7.04 - Cure - Discussion Thread (Spoilers)

[Syncos]

What's OFF is that after all the BUILD-UP, going back to season 5 when Clark stiffed-armed Lana (first sexually and then totally) and after all the LONGING and emotionally charged scenes between the two characters... they are handling their reunion in such an understated, nonchalant manner. It's odd... it's disappointing, it's distracting and it's REALLY getting on my nerves!!!

My boyfriend even complained about it (sharp guy )... He said that after they've built up this relationship for years, how could they give so little attention to WHAT MANY OF US HAVE BEEN WANTING TO SEE FOR 6 SEASONS!?

Lana KNOWS Clark's secret! He thought she was dead, but she's ALIVE! He thought that he had lost her forever but she came back for HIM! They are not only TOGETHER, but she's staying with him! All that's HUGE! But the writers are treating it like a B plot?! I mean... Clark and Lana (TW and KK) can generate so much HEAT, how is it that they are acting so nonchalant around each other?! They haven't even kissed... not once.

If I hadn't heard Kara tell Lana that she can tell how crazy her and Clark are about each other... I'd wonder if Lana was his sister!

That's just bad writing. It's also not really FAIR to all the Lana and Clark fans who had to SUFFER through more than a year of Lex and Lana... IMHO.

They can't exactly be goin' at it like bunnies all day with Kara staying at the farm.

 

[COMPO]

it is a good contrast.

 

[Captivated]

Why the writers would neglect to show Chloe and Lana meeting again is beyond me.

This REALLY bothered me too. The way they have handled Lana's return is VERY disappointing.

My favorite part of the show was the obvious way the Dr.'s "immortal" situation HIT Clark, right between the eyes. He saw the loneliness, pain and desperation as the tears rolled down the Dr's face... and it really impacted him. TW played it so well. THAT scene really grabbed me.

 

[Zorex]

What's OFF is that after all the BUILD-UP, going back to season 5 when Clark stiffed-armed Lana (first sexually and then totally) and after all the LONGING and emotionally charged scenes between the two characters... they are handling their reunion in such an understated, nonchalant manner. It's odd... it's disappointing, it's distracting and it's REALLY getting on my nerves!!!

My boyfriend even complained about it (sharp guy )... He said that after they've built up this relationship for years, how could they give so little attention to WHAT MANY OF US HAVE BEEN WANTING TO SEE FOR 6 SEASONS!?

Lana KNOWS Clark's secret! He thought she was dead, but she's ALIVE! He thought that he had lost her forever but she came back for HIM! They are not only TOGETHER, but she's staying with him! All that's HUGE! But the writers are treating it like a B plot?! I mean... Clark and Lana (TW and KK) can generate so much HEAT, how is it that they are acting so nonchalant around each other?! They haven't even kissed... not once.

If I hadn't heard Kara tell Lana that she can tell how crazy her and Clark are about each other... I'd wonder if Lana was his sister!

That's just bad writing. It's also not really FAIR to all the Lana and Clark fans who had to SUFFER through more than a year of Lex and Lana... IMHO.

I totally, completely agree with you. That's something that's been bothering me. Their reunion scene the week before seemed to be going for understated emotion, when really it was just...disappointingly bland. And now we're just skipping right to them being treated as a SV Status Quo, when, for the last six seasons, them being together has been anything but that. I was hoping for more focus on the joy of them finally being able to be together, more than they ever have been, but instead it's lost amidst everything else that they're trying to make happen.

 

[Kii]

I totally, completely agree with you. That's something that's been bothering me. Their reunion scene the week before seemed to be going for understated emotion, when really it was just...disappointingly bland. And now we're just skipping right to them being treated as a SV Status Quo, when, for the last six seasons, them being together has been anything but that. I was hoping for more focus on the joy of them finally being able to be together, more than they ever have been, but instead it's lost amidst everything else that they're trying to make happen.

Well, the writers have been packing way too many plot lines into one episode, so it's almost expected to see certain stories take back burner.

 

[Zorex]

Yeah, I have noticed.

 

[zerohour films]

I totally, completely agree with you. That's something that's been bothering me. Their reunion scene the week before seemed to be going for understated emotion, when really it was just...disappointingly bland. And now we're just skipping right to them being treated as a SV Status Quo, when, for the last six seasons, them being together has been anything but that. I was hoping for more focus on the joy of them finally being able to be together, more than they ever have been, but instead it's lost amidst everything else that they're trying to make happen.

Yeah, there should be some type of awkardness there between them. She was with Lex after all. But it seems like we skipped right past any type of adjustment period.

 

[Syncos]

I have a feeling they might be saving the heavy Clark and Lana things for an episode like Wrath or even ones that don't have Kara in them. They're already trying to fit a lot of different perspectives into the show. This might be something they want to cover in an episode that focuses around Lana and Clark, more. Who knows *shrug*

 

[zerohour films]

Hopefully.

Or it could be just something we have to accept
1. Chloe living 3 or 4 hours away from her job (pretty good commute)

2. No one questioning the fact that Chloe returned from the dead (I mean all she destroyed from the hospital was the death certificate--there would be alot more paperwork and witness involved than that.

3. How Lex was ripped out of his jail cel (being held for murder) and left his dead atty there in--and was later rearrested and put back into the same type of cel (still for only the original murder charge

there's more but I think everyone is familiar with them.

But what can I say. SV is my guilty pleasure. It's Superman after all!

 

[KBX]

What I want to know is does Clark Kent ever wear pajamas or does he sleep with his blue/red shirt and blue jeans every day?

 

[Syncos]

What I want to know is does Clark Kent ever wear pajamas or does he sleep with his blue/red shirt and blue jeans every day?

He sleeps in blue boxer shorts. I'm sure one of the ladies has a screen shot handy (lookin at you Pat).

 

[Captivated]

The Lana at the farmhouse is all sweetness and light but the Lana behind Clark's back is tough and dark. What gives? I don't want to think that she would be that conniving and deceptive. But I don't want to think its not the real Lana either. She out and out lied to Clark so, if this is the way they are going, no way will it be Clark messing things up this time.

I don't know why she would be so deceptive either... she has always been so against it... But when Kara asked Lana if secrecy was a human thing and she told her it was a "Clark thing," Lana said she knew he did it to protect people... and that's obviously how she is justifying what she is doing.

In a way, it's an interesting situation... Clark DID lie to her repeatedly, but while she still thinks he was mistaken, she understands now and doesn't hold it against him. Yet now she is doing the same thing to him...

She obviously decided on this plan before she knew that she would come back to Clark and while you could tell by the look on her face that it bothered her to lie, she isn't willing to stop what she is doing and she doesn't want Clark being involved at the possible risk to his life.

Clark knows she tried to frame Lex for murder and why. That she took 10 million to help her with her escape (can you STEAL what is joint property anyway?) didn't seem like something she would have to apologize for or lie about anyway...

Maybe Kara just doesn't understand her father was the bad guy. From those spoiler pics in "Lara" he certainly looked the part to me.

That's how I took it.

MM made a statement about her FATHER, and her by association. She may not have understood what her father was about, or why her family was persecuted. But, since Jor-El gave Clark the same warning, I think Clark better keep that crystal away from Kara...

It might have been a little long but I actually liked that scene. I felt so sad for Chloe and Jimmy. I don't think she sat down thinking she'd break up with Jimmy but when he said "promise me we'll be normal from here on out" her face showed so much pain/sadness and Jimmy was reading her all wrong and responding to his feelings of being left out of the loop so often about Clark and now this. I just thought both acted it out very well. Chloe has always been the one with the wise quips and fast talk and to see this side of her was a treat to me.

I agree. I liked the scene too, for all the reasons you stated... AM was so good as she really struggled to TELL him what was going on.. and then cried because she couldn't. He misunderstood, and it was another blow to an already sore spot.

But I ALSO thought, why are they spending so much time on Chloe and Jimmy, while short-changing Lana and Clark...

 

[KBX]

He sleeps in blue boxer shorts. I'm sure one of the ladies has a screen shot handy (lookin at you Pat).

haha... thanks... no screen shot needed but thanks!

 

[Serene]

I'm curious, are Clark and Lana sleeping together, or are they not going to reveal that piece of information until a pivotal moment?

They HAVE to address this at some point. We need to know that Clark has worked out his little problem of control for his future love life. Lois is depending on this.

I can imagine that both Clark and Lana would, for a while at least, sleep in separate bedrooms due to having Kara in the house. Now that Kara is gone....

Did I miss something...I thought Clark was the only one so far that knew Lana was alive??
But last night he asked her if she had spoken with Chole or something to that effect...maybe I am forgetting something.

Lana and Chloe's reunion took place in off-screensville. Some people were also confused as to why Lana was walking around the fairgrounds with Clark at the end of the last episode, but Lex had already cleared her name, so she was free to 'come out' again. I really wish we'd seen Chloe's reaction to Lana being alive again, as well as Lois'.

What's OFF is that after all the BUILD-UP, going back to season 5 when Clark stiffed-armed Lana (first sexually and then totally) and after all the LONGING and emotionally charged scenes between the two characters... they are handling their reunion in such an understated, nonchalant manner. It's odd... it's disappointing, it's distracting and it's REALLY getting on my nerves!!!

My boyfriend even complained about it (sharp guy )... He said that after they've built up this relationship for years, how could they give so little attention to WHAT MANY OF US HAVE BEEN WANTING TO SEE FOR 6 SEASONS!?

Lana KNOWS Clark's secret! He thought she was dead, but she's ALIVE! He thought that he had lost her forever but she came back for HIM! They are not only TOGETHER, but she's staying with him! All that's HUGE! But the writers are treating it like a B plot?! I mean... Clark and Lana (TW and KK) can generate so much HEAT, how is it that they are acting so nonchalant around each other?! They haven't even kissed... not once.

I could be way off base here, but I have to wonder if TPTB are caving in to trying to appease multiple groups of fans. We've heard repeatedly that they read the boards (sadly, it sounds like K-site is the primary one) so maybe they are downplaying the dreaded Clana because of fan pressure. *shrug* Personally, I'd have more respect for the if they followed their own vision of how things should go with this story and didn't try to appease any faction of internet fans. So we have Clark and Lana finally together, but instead of being loving and happy, they are distant and secretive, AGAIN. Is that pleasing everyone, or no one?

 

[zerohour films]

Lana and Chloe's reunion took place in off-screensville. Some people were also confused as to why Lana was walking around the fairgrounds with Clark at the end of the last episode, but Lex had already cleared her name, so she was free to 'come out' again. I really wish we'd seen Chloe's reaction to Lana being alive again, as well as Lois'.

I like that "off-screensville"
And thanks, forgot about Lana walking around the fairgrounds last week.

 

[Tron5000]

So this may sound ridiculous since it's used so often and since I am on here so often, but who/what is TPTB?

 

[Migu-EL]

The powers that be.

 

[Captivated]

I'm wondering is she out to get Lex, or is she checking up on him to protect Clark? Its an interesting side plot for Lana in any case.

I think that Lana and Lionel uncovered many of Lex's pet projects (experiments on "freaks," cloning, etc.) and she IS trying to do what she told Clark she was doing... helping others that Lex has hurt... But there's MORE to it, like making sure Lex doesn't hurt anyone else, including Clark.

 

[Captivated]

They HAVE to address this at some point. We need to know that Clark has worked out his little problem of control for his future love life. Lois is depending on this.

I can imagine that both Clark and Lana would, for a while at least, sleep in separate bedrooms due to having Kara in the house. Now that Kara is gone....

I agree. It seems like a long time to leave such an issue so vague... especially when they made such a big deal out of it before.

Lana and Chloe's reunion took place in off-screensville. Some people were also confused as to why Lana was walking around the fairgrounds with Clark at the end of the last episode, but Lex had already cleared her name, so she was free to 'come out' again. I really wish we'd seen Chloe's reaction to Lana being alive again, as well as Lois'.

That was another missed scene I had been looking forward to seeing... And I would have MUCH rather seen a Lana, Chole and Lois reunion, over that beauty pageant crap we got last week.

I could be way off base here, but I have to wonder if TPTB are caving in to trying to appease multiple groups of fans. We've heard repeatedly that they read the boards (sadly, it sounds like K-site is the primary one) so maybe they are downplaying the dreaded Clana because of fan pressure. *shrug* Personally, I'd have more respect for the if they followed their own vision of how things should go with this story and didn't try to appease any faction of internet fans. So we have Clark and Lana finally together, but instead of being loving and happy, they are distant and secretive, AGAIN. Is that pleasing everyone, or no one?

No one. I know I'm not pleased and I like Lana... and then there are the ones who won't be happy till she's dead, and they are disappointed too.

Did anyone else see the special feature on the Season 6 DVDs about fans? It was very interesting. They seem to be quite aware of the "ships" and there are plenty of Clana (I hate using those name combos) fans out there. So I don't know why they are being so atypically SHALLOW and anti-climatic with Clark and Lana right now...

Except that they have tried to stuff a LOT into these first few episodes and much has felt awkward and disjointed. There are so many things from last season that they have just glossed over... so many things I expected (and wanted) to SEE addressed that have obviously happened, as you said, in "off-screensville."

 

[Sawyer]

Dean Cain was Vandal Savage. When he said that he was Jack the Ripper, I nearly dropped a bomb in my skivvys. Also loved Kara calling Jonn a "Martian Manhunter." Personally, my favorite ep so far this season.

 

[Serene]

I like that "off-screensville"

I didn't coin the term, but it is most appropriate.

I think that Lana and Lionel uncovered many of Lex's pet projects (experiments on "freaks," cloning, etc.) and she IS trying to do what she told Clark she was doing... helping others that Lex has hurt... But there's MORE to it, like making sure Lex doesn't hurt anyone else, including Clark.

I hope you're right. I keep hoping that along with her vengeance spurning her on, her desire to protect Clark from Lex's constant investigations is also a part of why she is doing all this.

Except that they have tried to stuff a LOT into these first few episodes and much has felt awkward and disjointed. There are so many things from last season that they have just glossed over... so many things I expected (and wanted) to SEE addressed that have obviously happened, as you said, in "off-screensville."

It's still very early in the season though. Don't get disheartened yet. For the most part, I'm still thrilled with this season so far. Hang in there. :heart:

Dean Cain was Vandal Savage. When he said that he was Jack the Ripper, I nearly dropped a bomb in my skivvys.

LMAO!

 

[avidreader]

I actually like the Clark and Lana relationship growing a little bit at a time, it shows more maturity and they need to build up to the BIG moment gradually since they dont want to burn out on the relationship too soon and too quickly.

 

[Havok83]

Okay since Im lost can someone explain:

1. Who was Dean Cain's character? What was his role previously on Smallville

2. Who is MM in terms of his Smallville incarnation

3. Whats the deal with Chloe and how is she one of those "meteor kids"

 

[Zorex]

I'm watching it again now. Gotta say, I liked the use of harpsichord in the score this week. Again, I also love Cain's "son of a b-tch!" Perfect.

 

[Olea]

Definite improvement!! I would go as far as saying this is the best of season 7 so far and DC probably the best guest star we've seen in a while.

You can't help but think this episode served more than just housing DC as a guest star. It was a strong episode which set up numerous storylines for all the characters. And for once it seems like they are the kind of storylines that will define those characters and maybe, just maybe push them to who they are ultimately supposed to be by the end of the series. This was a well written and thought of episode with minor problems and plot-holes or inconsistencies that tend to circle around the relationship of Clana, IMO.


The Good:

- DC as Dr Knox. He just nailed the character as the evil Dr Knox. At first you can't help but be impressed by the man with the wicked smile and the guts to stand up to Lex. But with every smile, he also allowed you to see beyond the facade of the well-tailored doctor and into his black heart. The lines were delivered perfectly, from the creepy "Beautiful" in the director’s cut - wisely cut out - to the teary end when another love was lost. DC gave a solid performance and that makes me feel sad because he is a very underrated actor.
- Sasha Woodman getting cured. For some reason, her character felt so right. Dressed as an everyday young woman, she seemed to be very aware of what she did in the past - although she didn't remember - and very aware that there might be a lot of angry people because of that. I was sorry to see her end this way.
- Clark doing some investigating on his own. DO I even need to say anything more than that? How long have we been waiting to see him rely on himself and not anyone else? I know we're been told that Clark will not enter the investigating journalism any time soon but there is no need to show him as insufficient. Good show, chaps!!
- Chloe. I felt really bad for Chloe in this episode. She has spent the better part of the last 6 years fighting and exposing people infected by kryptonite. People with great abilities who chose to use them for personal gain. People who's fantasies of grandeur led them to hurting their classmates or townsmen to get what they wanted. She is infected too. But how can Chloe's heart live with the thought that she might become one of them too? And it is interesting that the writers chose that particular organ for their story. Her big heart is the reason she can cure.
- Lois' reporter reputation. Lois Lane has not been present for the last 2 episodes, yet the writers are mentioning her willingness to take her job seriously. At least one of the Lane & Kent team is.
- Clark & Chloe. As far as I'm concerned, it was always the best relationship on the show. It might not be a romantic one but it always felt more genuine. The writing and the portrayal of the characters was better and it never relied just on stares and smiles.
- Immortal Knox: "I was Jack the Ripper".
- Clark thinking he killed for Lex. it is very reassuring to see that the writers have finally started looking into Clark's morality and all those things that are so characteristic of him in his later life and evolution to Superman. Especially since season 6, where that morality was put into questioning with all his bad choices. The rule has been and will always be that Clark cannot take a human life. Glad to see that they are sticking with it.
- Clark not trusting Lana. The seeds have been planted. Clark's look in that last scene he had with Lana spoke volumes. He has no reason not to believe Lana, yet he knows that she is lying.
- Love transcending through the centuries. Isn't this the Superman story? Isn't this what the message of this show has tried to be since day one? Love. Granted a little misguided and obsessed with the wrong person - pushing fans to the edge or turning their TV off - but still the stories about what man can do in the name of love are countless.


The Bad:

- Stepford Wife Lana. What's up with that? Cooking, arranging flowers and always smiling like it was plastered on her face by Joker? I understand that they intentionally take this route to show the different face that Lana is presenting Clark and that she is hiding something big but it's getting creepy.
- Blaming Clark for the failed past Clana. I was really upset when I heard Lana put all the blame of their failed romance on Clark. It takes two, honey. His secret might have been a really big issue but I can remember more than a couple of instances where her behaviour was despicable at best.
- The J'onn V Kara storyline. For some reason I do not like this storyline and I see no reason for it either. Apparently they are taking their lead from the current Supergirl comics which recent revelations indicate that Zor-El may have sent Kara to Earth to kill Superman, thereby saving our planet from a "curse on the House of El". However, Zor-El never attacked or tried to kill Jor-El in the mythos and unlike the Science Council, Zor-El believed his brother's claims that Krypton would explode, hence he built a ship to save his teen-aged daughter.
- Lex and his redemption trip. I am not even going to repeat my total and utter disgust at this reborn and do-gooder Lex. Bring me some evil genius soon.
- Lana abusing Clark's hospitality. Just like last week, she seems to have no respect for the man providing her with shelter. Behind his back, not only is she inviting his enemy in his own house but now making arrangement to achieve her goals. She is using Clark under the guise of the Luthor clan victim when she is clearly the hunter in this scenario.
- When did Lana found out Chloe's secret? I might be mistaken but I do not remember Chloe ever telling her about being meteor infected. And I doubt Clark would break Chloe's trust. So how come Lana is saying that this doctor could change Chloe's life? But furthermore why does Lana have to be privy to all that info? Why is she always present when someone not of this world comes to talk to Clark? What happened to hiding their identities from people who might be scared of them or expose them? Or did Clark send a circular email to all his contacts -- "Lana knows".
- Clark was following Knox but didn't see or hear him get shot? Plot-hole.
- Lana Lying to Clark's face. Although this was a big issue when i first watched the episode, I do realise that it serves a purpose not clear yet. But it also strongly supports the view that these two young people are just not right for each other. After all these years of Lana whining to Clark about his secret, she becomes part of it, and she chooses to risk everything. She is using and abusing Clark's trust. But in my opinion if whatever she is doing was righteous, she would have shared it with him and even asked him to help her. The only explanation for hiding it, is that her ulterior motives are other than helping the people hurt by Lex.
- The end of Jimmy & Chloe. Too long, too teary. And I see no calling for it. I actually see no reason for Jimmy being on the show other than be the boyfriend. So break him up from Chloe to pair him with Kara? What is this the "Bold and the Beautiful"?
- Bounty Hunter J'onn taking care of business. I really dislike making J'onn J'onzz a Bounty Hunter for Jor-El. A storyline that has nothing to do with the mythos. His character was always closely tied with that of the Justice League and not with Krypton's destroyed culture few houndred years ago. In his debut story in the comics, J'onn J'onzz is accidentally teleported to Earth by scientist Dr. Erdel, who immediately has a heart attack and dies, leaving the Martian stranded. He is able to use his powers to disguise his appearance, adopting the identity of police detective John Jones. J'onn eventually reveals his existence to the world, after which he operates openly as a superhero and becomes a charter member of the Justice League.
- No mention of Vandal Savage. However the door was left open with all those images of him - shown by Lex - dating back to 1675. He had thousand of names and lived for centuries, probably even before anything could be depicted on paper or stone. In the days of prehistory, 50,000 BC, Savage was a caveman named Vandar Adg, leader of the Blood Tribe. He was bathed in the radiation of a mysterious meteorite, which gave him incredible intellect and immortality. He claims to have ruled hundreds of civilizations under hundreds of names: Khafre, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, Blackbeard, and Vlad the Impaler, to name a few. He has also worked as close friends and advisers to the likes of Erik the Red, Napoleon Bonaparte, Ra's al Ghul, Otto von Bismarck, and Adolf Hitler. I do hope they bring DC back and show us some of that.

Interestingly Savage in the animated series of Justice League is voiced by Phil Morris.


Not a Smallville best but I liked this episode very much and feel some hope for the next ones to come. I would give this one a 4 stars out of 5.