Transference

DVD, Smallville S4 (Transference)

Wow, what a great episode! The best since Season Two, I'd say, and that's taking into account that I knew what was going to happen as this was one of the only Season Four episodes I'd seen on TV, which says something for the high quality of it. Normally I'd be bemoaning the upset in relations that's been caused YET AGAIN by Clark acting out of character and having to explain it without revealing his powers, but they wrapped it up neatly, and to be honest, there's very little of the cosy, friendly atmosphere left between most of them, so angry words and sad reactions aren't as jarring as they once were. They also made something of it, with Chloe's logical progression that Clark needs psychological help of some kind, which is what someone would be saying after the number of times he's 'gone crazy' or at least, as it seems.

Lana isn't exactly his best friend at the moment either, and ironically it was Lex who provided the most reassuring reaction (after threatening him with a gun, I mean!), with the warmest scene between them in a long time. It was also something of a release valve, that at least one person understood what had happened, and saw through Lionel's facade. Then again that brings up the question: why didn't Clark share the story of the stone with Chloe, since they used to investigate Wall of Weird material all the time, yet now he refuses to talk about it. Must be too close to his own secrets to risk the revelations.

Not only were the impersonations spot on, from both Welling and Glover, but we got to see more of the Kents, and I can't help wishing every episode could be as accomplished and all-inclusive for the cast. It leaves interesting question marks dangling - why is the assistant of Dr. Swann picking up the inmate that helped Clark? Does that mean she's actually working for Lex, or is it that she got to him before Lex could? And does this spell the end for Clark's football career? It hardly got started, but I doubt Coach Tigue will look kindly on someone who not only quit the team just before a bigshot was coming to see him play, but also has a bargaining card in terms of possible blackmail over knowing about him and Lana.

The transference sequence was very well done, as were several other scenes when Clark or Lionel interfere, or the absolute chaos of the prison rampage! Brilliant. It's also a bit of a draw to see Clark forced to fight for his life against a two-ton wrestling giant in the (well-honed, granted), body of an older man. Even the shock that Lionel could now know all about Clark's powers is feasibly misdirected by his loss of memory, though ironically Clark's presence has healed him, and the Kents don't know that he doesn't know about Clark. Interesting times.

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