6.21 Prototype (spoilers)

[Eros]

Agree desipte the many problems in season 5 (The Brainac Arc) was what made season 5 exciting . I'm not getting the same vibe going into the season finale of 6 next week .

Because as a whole this season sucked . (The first half was awesome During Green Arrow's regin ) After "Justice" their were one or two episodes that were that were good "Crimson" was one of them .

My only problems this season, is the over the top soap opera elements, Lana/Lex and their baby, early episodes where clark gets very few scenes, Martha Kents ever decreasing intelligence, Lois Lane still at the inquistor, and ill defined number of meteor freaks, who for the most part all look human.

 

[triplet]

Here's an article on the director:

VFX Vet Mat Beck to Helm Smallville Episode

Friday May 11, 2007
The May 10 episode of SMALLVILLE titled "Prototype" (airing 8:00 pm on the CW network) marks the directorial debut of Entity FX founder/president/vfx supervisor Mat Beck. The episode continues to expand Beck's career in film and television as a supervisor, producer, cinematographer and second unit director.

"Prototype" helps wrap the sixth season of SMALLVILLE, ratcheting up the action toward the season finale, titled "Phantom," to air on May 17. The plotline of "Prototype," shot throughout 10 days on locations in and around Vancouver, sees the emergence of a deadly super soldier (Tahmoh Penikett) from a clandestine program designed by Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) to imbue military veterans with alien super powers. When the über-G.I. is dispatched to kill a whistle-blowing senator (Alan C. Peterson), Clark Kent (Tom Welling) must face off with the formidable fighter to save intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Erica Durance).

As a veteran collaborator, Beck has exec-supervised all of the visual effects for SMALLVILLE since 2002 and has directed a number of its more dramatic action sequences, including shots that bookend the program's main title. This is the first full episode under his direction. His work in the industry also includes such TV shows as SIX FEET UNDER, BAND OF BROTHERS, NIGHTSTALKER and FIGHT SCIENCE, as well as music videos, commercials and more than 60 feature films.

Beck started out in the entertainment business shooting personal films and documentary footage, having completed an education in computers, physiological psychology, film theory and photography. After designing and programming digital tools such as motion control systems and working as a camera operator, he moved into director of photography and visual effects supervisor roles and was invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) in 2002.

His current memberships include The Directors Guild of America, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, The International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600) and the Visual Effects Society. He is also a member of The Writers Guild, and penned an episode of the multiple Emmy Award-winning drama, THE X-FILES, in 1996.

Beck's vfx credits include TITANIC, THE ABYSS, MOONSTRUCK, THE X-FILES, TRUE LIES, GALAXY QUEST, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, THE AVIATOR, SPIDER-MAN 2, HERBIE: FULLY LOADED, MIAMI VICE and BAND OF BROTHERS, for which he was Emmy nominated in 2002. Also an entrepreneur, he founded visual effects companies Light Matters Inc. and Entity FX in 1994 and 2002, respectively.

Entity FX (www.entityfx.com) is an award-winning visual effects studio specializing in feature film, television and commercials. With facilities in Santa Monica, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Entity FX delivers creativity on the demands of today's production with a range of services in pre-visualization, on-set supervision, virtual backgrounds, matte painting, environmental effects, compositing, CG animation, specialty photography and more.

Recent work includes THE AIR I BREATHE, a feature film directed by Jieho Lee and starring Forest Whitaker, Kevin Bacon, Brendan Fraser, Andy Garcia and Sarah Michelle Gellar; and Sean Penn's INTO THE WILD, starring Emile Hirsch.


View this page @ http://vfxworld.com/?atype=news&id=19778

 

[KalKai]

Brainiac was so overhyped, you'd think they would have used him more but they barely did, his character had little to no substance. Even Marsters admitted that he didn't even know what he was doing in some of the scenes, all they told him was: "Just do it, it'll all make sense later" - lol.

Personally I thought Oracle & Vessel were the most boring season enders in SV history, Prototype in comparison was miles better than Oracle.

 

[Riva]

That last scene…*shivers* Seriously. Great stuff.

This episode was wonderful character development for Lex and Lois. And it had some nice moments for Clark, Chloe and Martha too. And Lionel got in a snarky dialogue or two as well! The writing was snappy, none of it ever dragged.

I *heart* Lois more and more with every episode. She was so brilliant. She was right on top of her story, unmasking the dirty politician, she was brave and fearless. And then once the Wes angle was brought in, and she discovered more, it became that much more personal for her, combined with all the stuff she already knew on Ares/Burke. When she said to not be sorry for her, but for Lex, I got goosebumps. This can be a great story for next season. The show should totally capitalize on it.

Lex was so chilling. Callous about the guards, obsessive about betrayel from Lana, and determined about his army.

I’ve flipflopped on Martha this season, because I think her character has mostly flip flopped too. Lol. But she had a nice role in this episode. Comforting to Lois, easy banter with Chloe, and then the moving away decision.

Chloe had some nice scenes with Lois. The one where they talk about the men in their lives was too cute!

Now the really interesting person though was Lana. I did a silent cheer for her when she told Lex that she would never lie to/hurt the man she loved. Her scene with Clark was heartbreaking.

And Clark. Oh, how much do I love Clark! So supportive, so considerate and caring, all the way through. And his scene with Martha was lovely!

Wes was an interesting guest character.

Major kudos to all our actors, especially Erica, Kristin and Michael who I think were exceptionally good.

 

[dark_b]

I guess it's more a characterization thing for me. Brainiac was a fun ride, but I can't say that he blew me away. I have always loved this show most for the interpersonal relationships as well as the mythology. This season has brought Lex to where I enjoy seeing him most, and the marriage and baby thing was a great vehicle to do that. The Zoner story arc has served to give Lex the base for his supersoldier cocktail that he's trying to perfect, and it gave Clark a touch with his Kryptonian heritage. Lana has come around to being more than just angry window dressing. And even Chloe has become more filled-out as a character with the addition of Jimmy. Lois has become amazing and is clearly on her way to becoming the kind of woman we all want her to be.

So, I obviously dig the character stuff.

sorry but i think there was almost no character development in that season.
lex is still in love in love with lana.
clark is still.........please dont make me say it
lana is still........lana

i think hte biggest problem that i have with lana and clark is well............we f... know that they wont be together. i think you would have to have an IQ of 300 to make a logical explanation why clark will nto be after 6 seasons with lana and why will he love lois.
or..... smallville will not have lois and superman falling in love. if this is what will happen then the 6 seasons make sense. but if not than theis is dumb writting IMO.

 

[avidreader]

I guess it's more a characterization thing for me. Brainiac was a fun ride, but I can't say that he blew me away. I have always loved this show most for the interpersonal relationships as well as the mythology. This season has brought Lex to where I enjoy seeing him most, and the marriage and baby thing was a great vehicle to do that. The Zoner story arc has served to give Lex the base for his supersoldier cocktail that he's trying to perfect, and it gave Clark a touch with his Kryptonian heritage. Lana has come around to being more than just angry window dressing. And even Chloe has become more filled-out as a character with the addition of Jimmy. Lois has become amazing and is clearly on her way to becoming the kind of woman we all want her to be.

So, I obviously dig the character stuff.

When you word it like that, I agree.

 

[triplet]

I guess it's more a characterization thing for me. Brainiac was a fun ride, but I can't say that he blew me away. I have always loved this show most for the interpersonal relationships as well as the mythology. This season has brought Lex to where I enjoy seeing him most, and the marriage and baby thing was a great vehicle to do that. The Zoner story arc has served to give Lex the base for his supersoldier cocktail that he's trying to perfect, and it gave Clark a touch with his Kryptonian heritage. Lana has come around to being more than just angry window dressing. And even Chloe has become more filled-out as a character with the addition of Jimmy. Lois has become amazing and is clearly on her way to becoming the kind of woman we all want her to be.

So, I obviously dig the character stuff.

Although I think overall arc wise last year was probably better, I think you make some good points too.



Of course, I just love the show warts and all, even with the occassional clunker.

 

[Whiteflag]

Season 6 has been a total disappointment for me. I guess I was not expecting a SV season where Clark was just a supportive character most of the time. There has not been a whole story arc for Clark, he has mostly been a secondary player in other people's stories. This was not SV and neither was Metropolis and the show has lost identity without defining a new one. This is its 6th season and still the show has not accomplished too much of what it set out to do; too many expectations have not been fulfilled yet. People are losing interest and fast. I love Tom and I love Clark and that keeps me watching but my former excitement is fading away. I'm looking forward to rewatching only a few of this season's episodes and that really makes me sad.

 

[Marcus M.]

They better not kill off Chloe!

 

[KalKai]

Kill her, ASAP.

 

[Marcus M.]

Kill her, ASAP.

Why? She's the best thing about the show.

 

[KalKai]

Why? She's the best thing about the show.

Hardly, but I was kidding, I don't want her dead, yet.

 

[Brainiac 8]

Whoa. Well I guess I'm in the minority then. This has probably been my favorite season overall.

Hello Rene, and to everyone else...still won't get to watch it tonight now...I have obligations to the family I have to fulfill now. argh!

I agree with what you said though Rene, even though the soap plot was a bit thicker this season, overall season six is to me the strongest and most interesting season they have done so far. It took alot to beat out season three as my favorite, and this season delivered.t:

 

[Serene]

Hello Rene, and to everyone else...still won't get to watch it tonight now...I have obligations to the family I have to fulfill now. argh!

I agree with what you said though Rene, even though the soap plot was a bit thicker this season, overall season six is to me the strongest and most interesting season they have done so far. It took alot to beat out season three as my favorite, and this season delivered.t:

Hey B8! Good to see you around again. With Mother's Day this weekend, I expect it will be a busy weekend for most people.

 

[Serene]

Here's an article on the director:

VFX Vet Mat Beck to Helm Smallville Episode

Interesting article. Thanks, trip.

I *heart* Lois more and more with every episode. She was so brilliant. She was right on top of her story, unmasking the dirty politician, she was brave and fearless. And then once the Wes angle was brought in, and she discovered more, it became that much more personal for her, combined with all the stuff she already knew on Ares/Burke. When she said to not be sorry for her, but for Lex, I got goosebumps. This can be a great story for next season. The show should totally capitalize on it.

I thought this was Erica's best episode so far. She really did a great job, and I loved how they are steering her character.

Kill her, ASAP.

LOL! Kal.. you are an evil boy.
But funny.

Why? She's the best thing about the show.

Personally, I kinda like that tall guy with the fondness for plaid. He gets my vote.

 

[AgentPat]

I guess it's more a characterization thing for me...

Wait! Hang on! I'm talking about the overall "feel" of the season - what I think about in retrospect. I'm not looking at individual episodes, characterizations or motivations. I'm thinking of overall seasonal arcs.

What characterizes S6?

Green Arrow? No, not really.
Phantom Zoners? Not exactly.
Lex's 33.1 experiments? Hardly.

No... when looking back, the thing that hits me is the emphasis on the Lex/Lana love affair, and Lana's non baby woes. And THAT bored me to tears.

So when I reminisce S6 in the future, THAT is what will first pop into my head.

When I reminisce S5, I think Brainiac. Unlike GA, I don't think he was over played in importance or entertainment value.

When I reminisce S4, I think quest for the stones. Even the witch arc that so many people were adverse to related directly to Clark, and I very much enjoyed that.

This is how I'm evaluating the season. It's a general "feel." It doesn't take into account individual episodes or characterizations.

 

[Spider-Gamer]

Finally saw the episode. It was pretty great! I can't wait for next weeks!

 

[Serene]

Wait! Hang on! I'm talking about the overall "feel" of the season - what I think about in retrospect. I'm not looking at individual episodes, characterizations or motivations. I'm thinking of overall seasonal arcs.

Well that's my point. I'm not looking so much at the overall story arcs, I'm more likely to remember the character progressions. And yes, I do think they've progressed.

No... when looking back, the thing that hits me is the emphasis on the Lex/Lana love affair, and Lana's non baby woes. And THAT bored me to tears.

I think that's a very understandable, and probably more common, way to look at it. I didn't mind those storylines as much as most people. What I remember most about them is the impact they had on the characters involved. I also think that aside from the Lex/Lana storyline - which for some inexplicable reason just isn't a huge thorn in my side as it is for most people - there was a lot of other stuff in this season. I think that some people just hated that so much that it's magnified in significance.

Looking back at all the season 6 titles, the only ones that stand out to me as not having enough Clark scenes, or at least some great quality Clark scenes are Progeny and Static. I'd have to rewatch all the eps to be sure, but pretty much all the other titles are ones that I liked. Even Noir, which didn't have enough Clark, the Clark it did have was classic and OTT.

Like I said though, since I didn't find the Lex/Lana storyline to be that distracting, it didn't really take away from this season for me at all. In fact, I enjoyed it for the twisted ride that it was.

 

[Whiteflag]

While I fully respect people who believe the opposite, I think Lexana was a mistake on AG/MM's part. And if the ratings are any indication, so do many other viewers. I don't think most people are that much interested in seeing a show about the villain's love life, particularly when that storyline relegates the hero or implies him in ways not everyone enjoys to watch. They promised an exciting second part of the season for Clark and, apart from a couple of episodes, he's still mostly the supporting character. This season Smallville has become repetitive and has lost a big part of what made it appealling to many viewers, IMO. Judging it by the ratings, that seems to be a fact.

 

[user123456789]

good ep

 

[elgaz]

I enjoyed this episode, though I thought Tahmoh Penikett was woefully underused - he was basically given a 'Universal Soldier' type role which didn't ask for much of him. As I'm an avid Battlestar Galactica fan, I know he's capable of much more.

Nice to see Clark taking more command of situations - both with Lionel and with his speech to Martha at the end. Pity we had to wait 6 seasons for it!

The Lana/Lex plot is incredibly slow moving ................ I just can't understand why she didn't hightail it when she found out her pregnancy had been faked.

Gaz

 

[dark_b]

I enjoyed this episode, though I thought Tahmoh Penikett was woefully underused - he was basically given a 'Universal Soldier' type role which didn't ask for much of him. As I'm an avid Battlestar Galactica fan, I know he's capable of much more.

Nice to see Clark taking more command of situations - both with Lionel and with his speech to Martha at the end. Pity we had to wait 6 seasons for it!

The Lana/Lex plot is incredibly slow moving ................ I just can't understand why she didn't hightail it when she found out her pregnancy had been faked.

Gaz

she is protecting clark kent

 

[Serene]

They promised an exciting second part of the season for Clark and, apart from a couple of episodes, he's still mostly the supporting character.

I do agree that he has been made secondary in a few episodes, but it didn't seem as flagrant to me as it did to you. Progeny was the worst offender.

This season Smallville has become repetitive and has lost a big part of what made it appealling to many viewers, IMO. Judging it by the ratings, that seems to be a fact.

I don't find it repetitive at all, but I do agree that the vast majority of viewers were really turned off by the Lex/Lana storyline and certainly that could be a factor in the overall lower ratings. Although, I *think* someone pointed out that ratings are lower across the board for all the CW shows this season as well. Who knows if the increased popularity of DVRs is making even more of an impact than it ever has?

As always, I only disagree with you in the most respectful of ways, Wf.

 

[The Caped Knight]

she is protecting clark kent

That's the dumbest thing I have ever heard . How can she protect Clark ? (The Man's almost nearly Invisible, He only got two weakness for now (1.) Kryptonite (2.) Magic .

Then When he's SUPERMAN (3.) Lois Lane {his greatest weakness / but also one of his greatest Strength}

WTF can lana do to protect Clark ? answer Not A Damn thing .

 

[avidreader]

That's the dumbest thing I have ever heard . How can she protect Clark ? (The Man's almost nearly Invisible, He only got two weakness for now (1.) Kryptonite (2.) Magic .

Then When he's SUPERMAN (3.) Lois Lane {his greatest weakness / but also one of his greatest Strength}

WTF can lana do to protect Clark ? answer Not A Damn thing .

Well when Lionel says if you dont marry Lex, I'll use Clark's weakness to kill him. What's she gonna do? She's gonna marry Lex to protect Clark.

That's how she can protect Clark.