It is a good article, although I don't agree entirely with all his points and gripes about the individual story arcs this season, but he makes some very good points about the change of tone that is needed to keep this show (and Clark) from being stagnant in this upcoming season.
I didn't mind how they ended the El family or the Grant Gabriel arc. They were told and they served their purpose - Lara's story filled in Clark's background, something a lot of people (including myself) have wanted to have a glimpse for a long time. Grant Gabriel's wrapped up a previously established Luthor story and furthered Lex's descent - which was an over-riding theme of the season.
Even with factoring in Kristin's non-availability the latter end of the season, Lana was woefully underutilized when she was there, but that's pretty much par for the course. I am glad that they showed her pulling back from the dark precipice she was on after the Lex/pseudo-baby incident. And I liked how they showed it was her love for Clark that was the biggest influence on her doing so. He inspired her to save herself, in true hero fashion, and she was strong enough to do it. :heart:
I'm not sure what to say about Chloe's Lazarus-like meteor freak ability. Did we need to see her go through the same relationship angst that Clark did (ad nauseam) over his shame at being different? After all these years? Really? I suppose it would break SVFan protocol for me to suggest that possibly, this time, they were trying to find something to make
her character still relevant after all these years.
I like Jimmy. But I'd like to see him developing more of a friendship with Clark. That's not going to happen with the constant Chloe-jealousy that Jimmy harbors.
I was surprisingly pleased with the further development of Lois Lane this past season. It's not about "ships" but about
really wanting to like the woman Clark will fall in love with in the future. I still don't want that to come to full fruition on this show, but I do honestly enjoy watching their relationship grow outside of the romantic angle - particularly since we know that it will get there in the future.
Despite the "SV needs to end" pile-on happening (which I don't completely disagree with), I still think there were some amazing moments this past season which people too easily forget about in their rush to kick the aged show. The expectations for this show, since the endgame is common knowledge almost seem unfair sometimes. This can't just be a show to entertain people, there are high and varied expectations to serve various characters ending up in specific roles, with only a bit of wiggle room - at least to a certain percentage of viewers. There are still those that only watch it for the human story angle, and have no clue about the mythology. I've always fallen in the middle of those two groups, which is probably why I don't have too hard a time going with whatever directions they have decided to take.
Next season, by default of not having Lex and Lana around anymore, is going to feel completely different. As much as I will miss the two of them (HORRIBLY
), I guess it could be seen as a good thing in terms of
forcing the show to have a different framework and, hopefully, concentrate on the main character fulfilling the original mission of the series - Clark growing up and taking all he's learned from his days in SV to become the hero to this planet. Hopefully.
Wow, I've been chatty lately.
