Fragile

DVD, Smallville S5 (Fragile)

About once a season Clark gets to show how good he is with children, and this is that time again. Somehow the children always know he's not like the other adults they've met, and he's always full of cheer and fun, the kind of big brother you'd like to have, always a kind word or full of ideas for things to do. This little girl is at first portrayed as a nasty little creature, the teaser very much in the mould of Season 1 - a freak-of-the-week who doesn't like what she's told and then bad things happen to the teller, in this case her foster Mum experiencing all the glass in the room exploding at her. So what does she do? The natural thing would be to run from the house screaming for help, but she prefers to walk over to the only bit of glass that hasn't yet exploded into shards, namely the mirror, and open her mouth to scream. No wonder she didn't last long.

Only Clark, once he learns of little girl Maddie's power, takes her side, standing up for the weak in that Superman way that shows his credentials to be the man in red and blue without yet wearing the suit. The teaser, with horror music and tone helped us think Maddie was one of those evil children that we've seen so many times before, even her look helping to reinforce initial impressions, but this time Clark's trust is proved correct, it's the Father, newly released from a ward, that caused the major damage, Maddie only responsible for breaking a few jugs or glasses. There's a positive tone to the story from then on and as soon as you see the Grandmother who never knew she had a granddaughter, you can see how things will come together. The episode seems to end early with Maddie rescued and the Father caught, only for him to escape from a lift that reminded me of the killer's escape from similar circumstances in the film 'The Untouchables' only with a bit less blood. Then it's all up for a showdown in the Kent barn, but instead of Clark having to prove himself, it becomes a lesson for Maddie as she realises she mustn't kill her Father, even though he's done what he's done, meaning she can go on to have a life with other people, perhaps a message about Clark as much as her.

I was surprised to see the episode was directed by none other than Tom Welling, possibly his first time as Director! It must have been a tough assignment as he's in it quite a lot, and as well as having to act and direct, he was working with children and animals! I can't say I noticed anything much to signify a style or signature camera move, but I liked the way the camera swept around when Clark first gives Maddie a tour of the barn. Her presence adds a new dimension to the old meteor freak plot, since it reveals she is a second generation 'mutant' having inherited her power from her Father. Perhaps further revelations will be forthcoming about meteor-infected people?

I so wanted the episode to end in the sunshine as Maddie is driven away to her new life while Martha, Clark and Shelby the dog wave her off. But such an idyllic ending was not to be - the sub-plot of Lana and Lex having fallen/falling/about to fall for each other, and Chloe's concern on the matter, almost dragged the episode down into the dumps, but thankfully those scenes were fleeting and didn't interfere too much. The other plots are also tapped into briefly, with mentions (and definite AOL product placement!) of Milton Fine being seen in different places at once, and the fact that Clark hasn't yet disclosed his fears about Lionel knowing his secret to Martha, who still considers the man a friend, foolishly. There's still no sign of the new Sheriff, though another deputy is offed, and the confrontation in the barn recalled Season 1's 'Crush' which featured another meteor freak who had the power to move sharp objects around at will. I would say on this occasion the uppers outweighed the downers, for there was enough happiness and problem resolution to be enjoyed for the most part. I wonder how much detail goes into these stories though - was that picture, which cunningly (read: obviously) contained the stolen diamonds, always in the Talon, or a recent addition? If it was always there then that level of attention to detail is to be applauded!

***