Bound

DVD, Smallville S4 (Bound)

It had me going there for a while. At first I thought this was going to be another example of the tired 'Lex falls for a femme fatale' story. And slowly as things unfolded I began to think there was more to it. It wasn't as strikingly presented as 'Suspect', but it had a certain edgy quality to the way things were playing out. I couldn't help but think Clark was exceedingly dumb to relax his guard with Lionel Luthor - the criminal's appearance was welcome after a few episodes without him, but even the healing of his liver, and his new outlook on life couldn't convince me for a second he was genuine. Too often we've seen his machinations and his cunning.

I sensed there was a change in his power level. When he was convicted of the murder of his parents his hair was shorn off in an almost biblical display of being cast down, as if it represented the great wealth and resources he held, and with it went his strength, and he was at the bottom of the pile surrounded by equals. In his first scene since the miraculous healing he started from above, on an upper level, coming down a staircase, and that picture was so vividly a throwback of his previous entrances that it immediately gave me pause for thought. Then we see his hair is growing back, and you have to wonder if this signifies the return of his authority and power? Jonathan Kent was always right not to trust him, and it could be the purpose of this episode was to give Lionel the chance to help Lex, and appear to begin reconciliation that will lead to getting out of prison. Because they obviously aren't going to keep him in there for a life sentence. I know 'Smallville' is set for a tenth season, but I doubt it will last to twenty!

Which brings me back to my first statement. It had me going, and I really was fooled into thinking this was going to be a complex and clever multi-layered tale to keep us guessing to the end... but once Lex' lawyer was shown with her back to camera I knew she was dead, and it wasn't long before what I would generously call a tried and tested resolution came about, and I saw the episode for being just another 'Lex tied to a chair and Clark saves him at the last moment, but Lex doesn't know it' scenario. Admittedly the effects were as excellent as the action was unique, I only wish my expectations hadn't been raised.

The sleazy subject matter didn't help the case, so while much of the episode had a compelling mystery that made up for that, the story degenerated into little of worth. It wasn't the only mystery of the episode however, as it's clear Jason and his Mother have their own secrets, with an indication the witchy plot is to continue. With a bleak ending against the grain, there's ultimately little to recommend. Clark asks how long is this going to happen, referring to the trust between Lex and he. I appreciated that things didn't go soft and fuzzy yet again, and that even the direction of the music and visuals reflected that fatigue in repetition of this friendship/enmity. But again, the episode wasn't much better for it. It seems the ground has been staked out once more, and Lex wants yet another chance. And Lionel wants another chance. And Clark doesn't know who to believe.

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