Things started out so well on Smallville this week. Clark and Lois, fresh from the intimacy they shared at the end of last week, were — at the suggestion of Lois, that minx — about to engage in some porch-swing sex (I know, I was pretty shocked myself ). Then who should arrive but Lois’ father, the General Sam Lane (Michael Ironside) and sister Lucy (Peyton List).
Grumpy General was in full military camouflage and in full-on anger mode right from the start. He not only interrupted our happy couple with a lot of bluster about how super-heroes “incite violence” and “commit acts of terrorism”; he was also backing the “Vigilante Registration Act.”
Now before you yelp that this Registration Act is a rip-off of a recent Marvel Comics story line, I’ll remind you that this kind of legislation has existed before in the DC Comics universe, in everything from Infinite Crisis‘ “New Earth” storyline to the New Frontier miniseries to (the admittedly out-of-continuity) Watchmen. Anyhoo, the General is a backer, and he had a grudge against Clark. Why? Because he’d had a government investigation conducted (!) and possessed photos of Clark with cousin Kara in her costume, which in the General’s mind meant Clark was a dirty collaborator with superheroes, including the Blur.
The parallel militaristic story line followed the return of Rick Flag from The Suicide Squad, who invoked patriotism and freedom as well in opposing the Registration Act — he’d set his sights on demolishing the General, launching a General-seeking missile while reciting some of the lyrics to “The Star Spangled Banner.” Decorating the edges of the hour were Green Arrow and Tess, arguing and becoming friends again in the Watchtower while monitoring much of this stuff. (This material felt like some dutiful labor that had to be worked in to excuse Chloe’s ongoing absence.)
I suppose this episode, titled “Ambush,” was partly a holiday-themed edition: after all, the General and Lucy had shown up to share a Thanksgiving meal with Lois. But its best moments centered on father-daughter issues. Ironside’s interpretation of the General was to play him rather over-the-top, and so it fell to Erica Durance to convey the painful pull and pluck it requires to put aside the powerfully controlling instincts a child has to obey a domineering parent. (“That’s an order, young lady!”) Their face-off was better than all the rockets bursting in air, or the Blur-fast rescues.
This was, like last week’s “Harvest,” an uneven episode with, as I’ve detailed, some fine emotional moments. And given how good Durance has been this season in particular, I’m really looking forward to next week, when Teri Hatcher appears as Lois’ mother.
How about you?
Twitter: @kentucker
Awesome episode!
Loved Clark and Lois standing up for each other to Sam. Clark’s sarcastic enthusiasm about Sam’s to-do list was funny too. Oliver and Tess’ bridge building didn’t feel like it had much to do with “excusing” Chloe’s absence at all (aside from his early comments)–they have their own history and issues to resolve.
I have to disagree, this episode like last week’s and isis before that were pretty weak and has left me disappointed , especially given that the initial few episodes were among the best ever in Smallville history, I hope the quality picks up fast.
I really liked “Isis,” Mummy-esque plot and all. That one was a lot of fun. “Harvest” was cool too. So far, “Supergirl” was the weakest of the season for me, but I still loved it. But to each his/her own, I guess.
I’m also glad we finally got to see Clark crime-fighting in his new suit tonight…I was beginning to think they’d just have him stand around in it. haha
I thought this episode was a lot better than last week AND Isis. Great acting all around from everyone and entertaining.
Love Season 10! I keep getting excited and certainly look forward to each upcoming episode! The stories keep getting better and better! The only future episodes I’m dreading are the ones with Chloe–ending up just like Power/Requiem where she gets to be a superhero and/or dies in the end of her arc!
This show is garbage. For morons and kids only.
Amanda why do you bother? I bet you’re not even watching the show, because you make a stupid one-line comment every week about how bad Smallville is. Go away and let actual fans offer true comments and criticism.
Amanda is just jealous that she doesn’t see what we see. Its ok, Amanda, you are the blind mole rat that shifts through the trash anyways. So flee you lesbian hippy, flee.
I think the Homecoming episode may have spoiled me – but that episode was epic and everything since then has been a little disappointing, I think last week’s episode was a throwaway completely and maybe they could have combined the thoughts behind Isis and combined them with “ambush” – think about it, Darkseid has not made much headway yet and I don’t want them to rush his character, have to get Clark to fly, etc – so much to do and so little time, nothing can be wasted.
Still no comments about Tom Welling’s performance at all, you know, the star of the show, the young Superman, whose journey is the purpose of this show? *sigh*
Well, I thought Tom was amazing! He was so Supermanly in all of his scenes, which ranged from amusement, to compassion, to anger, etc. I really enjoyed the scenes between Clark and the General. Linking the General to the proposed law and to the Suicide Squad helped to prevent this episode from being yet another filler episode.
And, of course, Clark’s heroic save as the BLUR was one of the best scenes of the episode.
I agree with Amanda the show is utter trash.
Failing ratings.Loisville is all we see and Clark, as secondary character..The only thing Clark needs is for Lois to give him back his balls!
With the impending end of Superman ahem i mean Smallville..I forgot Clark can’t fly and is saddled with a fake and total bore Lois lane..Who always has the most bizarre grin on her face in every scene..lol
You tell Lois a person does and she smiles..You insult Lois and she smiles..Well i guess that is afar the talent of that actor goes.
And enough with the pathetic crying scenes with Lois and her taking full and central role of Smallville.
I mean really..if crying is the only acting ability she has well..It is a good thing Smallville is ending..
Thank you..Smallville has had a god ride..It is time to go.
With the shitty writing and a lois still whining and as crass as usual..Smallville won’t be missed..Not one bit..
Thank goodness Tom had the good sense to say No to Smallville 11..
I loved this episode! I thought it was really good. I liked how Clark stood up to Lois’ dad and how Lois also stood up to her father by saying how much she loves Clark. It was a really good episode but not one of there best but that’s a given seeing has this is the last season and not every episode can be spectacular.
I like the Oliver and Tess storyline and understand that he still really misses Chloe but speaking of when is she coming back?? They said she would be in five episodes but so far she has only been in one? Will she be in the second half of the season? Idk. Haha but I do love this season so far! It was a bonus that Oliver and Clark were both shirtless at some point. Haha
She’s only been in one, yeah. The flashback in “Shield” didn’t count, because that was footage they filmed for “Lazarus” and didn’t have time for (I think that’s the reason).
So Chloe has 4 more left, and she’s said she’s returning sometime in the middle of the season. No word on if they’re all together or spread out, though.
Honestly, I feel bad saying it because I like Allison Mack…but I don’t miss Chloe at all.
I like Allison Mack too but you’re right, her character Chloe is not missed at all… unless she’s mentioned. It seems one of the primary “functions” of Tess and Oliver this season, is to keep Chloe “alive” and/or remind viewers that Chloe is coming back.
@j24. It is getting kind of annoying how Oliver keeps harping about Chloe. We get it, writers! We haven’t forgotten Chloe and we understand that Tess can’t replace her. Jeez!
Well Chloe has been the central character on Smallville for 9 yrs more than Lois..So yes..I would think that having a major character gone for that long is majorly important..If it were Lois i would say the same thing..
So yes..If Oliver and Tess mentions Chloe It is so and should be..So I think LOis and CLois Lover should shut the FUCK UP!
Chloe will always be central to Clark and the Story of Smallville and no i ain’t taking about Superman..Clark isn’t that yet..And by watching every epi so far…It will never be..
This is just some rip offf version of the myth and that is what it is..Get used to it..And move on..Chloe is coming back..In a big way..lol
And with her massive fan base it is no surprise that the producers and the PTB are scrambling to get her back and soon to finish Smallville..
It started with her and it will end with her..Chloe 1-10!!
No Lois Lane cannot boast that she is only been there from 4-10..
Peace yall…
Chloe epic..Legendary!!
one of my favs.. and i have a feeling were getting a proposal soon
Loved Clark and Lois in this one!! The ending was amazing (im in agreement that a proposal is definitely being hinted at)
Great episode, geez Clark and Lois are something huh that’s some wicked stuff there those two are smoking hot, their on fire. Anyways, Ironside for the freakin win long time fan of his from the 80s he blew it away tonight, great performance from the veteran actor. He and Welling brought their A game tonight, enjoyed the episode from start to finish.
I loved this episode. Naturally
OMG, I loved this episode. Tom and Erica just nailed it. hee.
Great article Ken.
Ambush and Homecoming are tied up for favorite episodes this season.
It had the family angst, drama, love, sexiness and action. Erica, Tom & Michael Ironside rocked this episode. From the preview looks like I need to have my tissues ready
I thought this was the second best episode of the season next to Homecoming. Some great character moments.
Ken, where is your love for Tom Welling? I agree that Erica is fabulous but Tom was AWESOME tonight. Why is it so hard to give the guy his due??
I totally agree, Welling never gets the credit he deserves.
Totally agree Elle! Tom was fantastic in this episode. Are these reviews going to just be focused on Durance every week?
Tom Welling and Erica Durance do it again, great chemistry and their shining on-screen, this episode every scene of there’s was top notch. But again I love the way they wrote Clark, strong, confident and in the end winning the respect back from his future-in-law, that last scene was a tender moment that really pulled at the heartstrings. Tom, Erica and Michael shined tonight, really really loved this episode.
I agree with you at every point. Clark has been very confident and stronger man.
Agree. Been watching Clark since freshman year in high school and he really has grown well into a man. Standing up for his beliefs and for the woman he loves. He know what he stands for in this world. Jonathan would be proud. Love Tom and Ericas performance once again.
UUUUU .Es la mejor serie que e visto, me tiene mas que metido todo esto de la dopmerata 8 que esta buenisima,esperando solo el capitulo 15 infamous, lo k e visto d algunos trailers se ve muy pero muy buena.y en relacion con un post de un amigo por alla arriba, j.c vargas, se refirio a lana ..esa mina realmente a muxos nos tiene cansados por erl solo hecho de jugar con clark, siempre, desde la primera dopmerata, creo k su tiempo ya paso, lo unico k kiero es k se kede con Loi, que es guapisima y es una muy buena mujer para el, y a demas lo ama Aunk uno lo unico k kiere es k llegue el final de smallville, tambien pienso en cuando se termine lo k m va a dar pe9na es k se alla acabado y me gustaria k no fuese asi, pero todo lo k empieza tiene k acabar, y creo k no keda muxo para eso, pero aun asi, fan de smallville x siempre, la mejor serie en muxo time .. .saluos a todos sigan viendo la serie .xau . .y un besote y abrazo a Allison mack ( Chloe sullivan) k la amo, es preciosa adeoz!
I think I’m in love with Erica Durance.
Thanks for the good review Ken, I agree on some parts. and Really like this episode, I think its awesome. Clark is so SMALLVILLE again this week, I even love the Clois fights, they were that good it break my heart.
I Can’t believe that we’re going to see Two Lois Lane next week.
Squeeee….!
I agree, this episode had a few flaws, but over all, it was great! I’ve always loved Erica Durance as Lois, but yes, she has definitely been stepping it up and shining particularly bright this season! Lois’ dilemma with her father and that long ingrained instinct to be an obedient daughter being torn with loving Clark, was painfully familiar for me. I was so glad she was finally able to stand up to her father! Not just for her relationship with Clark, but for herself.
I was so glad that we got that scene with the General and Clark. Not only because of the unseen question that I think we all know Clark asked the General, LOL, but because I liked seeing the General get it, and I think Clark speaking to someone who has been there as a hero and knows what it’s like to try and balance fighting the good fight with a family/normal life, and how this person didn’t do it well and had regrets about it, was a good thing. I really appreciated that the General admitted he was wrong about Clark, Lois/Clark, and that he had made mistakes as a father. It was good to see that not only had this episode ended up making Clois stronger as a couple for what they made it through, but for the General and his relationship with his daughter and his soon to be son in law!
I really loved this episode. Tom, Erica and Michael were fantastic. I just love my Clois this season. It just gets better and better. Thanks Ken for your great reviews.
This was a great episode. I think the reason Ken Tucker hasn’t liked the past couple of episodes is because he came to smallville to check out it’s tenth season, while not having the sense of history that fans like me who have watched from the begining have. Smallville is faithful to the mythology but not a slave to it and sometimes that’s for the better.