This review contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the episode "Action" in the seventh season of "Smallville."

Destined to save the world, Warrior Angel takes to the skies. His cape billows in the wind, his silver mask conceals his identity and the woman he loves (Christina Milian) knows nothing of his double life or that she will be in very real danger if the truth ever comes out.

The Warrior Angel character was introduced back in the early years of "Smallville" through Clarks (Tom Welling) "brother" Ryan and is a way to explore not only Clarks destiny to become a champion, but also the journey Lex would eventually take to becoming the villain of comic book lore.

Since then, the fictitious comic series has been gathering dust in the writers room waiting for the right moment to make a bold return. And Action is it.

Just like in reality, Hollywood is snapping up rights to comic books left, right and center -- with Warrior Angel next on the list. So its lights, camera and action for the Man of Steel as production for the adaptation sets up shop in central Kansas. And with so many cameras looming on every corner, its only a matter of time until Clark Kent slips up and exposes himself as a real superhero.

What Worked

Clarks catch of the day carried with it a couple of nods to the future of the character, and brought with it one or two memories of the original Christopher Reeves movies. What started with Clark jumping in front of a Kryptonite-infused meteor at the end of the fourth season has gradually become an assortment of true heroism, bravery and steps towards donning the red cape (which was so nicely introduced in the episode).

The most surprising thing of all, however, is not the iconic red cape, but the return of billionaire Lionel Luthor (John Glover) and, more shockingly, who was behind his multi-episode imprisonment.

His confinement included scenes that were darker, gorier and more intense than what Smallville usually goes for and once again Lana (Kristen Kreuk) has proved to be the more interesting villain, outdoing both Luthors in a spectacular way. There are a lot of fans out there who find the complex descent of Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) into villainhood the most fascinating and compelling part of the series.

Looking back over the last few years, however, Lana has set off on a remarkable journey from the pastel-wearing damsel in distress to a woman with a mission. Her transformation is all the more entertaining due to the lack of answers or clues as to the triggering factor. Was it the truth about Clark Kent, or did she taken more than just Lexs family name?

Lionel said it best: You have lost the Luthor name, but its the Luthor instincts that keep those claws of yours sharp.

What Didnt Work

The whole story, while allowing for some nods to the future, was just a little more gimmicky than necessary. Smallville has shown in the past that there are plenty of other ways to make Clark accept his fate as a savior to those in need and a symbol of hope for the entire world.

Its hard to believe with a Kryptonian on Earth, the Martian Manhunter (Phil Morris) stopping by whenever he pleases, and Kara (Laura Vandervoort) taking to the skies that Clark would ever consider letting a camera crew on the farm. Whatever happened to the good old days when John Schneider would chase journalists, camera crews and inquisitive minds off the ranch any way possible?

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Action was written by Caroline Dries, and the episode was directed by Mairzee Almas. Smallville stars Tom Welling, Kristen Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, Erica Durance and Laura Vandervoort.

Smallville airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

Alan Stanley Blair is the assistant news editor for Airlock Alpha, contributing from his home country of Scotland. He can be reached at any time at ablair@airlockalpha.com.