Customer Rating:  
Summary: Stones, Football and Lois Lane!-Smallville's Complete Fourth Season
Comment: Season Review-
After 3 consistently stellar seasons and probably some of the most shocking cliffhangers at the end of "Covenant", Season 4 of Smallville saw the series soaring to new height...literally! In the epic premiere, "Crusade", Clark Kent has returned as Kal-El, after being brainwashed by his father Jor-El and literally takes flight on a crusade to find 3 stones. With such a stunning sequence with Clark taking his first flight, not to mention intriguing questions lad out: What are these stones? Why is Lex looking them? How is Chloe still alive? What with Lana getting that strange tattoo in Paris? It seems Season 4 was off to an excellent start, unfortunately, it doesn't turn out even being as good as it could have been. As you read the Season 4 overview written by creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar they explain that Season 4 was supposed to be a lighthearted season getting the series back to being fun again after the darkness of Season 3. They continue to explain that some things worked, something didn't. That basically sums up Season 4! It was a mixed bad of poor execution and nice ideas. The season as whole has a pretty good story arc with the search for the 3 stones, but instead of spread out the storyline for majority of the season, the writer seemly forget about it for the most part. Then all we're left with are a bunch of pointless fillers, most of them being some of the worst episodes of the series. "Façade" is a pathetic attempt at the writers capitalizing on the Nip/Tuck, "Devoted" sees cheerleaders mixing chemicals with kryptonite to make they're boyfriends their love slaves, "Bound" is a weak entry of the Lex centric episodes, "Recruit" is boring, "Lucy" is...why did we need to meet Lois Lane's sister again?, "Forever" is another rip-off, and "Ageless" is beyond awful I can't describe it! I haven't even gotten into the ridiculous witch storyline that seemed to co-exist with the stones storyline. My problem with the witch storyline is not only is it poorly written and silly to begin with, it made it obvious at that point that Lana Lang had over stayed her welcome! Kristin Kruek just couldn't pull off the playing Isabelle, an ancestor of Lana's who happens to be a powerful witch from the 17th century (Uhmmm...yeah!) Her performance is so hammy and over-the-top it's hard to take this already forced plot seriously. The perfect example of this is the infamous "Spell" where Isabelle and her fellow maidens take possession of our 3 leadings ladies as they wreck havoc on Smallville. Let's just say, I've seen better episodes of Charmed compared to that episode! Then there's the bizarre development of the Teagues, or more importantly Jason Teague, Lana's new boyfriend and assistant coach. Jenson Ackles is a very good actor, but even he couldn't make sense out of the character of Jason. At the start of the season, Jason seemed like a nice supporting character with a sense of humor but than the writers do a 180 and turn him into an evil prodigal of his mother...wait...when did this happen? Also Jason's relationship with Lana just bores and just makes Lana look desperate in the end.
But Season 4 is not all bad; in fact, this season features some of the series' best episodes! There's, of course, the thrilling premiere "Crusade", the unforgettable introduction of the Flash in the fun filled "Run", the classic "Transference" sees Tom Welling's best performance yet when Lionel Luthor is in Clark's body, we get a taste of the villain mastermind that is Lex Luthor in "Onyx" and "Commencement" could very well be the finest hour in the series' history. The longest episode to date and almost feeling like a series finale, "Commencement" takes the series to the next step in Clark's journey as he finds himself in the Arctic on the verge of building...well you know! You also can't talk about the fourth season without mention the introduction of Lois Lane. Being the ultimate leading lady of Superman mythos for 70 years, fans were skeptical about the introducing Lois Lane during Clark's pre-Superman days, but once Lois step on the screen, it was...well...magic! With Sam Jones III out of the way, Erica Durance's Lois Lane made for a fine addition, or do I dare say better character. From the get go, Eric plays Lois with all the witty sarcasm and feisty attitude that you would expect from the character. Also, Lois brings a freshness and fun to the series not seen since the first season. Lois and Clark's interaction throughout are one of the highlights from this season, as it's great to see them build a relationship that will become so much more in the future.
Other Season 4 highlights include Lionel Luthor's fascinating storyline throughout this season as we watch him fall apart in jail after being sent there during the events of "Covenant". The transition that Lionel makes from a cruel tyrant to a man seeking redemption might seem like a hard task for some actors, but John Glover does it so realistically you can't help but route for the character. Allison Mack's Chloe finds out the shocking truth about Clark and makes honorable decision with that secret that truly develops the character in a stunning way. After the fallout of their friendship in "Covenant", Clark and Lex decide to give their friendship a second try, but it's obviously that things aren't going to be the same between them. Clark actually gets a fun storyline for a while when he decides to play football for Smallville High. Jane Seymour (Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman) stars as Jason's mother Genevieve Teague and brings a bit a class to an otherwise lackluster storyline. Ohh, I almost forgot to mention Margot Kidder (Lois Lane of the Richard Donner films) makes an appearance in the season premiere, reuniting with her Superman 3 co-star Annette `O Toole. But still despite the pros, the cons really way down on this season as the writers seemed to through in so many ideas, that have of them turn out being bad. Season 4 showcases the series at its worst and best, but overall, the season is mediocre at best!
Season Rating: 5/10
Video and Audio-
All 22 Season 4 episodes look stunning in widescreen. The show continues to look better each season as well as sound better.
Video and Audio Rating: 8.5/10
Extras:
I have to admit the features are getting more entertaining with each box set. There are selected commentaries for individual episodes, with the best one being for "Spell". Ironically, the hilarious comments made from Allison Mack, Erica Durance, and Kristin Kruek makes the episode even worth watching. A cool documentary of how the writing staff creates the ideas for the show. Erica Durance and former Lois Lane portrayers (except for Teri Hatcher...darn!) reunite for very intriguing look at the importance of Lois Lane in the Superman mythology. It's obvious these women take pride in being apart of something as huge as Superman and it's touching to see. Deleted scenes are also plentiful once again, but vary in quality.
Extras Rating: 8/10
Overall Score: 7/10
Customer Rating:
Summary: Are you hooked?
Comment: Season four is OK. I don't think the series gets much better as it goes on, but that's TV isn't it? If you like Smallville you'll have to have this set. It's more of the same, but it is lively and entertaining.
Customer Rating:
Summary: SUPER!
Comment: Smallville season 4 was really great and as i go through the seasons they keep getting better and better. if you at all into superman. I STRONGLY urge you to buy this product
Customer Rating:
Summary: Clark's "saved" count, season 4
Comment: I hate to say it, but this is my least favorite Smallville season. I like the addition of Erica Durance as Lois; she's really good in that role. Every time I see Jensen Ackles, I think of him as "Dean" from Supernatural; I can't help it. The problem with this season is that it wastes too much time with witches and ancient countesses and curses.. blegh. Boring. Just give Clark his 3 stones and get on with it.
And, to prove I have no life, I watched the season with a checklist in front of me, and here's what I counted as far as who Clark saved this season, and how many times.
Lana=3
Lex=4
Jonathan=0
Martha=0
Chloe=6
Pete=0
Lionel=1
Lois=5
Random Hot Chick=3
Random Guy=7
Someone who was just trying to kill Clark=0
Other (group of people, entire world, etc.) 2
Total individual saves, not counting "other"=29
Customer Rating:
Summary: Lost Focus A Bit But Still "Super" Television
Comment: In the beginning (seasons 1-3), the concept of Smallville was to chronicle a young Clark Kent through his high school years. After three seasons, however, the character relationships (especially Clark and Lana) that provided the emotional punch to the show became played out. The "on again, off again" Clark/Lana saga was getting a bit old, the evilness of Lionel Luthor was well established, while the inner workings of Lex Luthor's tortured psyche continued to become apparent. Barring a major change, the show looked like it may have been reaching a climax, what with the main characters graduating high school. Yet, as is often a "problem" in televised drama, the show was so popular on its WB (now CW) network that it would surely continue for future change. Thus, major change to the structure of the show is exactly what happened. Let's start with the not-so-great changes (trying not to reveal too many spoilers!) and end on the high notes:
For the first time, the writers/producers constructed a season-long dramatic arc in which Lana (controlled by an ancient medieval witch, as improbably as that may sound), Lex, and Clark race to obtain three Kryptonian stones. Needless to say, this storyline was quite contrived (most likely to give Kristin Kruek (Lana) something to portray) and lacked the punch of the Kryptonian caves or Lex's insanity of earlier seasons. Thus, the "mythology" episodes of this season were subpar.
The other disappointing aspect of Season Four was the introduction of Lois Lane. Though (obviously) an extremely important part of Clark's future, the Lois character struggles to fit into the overall scheme of the show. My personal theory is that she was added to spice up the show's sex appeal (one look at Erica Durance (Lois) will show you why) to appeal to the young WB audience.
Besides those major gaffes, however, Smallville's fourth season provided a number of fantastic moments that kept its fans (young and old alike) tuning in each week:
-The "no flights" rule is temporary lifted in the season premiere.
-Clark is introduced to a certain "speedster" with whom he will later pair with.
-An incredible acting performance from Tom Welling (Clark) after switching bodies with Lionel Luthor.
-A mischevious Russian villian is introduced who continues to torment Clark long into the future.
-Alicia Baker (Clark's former love) is brought back in a very emotional two-part series.
-The Kent family comes across a later-famous pooch with certain "abilities".
-Perhaps the best acting performance from Michael Rosenbaum (Lex) in which his "good" and "evil" sides square off against each other (ala Captain Kirk in Star Trek).
-The final scene of the season, which introduces a critically important piece of Clark Kent's future.
To conclude, the fourth season of Smallville lacked the emotional focus of the three preceding seasons, but still managed enough "wow" moments to continue satisfying the "shipper" (relationship-based) and die-hard comic book Smallville fans alike.
|
