AirLockAlpha.com

This review may contain spoilers.

With a title like "Roulette," you would expect cards, money and, well, a roulette wheel. The episode has all three, but very little of them have anything to do with the actual story.

Instead, "Roulette" introduces the DC comic character of the same name who highjack's Oliver Queen (Justin Hartely) from his life of self-loathing and hollow partying and sends him off on a horror-themed death ride. It has to be said though, as a standalone adventure, "Roulette" s a pretty disappointing one; all of the central characters are left in the background while we see Ollie narrowly escape a series of "Final Destination" style events thanks to his decision to play a game in a rundown casino.

Each assault becomes more mystifying than the last with no motive in sight, and just when you think the former-hero is safe with an explanation on the horizon, he succumbs to the world's most elaborate phishing scam and watches his entire wealth bleed away.

All the usual "Smallville" excitement is missing though and is delivered with some blunt banter riddled with obvious casino phrases like "all in," and "winner takes all." Even the central character, Roulette, is given little-to-no development and is instead left as a convenient way to force the events upon Ollie when he least expects them.

As a way to bring Oliver out of his self-destructive spiral and re-discover his inner hero though, the episode does a pretty good job and ends on a high note with Oliver once again donning his green leathers and toting a bow. His recent dark journey has lacked the same coolness factor that has original Green Arrow antics possessed and it is more of a relief than a pleasure to see him welcomed back into the Justice League … even if it was a little too easy.

What Worked

Most noticeable, the final screen was brilliant; Oliver Queen, once again in green leathers, gazing out over the Metropolis skyline with a new sense of purpose and vigor. From out of the shadows steps The Blur, and the two share some comic book themed banter followed by some cryptic thoughts of the future.

It was also great to have Chloe as the villain … well, almost villain. She was an interesting choice in the third season through her pact with Lionel, and although she was only in the episode for a grand total of three minutes carried enough malice that she could conceivably be the mighty evil. The idea is given some emphasis through the conversation between Ollie and Chloe, where he simply states that Clark has "led a different life that we have," with emphasis on the "we" part.

And on a more technical note it's great to see "Smallville" out of the backlot and into the real streets, shaking off the claustrophobic feel of last season.

What Didn't Work

Like many "Smallville" episodes, "Roulette" is a victim of convenient storytelling; the manufactured tradition of beer pong on Ollie's birthday, Lois storms out on Clark just when he finds a lead and need to super-speed to the rescue, Roulette miraculously knows who killed Lex Luthor, Kryptonians have been hiding in the background for weeks and Chloe has been holding onto some spare arrows.

Even the Lois and Clark relationship, which so far has been the seasons strongest selling point, felt awkward and desperate this week. Sure, the couple had some problems last week thanks to the Man-of-Steel but their movie night carried none of the charm or chemistry that the two normally command.

To make things worse, once the duo review the video from the Ace of Clubs, their domestic resembles something from "The OC" and lacks the super powered impact that weighty revelations normally provide. They may have worked with Clark and Lana, but Clark and Lois are a far more mature couple and are worthy of more.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Smallville" stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and Callum Blue. "Roulette" was written by Genevieve Sparling and directed by Kevin G. Fair.

"Smallville" airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.