This review contains MODERATE SPOILERS for ?Bulletproof,? the twelfth episode from ?Smallville?s? eighth season.

It may be intended as follow-up to the outlandish and mythos-filled "Legion," but the ambitious (and aptly named) "Bulletproof" doesn't quite meet the comic-book quota.

Succeeding in its capture of the same helplessness and vulnerability that Clark was exposed to for the first time in "Legion," the episode also includes the associated numbness that those feelings instill and we see the Man-of-Steel (Tom Welling) in a very different light: Clark Kent, Metropolis P.D. cop. And the Metropolis streets look dank, gritty and harsh, creating a wonderful sense of atmosphere to help encourage these feelings along. However, in doing so it robs the episode of all intrigue, excitement and thrills that such old fashioned cop stories should promote.

Despite the company picnic, the discursive car journeys, and even some acts of heroism in bringing down the worst criminals of the city, the relationship between Clark and his cop-partner Danny (David Paetkau) never reaches the brotherhood levels that it was intended to and it was left to a half-hearted speech by Green Arrow (Justin Hartley) to turn young Danny from the dark path he has found himself.

There is little sense of Danny as a character utterly griped by his own grief and abandonment following the death of his partner which supposedly drives him to the hazy line that identifies the corrupt. Instead, he is simply a vessel designed to have Super-Clark and the emerald archer crossing paths in a plot with very little backbone. Starting with the shooting of John Jones (Phil Morris) was a bold move, but ultimately doesn't have any influence or impact on the rest of the story ... a simple Daily Planet headline could have done the job just as well.

In place of a tight-knit police drama, what carries the episode is the mystery surrounding Lana's (Kristen Kreuk) return to Smallville and also yet another enigmatic Luthorcorp project named after Greek Gods. Individually, both elements are entirely forgettable but through an unexpected clash they become something far greater and far more compelling. Lana's verbal dueling with Tess (Freema Cassidy) is reminiscent of the old Lana/Lionel days ... only this time it led to a throw down which pretty much trashed the Isis Foundation.

What Worked

"Smallville" tackling a realistic story makes an interesting -- and to some viewers, long overdue -- concept and change from the Krypton-infused stories that have dominated the series of late. Moreover, "Bulletproof" didn't have the slightest bit of Kryptonite to be seen.

There was also some interesting -- if not short lived -- fun as Clark and Oliver cross paths while investigating the Jones shooting in their own ways. Their tension and conflicting opinions are lifted straight from the comic book pages and caused just enough interference that neither one was able to put the full puzzle together.

In addition, Lana and Tess' confrontation led to some fantastic revelations about what the new C.E.O. of Luthorcorp is really up to ... and more importantly why Lex trusted her so implicitly.

What Didn?t Work

Despite its ambitious nature, "Bulletproof" lands itself in a few of the old-school "Smallville" pot-holes; sparring in the mansion's only seen room should have gone the way of the elusive and baldheaded billionaire but instead seems to be a common occurrence; one-liner explanations are offered for all cast missing in action; and every project currently on the go has a very obvious Greek title. It's a small mercy that Clark wasn't brought to his knees by some conveniently placed meteor rocks at the worst possible moment.

The episode also has a noticeable lack of the familiar character banter that is the life of the show and the entire story has very little repercussions for any of the main players.

Plus, watching Clark in anything but his usual red and blue threads is just wrong.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Smallville" stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack and Justin Hartley. "Bulletproof" was written by Bryan Q. Miller and was directed by Morgan Beggs. "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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