This review contains MODERATE SPOILERS for "Instinct," the fourth episode of "Smallville's" eighth season.
Comic book characters are always a joy on "Smallville," and the series has infinitely improved from the fifth season when they began showing up in far greater numbers. This time, Maxima of Almarac is not battling Doomsday or saving the universe from Braniac, but is fulfilling her primary desire of finding a mate.
The entire Maxima set-up isn?t too dissimilar to that of "Heat," when a perfectly normal school teacher was transformed into a sensual magnet for males all over the small Kansas town. Luckily, Charlotte Sullivan manages to present a far more accessible character than Desiree Atkins and Maxima begins her life as less of a villain than intended. Her outfit however lends more to the revitalised "Gladiators" series (as was her throw down with Tess) but was very quickly cast aside for a more human appearance and exploration of Clark?s loneliness in a life without Lana Lang.
Again, Clark and Lois becoming the reporting team is proving to be the main draw, with both characters very quickly moving towards their comic book selves. Lois? outburst at seeing Clark and Maxima very clearly shows how the much affection Lois has for Man-of-Steel, further propelling their journey to the future.
What Worked
Beyond the Maxima story, the real gem was Tess revealing the key to all Kryptonian knowledge and the Fortress of Solitude to Clark. With Tess being a new comer to the series, her role as the central villain allows for some of the old tricks and disappearing acts of the old days. Add to that the now complicated business relationship between Chloe and Tess.
Finally having a return to Chloe?s girl of your dreams letter was a nice salute to long-time fans, and also spun around some troubling times for the reporting couple. And it was about damn time that Clark learned the true depth of Chloe?s feelings for him. Her willingness and desire for closure speaks wonders for how far the character has come since the first season, leading very naturally into the continuation of her relationship with Jimmy. More interesting of all, it is a journey that so closely mirrors that of Clark and Lois now.
Mentions of the last son of Krypton, the fall of the alien civilization all leading up to the opportunity for Clark to explore and rule the galaxy with Maxima at his side are a gentle reminder of the intense stories we?ve seen over the last few years and also re-affirm some of the decisions that will shape Clark into the Superman we know.
And, just who has the Kryptonian crystal?
What Didn?t Work
The seduction of Jimmy Olsen was far too artificial and seemed to be included for nothing other than to add a little incentive for Clark to catch up with Maxima herself. Given the fact that the episode started with a random guy dying in an alley, having Jimmy being taken down is something of a redundant choice that?s only use was to bring Jimmy and Chloe onto even ground.
Having Oliver pursue Tess without even being present is something of a let-down now that the extent of their past has been made public and the very obvious Metropolis backlot is getting old quickly and is but a pale shadow of the Metropolis glimpsed in the second season with Kal on the run from the Kents.
Chloe?s info-dump was too "Star Trek" and too conveniently placed to be acceptable, particularly considering there are a few lingering questions from last season, including the whereabouts of Kara and Brainiac.
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
"Smallville" stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack and Justin Hartley. "Instinct" was written by Al Septien and Turi Meyer, and was directed by James L. Conway. "Smallville" airs on The CW Thursday at 8 p.m.
Alan Stanley Blair is the Assistant News Editor for Airlock Alpha and its sister site Rabid Doll. He is currently studying for a diploma in Freelance Journalism and can be reached at ablair@airlockalpha.com.
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About the Author:
Alan Stanley Blair is the news editor for Airlock Alpha and assistant news editor for its sister site, Inside Blip. Contributing from his home in Scotland, he is currently studying for a diploma in freelance journalism and feature writing.
