showed him floating above his bed. I think he has been held back with all the weight of his “darkness” He probably didnt realize what happened when he started to float, but when the song ends and they look at each other, I think he will notice, maybe that is how he tells her and we dont see it. Hope they tell us next week.
Chloe erased all the information about her before she went into hiding. That’s why the Legion doesn’t know about her, because there are no records. Those two Torch kids knowing she’s out there doesn’t change anything.
Chloe faked her death and went into hiding to not only protect the heroes but spur them into action. Allison Mack is coming back to do four more episodes later in the season to wrap up Chloe’s character.
Ken, you mean the death of his father JONATHAN, not James.
Um – Ken? Clark’s dad isn’t James…
I totally agree with Mr. Tuckers review- It was Smallvilles best episode of this season- and I agree Erica Durance was excellent tonight! And the END was a surprise to me and I liked it alot! great show tonight!
The public on these shows always seems a little crazy. “Oh no, now my child will want to be a vigilante because you are a vigilante! GAAAH! If only I was a responsible parent who could properly mold my children. Sadly I’m not so I have to tell you to stop helping those in need! Me ME ME!”
This made me laugh, spot on.
Smallville’s suddenly gone political, first with Gordon Godfrey and now with Oliver’s comments about putting up boarder fences to block off immigrants who just want the same opportunities as Americans and all of that. I like it!
Sounds exactly like all the real-life parents who complain about violent video games making their kids violent. Seemed realistic enough to me, especially when we’ve already seen kids playing “Blur and robbers” on the show.
I love smallville. It is a shame that it is coming to the end. How could producers decide to end it when there’s still a lot to see about the life of superman. My Heart is so sad. I feel like dying just to think I am not seeing the show again. Please another ten seasons. I know there are millions who agree. @**uck to those who disagree.
I’ve watched since day one, I’d rather not see it end this season, but it’s better than being canceled midseason without an ending…remember what network and night it’s on, we’re lucky to have gotten this much.
I have watched this since day one, I have every season, every movie, even the whole comic series of the “Death of Superman”. I think it does need to end, even thought I HATE THAT IT ENDS. What I like is that this is different becasue it was never about Superman!! THis is about the journey Clark has to go through to become Superman. He lived as human his whole childhood. With the first movie he went to the fortress as clark and came out as Superman. In the 2nd movie he struggled with his powers and how his life should be with Lois. THis whole series is about how the man stuggles with his powers, his human beliefs, and the entire existance of his other side. That is a process for anyone, even clark. So I hate for it to end, but at some point Clark has to finish that part of his life to become the Superman we have known our entire lives. I can’t wait to see when he finally sheds it all and puts on that suit!! It will be a pivital moment in the series and the evolution of the man to hero. He will truely embody the meaning of “Superman”
I feel the same way but it would be perfect timing if Welling gets the movie gig so I’m not getting depressed just yet.
Plus if not, there’s always a chance they bring the show back with a new name. There were rumors of that last season, calling it Metropolis and letting it run a few more years.
Great episode. And yes, it’s his father Jonathan, not James. It’s been wonderful how the show is paying tribute to the past by incorporating scenes from previous seasons. I always love seeing Jonathan & Lionel again.
And I also like how they continue to pay tributes from time to time to the original movie, such as how Clark saved Lois in the helicopter. This is how this show, unlike other shows, likes giving the fans tastes of what they want and like.
Excellent episode,Durance was amazing.
Durance was not amazing. She’s not a very good actress.
Durance is always awesome as Lois. She makes the best Lois I have ever seen.
Erica Durance is a wonderful actress! Her Lois and Tom Welling’s Clark are the ONLY two characters I enjoy watching on Smallville. I pretty much tune out all the other scenes where they don’t appear.
“his father, Jonathan” is what I think you meant…
LOVED IT!!
Thanks for a well done Homecoming. The scenes taking Clark back to the past and then to the future were lovely and poignant. This episode made me a bit more sad about this being the final season.
LOVED IT!!
Thanks for a well done Homecoming. The scenes taking Clark back to the past and then to the future were lovely and poignant.
How could Lois not be remembered from high school? As I remember, she was hot looking during the high school episodes.
Your humor amuses me mcfly.
Why thank you Jello. I like you and all of your fine, fruit flavors. I like your pudding pops too.
She was in School for 5 days.Clark said What “OUR” reuion?
Or course no one will remember her.
AS the punch girl said LOIS is the Moth and Lana the flame.And Chloe wa the girl they all thought who would have ended with Clark.That is what the writers wrote.MUst mean something.lol
@ Tom. It means that the writers are poking fun at the hardcore Clana and Chlark fanatics!