Smallville 11-05-03 (spoilers)

[Datt]

This was a pretty interesting episode. I actually wasn't going to watch it, but my wife didn't want to watch Enterprise.

This gives us an interesting view of Clark's past. Jar El, actually coming down to Earth. Living in smallville for a short while. I also find it interesting that the Kent's were chosen by Jar El instead of them just happening to find him.

 

[DanMcS]

This gives us an interesting view of Clark's past. Jar El, actually coming down to Earth. Living in smallville for a short while. I also find it interesting that the Kent's were chosen by Jar El instead of them just happening to find him.

It also kind of gives the lie to last season's big twist, the whole "These earth people are weak, rule them with strength" message from the spaceship. Because Jor-El apparently didn't hold the earthlings in such contempt when he was here. Clark must've mistranslated the message or something.

 

[WayneLigon]

Easter egg: Lionel grew up in Suicide Slum, a well-known hellhole in Metropolis from the comics. Also, his father being Lachlan continues the 'LL' theme of the Superman mythos.

It's possible that Lionel murdered his parents (with the tenement fire), much the same way the comics Lex Luthor did (Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography).

Re: Jor-El; I know; the synpathy and emotion he displayed were totally at odds with how things have been portrayed. There seem to be several possibilities.
1. That was not Jor-El; I don't think he ever states it explicitly - it's Clark's idea that it's Jor-El. But it seems very very likely.
2. The voice we've heard before is not Jor-El. Maybe it was the Ship, somehow? Or some other Kryptonian. (Still hoping it's General Zod from the Phantom Zone but that possibility seems very unlikely).
3. The mistranslation; earlier I thought that was extremely likely. Then I backed off from it. Now it seems much more likely again.

 

[Fast Learner]

Note, though, that Jor-El (assuming that was him in 1961) says that his father sent him there for a particular mission, scouting if you will. On Earth he decides not to complete the mission. This leaves the impression that perhaps Jor-El was supposed to scout for something like a future assault on Earth or something similar. He doesn't return the info, protecting Earth.

But he isn't necessarily protecting Earth from Krypton so that it will be safe: he may have been protecting it as a haven for his son to one-day rule.

The two need not be at odds.

 

[danzig138]

The previews of this ep made me almost not watch it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was pretty good. I'm going to have to go with Clark mistranslating for now. I hope this one isn't dragged out to long.

 

[Wolf72]

rats!

this episode might be worth watching (taped it) ... hopefully I'll be able to watch before next weds though! (gf and I disagree on what's good on tv)

 

[Mouseferatu]

This was a pretty interesting episode. I actually wasn't going to watch it, but my wife didn't want to watch Enterprise.

This gives us an interesting view of Clark's past. Jar El, actually coming down to Earth. Living in smallville for a short while. I also find it interesting that the Kent's were chosen by Jar El instead of them just happening to find him.

Jor-El chose the Kents? Oh, man. I'm glad I quit watching last season.

This was an element of one of the Superman movie scripts floating around last year, and I hated it then too. One of the greatest things about the Superman story is the fact that it was random chance that such good people found him, that it could have turned out so much worse. Having Jor-El choose the Kents, much as it may sound like a minor detail, utterly ruins the story for me. If I hadn't already quit watching Smallville, I would now.

And I was so looking forward to this show back when it was first announced.

 

[Dragonblade]

Don't be too disappointed, Mouseferatu.

Jor-El only chooses the Kents because Hiram Kent helped him out of sheer goodness. Its almost Biblical in a way.

God comes to Earth as a beggar, finds bad people and is about ready to give up hope, but then finds some nice people who restore his faith. So, later he rewards them for their kindness.

Jor-El comes to Earth, meets the Kents who demonstrate their goodness to him, so he sends Kal-El to them when Krypton is destroyed.

If Hiram Kent hadn't helped him then everything would be different. I think the way that Smallville is going is fine.

 

[paulewaug]

Well iirc, he was called "Joe" and that is a likely "Earth version" of Jor-El.

Also he said somehting about not being a "good son" or something along that line and that his father sent him to Earth to learn a lesson.

I also personally Like the idea that because of "Grand-Pa" Kent's actions that durring a time of crisis JorEl knew that his only son would be safe raised by that exact family on that exact planet.

To me it kind of gives Clark's origin more depth.

Jor-El didn't just cast his son out into space thinking this planet would be best for him and hope he was right. He knew that this was the best place for him to grow up with out his birth parents.

I was very happy with this episode and hope things continue to build.

Also, Lana and Cloe weren't buying into Clarks "b.s." about his "hunches" this time. They are being a little smarter~

And I suspect Lionel of murder and it seems to me that Lex suspects him of it as well....

Clarks solution to a confession was good too!!

 

[RC Hagy]

'rule them with strength', could simply mean by example. Strength of
character or what not.

Though the first time I heard it I thought 'oooo, bad Krypton bad...'

I thought it was an alright episode... then again I do not expect
much from anything on tube... makes it easier to be surprised.

Hagy